Dump Truck Mishap Leads to Highway Shutdown

All eastbound lanes of state Route 78 were shut down for several hours following a crash involving an asphalt dump truck, two other vehicles, and a highway overpass Monday night in San Marcos.

According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, the crash took place just after 9 p.m., where a 3-axled dump truck with its truck bed still raised crashed into the Nordahl Road overpass, ripping the bed from the vehicle and damaging the overpass itself.

Two vehicles then crashed into the separated truck bed, as they were unable to dodge the still moving metal container. One driver suffered minor injuries and was sent to Palomar Medical Center for treatment. The other was unhurt, as was the driver of the dump truck. It was also reported that the injured driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The Peterbilt dump truck had reportedly just finished pouring asphalt in a construction zone on the highway just west of the accident site. The driver of the vehicle then set off without properly lowering the bed, reaching highway speeds before embarrassingly crashing into the overpass.

The crash forced the closure of all eastbound lanes for almost six hours as Caltrans crews were called to the scene to clean up the debris from the crash and repair the damages to the road.  Lanes were reopened just before 3 a.m. Caltrans and investigators from the San Marcos Police Department are still looking into the particulars of the accident to better understand what led to the incident.

It is fortunate that an accident such as this did not inflict more serious damage than it did, as a large dump truck bed crashing onto the highway brings serious potential to cause major harm.

For victims hurt in dangerous construction accidents like this, there are legal protections in place to help them recover. With the help of an experience San Diego accident lawyer, compensation can be recovered from those at fault to help pay for things like medical bills, hospital visits, car repair payments, and even replace wages lost from time spent away from work.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we will work to get you the full amount that you are rightfully owed, and help you onto the road to a full recovery. We can carefully explain your legal options and guide you through the legal process. As always, we will not charge you anything for our services until your case is won. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn about what we can do for you!