Legal news for California 18-wheeler accident attorneys. A man was killed when his big rig fell off the Bay Bridge.

California Highway Patrol reported a semi-truck fell over the Bay Bridge at the S-curve and crashed 200 feet below.

San Francisco, CA—A fatal crash on the Bay Bridge S-curve killed a Hayward man when his semi-truck plummeted 200 feet off the side of the Bridge. The big rig crashed onto the Yerba Buena Island below on Monday, November 9, 2009 around 3:30 a.m., as reported by the San Jose Mercury News.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the semi-truck transporting pears to San Francisco may have been speeding when he failed to negotiate the S curve and his tractor-trailer went over the side of the Bay Bridge. Police officials believe he was traveling about 50 mph when the accident occurred, which is 10 mph over the posted speed limit at the S-curve. The 18-wheeler crashed onto the Yerba Buena Island below and littered the area with debris and boxes of pears. A mattress, which is believed to have come from the cab of the semi, was spotted hanging from the bridge railing 200-feet above the crash. The unidentified driver was killed in the violent incident. Caltrans officials reported that no structural damage to the Bridge occurred. The CHP closed the roadway for four hours, and reopened the far-right lane around 7:45 a.m. CHP officials and Caltrans officials are investigating the fatal wreck.

There have been a reported 42 crashes at the S-curve since it opened on September 8th. Drivers have experience difficulties trying to navigate the sudden curve in the road, which has resulted in numerous accidents. This morning’s crash is the first fatal accident to be reported.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for California 18-wheeler accident lawyers.