Tractor-trailer crash on 210 Freeway involves emergency vehicles

While many drivers treat the speed limit as a minimum instead of a maximum, the posted speed limit is for ideal road conditions. Wet roads are slippery roads, and drivers must slow down to compensate for the increased time it will take to stop and prepare for the possibility of skidding in the case of unexpected stops or quick maneuvers.This is even more true for tractor-trailer drivers who must maintain an even longer assured clear distance aheadand appropriate speed to ensure they are able to slow, move or stop their trucks completely for accidents or other traffic situations. A Nov. 21 accident that happened on the 210 Freeway shows just how quickly an accident can happen when a tractor-trailer is involved.

According to reports, the accident occurred in Rancho Cucamonga around 1 a.m. It appears that two California Highway Patrol vehicles and one fire engine were already on the scene of an earlier accident involving three vehicles that had occurred in the westbound lanes of the 210 Freeway about a half-hour earlier.

The tractor-trailer reportedly crashed into the fire truck and police cruisers, causing extensive damage to the California Highway Patrol vehicles and injuring four firefighters. It was not clear what caused the tractor-trailer to fail to stop for the emergency vehicles, but officers reported wet road conditions, which may have been a factor.

When an accident involves a vehicle as large and heavy as a tractor-trailer, it can mean extensive property damage and serious bodily injury to the victims. Seeking information on the legal options after a motor vehicle crash can help victims better understand their options and next steps.

Source: nbclosangeles.com, " Big Rig Crashes Into Fire Engine, 2 CHP Cruisers 210 Freeway" Michael Larkin, Nov. 21, 2014