California is one of the most industrialized states in the United States where major manufacturing companies and businesses flourish. Because of this, trucks of different sizes come and go in the region to deliver goods and other necessary materials. It also means that possible traffic of tankers, big rigs, and tractor-trailers can cause truck accidents.
The state’s economy depends on international and interstate commerce and trucks regularly convey cargoes across California. Despite varied truck safety measures, truck accidents still occur, causing tragic road accidents involving other vehicles and people on the road.
If you or a loved one suffers an injury from a truck accident, seek immediate treatment. After seeing a doctor, speak with Los Angeles truck accident injury lawyers to help protect your rights and check if you have a case.
What Happens Next After a Truck Accident?
After a truck collision, it’s crucial to determine the cause and the responsible parties by investigating and gathering pieces of evidence. As a victim, you might deal with a huge corporate body with sharp claims adjusters who will try to minimize their financial obligations to the victim as much as they can.
You need someone dependable to fight for your rights and defend you from people who want to take advantage of your current situation. Hiring a lawyer will give you peace of mind.
California Truck Safety Regulations
The state has placed a couple of truck safety regulations encompassing truck drivers and trucking companies. When they violate the rules, accidents happen.
Trucking companies need to properly maintain the vehicles they own or lease. They have to thoroughly check that the brakes, lights, engine, steering, and other mechanical parts are working properly. It’s their responsibility to make regular maintenance and safety inspections.
Moreover, all records regarding inspections and repairs made should be maintained and accessible for review. Trucking companies that didn’t follow these regulations can be held responsible for accidents that can result in disastrous injuries and wrongful death.
Truck drivers are also liable for operating their vehicles safely. At the same time, they should follow the rules placed by the law. Particularly, they must acquire special licenses, take regular rest breaks and fulfill driving limits.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents may differ from each other. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Improper cargo loading
- Driver fatigue
- Inexperienced drivers
- Poor weather and road conditions
- Improper maintenance
Typical Kinds of Truck Accidents in California
Truck accidents in California happen for several reasons. It includes:
Brake Failures
Poorly maintained or Inappropriately installed brakes can malfunction. Deteriorating brakes and sudden stops lead to overheating and can increase the danger of road accidents, especially with heavier trucks and tractor-railers.
Blind Spots
A majority of commercial trucks have bigger blind spots along the sides and rear. But smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles and cars that weren’t able to keep clear of these ” No-Zone” areas are prone to accidents and can get involved.
Jackknifes
This accident occurs when a truck’s drive axle brakes lock. It causes the trailer to slide and then stop after making a 90-degree angle with the trailer. While the vehicle jackknifes, the truck driver has no control of the vehicle as it tumbles onto other vehicles.
Rear-End
The bulky nature and massive weight of a truck and its load can create a catastrophic accident. When it collides into the rear of another vehicle, such as a smaller vehicle, it can cause serious injuries to the driver and his passengers.
Rollovers
Speeding can make a truck roll over and can happen on steep inclines and decline. Rollovers also occur when trucks bump curbs, zigzag around other vehicles, drive too fast on curves, or improperly load cargoes.
Under-Ride
If the truck driver suddenly steps on the brakes, the vehicles following it become crumbled under the rear-trailer. This scenario usually results in fatal injuries and casualties.
Runaway Trucks
Truck drivers must know how to apply the brakes that would slowly reduce the speed to avoid brake failure. Quickened hitting of the brakes can cause a runaway truck accident or even a jackknife.
Wide Turn
Otherwise known as a swinging turn crash, it occurs when truck drivers miscalculate the amount of space necessary for completing a turn. This accident is also called a squeeze-play accident, in which truck drivers didn’t notice smaller vehicles in the trailer’s path.
Suffered Injuries and Losses from a Truck Accident? Talk to Big Ben Lawyers to Help You Recover Damages
You can imagine the extent of damage a truck accident can inflict on people and properties. Injured victims can incur costly medical treatment and need to miss work to heal and regain strength.
Talk to Big Ben Lawyers to help you recover damages and make yourself whole again. Our truck accident injury attorney’s interest and background in Medicine will help establish a strong and successful case against the defendant(s). Likewise, we can improve your odds of getting higher compensation.
Book a free consultation and take advantage of our contingency fee basis policy. Reach out to us and call (818) 423-4878. Let’s win your case together.
Big Ben Lawyers
144 N Glendale Ave.
Suite 250
Glendale, CA 91206