California Injury Blog
A mother and her three children, ages 3, 8, and 11, were injured in a truck accident on Highway 101 in Salinas when a semi-truck driver made an illegal U-turn on the highway.
According to a KION news report, the crash occurred on the northbound side of the 101 at Hartnell Road on March 21, an area where U-turns are prohibited for trucks. The three children were airlifted to an area hospital for treatment, and their mother suffered a broken fibula and forearm and was taken to a hospital. All are expected to survive their injuries.
We are relieved to hear that all injured victims in this crash are expected to survive and that their injuries are not life-threatening. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Failure to Obey Road Signs
California Highway Patrol officials said they still see out-of-trucks coming in and following their GPS telling them to make the U-turn despite signs explicitly telling them not to do so. In this particular accident, officials said the truck driver did not obey the posted signs. Officials also say there have been several deadly crashes in this dangerous section of the highway.
The “no U-turn” signs for trucks were added in areas between Salinas and Chualar in 2019 and have helped decrease the number of accidents, according to local truck drivers. But the CHP, along with Caltrans and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), is hoping to do more.
Officials say the signs may be successful as an “interim solution,” but they are only good when people follow them. Although trucks are prohibited from making left turns and U-turns, cars are still allowed to make them without other exit options. As for this latest crash, the CHP said the truck driver will be facing a fine and a citation.
Liability Issues
Truck accidents have the potential to result in devastating injuries. When a truck driver’s negligence or recklessness leads to injuries, both the driver and their employer can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact an experienced California truck accident lawyer who has handled similar cases successfully and can help you seek maximum compensation for your legal rights and options.
Source: https://kion546.com/news/2022/03/21/crash-closes-northbound-101-lane-during-monday-morning-commute/