Trucks play an integral part in the economy by transporting goods all across the country. However, these vehicles can be intimidating to drive near due to their substantial size, and justifiably so as trucking accidents can be catastrophic, if not fatal. As such, if you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, understanding how these accidents occur is crucial if you wish to pursue justice. The following blog explores what you must know about these circumstances and how our Irvine truck accident lawyers can help you proceed.
There are several reasons semi-trucks are involved in accidents. In general, one of the most common causes is fatigue. Truck drivers are often subjected to long hours of continuous driving, which can be incredibly tiring. Because of this, they often fall asleep at the wheel, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.
To combat this, the Department of Transportation has regulated how many hours truckers can drive. However, employers may encourage their drivers to ignore these rules, and drivers may feel pressured to make deliveries on time. When a driver is fatigued, they can experience blurred vision, slowed reflexes, clouded judgment, and loss of consciousness at the wheel, all of which can lead to a collision.
In addition, distracted driving is a significant cause of collisions involving truck drivers. Driving can be monotonous, and truck drivers may take their focus away from the road. Generally, any time anyone takes their mind off driving, eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel, they are considered distracted. As such, texting, eating, daydreaming, or looking at scenery are all forms of distracted driving that can lead to a collision as the driver is unaware of the traffic ahead of them.
Finally, mechanical issues with the vehicle can lead to collisions. Often, these occur when the company responsible for repairing and performing maintenance on the semi-trucks postpones service to keep as many vehicles on the road as possible.
Though it depends on the circumstances of your specific case, you can generally hold the driver and/or their employer responsible. This is especially true if the company failed to perform proper vehicle maintenance or coerced their drivers to exceed federal travel limits.
Regardless, if you have suffered injuries and damages as a result of the negligent actions of another party, you should connect with an experienced attorney.
At California Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand how complex trucking accidents can be. Our team will examine your circumstances to determine the best course of action for your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation with a member of our team.
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