[07-27-2021] Shasta County, CA – Two People Hurt After a Rear-End Semi-Truck Crash in Cottonwood

Two men were hospitalized after a major two-vehicle traffic collision near Cottonwood on Tuesday night, July 27.

The accident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. on Interstate 5 near Hooker Creek Road in Cottonwood. A southbound 2014 Dodge Ram was driving on Interstate 5 at unsafe speeds. The Dodge then rear-ended a Kenworth semi-truck that was heading in the same direction.

The Dodge then came to a rest in the left lane after the collision. Two people were injured as a result of the mishap. 56-year-old Dodge driver Joseph D. and his passenger, 45-year-old Elton James S., were taken to an area hospital via ambulance to treat their injuries.

It is unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident. No arrests have been made at the moment. The case is currently under further investigation. Authorities will attempt to determine the factors and the liability in the accident.

Rear-End Semi-Truck Accident Statistics

A rear-end accident occurs when one vehicle collides with the car immediately in front of it. Because the leading driver cannot usually prevent the collision, a rear-end accident is often (but not always) the fault of the rear position driver. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in California.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), there were 118,029 drivers involved in rear-end collisions that resulted in injuries and 405 drivers involved in rear-end collisions that resulted in fatalities in 2011. A rear-end accident can even be more dangerous when a tractor-trailer is involved. Tractor-trailer crashes are often complicated cases as a variety of factors need to be considered.

Tractor-trailer crashes are usually caused by loss of control of the truck, a tire blowout, a disabling or non-disabling vehicle failure, excessive speed, lane drifting, improper truck maneuvering, and driver fatigue. Unfortunately, one out of three commercial truck drivers is reported to have mild to severe sleep apnea, affecting their attentiveness and performance.

Shasta County Personal Injury Attorney for Victims of Rear-End Semi-Truck Accidents

The person driving the rear position car will almost always be found liable for a rear-end collision, as rear-end collisions are frequently caused by following too closely, driving too fast, having worn-out brakes or tires, or simply not paying attention. Consult with an experienced rear-end accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. After you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, it’s time to start meeting with lawyers and protecting your right to compensation.

Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and future loss of profits or medical care through a personal injury claim. Attorneys can be a valuable legal resource for bereaved families during these trying times. They will fight tenaciously for their client’s rights while also ensuring that the negligent driver is held accountable for their alleged crime.

Whether you need a rear-truck accident attorney, a car accident lawyer, a motorcycle lawyer, or another type of injury attorney, we can help you access the compensation you deserve. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced California auto accident lawyer.