Runaway 18 Wheeler Causes Multi Vehicle Accident in Los Angeles, Injures 11
11 people narrowly escaped what could have been a disastrous 18-wheeler accident in California when the driver of a big rig lost control of his vehicle and crashed into several other vehicles north of Los Angeles on December 31st. All 11 people sustained injuries in the accident, some of them very serious injuries.
The accident occurred at about 1 in the afternoon, and according to reports, the weather conditions at the time were foggy. The driver of the 18-wheeler lost control of the truck, crashing into at least 11 vehicles on Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles. The big rig finally came to a stop at a center divider. At least four people injured suffered from serious injuries and were airlifted to nearby hospitals. Reports say that the driver told police that the brakes failed on a downhill stretch of road. Police are investigating the cause of the accident and will focus, primarily, on the condition of the brakes at the time of the crash. There is also speculation that the foggy conditions at the time of the accident could have affected the driver's visibility.
Causes of Big Rig Accidents
If the brakes are found to have failed, it wouldn't be the first time poor truck maintenance has contributed to a crash involving one of these massive machines. Due to the sheer volume of loads they carry, and their massive size, 18-wheeler trucks are more prone to wear and tear than your ordinary passenger car. That is why federal trucking regulations call for regular inspections of semis and require trucking companies to conduct regular maintenance to make sure that all components of the 18-wheeler are in good working condition. With a tractor trailer combination there are various malfunctions that can occur – brakes, lights, reflectors, tires, and the steering wheel – could have serious, possibly fatal repercussions for motorists on the road. Investigations in the Los Angeles accident will also reveal if the driver exercised proper care while driving in adverse, foggy weather conditions.
Whether an accident is caused by malfunctioning parts, driver negligence or driver fatigue, any person who is injured in a collision with one of these massive vehicles may be eligible for compensation for their injuries. The 18 wheeler accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP specialize in representing persons who have been injured in big rig accidents.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an accident involving an 18 wheeler, contact an 18 wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.
