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Two Big Rigs Collide Leaving One Driver Dead in Encinitas

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A collision in Encinitas near the Batiquitos Lagoon between two produce-hauling big rigs on Interstate 5 killed a trucker early Tuesday. The roadway was blocked by spilled cargo and other debris through much of the morning.

According to the California Highway Patrol, one of the southbound tractor-trailers rear-ended the other semi near Leucadia Boulevard in Encinitas about 12:50 a.m., then toppled over and burst into flames. The driver of the overturned vehicle died at the scene, CHP public- affairs Officer Jim Bettencourt said. The victim’s name was withheld pending family notification.

The entire southbound side of the interstate was shut down until shortly before 5 a.m., when one lane was opened to traffic. A second was cleared in the late morning, and all four lanes were open again by shortly before 1:30 p.m., the CHP reported.

A second semi accident occurred early Tuesday morning on southbound I-15. A tractor-trailer jackknifed and landed on its side in the North County early Monday, blocking most of southbound Interstate 15 at state Route 56. Thankfully no injuries were reported.

The significant difference in the size and weight of big rig trucks and passenger cars usually can result in severe injuries and death to the occupants of the other vehicle The larger the trucks get, the more difficult they are to control, the longer they take to stop and the more dangerous they are to other drivers. Semi-trucks often weigh 10,000 lbs or more. Semis and tractor-trailers only represent 3% of all registered vehicles but are responsible for over 25% of vehicle related deaths.

Big rig trucks can force smaller vehicles off the road, squeeze bicyclists and passenger cars when making wide turns and often follow too close, resulting in unsafe braking distances. More than 400 people are killed each year and 5,000 people are injured when a car collides into the rear or side of a semi-truck trailer. The force of the impact sheer’s off the car roof causing fatal injuries and serious injuries.

Causes of Trucking Collisions:

There are many factors which can result in deadly truck crashes, which include:

  • Driver exhaustion
  • Falling asleep at the wheel
  • Operating the vehicle at high speeds
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Improper vehicle maintenance

Get an Attorney on Your Side Quickly

The attorneys at Mortlock Law Group have experience in handling big rig truck accidents. We are familiar with the federal regulations and complex commercial insurance issues that are unique to semi-truck accidents. It is important that you contact an experienced San Diego semi accident lawyer as soon as possible if you are involved in an accident with a big rig in San Diego in order to preserve evidence, locate all possible sources of insurance and prepare your case. You can be sure that the trucking companies have their team of lawyers preparing their defense.