Truck Trailer Overturns, Causing Propane Leak

Truck Trailer Overturns, Causing Propane Leak on I-15

May 18,2016

A collision involving a truck hauling a camper trailer on I-15 caused a propane leak Sunday morning, which closed down the whole freeway for 30 minutes. The accident is still under investigation, but authorities say a collision occurred on northbound I-15 between D and E Streets. The collision caused the truck with the trailer to overturn, which then triggered the propane leak.

When County Fire responded to the incident they discovered the leak and quickly closed all lanes in order to contain the spill. Once crews were admitted to the scene, the leak was secured in roughly 15 minutes and the freeway reopened shortly after. No one reported injuries from the accident.

Towing a trailer can be dangerous if you don’t take the appropriate measures. Here are 5 tips for properly towing a trailer:

Only tow a trailer with a vehicle made to handle the load. Before you load up your vehicle with a heavy trailer, it’s crucial to ensure it can bear the added weight. Check your vehicle’s manual for the gross vehicular weight rating (GVWR) and compare it with the gross trailer weight before you do anything.
Install the appropriate hitch for your vehicle and the trailer you plan to tow. The trailer hitch size is determined by the weight of the trailer and your vehicle’s maximum tongue weight (the weight the trailer applies to the hitch of your vehicle).
Attach lights and ensure they work properly. It’s critical that the trailer’s lights function properly so that other drivers know when you are braking or planning to turn. Failure to do this is not only dangerous but could also result in a traffic ticket.
Make sure everything in the trailer is secured. Never drive around with loose items that could fly off your trailer. You could be responsible for any damage or injuries resulting from those items flying off.
Get familiar with the new clearance and turning radius of your vehicle. Adding a trailer to your vehicle will undoubtedly affect the way you drive, so it’s important to get used to driving with the trailer before driving on any major roads.

“We’re glad no one was injured in this incident. It’s crucial to drive with extreme caution when you are towing a trailer, but it’s also important for other drivers to look out for these vehicles and give them enough space when you see them on the road,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Coachella Valley Truck Accident Lawyer

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.