Around 6 a.m. last Thursday, a crash involving a big rig FedEx truck occurred, blocking all northbound lanes at Fruitridge Road and Seamas Avenue. Reports reveal that the double-trailer FedEx truck was traveling south on I-5 in heavy rain. The driver lost control of the rig, causing it to hit the center retaining wall and cross over into the northbound lanes. When the truck crossed into the northbound lanes, it struck a pickup truck, killing the 45-year old male driver. The driver of the empty FedEx truck was not injured. According to California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Bradley, the reason for the truck going out of control is still being investigated. However, hydroplaning on the wet roadway could be a factor in the truck accident. All lanes of northbound traffic reopened Thursday evening, according to the state Department of Transportation.
Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Suits Involving Big Rigs
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a big rig or other commercial vehicle, you may have grounds for a personal injury suit. A personal injury case involving a semi-truck or big rig will present some unique issues you should be aware of. Semi-truck operators, owners, and manufacturers must follow strict state and federal regulations, including how much weight a rig can haul and how long a driver can go without rest. Operators are also required to carry insurance with higher limits than standard vehicle drivers.
When a person is injured by an at-fault semi-truck driver, he or she has a better chance of reaching an injury settlement that more accurately matches sustained damages than a plaintiff in a normal passenger vehicle accident. In a case where the plaintiff is not at fault, it is highly likely that one of the defendants violated a statute or ordinance. This is extremely important for settlement purposes. To win a personal injury suit, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant was at fault. If the plaintiff has proof of violation of a statute or other regulation. The higher the plaintiff’s odds of winning at trial, the more likely a defendant will settle out of court.
Another important thing to remember is that state and federal regulations require a higher insurance policy to be carried by the owners and operators of semi-trucks. The higher minimum policy limits ensure that the plaintiff will not be forced to take a small settlement.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a crash with a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, speak with one of our personal injury attorneys. We will evaluate your case and help you determine a fair compensation amount. Your attorney will also help you negotiate with the at-fault party and, if it comes to it, represent you in court. When recovering from an injury or the loss of a loved one caused by another’s negligence, seek the help of a professional and highly experienced personal injury attorney to seek compensation through a personal injury suit.
