Freeway 118 Crash Involving Semi Injures Four
An early morning crash last Friday morning, October 18, on 118 Freeway near Porter Ranch left four people injured. The accident involved four vehicles, including a semi-truck. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident, which was reported at about 8 a.m., led to the closure of the Tampa Avenue exit ramp as well as at least four lanes of traffic for more than two and a half hours.
There is no word on how seriously the four individuals were injured. However, the Los Angeles Fire Department stated that a man needed to be extricated from the semi.
Common factors in semi truck accidents
Freeway accidents, unfortunately, are not rare. Even though semi tractor-trailers make up a smaller percentage of vehicles on the road than passenger cars do, they are far more likely to be involved in crashes. Some of the factors that increase the risk of a commercial truck accident include:
- Physics – Semi trucks have a longer stopping distance. A higher center of gravity also makes these trucks less stable and more difficult to handle.
- Driving habits – Commercial truck drivers typically drive for long shifts, leading to drowsiness. Other drivers also do not always take proper precautions when driving near semis.
- Length – The long length of a semi truck creates dangerous blind spots.
These factors can lead to jackknife accidents, rollovers, and collisions.
Who is liable in a truck accident in California?
California is a fault-based state. This means a party may be held legally responsible for damages if their carelessness caused an accident that injured another person or their property. Unlike in no-fault states, an injured party can recover damages from the at-fault party or his or her insurance company.
Potentially liable parties in a highway semi truck crash can include:
- A truck driver who acted negligently
- A business that employed the driver, owned the truck, or was responsible for maintaining the truck or securing its cargo
- Drivers of passenger vehicles who violated traffic safety laws or otherwise caused the accident by acting carelessly
Determining at-fault parties are just one of the issues that complicate truck crash investigations. Truck accident attorneys work with experts across multiple fields to gain an understanding of what conditions contributed to the accident and who is responsible for vehicles involved, including the truck and/or its driver. State and federal commercial carrier regulations also play a role and can affect the type of compensation that an injured victim can recover.
What to do after a truck accident in LA
It is important to care for your immediate medical needs but if you are physically able, or have someone who can help, be sure to document the scene as much as possible. Obtain contact information for other parties and witnesses. And be sure to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, and especially before speaking with any insurance representatives. All too often, people unknowingly limit their rights by speaking with insurance adjusters before obtaining counsel.
The Los Angeles truck accident attorneys at Ellis Law Corporation approach personal injury cases with a personalized approach combined with aggressive representation – that is why we boast a 99% success rate. Call today for a free, confidential, no-obligation case review.
Additional resources on California semi truck accident
- ABC7, 4 injured in multi-vehicle crash involving semi-truck on 118 Freeway in Porter Ranch area, https://abc7.com/traffic/4-injured-in-crash-involving-semi-truck-on-118-in-porter-ranch/4517697/
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Large Truck Crash Causation Study, https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/ltccs/default.asp