Truck Overturned Onto a Car on 405 Freeway, Leaving 1 Injured

A collision between a big rig and a vehicle caused the semi-trailer to flip over the car

A serious incident took place in Orange County, blocking traffic for several hours. The impact between an 18-wheeler trailer and a car caused the rig to flip over in the middle of the freeway. Although the truck overturned onto the car, the victim sustained only minor injuries.

The crash occurred last November 4, north of Seal Beach. The California Highway Patrol responded to an emergency call on the 405 Freeway around 12:39 p.m. Upon arrival, they reported a traffic accident involving a tractor-trailer vehicle and a white sedan.

According to the official report, the incident originated when a 2008 Freightliner was traveling southbound on I-405. For reasons still under investigation, the big rig collided with a 2015 Nissan Altima, resulting in its subsequent overturn. 

As confirmed by the Orange County Fire Authority, the rollover of the 18-wheeler trailer caused extensive damage to the Nissan. The 70-year-old driver was trapped in the wreckage as a result of the accident. A rescue team managed to extricate the woman, who was taken to the hospital by an OCFA helicopter with minor injuries. The driver of the commercial truck was unharmed.

Caltrans District 12 reported that the road was closed during the rescue operation and subsequent investigation, causing heavy traffic. The lanes reopened in both directions around 4 p.m.

Semi-Truck Restrictions in California

The importance of the trucking industry is vital to California’s economy, as well as the entire country. However, their presence on the road is the cause of many traffic accidents. Their large size and weight are often the reason for many tragic incidents. 

To try to ensure driver safety, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented a number of restrictions for semi-trailers and other commercial vehicles. 

Having a commercial driver’s license is a primary requirement. However, one of the basic conditions is to be in good health. Fatigue from long hours of driving can lead to accidents such as the one experienced with the truck that overturned a car on the 405 Freeway. A doctor must certify that the driver is healthy enough to drive.

Regarding the vehicle, conditions vary depending on the type. While all trucks are large, none can exceed 36 tons. These commercial vehicles are subject to strict restrictions, and there are severe penalties for driving overweight. The dangers of overloading the truck can be devastating, mainly because the average car does not exceed 4 tons. The impact could be deadly.

California Commercial Truck Accident Statistics

In the United States alone, there is an average of more than 3,000 people injured in commercial truck accidents each year. Of these, between 200 and 300 drivers are killed. The numbers of these incidents in California are alarming. 

The estimated yearly number of fatal truck and tractor-trailer accidents in California is 113. The I-5, I-10, and I-715 are the deadliest roads. As you can see, most of these crashes occur in Los Angeles County. The main reasons? Reckless driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws.

Seriously Injured in a Negligent Truck Accident? Let Us Help You

Being involved in an accident involving a commercial truck can have fatal consequences. Its large size and weight make the impact much stronger and more lethal than a car. Not only is there a risk of devastating injuries, but also death. The case of the woman who survived a rig accident is, frankly, a miracle. If any truck overturned on a car, because of its weight and size, there would be fatalities.

If you are injured in an accident due to the negligence of a big rig, you should speak to an attorney. The pain and suffering caused by a car accident can be lifelong. Not only physically, but mentally as well. For this very reason, it is important to receive compensation for injuries, loss of quality of life, or medical expenses.

Choosing the services of a law firm with the experience of Adamson Ahdoot will ensure success. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our team excels at achieving successful settlements for every case. 

Call today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule a free consultation. Talk to our lawyers about your case and learn what the next steps are to win your claim.