San Bernardino County “Big Rig” Accident Causes Lane Closures for 48 Hours, Dangers of Semi-Trucks on California Roads with Other Drivers Underscored

A single-vehicle accident on California’s Interstate 15 between Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada underscores to Palmdale drivers and drivers throughout California just how dangerous it can be to share the road with 18-wheeler trucks. According to local news reports, on Friday, July 26, the California Highway Patrol closed all lanes of Interstate 15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas due to a scary and potentially very dangerous “hazmat situation”. An 18-wheeler truck, or “big rig” had been transporting lithium batteries via Interstate 15 when the semi-truck suddenly caught on fire and “created a hazmat situation” on the Interstate. The traffic “nightmare”, which is initially said to have all began around 6:00 a.m. near the Afton Road exit between Barstow and Baker, is said to have stretched for miles across the desert, notably in extreme late-July temperatures. The biggest problem when trying to clear the Interstate after the accident for traffic to safely pass was that the hazmat portion of the truck was not easily moved from the freeway shoulder, and multiple attempts with heavy equipment had to be performed before it could be removed. Fire officials noted that the semi-truck container’s weight alone exceeded 75,000 pounds.

Single-Vehicle Incident Underscores Dangers of Semi-Trucks on California Roads

Fortunately, there have been no reports of serious injuries or death as a result of the nightmare hazmat accident. However, the semi-truck accident serves as an example of just how dangerous semi-trucks – especially those trucks hauling hazmat or hazardous materials – can be when sharing the road with other, smaller vehicles. Hazmat trucks often transport tens of thousands of pounds of potentially flammable and caustic material, and drivers should always be especially vigilant when sharing the road with semi-trucks in Palmdale and generally when driving. Semi-trucks also can have poor-visibility, short stopping distance, and drivers are overworked and may be fatigued at the wheel. Accordingly, it is important to keep a safe distance from semi-trucks when out on the road, and always follow the rules and laws of driving.

Legal Rights and Options for Semi-Truck Accident Victims in Palmdale

Even the most careful of drivers may find themselves injured as a result of the negligent actions of a semi-truck driver. In these cases, victims of semi-truck accidents have rights and options under California laws. In Palmdale, when a person is injured in a car accident or semi-truck accident due to the other driver’s fault, they may be entitled to money compensation under California personal injury laws. In order to determine whether you may have a case, it is best to speak with an experienced Palmdale truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a semi-truck accident occurs.

The experienced Palmdale truck accident lawyers at the Trevino Law Firm are here to help victims of truck accidents in Palmdale get justice due for their injuries and losses. Contact the Trevino Law Firm today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

latimes.com/california/story/2024-07-27/hazmat-situation-closes-northbound-i-15-closed-between-los-angeles-and-las-vegas