Truck Accidents Cause Havoc in the Bay Area
Truck accidents have the potential to cause severe damage and life-changing injuries in the Bay Area. And with each passing week, we see new evidence of just how serious these crashes can be. Recently, there have been several truck accidents in the Bay Area – and some have proven fatal. These crashes seem to raise the same questions: What are we doing as a society to improve safety in the trucking industry? Why do these crashes seem to end so frequently in fire, explosions, and catastrophic injuries? Perhaps these questions will never be addressed, as the trucking industry obviously prioritizes its profit margins over public safety. However, the victims and their families still deserve answers – and fair compensation for everything they have been forced to endure.
Garbage Truck Collides With Teenager in San Bruno, Causing Critical Injuries
In early February, a 13-year-old was struck and critically injured by a garbage truck in San Bruno. Although the teen survived, his road to recovery could be a long one – and he is still receiving treatment at a hospital. The accident was captured by a nearby home surveillance camera – and the footage made headlines around California. It appears to show the teen riding his scooter down a quiet, residential street. Suddenly, a garbage truck reverses into his path – causing a collision.
One witness saw the teen slip underneath the garbage truck after the initial impact. This witness confirmed that the teen had suffered serious injuries, adding that it “felt horrible” to see such a thing in his neighborhood.
First responders had to provide life-saving treatment while the teen was still underneath the garbage truck – suggesting he may have become stuck under the vehicle. Finally, they were able to remove the patient and transport him to a nearby hospital. Police later confirmed that the child was on his way home from school when the accident occurred.
However, the authorities have not confirmed whether the garbage truck driver is at fault. As of this writing, they are still analyzing the surveillance footage. That being said, one would assume that a driver reversing onto a main street should yield to other traffic. A teen on a scooter might be difficult for a garbage truck driver to spot, but they should still scan for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter drivers.
Cybertruck Crash Kills Multiple Teens
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new type of vehicle that is proving popular among some motorists. Its box-like shape divides auto enthusiasts, making it somewhat controversial. Unlike the older Tesla models, however, it has not been involved in as many controversial crashes—that is, until now.
In February, a few teenagers and a 20-year-old were riding in a Cybertruck when it jumped a curb, collided with a tree, and ignited. When the vehicle burst into flames, it was partially wrapped around the tree – leaving several occupants trapped inside. One person was dragged out of the burning vehicle and survived with unspecified injuries. The other three occupants all perished – as the bystander only had time to save one person before the flames became too intense.
It is likely that these three victims were trapped inside the vehicle as it burned. The sudden, intense fires seem to be a common feature of Tesla crashes, and the EV batteries on these vehicles can spark sudden, violent fires after collisions. Firefighters often have to pour copious amounts of water onto the battery pack before the fire finally starts to diminish. Even then, the heat of these batteries makes it easy for the fire to reignite.
An autopsy found that the driver had a BAC of more than twice the legal limit, and his body also tested positive for cocaine. It is unclear whether the parents of the deceased victims (or the lone survivor) are considering legal action against the estate of the driver.
Can a Bay Area Trucking Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A Bay Area trucking accident lawyer may be able to help if you have suffered serious injuries. A truck crash might change your life forever – potentially causing lifelong disabilities and the complete loss of income. You might have to undergo grueling rehabilitation to regain some semblance of independence. Your favorite sports and hobbies might be impossible because of your injuries. And on top of all this, you might struggle with legitimate psychological disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rest assured that although these damages might be life-altering, they can lead to significant compensation. To learn more about your options, contact our team of trucking accident lawyers at Mary Alexander & Associates.
