Many people have heard the slogan “without trucks, America stops.” This is especially true in California, where every supply line from land, sea and air come together and rely on trucks to get products to their final destinations. Construction and other major industries also need truck traffic to survive.
This economic strength often comes at no larger a price than constant traffic jams on the Golden State’s freeways. Although truck collisions are uncommon, they often cause serious damage and can also cause severe injury, permanent disability or even death to motorists and passengers of other vehicles.
A dump truck crossed the median on a freeway east of Los Angeles and struck several vehicles head-on as they traveled the opposite direction. The truck then burst into flames, complicating rescue efforts in an incident that claimed five lives on Interstate 10 in Rialto.
The California Highway Patrol claimed at least four other vehicles were involved in the collision. Two cars, a trash truck and a motorcycle were affected by the fire. The damage and subsequent investigation closed the highway for the rest of the day.
The rig that crossed the median ended up on its side until it was hauled away. An investigation is pending and there is no indication yet as to how the truck ended up on the wrong side of the highway.
Victims of truck collisions have the right to file a personal injury claim against a party at fault, and the survivors of truck crash fatalities may file a wrongful death lawsuit to compensate them for the tragic loss. An attorney may assist with these legal moves and help victims through this difficult experience.
Source: KTNV, “Fiery truck wreck on California highway kills 5,” Feb. 16, 2018
