Four People Lose Their Lives After Truck Jackknifes on Interstate 10

On May 21 of this year, an accident involving a truck carrying steel pipes triggered a bus accident that left four people dead. According to a report at U.S. News & World Report, a flatbed truck was hauling steel pipes on a remote stretch of Interstate 10 that links Arizona and Southern California when it drifted into the dirt median causing it to jackknife.

When the truck jackknifed, its load of steel pipes scattered across the highway in an area that is not adequately lit. According to California Highway Patrol Lt. Cmdr. Gustavo Guzman, the driver of the truck was driving on a section of highway where the speed limit is 70 mph when he attempted to pass vehicles that were moving at a slower speed. He lost control when his truck drifted onto the dirt.

A bus traveling from El Paso, Texas to Los Angeles carrying 33 passengers struck a load of the steel pipes, which caused it to overturn after sliding down an embankment. Four passengers of the bus were killed; at least seven others were seriously injured, according to news reports. The steel pipes were scattered across all east and west bound lanes. Two other vehicles struck the pipes, however there were no injuries reported in those incidents. The driver of the truck was not identified; neither he nor the driver of the bus was injured.

Is the driver of the truck to blame in this tragedy, or even the trucking company? While CHP did report that there is no lighting on the stretch of highway and that it was a half moon that evening, victims’ families have endured the absolute worst thing families should ever have to endure – the senseless loss of a loved one. Seven people were seriously injured as well, and now face medical expenses.

Under California law, victims and surviving families of those killed in an accident have the right to file civil actions against any individual or party who is determined to be responsible. Victims who were injured may recover damages that include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Families who lose a loved one in a tragic accident may be able to recover compensation of funeral/burial costs, lost income, loss of companionship or consortium, and other costs.

No amount of money will provide comfort when a loved one is lost, however compensation can help defray the costs and avoid serious financial issues. If you have been injured in a truck or bus accident or have lost a loved one, contact a compassionate and skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney at once.