Truck Accident Leaves 40 Injured

San Francisco news reports that a big-rig and an Amtrak train collided Friday night in Contra Costa County, leaving nearly 40 people injured. The truck accident occurred around 7:15 p.m. by Discovery Bay. The eighteen-wheeler had attempted to cross the tracks when it was struck by a passenger train on its way from Oakland to Bakersfield. 37 people were injured in the train accident and were treated at nearby hospitals. Thankfully, none of the passengers suffered serious injuries such as spinal cord injuires or traumatic brain injuries.

This recent tractor-trailer accident underscores the hazards associated with big rigs and the need for safety. Due to the sheer size and weight of big rigs, when accidents occur they are some of the most dangerous. In fact, some of the most devastating types of road accidents are those involving large commercial trucks. Many times these accidents involve multiple vehicles and many injured victims or fatalities.

In fact, data collected on truck accidents provide some frightening statistics:

• More than 400,000 tractor-trailer accidents occur each year in the United States

• Every 16 minutes someone is either injured or killed in a truck accident

• Nearly 4000 family car occupants lose their lives in big rig accidents each year

The causes of any accident may be numerous but can include driver error, negligent of reckless driving, defective truck parts, or even negligence on the part of a trucking company. Here, reports indicate that the tractor-trailer involved was stuck on the tracks when the train approached. The accident is still under investigation.

If you have been injured in a commercial trucking accident, it is important to speak with an experienced San Francisco truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For more information, contact the dedicated San Francisco truck accident attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson LLP for a confidential consultation.