When a truck accident occurs, the damages are often severe, causing injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss. Many times, truck accidents are preventable, meaning that with proper attention to the road and following the laws of the land, they should not happen. However, if you look at some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in California, you will notice many are preventable incidents.
As a direct result of this, victims have the legal right to pursue fair compensation for the losses they suffer at the hands of the at-fault party. That may be the truck driver, the trucking company employing the driver, or others. Talk to a Dana Point truck accident lawyer from Wunderli Injury Law today.
Common Reasons Truck Accidents Happen in California
The following are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in California. If you believe these occurred in your case, speak to our truck accident attorney about the losses you have incurred:
- Distracted driving:Â Any time a driver is not fully focused on the roadway due to paying attention to something else, that could put others at risk. Distracted driving may involve using a phone, texting, using navigational tools, or eating while driving.
- Fatigued driving:Â The state of California and the federal government have very specific laws in place to govern the number of hours a truck driver can operate the vehicle without a break. That is due to the high risk of fatigue causing accidents.
- Intoxicated driving:Â A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or those facing side effects from medications they are taking, is more likely to cause accidents.
- Vehicle mechanical failures: Trucks that are not properly maintained may become a risk for drivers on the road. Failures to the vehicle’s brakes, tires, or engine are some of the most common. Poor maintenance and upkeep could be one factor here.
- Poorly secured cargo:Â In situations where the cargo on a truck is not properly stored and managed, an accident could occur if it shifts. It may also fall off the truck, injuring others.
- Vehicle defects and design failures:Â When we see accidents occur due to manufacturer defects, there are often many accidents across the country in those vehicles. In this situation, the manufacturer could be held responsible for the injuries caused.
- Poor road conditions:Â Trucks are heavy machinery that, if not given a safe roadway to navigate, could become dangerous weapons. If poor weather is a factor, the driver should not be operating the vehicle on the roadway because they could be putting others at risk.
- Driver inexperience: Truck drivers must maintain proper education and training to operate on the state’s roads. Trucking companies must ensure they meet those legal requirements.
While these are some of the most common causes of truck accidents, there are others. In all situations, if you are a victim of any type of truck accident, it is critical to seek out the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney. Doing so is the only way to protect your right to full and fair compensation in your case.