Confusion Regarding Runaway Ramp May Have Caused Grapevine Truck Accident

A woman was killed recently in a truck accident on the Grapevine, a portion of the 5 freeway.  According to a news report, confusion regarding a runaway ramp may have been a factor in the big rig accident.

On Sunday, August 23, 2009, 67-year-old Sumiko Imamura was fatally injured after an out-of-control truck slammed into her Mazda sport utility vehicle.  The truck had lost its brakes, as it travelled north on the 5 freeway at Fort Tejon.  It gained speed as it went down the hill and into the fast lane.  This tragic California truck accident occurred just north of a runaway escape ramp located on the west side of the road.  The impact of the truck collision caused the SUV to go into a dirt embankment, where it rolled over.  Imamura was ejected from the vehicle.

Even after the semi truck hit Imamura’s vehicle, it continued on and struck a Ford pickup and the debris from the crash hit a Subaru Impreza.  The truck didn’t stop until it reached Laval Road.

Just two days after this fatal California semi truck accident, news came out that confusion regarding the runaway ramp may have caused the crash.  According to reporters, the trucker may have been able to use one of the two runaway truck ramps that were close by.  However, there were two posted signs that said one of the ramps was closed.  Apparently, the California Highway Patrol had requested Cal Trans to remove the closure lights, but it hadn’t been done.

If you have been injured in a truck accident on the Grapevine or other area in California, you should contact Steinberg & Spencer Injury Lawyers at 1-800-350-8888.