Michael Leizerman’s Blog

Attorneys handling truck accident cases should be familiar with all the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations. Of course just being familiar with the regulations is not enough. Attorneys must also conduct thorough discovery in order to apply those regulations to the facts of a specific case. I have handled numerous truck accidents throughout the United States, many of them similar to those noted below. Please feel free to contact me at michael@leizerman.com or call me at 1-800-628-4500.

Keyt.com reports that an Oxnard, California, tow truck driver on drugs hit a mom and her two toddlers around noon on Tuesday, August 31. The truck accident occurred in a crosswalk at Simon Way and Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard. He dragged the kids under his truck for almost a quarter mile before bystanders flagged him down. All three victims were hospitalized, the kids in critical condition. The driver faces DUI charges.

Portlandtribune.com reports that a semi truck caused a five-vehicle chain reaction crash that seriously injured a woman early Tuesday, August 31. The big rig was heading east on Highway 224 when it encountered slowing traffic at the Johnson Road intersection near Milwaukie, Oregon. The truck rear-ended a Honda Civic, pushing it into a utility trailer towed by a van, which pushed the van into a Toyota Prius, which slammed into another Civic. The teenager in the first Civic had to be cut out by firefighters and hospitalized.

Thetandd.com reports that a southbound dump truck hit a man heading northbound on Old Gilliard Road (SC 27) in Charleston, South Carolina, around 3:45pm on Wednesday, August 31. The 30-year-old man was pinned inside his vehicle and had to be removed by the Fire Dept. He died of internal injuries that night at the hospital.

Orlandosentinel.com reports that six people were injured on Thursday morning, September 2, when an 18-foot box truck rear-ended a mass transit bus.  Both vehicles were heading west on US 192 near the Westgate shopping complex in St. Cloud, Florida. The six were hospitalized with non-serious injuries.

Deseretnews.com reports that a dump truck T-boned and killed a man on Saturday, September 4, when it ran a red light in Brigham City, Utah. The truck, which was pulling a trailer, was heading west on US 91, and the victim was heading south on 775 West. The 60-year-old victim was dead at the scene of the truck accident.

California truck accidents, florida truck accidents, ohio truck accident attorneys, Oregon truck accidents, South Carolina truck accidents, Utah truck accidents

State trucking laws vary, and the need for qualified truck accident attorneys to understand all facets of a particular litigation is imperative. I have handled numerous truck accidents throughout the United States, many of them similar to those noted below. Please feel free to contact me michael@leizerman.com or call me at 1-800-628-4500.

TheDailySound.com reports that three people including a child were killed when a big rig lost control coming off Highway 154 in Santa Barbara and slammed into the home where they were sleeping. The driver of the gravel-filled tractor-trailer managed to avoid a restaurant and a hotel but then rear-ended two cars before dropping 15 feet down an embankment before hitting the residence. The truck wreck, which happened just before 7am on Tuesday, August 24, also took out the neighborhood’s power and caused a gas leak.  A neighbor said, “It sounded like a train accident. There were no braking sounds, no resistance.”

TheNews-Messenger.com reports that a tractor-trailer hit and killed a pedestrian just after 1am on Thursday, August 26, in Milan Township, Ohio.  The big rig was heading north on US 250 near Mason Road. The pedestrian was declared dead at the scene.

Herald-Mail.com reports that a dump truck backed over a woman and killed her as she sat on her motorcycle. Having missed his turn into a construction site, the driver stopped, checked his mirrors, saw nothing, and then backed up. The woman, 48, who’d apparently been waiting for the truck to move, died as it crushed her. The truck accident happened at 7:32am on Thursday, August 26, in the 200 block of Commerce Avenue in Antrim Township, Pennsylvania.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that a trailer-less semi hit and mortally injured a bicyclist riding to work on Friday, August 27. The accident happened just before 6am as the truck was turning right onto westbound 2100 South. When the cyclist crossed the intersection, also heading west, the truck driver apparently didn’t see him — but later reported he’d felt an impact. Yet he dragged the cyclist about 130 feet before stopping to investigate. The cyclist, 47, was severely injured and died in the hospital later that day, leaving a wife, eight children, and two grandchildren.

MyFoxPhoenix.com reports that a big rig hit and seriously injured a motorcyclist, then sped off about 8pm Friday, August 27.  The truck accident happened in the 1700 block of NW Grand Avenue in Phoenix. Two other motorcyclists at the scene were not hurt. The driver returned to the scene later, saying he hadn’t realized there had been an accident until he stopped to unload his cargo.

Arizona truck accidents, California truck accidents, ohio truck accident attorneys, Ohio truck accidents, Pennsylvania truck accidents, Utah truck accidents

Trucking litigation is very document-intensive and governed by hundreds of regulations. Given this, the need for qualified truck accident attorneys to understand all facets of litigation is important. I have handled numerous truck accidents throughout the United States, many of them similar to those noted below. Please feel free to contact me at michael@leizerman.com or call me at:
1-800-628-4500.

Startribune.com reports that on Tuesday, July 20, a wide-load combine towed by a semi killed a Brown University senior taking a break from her transcontinental fundraising bike ride. The woman had cycled more than 2,200 miles and was standing on the shoulder of the road, checking her voicemail, when the protruding machinery hit and killed her. The accident happened on Hwy. 18 on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

KCRA.com reports that a flipped big rig caused accidents, injuries, and a huge traffic snarl when its load of PVC pipes spilled all over Highway 5 South between Woodland and Sacramento, CA. Two cars were caught up in the crash on Tuesday, July 20, as was another semi, which appeared to have been impaled by some of the pipes. Three people were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

WVGazettemail.com reports that a semi carrying coal crossed the center line on W. Va. 61 and slammed into an SUV on Wednesday, July 21, seriously injuring the driver and his passenger, both 19. The accident happened near Beards Fork, WV. HealthNet flew both victims to a Charleston Hospital. Sheriff’s deputies believe the 26-year-old semi driver, who was not injured, was distracted when he caused the crash.

KPTV.com reports that a dump truck struck and killed a woman as she pulled out onto Highway 30 near Warren, OR, in the early hours of Thursday, July 22. She was declared dead at the scene of the crash; her sole passenger was hospitalized. The truck driver was not injured. The highway was closed for about six hours for the investigation and cleanup.

KXXV.com reports that a woman died in a collision with an 18-wheeler on Thursday, July 22, on Loop 340 in Bellmead, TX. The driver of the chicken truck was not injured. It is not clear who was at fault in the fatal crash.

California truck accidents, minnesota truck accidents, ohio truck accident attorneys, Oregon truck accidents, texas truck accidents, West Virginia truck accidents

It takes a little fire in the belly to fight with truck companies and insurance companies day in and day out. I get personally offended when, for example, an insurance company offers a pittance when one of their insured’s vehicles crosses a centerline and kills somebody’s mother. But being passionate alone is not enough. The best way to beat the truck companies is old-fashioned hard work. Please feel free to contact me at michael@leizerman.com or call me at 1-800-628-4500.

ABC 6 On Your Side reports that a semi slammed into a Ford Focus on U.S. 23 in Pickaway County, Ohio, killing a passenger in the Ford and injuring its driver. The Ford was entering a Wal-Mart parking lot when the truck crash happened. The Ohio Department of Transportation is working with Pickaway County Sheriffs officials to investigate the truck accident.

Tracy Press reports that a semi-truck slammed into a minivan on Grant Line Road in Tracy, California, injuring three people including a child who was trapped inside the van following the truck crash. The accident occurred at an intersection whose traffic signal lights were out due to a power failure. Tracy Police pointed out that when a traffic light fails the intersection becomes a four-way stop. They are continuing their investigation of the truck accident at this time.

TheINDYChannel.com reports that a tractor-trailer rear-ended a passenger vehicle on State Road 37 near Bloomington, Indiana, killing the car’s 31-year-old driver. The passenger vehicle was slowing to pull into a gas station when the big rig crashed into it from behind. A passenger in the car was transported to a local hospital with a bone fracture, lacerations, and severe cuts. Police investigators are continuing to review the truck accident.

St. Tammany News reports that an 18-wheeler crossed the median on Interstate 59 north of Pearl River, Louisiana, entered the opposite flow of traffic, and crashed into a Dodge Ram pickup, killing four people in that pickup. A spokesman for the Louisiana State Police stated that it is believed the right front tire on the semi blew out or came loose, causing the big rig’s driver to lose control and cross the median. The impact of the truck crash mangled the pickup truck beyond recognition.

California truck accidents, Indiana truck accidents, Louisiana truck accidents, ohio truck accident attorneys, Ohio truck accidents, Truck accident attorneys, truck accidents, trucking safety

State trucking laws vary, and the need for qualified truck accident attorneys to understand all facets of a particular litigation is imperative. I have handled numerous truck accidents throughout the United States, many of them similar to those noted below. Please feel free to contact me michael@leizerman.com or call me at 1-800-628-4500.

Mansfield NewsJournal.com reports that a semitrailer failed to stop for traffic flagged to a stop on Ohio 13 north of Richland County, Ohio, and slammed into at least nine vehicles before coming to rest in a field where it burst into flames. Several people, including children, from several of the vehicles were injured, some very seriously. Ohio Highway Patrol officers reported that no citations were issued, but that the truck accident investigation is ongoing.

Vcstar.com reports that a tractor-trailer rig pulled in front of a van on the Pacific Coast Highway north of Ventura, California, causing the van to crash into the truck and injuring two teens in the van. The California Highway Patrol reports that the semi-truck was stopped on the shoulder and failed to yield when it pulled back onto the PCH. The driver of the van was trapped and was freed by firefighters. He was treated at a nearby hospital for arm and leg fractures and cuts and bruises to his head.

Jconline.com reports that a semi-trailer tipped over on U.S. 24 near West Lafayette, Indiana, crushing a minivan and injuring its driver. The truck crash was caused by excessive speed as the driver of the big rig took a curve at high speeds, causing his semi-trailer to overturn. Indiana State Police cited the big rig’s driver for driving too fast for conditions.

Omaha.com reports that a semitrailer truck crashed into a turning vehicle on Highway 15 north of Schuyler, Nebraska, killing a passenger in the vehicle and critically injuring the vehicle’s driver. The truck accident is under investigation by the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.

The Denver Post.com reports that the driver of a big rig caused an accident on I-70 in Mesa County, Colorado when he placed reflective emergency triangles on the roadway, causing a car to overturn in its attempt to avoid them, and resulting in the death of a passenger in that vehicle. The Colorado State Patrol states that the big rig’s driver placed the emergency triangles in a traffic lane of the interstate rather than on the shoulder where his broken-down semi was parked. The triangles were around a curve. The passenger vehicle rounded the curve, swerved to avoid the triangles, overturned, and crashed into a second vehicle. The passenger in the first vehicle was thrown from that vehicle and died after being airlifted to a nearby hospital. The driver of the vehicle was also injured, but there is no word on her condition. The Colorado State Patrol reports that the driver of the big rig will face negligent homicide charges following this truck accident.

California truck accidents, Colorado Truck Accidents, Indiana truck accidents, Nebraska truck accidents, ohio truck accident attorneys, Ohio truck accidents, Truck accident attorneys, truck accidents, trucking safety

It takes a little fire in the belly to fight with truck companies and insurance companies day in and day out. I get personally offended when, for example, an insurance company offers a pittance when one of their insured’s vehicles crosses a centerline and kills somebody’s mother. But being passionate alone is not enough. The best way to beat the truck companies is old-fashioned hard work. Please feel free to contact me at michael@leizerman.com or call me at 1-800-628-4500.

The Ionia Sentinel Standard reports that a semi truck failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Jordan Lake and Portland roads near Berlin Township, Michigan, then collided with a second semi, causing it to crash into a van, killing the van’s driver. Investigators do not believe that drugs or alcohol were factors in the truck crash.

AppealDemocrat.com reports that a big rig traveling on Highway 99 at Hutchinson Road south of Yuba City, California swerved out of control, crossed the centerline and slammed head-on into a passenger vehicle, killing the vehicle’s driver and injuring two passengers, one seriously. The California Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the crash.

6ABC.com reports that one person was killed and two others were injured when a tractor trailer crossed the median on Route 33 in East Windsor, New Jersey and crashed into a van. The driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene and the van’s two other occupants – a 42-year-old woman and a 3-year-old girl – were taken to a local hospital.

East Valley Tribune.com reports that a semi trailer truck struck a mini van on Ray Road in Chandler, Arizona, leaving two occupants of the van in critical condition and the semi driver in serious condition. The van was making a left-hand turn when the semi struck it, driving it into oncoming traffic. The semi left the roadway and struck an electrical utility box, causing one of its fuel tanks to explode. Police continue to investigate this truck crash and have not indicated whether or not excessive speed may have played a role.

Arizona truck accidents, California truck accidents, Michigan truck accidents, New Jersey truck accidents, Truck accident attorneys, trucking news, trucking safety

Trucking litigation is very document intensive and governed by hundreds of regulations. Given this, the need for qualified truck accident attorneys to understand all facets of litigation is important. I have handled numerous truck accidents throughout the United States, many of them similar to those noted below. Please feel free to contact me at michael@leizerman.com or call me at 1-800-628-4500.

Cincinnati.com reports that two school children and one adult were injured December 1st when the school van they were traveling in was involved in a 3-vehicle crash caused by an International 2000 semi-truck. The truck’s driver was cited for causing the crash at the intersection of 6th Street and Riley Boulevard in Franklin Township, Ohio.

Cadillacnews.com of Cadillac, Michigan reports that a 15-year-old boy was killed and his mom was critically injured when a semi-truck lost control and jack-knifed into the path of their vehicle. The accident happened east of Lake City, Michigan last Monday.

A December 1 report on KGET.com states that a 49-year-old woman was killed and two passengers were injured when the SUV they were traveling in was struck by a semi truck on Panama Road near Cottonwood Road in South Bakersfield, California. According to the California Highway Patrol, the semi’s driver lost control of his vehicle, veered into oncoming traffic and struck the victim’s vehicle.

NewsTrib.com is reporting that a semi-trailer driver was cited for making an illegal left turn at the Route 40 entrance ramp to Interstate 80 in Bureau County, Illinois after the driver of an American Red Cross van struck the semi-truck as it blocked both lanes of Route 40 during the illegal maneuver. The van’s driver was killed when his vehicle struck the semi-truck’s trailer and became wedged beneath it.

Action 3 News reports that a teenage girl and her 29-year-old companion were killed last weekend when the go-cart they were riding was struck by a semi-truck. The Iowa State Patrol says that the two were riding the go-cart in a residential area in Clarinda, Iowa when the Freightliner truck crested a hill going too fast to stop in time to avoid hitting the pair.

In a press release dated November 30, the Arizona Department of Public Safety reports that one of their officers is in critical, but stable condition after being struck by an out-of-control semi-tractor trailer on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff. The officer was responding to a rollover accident and was standing on the shoulder of the roadway when the semi-tractor trailer lost control, crossed the center median and struck him.

In a report on Alamosanews.com, The Colorado State Patrol states that a 51-year-old Alamosa, Colorado woman lost her life when her vehicle was crushed by a semi-tractor trailer carrying a load of potatoes. Patrolmen report that the driver of the semi-truck ran a stop sign and entered Highway 285 north of Monte Vista, Colorado, and then struck the woman’s car. Investigators report that the semi-truck may also have had mechanical defects which contributed to the accident.

According to WAVY.com, a 72-year-old woman lost her life and her husband was injured when the van they were traveling in was struck by a tanker truck carrying carbon dioxide. The truck crossed the median and struck the van on Interstate 64 near Chesapeake, Virginia.

Arizona truck accidents, California truck accidents, Colorado Truck Accidents, Illinois truck accidents, iowa truck accidents, Michigan truck accidents, Ohio truck accidents, Truck accident attorneys, truck accident news, Virginia truck accidents