Although most truck drivers follow detailed safety rules and are careful on the road, big rigs are large machines that can cause severe damage when things go wrong. On July 10, a big rig caused a multiple car accident that injured seven individuals and killed one person.
The accident occurred around 7:50 a.m., says California Highway Patrol. The incident caused the freeway to be closed for almost 10 hours, reported CHP. According to reports, the big rig struck 10 cars during the incident. A man in the fifth car in the pileup was killed after being ejected from his vehicle.
Seven other people were injured, reports CHP. Injuries included a range of mild and moderate issues. One woman was critically injured, say reports, and she was admitted to a local hospital with damage to her liver. Reports are that she is expected to recover.
During the time which the northbound lanes of the highway were closed, CHP and Caltrans worked to split the southbound lanes to allow for northbound traffic. Traffic was reported at a snail’s pace throughout the day.
Police report that the driver of the big rig was not intoxicated. He has not been cited or arrested at this time. Even if the driver is never cited, personal injury claims may be filed. Civil compensation claims rely on plaintiffs showing that defendants were somehow at fault or liable in an accident, but they do not require the presences of police documentation to that effect. Individuals who suffer losses in an accident should understand their rights before moving forward with any legal action or settlement.
Source: San Jose Mercury News, “One person dead, seven hurt after big rig crashes into 10 vehicles on Highway 17” Mark Gomez and Katie Nelson, Jul. 10, 2014
