A 37-year-old man who was critically injured in a truck accident the afternoon of August 17, 2010, has been identified as Boris Tomas May. The Santa Clarita Valley Signal reports that the accident occurred on Highway 14 near Escondido Canyon Road in Acton when May slammed into the back of a big-rig that was traveling at about 25 mph. May's speed was estimated at 70 mph. May was transported to an area hospital for treatment of major injuries. Officials are looking into what caused this crash.

I'm relieved to note that May was not killed in this collision. I hope he has not sustained catastrophic injuries and pray that he recovers quickly and completely. Please keep this injured victim and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA), truck accident statistics, there were 304 fatal truck accidents and 3,196 injury crashes involving truck accidents, in California, in 2008. In Los Angeles County, 667 people died and 52,229 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Causes and Liability Issues

Based on this news report, it is not clear what cause this major injury collision. There are several unanswered questions here. We do not know if May was traveling at an unsafe speed given the traffic conditions. California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (Basic Speed Law) states: "No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic and on surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." It is also not clear whether the truck driver was at fault for slowing down suddenly.

If the driver of the big rig is found to have been at fault, he or she as well as his or her employer, could be held liable for May's injuries. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer in such cases, will be able to advise victims about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

Do you feel unsafe or intimidated while driving alongside or directly behind a big rig on the highway or freeway?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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