Maryland Accident Law Blog
A multi-truck collision in a Southern California freeway tunnel left at least 10 people dead and 3 people (two men and a baby) injured. The collision pile up started when two trucks crashed into each other and caused a multi-truck collision in one of I-5S’s freeway tunnels. The wreckage stretched as long as half a mile. 30 commercial vehicles and one passenger car have been pulled from the tunnel. Many of the trucks had been burnt down to skeletal frames and molten debris.
The huge fire, rising as high as 100 feet, shut down a major connection between San Francisco and Los Angeles until early Monday. The tunnel is currently being inspected to review the extent of damage. Parts of the concrete wall have reportedly peeled away. Visible steel reinforcement bars appear askew. Twenty people were able to leave the fiery tunnel on foot.
Trucks have long considered the 550-footlong tunnel as a dangerous area because of its dim lights, which can make visibility challenging—especially when there is rain on the roads. There is also reportedly a blind curve in the tunnel.
If you are a truck driver who was injured in a truck collision because of another negligent driver, a truck defect, or because of a faulty or defective bridge or tunnel, you should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can determine whether you have grounds to file a personal injury or premises liability claim or lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident.
U.S. shippers are being warned about trying to squeeze too much cargo on trucks, which can increase the chances of collisions or falling objects onto roads.
If you are a truck driver who was injured in a truck collision because of another negligent driver, a truck defect, or because of a faulty or defective bridge or tunnel, you should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can determine whether you have grounds to file a personal injury or premises liability claim or lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident.
Large trucks, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks are massive in size and can be very dangerous to collide with on a road or freeway. Many trucks have blind spots, which makes it difficult for a truck driver to see smaller cars and motorcycles nearby. Truck drivers need more room to stop and turn. Common causes of truck collisions include driver fatigue, drunk driving, failure to inspect or properly maintain a truck, cell phone use while driving, and speeding.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck crash because of a negligent truck driver in Maryland or Washington D.C., you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
Interstate 5 is back in business, LA Times, October 15, 2007
At Least 3 Dead, 10 Injured After Massive Tunnel Fire on California Freeway, Fox News, October 14, 2007
Passenger Safety, Big Rigs and Sharing the Road
Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics-CNTBS, UMTRI
To schedule your free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney, contact Lebowitz & Mzhen today. One of our truck accident lawyers will be happy to help you.