Four firefighters sustained serious injuries in a Long Beach car accident, which a authorities believe may have been caused by a speed miscalculation on the part of a truck driver. The Long Beach Press-Telegram reports that the collision occurred the morning of September 30, 2010 on the southbound 605 Freeway.
California Highway Patrol officials say a concrete pump truck was traveling at about 60 mph when it approached Engine 18, which was in the number four lane of the freeway, responding to an emergency. The driver of the pump truck apparently misjudged the speed of the fire engine and rear-ended it. Three firefighters sustained concussions and facial trauma while a fourth fireman suffered minor injuries. The driver of the pump truck was also injured.
It is indeed fortunate that no one was killed in this horrific truck accident. Officials say Engine 18 that was rear-ended barely missed hitting another fire engine parked on the shoulder of the freeway. Had that happened, some of the firefighters who were out working on that engine could have been killed. I wish the injured firefighters the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
Accident Statistics
According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS)), 27 people were killed and 1,881 people were injured in Long Beach car accidents. In Los Angeles County as a whole, 667 deaths and 52,229 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.
What Caused This Tragic Injury Accident?
Based on this news report, it appears that this accident may have been the fault of the concrete pump truck driver who failed to calculate the speed of the fire truck ahead. The driver may have also been traveling at an unsafe speed at the time and probably following the fire engine too closely. I trust officials are also looking into whether this driver was impaired, distracted, driving recklessly, or otherwise negligent at the time.
California Vehicle Code Section 21703 states: "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway." California Vehicle Code Section 21704 also states that the driver "shall keep the vehicle he is driving at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear of any other motor vehicle subject to such speed restriction which is preceding it."
Liability Issues
Since the firefighters were on-the-job at the time of this accident, they would be entitled to workers compensation benefits. In addition, they could also file a claim against the truck driver and the trucking company seeking damages, if it is determined that he or she was at fault. An experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and actions.
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The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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