A crash involving a big rig and a passenger vehicle in North Hollywood left one person injured early Friday morning. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers arrived at the scene on Sherman Way around 4:07 a.m. and found the smaller vehicle lodged underneath the semi-truck. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital, while the truck driver was uninjured. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
Whenever I see a crash like this, I have many questions about the movements of the semi-truck. Underride accidents are particularly serious so there are many factors that need to be examined.
What Caused the Vehicle to Become Lodged Under the Big Rig?
Underride collisions are among the most dangerous types of crashes involving commercial vehicles. Investigators should assess whether the big rig was making a turn, changing lanes, or attempting a maneuver that placed it in the other vehicle’s path.
Were Visibility or Safety Systems a Factor?
Big rigs are required to have proper reflective markings and lighting to increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Investigators should determine whether the truck’s lights were functional and if the trailer had adequate underride guards to reduce the severity of an impact like this. Additionally, authorities may examine whether fatigue or distractions played a role in the crash.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand the circumstances of the crash, investigators should review the semi-truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and any available dashcam recordings. While finding witnesses may be difficult since this crash happened early in the morning, investigators could look at the truck driver’s cell phone data to see if potential distraction played a role.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters in This Crash
At this stage, there are more questions than answers about what led to this crash. Determining whether driver actions or mechanical failures contributed to the collision is essential for understanding what happened and ensuring accountability. In my experience, early reports don’t always provide the full picture, making it crucial to examine every possible factor.