Traffic accidents can result in crippling injuries or even death and can have lifelong adverse effects on the victims and their families. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from this misfortune, getting help from the best truck accident lawyer in California is the most practical decision you can make.
Trucks that Commonly Hit the Roads of California
Glendale is one of the most crowded places in California, with millions of registered vehicles. Commercial trucks are among them than carry out various tasks across the city. Big rigs add to the number involved in countrywide shipping. Trucks that frequent the roads include:
- Delivery trucks
- Tractor-trailers
- Moving trucks
- Cement mixers
- Flatbed trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Car carrier trailers
- Refrigerator trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Heavy haulers
- On-demand hauling trucks
Best Truck Accident Lawyer in California: Why are Truck Accidents Common in Glendale?
There are several reasons why truck accidents are common in Glendale. Here are some of the few:
Speeding
Based on the California Vehicle Code 22406 VC, trucks have a maximum speed of only 55 miles per hour, including buses and other stipulated vehicles. Speeding truck drivers should know that :
- There are lawful defenses to go against a speeding charge, where a speeding driver can hire a lawyer to dispute a speeding ticket
- The fee ranges from $285.00 to over $500.00 for violating Vehicle Code 22406 VC
- A speeding truck driver who drives more than the allowed speed limit will get 1 or 1.5 points on his DMV record
- Truck drivers shouldn’t disregard California speeding tickets, or it will result in charge of failure to appear or misdemeanor
If you were hit by a truck as a pedestrian or while driving your car and sustained injuries, it’s necessary to talk to a truck accident lawyer in California.
Distracted Driving
The truck driver could be eating, drinking, or using his phone while driving. He might also be picking up something that fell on the car floor. He could also be distracted by something or someone on the side of the highway.
Exhausted Driving
Due to exhaustion, the truck driver could fall asleep while driving. He could be working ceaselessly for some time and couldn’t take a break or a nap just to get to his destination in time. It also includes working beyond service hours just to reach his quota.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Proper maintenance helps in the prevention of truck accidents. Before hitting the road, the trucking company should conduct regular check-ups to their trucks before departure to ensure that everything is okay.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs/Alcohol (DUI)
The truck driver is drunk or consuming too much weed or taking illegal drugs before or while driving. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.04% for commercial driver’s license holders.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Road conditions are another factor why truck accidents occur in California. There could be ongoing road maintenance, but the contractor didn’t have any appropriate warning signs. Moreover, there might be potholes, uneven road surfaces, or insufficient lighting.
Negligent Hiring
Trucking companies should hire professional and licensed truck drivers. They should perform enough background checks to ensure that the drivers they’ll hire are fit for the job. Additionally, they need to train them well and let them know the laws governing truck driving.
Hiring a truck driver with an attitude is a real headache. He will beat the red light or make an illegal turn. He will think that other motorists will be afraid of him because of the massive vehicle he’s driving and will let him pass.
Other Drivers
Some drivers also cause problems on the road. Because trucks are huge and carry tons of load, they cannot go as fast even if they want to. Besides, they have a speed limit to follow or they will face the consequences. Impatient drivers who are following the truck will overtake it, not regarding the approaching vehicles they could possibly crash into.
Overloaded Trucks
Truck accidents also happen because of cargo overloading. Different trucks have different cargo limits that should be followed to prevent lost control of the vehicle when they need to make a turn. Overloaded cargoes can also cause road accidents when they fall due to mishandling and improper loading.
Available Damages in a Truck Accident
Truck accident victims can file for compensatory damages to cover for their losses. The court can award them with economic and non-economic damages. Hiring the best truck accident lawyer in California can help maximize your compensation.
Economic damages include:
- Lost salaries
- past and future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-economic damages include:
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- loss of enjoyment of life
- loss of consortium
Get Genuine Help from the Big Ben Lawyers
Big Ben Lawyers have a background and interest in medicine. We have the right sources to help and serve our clients better. Our passion and dedication allow us to fight for our clients’ rights and secure them the compensation they deserve.
We will do the same thing for you and your family and maximize your compensation. Talk to us and call (818) 423-4878 today at no cost. We work on a contingency basis.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206