A large tanker truck seen in profile on the road.

A rear-end collision on Interstate 15 in the early morning hours of April 4 in Fontana between two vehicles resulted in injuries. According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident is under investigation. There is no indication if drugs or alcohol were involved.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred on I-15 at Duncan Canyon Road in the area south of Sierra Road. Allegedly, a car was traveling at high speed in the northbound lanes when it collided with the semi on the right shoulder of the road at about 2:00 a.m. The semi was reported to be parked on the shoulder of I-15, but there is no information as to whether the truck’s emergency flashers were in use when the accident occurred. Preliminary reports indicate the car did not have its headlights turned on. The car driver was injured, according to paramedics at the scene.

Road Safety

As in this case, speeding and not using headlights can cause accidents. Drivers should be aware of what is going on always, and obey the rules of the road. In addition, anyone who pulls over to the shoulder, particularly on a busy highway at night, needs to use emergency lights or iridescent signs, indicating that the vehicle is stopped. In either case, failure to do this is not the way a responsible person would behave and might be considered negligent behavior.

Sleeping on the Side of the Road

There are times a truck driver must stop on the side of the road. For instance, if a mechanical issue causes problems with the operation of the vehicle. If a driver experiences fatigue, however, he is barred from pulling over to sleep, according to California Vehicle Code 22500. There are rest areas, particularly on Interstates, affording drivers a place to rest. By not obeying this law, truck drivers can leave themselves open to official citation and a lawsuit if someone is injured due to their negligent act.

Comparative Negligence

If both parties involved in an accident are negligent, liability is also shared. California operates under a pure comparative negligence standard. This means that an individual can collect damages for the percentage of fault of the other party. For instance, if damages total $100,000, and both parties shared fault 50-50, the person who filed a claim can connect damages for 50 percent of the total or $50,000.

Fontana Attorney David Azizi Can Help

If you have been injured in a Fontana accident, Los Angeles truck accident lawyer David Azizi is available to assist you in receiving the maximum amount in compensation for your injuries. Call his office 24/7 at (800) 991-5292 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. David has a 98-percent success rate and welcomes any questions you may have.

News