One person was killed and another seriously injured in a Sacramento car accident involving a Chevy pickup truck and a big-rig. According to a news report in the Appeal-Democrat, the driver of a Chevy S10 pickup truck lost control of the vehicle while driving eastbound on Highway 20 on August 6, 2010. The pickup drifted on to the shoulder near Sicard Flat Road. The driver then overcorrected and entered oncoming traffic lanes of the highway, striking a westbound big-rig. The semi tipped over to its side and the pickup caught fire. The driver of the Chevy, who has not yet been identified, was fatally injured, while the truck driver was hospitalized with a broken arm.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victim. My thoughts and prayers also go out to the injured truck driver as he recovers from his injuries.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 12 fatalities and 287 injuries involving car accidents in Yuba County. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA), truck accident statistics, there were 304 fatal truck accidents and 3,196 injury crashes involving truck accidents, in California, in 2008.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this fatal crash occurred. There are still several unanswered questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the pickup truck that may have caused or contributed to this incident? Was this crash the pickup truck driver's fault? What caused the driver of the pickup to lose control of the truck? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine exactly what occurred here or why.

If this crash was the pickup driver's fault, then the injured truck driver can file a claim against the deceased driver's estate or insurance. If the accident was the result of an auto product defect, then the deceased victim's family can file an auto products liability claim against the auto maker seeking compensation. In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current condition so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence. An experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by injured victims or their families in the aftermath of a crash

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.