A tractor-trailer accident on Thursday resulted in the death of one individual. The accident happened in Sacramento, California on Highway 50 when the tractor-trailer was involved in a traffic crash with two other vehicles. According to the California Highway Patrol, the truck was rear-ended by a Scion as it merged onto Highway 50. The collision forced the Scion into the other lanes where it was struck by a Honda. Tragically, a passenger in the Scion was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. All three drivers involved in the accident were transported to area hospitals for non-life threatening injuries. The accident is being investigated to determine a cause.
All traffic accidents involving commercial trucks can result in serious damages. Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds resulting in severe property damage, serious injuries, and fatalities. Driver negligence is one of the most common causes of tractor-trailer accidents and often occurs in the form of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted driving, speeding and fatigued driving. Fatigued driving has become somewhat of an epidemic with commercial drivers. Drivers are often compensated for the hours spent driving or the miles traveled. While there are traffic laws restricting truck drivers from operating their vehicle more than a designated amount of hours, many drivers and trucking companies ignore these laws to increase their profit.
If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer accident, it is important to consult the auto accident attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth. Our St. Louis law firm has been built on family values. In fact, attorney Stephen Meyerkord is the father to administrator Andrew Meyerkord, and father-in-law to attorney Brian Kurth. Our values spill over into our relationships with our clients and we are passionate about obtaining compensation for your damages. Contact our office today for a free no-obligation consultation.