Semi-Truck Driver Rear-Ended Multiple Vehicles in Sutter County Collision on Highway 99 South of Live Oak
SUTTER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (December 31, 2024) – At least three people were injured in a Sutter County multi-vehicle semi-truck accident on Highway 99 near Live Oak.
Sutter County officials are saying that the incident took place around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday. A semi-truck was traveling down Highway 99 and failed to slow for traffic.
The truck driver rear-ended a Subaru prior to hitting three other vehicles. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help all of the victims.
The driver of the Subaru was unconscious and taken to a local area hospital in an ambulance. A 49-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman in separate vehicles were also injured in the crash.
It remains unclear if the driver of the semi-truck will receive any citations for the crash.
Liability for Sutter County Semi-Truck Accidents
Driver fatigue remains one of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Driver fatigue may be due to a lack of adequate sleep, extended work hours, strenuous work or non-work activities, or a combination of other factors. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.” There are a number of other factors that could contribute to a semi-truck accident.
- Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs and can take the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop.
- Semi-truck drivers may be intoxicated from any number of different substances. This may include over-the-counter medications.
- Semi-trucks are more likely to be involved in crashes if they are not routinely inspected and well maintained.
Semi-truck drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21703, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than would be reasonable or safe given the prevailing conditions of the road. If a semi-truck driver fails to slow down in order to avoid hitting another vehicle, this could form the basis of a negligence claim.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability. For example, the company that owned or operated a truck involved in a crash could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. It is important that certain steps are taken after any semi-truck accident.
- The truck driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records related to the incident should be preserved.
- The event data recorder on the truck should be examined.
One of the most important things that accident victims should do after a collision is contact an experienced truck accident attorney. Seeking experienced legal support can often mean the difference between a person being able to get the medical and financial support that they need. Truck companies will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if one of their drivers is involved in a crash. Any person injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Investigating Sutter County Semi-Truck Accidents
We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this Sutter County semi-truck accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable crash that should have never taken place.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Sutter County semi-truck accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.
