California freeways have a large diversity of vehicles that use them on a daily basis. The tremendous difference in size and weight between vehicles as 18-wheelers and motorcycles can spell disaster. Place them both on a 70+ year old freeway and you have the potential for just such a diaster. It has been estimated that as many as 10% of all fatal accidents are caused by semi-trucks.
A 18-wheeler usually weighs in excess of 80,000 pounds and may be 65-75 feet long. Because of their length and the driver’s seating position, they can have a poor view of the traffic around them. They simply don’t see some vehicles in their vicinity. Their ability to stop quickly is nearly impossible, especially when carrying a large load.
The following story illustrates just what can happen when an 18-wheeler and a vastly smaller, way less visible motorcycle have an encounter on a narrow, older freeway.
Death on the 110 Freeway
A man was killed yesterday morning when he was ejected from his motorcycle while riding on the Arroyo Seco Parkway. According to Los Angeles Fire Department officials, the accident occurred when the motorcycle collided with an 18-wheeler that was being illegally driven on the parkway.
The California Highway Patrol reports that incident happened in the northbound lane of the parkway near the Avenue 43 exit. The victim, a middle age male, was traveling in the number three lane on a motorcycle at an undetermined speed at the time of accident.
“He was cut off by the 18-wheeler and crashed into the off-ramp,” officials said.
He noted that it is illegal for a vehicle of that size and weight to use the Parkway.
“The travel lanes on the parkway are barely big enough for cars, let alone a big rig,” investigators said. “It’s an important reminder for the community; if you see an 18-wheeler getting on the 110, make sure to call 911 right away.
In the aftermath of a collision such as this there are many things to deal with. Many people who are hurt in accidents with big rigs and other large trucks do not have the experience needed to deal with insurance companies that are well equipped to minimize their losses. An experienced truck accident attorney like Daniel A. Gibalevich will understand your rights and will be able to evaluate your case against a trucking firm and their insurance company .
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and you need the services of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles please contact us at (323) 947-2224 or visit the Personal Injury section on our website at the DAG Law Firm. Call today and we will connect you with Daniel A. Gibalevich, an experienced, aggressive, affordable Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles. After you have spoken with our Los Angeles Personal Injury Law attorney, we can schedule you a free face to face appointment to discuss your circumstances. If you have questions or are considering any aspect of Personal Injury Law, we can help! Call us now at (323) 947-2224. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with any concerns you might have with a truck accident case.
