Common Causes for Big Rig (Truck) Accidents in California

Roadway accidents always pose a significant safety risk. Accidents involving large commercial trucks such as tractor-trailers, eighteen-wheelers, and big rigs are an even greater risk. These large trucks can weigh up to twenty times the amount of a typical passenger car. Therefore, when these trucks are involved in an accident with a passenger car, it is almost a guarantee that they will crush the smaller vehicles.

There are significant safety regulations in place to prevent accidents caused by large trucks. However, it is not uncommon for truckers or truck companies to ignore safety regulations, increasing the risk of injury and death for those involved in accidents. Victims of these accidents are likely to sustain serious injuries, such as spinal injuries, amputations or life-altering brain damage, or to be killed.

If you have suffered as a result of an accident with a large truck, you may be able to recover compensation for any lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage as a result of the accident. Reach out to a qualified attorney at Silva Injury Law who can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Much like a car accident, truck accidents can happen at any time and in a variety of different ways. Large trucks, such as 18-wheelers and big rigs, are involved in 12 percent of traffic fatalities, despite only accounting for three percent of vehicles on the road.

Commercial truck drivers are considered professionals and are required to have special training and knowledge of increase safety regulations which control when and how they are able to drive their trucks. Unfortunately, both truck drivers and the companies that hire the drivers, may ignore the laws and regulations in order to increase delivery speeds. This may lead to drivers operating their trucks on an inadequate amount of sleep or with the assistance of drugs to stay awake. Companies may also fail to properly maintain tires, lights, brakes, and other equipment which can create an increased risk for serious accidents.

The following are common causes for big truck accidents:

• Lack of experience or improper training
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Inappropriate and unsafe speeds
• Failure to obey traffic rules
• Driving while fatigued
• Lack of proper judgement

When a truck driver continues to operate their truck under any of these conditions, the risk for an accident that can lead to serious injury or death is increased.

PARTIES WHO CAN BE SUED FOLLOWING A TRUCK CRASH

There are a number of parties who may be liable when a truck accident takes place. Most often the truck driver will be a defendant in a claim. If the facts show that the driver was acting negligently while operating the vehicle, they can be held responsible for the losses and damages a victim suffered.

In addition to the driver the trucking company may also be sued. If the driver was an employee of a trucking company, they can be included in the lawsuit. If the company failed to maintain the truck properly, they may be held liable for potential damages. Similarly, if the truck company fails to provide adequate supervision for their employees or is negligent in the way they train their drivers, they may be responsible at least in part for the accident.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A TRUCK CRASH

If you have been involved in a truck crash and have suffered due to the negligence of the truck driver, contact an attorney. You may have a right to compensation for your pain and suffering.