The BART strike is into its second day and has taken its toll on Bay Area commutes. Morning traffic was also frustrated this morning by an accident that occurred at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza. According to an ABC 7 News report, a semi truck crashed into the structure where tens of thousands of vehicles pay to cross the bridge into San Francisco.
A spokesperson for the Golden Gate explained that the truck tried to use a lane that was too narrow for it. In trying to pass through the toll, the truck snapped its front axle. The plaza itself was also damaged.
The California Highway Patrol also noted that the truck was blocking three lanes of southbound traffic, making the commute from the North Bay much more complicated than usual. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
The crash exemplifies the care needed by truck drivers to operate their rigs with reasonable care in order to avoid such accidents. The driver has a duty to understand the size of the truck and use good judgment when deciding to pass through a checkpoint such as the Golden Gate Bridge.
In his defense, the driver could argue that there were no signs warning drivers about proximity and size issues that would properly alert him to potential problems and give him the opportunity to take evasive action. With these arguments, it remains to be seen whether the trucking company will be held liable.
If you have questions about a truck driver’s liability after an accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.
Source: ABC 7 News.com, Big-rig-truck crashes into Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza, July 2, 2013
Semi-truck crashes into Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza
