Table of Contents - Jump Ahead:
A crash between a dump truck and a sedan that occurred just before 10 am Monday, July 22nd, left at least one dead.
Authorities said the accident occurred around 9:40 am in San Clemente on the northbound side of Interstate 5. California Highway Patrol reported the incident took place near Avenida Palizada. CHP reported that the dump truck crashed into a sedan on the freeway on-ramp.
No further information on the deceased has been released. Authorities are currently investigating the accident.
What Makes Accidents Involving Trucks Dangerous?
When trucks are involved in accidents with smaller vehicles, the aftermath can be catastrophic. Often, drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicles sustain serious, sometimes even fatal, injuries. This is due to the significant difference in size and weight of the different vehicles. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle usually weighs between 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. This stark difference is the main reason that truck accidents are so dangerous.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
When a truck and a smaller vehicle collide, the force from the impact of the truck is more than enough to cause serious injuries such as:
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Lacerations, abrasions, and burns
- Death
These injuries themselves can be life-changing as they may lead to further complications such as becoming paralyzed, needing constant assistance and medical care, loss of mobility, and more. Additionally, survivors of such accidents may suffer psychological trauma such as experiencing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more long after the accident.
What Causes Truck Accidents To Occur?
Truck accidents may occur for a variety of reasons. Due to their large size, truck drivers have limited visibility. While it is their duty to properly check for other vehicles before making any lane changes or turns, other vehicles can help by avoiding driving in truck drivers’ blind spots.
Other causes of truck accidents may include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor road conditions
- Inclement weather conditions
- Distracted driving
- And more
Both truck drivers and other drivers can contribute to making the roads safer by not engaging in the activities listed above.
Sometimes, the trucking company may inadvertently be the cause of the accident. Often, trucking companies will pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines which can lead to drivers spending more time on the road and less time resting. Trucking companies may be held liable if drivers have not been properly trained or if they knowingly hire unqualified drivers.
What Compensation is Available To Victims of Truck Accidents?
Victims and their families may be eligible for compensation after a truck accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident they may be able to recover damages for things like:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Emotional turmoil
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
- And more
“The team at Singleton Schreiber sends their heartfelt condolences to the family who lost their loved one in the accident that occurred Monday morning,” says attorney Brett Schreiber of Singleton Schreiber, “As personal injury attorneys, we understand the devastation accidents like these cause both financially and emotionally on the victims family and friends. We hope that officials are able to quickly learn more about the cause of the accident and provide the family with some closure.”
“Family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one who died in the accident and may want to consider contacting a personal injury attorney to learn more about their options.”
If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, Singleton Schreiber may be able to help you file a wrongful death claim. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started.
