[11-03-2022] El Dorado County, CA – Two-Vehicle Collision Causes Rollover in South Lake Tahoe

A two-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck resulted in a rollover in South Lake Tahoe Thursday night, November 3, 2022.

The crash occurred at about 6:12 p.m. along State Route 89.

According to authorities, a semi-truck was approaching Eagle Falls while traveling north without chains when it came across a stalled car facing south in the northbound lane.

The truck started to slide as the driver tried to hit the brakes on the slippery road, which resulted in both occupants jumping out after the vehicle was damaged.

Both truck occupants sustained minor injuries.

The semi-truck then turned around, struck the car again, and slid down the Eagle Falls embankment. Before coming to a stop, the truck descended the mountain about 60 feet.

Investigation of the crash is still underway.

Big-Rig Collision Statistics

The term “big rigs” is frequently used to describe semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, often seen on American highways. Large trucks used to transport goods are referred to by either of these terms.

Tractor-trailer collisions are much deadlier than car accidents. The main culprits are big-rig trucks because of their size and weight. Longer stopping distances are required for trucks carrying a lot of cargo.

In the US, a fatal semi-truck collision occurs once every fifteen minutes. Nearly 5,000 truck drivers perish in the roughly 500,000 traffic accidents annually in the US.

Each year, there are 113 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries in truck accidents in California. Truck-related accidents in California cause 200–300 deaths or injuries yearly.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that large trucks follow at a distance of four seconds when traveling at less than 40 mph. The calculation should be adjusted if the speed is higher than 40mph.

Truck Accident Lawyers in South Lake Tahoe

Trucks must stop for greater distances than cars for these and other reasons. Air brakes, which pressurize the truck to increase the braking force, are found on almost all trucks. Air brakes should be applied properly to prevent a car from jackknifing. If the brake system is out of balance, it can impact steering, control, and stopping distance.

Usually, the accident is the fault of the truck driver, their employer, and the truck manufacturers. The trucking company could be held accountable if the truck driver was improperly hired or managed. This is particularly true if the driver was a paid agent for the company.

It is possible, however, for a manufacturer to be held liable if you can demonstrate that the truck’s design flaw caused the collision. Do not hesitate to contact our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers if you have been in a similar accident.

Have you or someone you love ever been injured by a commercial vehicle? Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced California truck accident attorney.