One of the most common causes of truck accidents is human error. Whether it’s the driver making a mistake, an inspector overlooking an issue, or a freight team incorrectly loading cargo, an individual or individuals at a company are usually to blame. Identifying each potential party who holds liability can be extremely complicated, so hiring a qualified California truck accident lawyer with Ernst Law Group for your claim should be your priority.
Negligence is often to blame in California truck accidents
A crash with an 18-wheeler or other large truck often leaves victims with serious injuries that can dramatically alter the course of their lives. In many cases, motorists in smaller vehicles do not survive, devastating their surviving family members. If you or a loved one has been injured this way, you likely have questions concerning who is at fault and what caused the crash.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) produces a report on Large Truck and Bus Statistics every year. The most recent data is from 2022 although the main causes of truck accidents change very little from year to year. The most common factors include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driver distraction
- Driver fatigue
- Alcohol or drug use
- Mechanical problems or safety violations
Although other factors such as driver inexperience or road and weather conditions may contribute to a crash, our truck accident lawyers find there’s usually a person, company, or government agency that carries fault. We will work tirelessly to bring those parties to justice so you and your family can focus on recovering from the effects of the crash.
Speeding or reckless driving
The weight and size of a large commercial truck make them especially dangerous when the driver exceeds the speed limit or drives too fast on a wet or icy road. Drivers who disobey traffic signals and signs also put everyone on the road at risk, especially those on foot, bicycles, or motorcycles.
Driver distraction
Drivers often rely on GPS for navigation, but they can be so focused on watching the screen that they overlook important changes in traffic. They may also use their cell phones or entertainment devices to make the long hours behind the wheel easier to bear, yet driving while holding a cell phone is illegal in California. Your truck accident attorney can request cell phone records to determine whether the truck driver who hit you was texting or using a phone before the crash. The key is to conduct a thorough truck accident investigation to find out exactly what happened so you can receive full compensation.
Driver fatigue
The FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations govern how many hours a driver can be on the road before they must take a break and get rest. Those who ignore these regulations can be subject to fines and other penalties, but that’s little comfort when an overtired driver hits you or your loved one. An investigation into how driver fatigue contributed to the accident may reveal the trucking company put pressure on the driver to meet unrealistic quotas, putting part of the blame on those who run the business.
Alcohol or drug use
As with any motorist, truck drivers using alcohol or drugs while driving are breaking the law and risking the lives of others, including themselves. They may make poor decisions, overlook sudden changes around them, or be unable to stop their trucks in time. The result is injury and death, opening the door for victims to seek help from a California wrongful death lawyer.
Mechanical or safety problems
There can be many parties at fault when a truck experiences a mechanical or safety problem that leads to an accident. For example, your attorney may investigate the following truck accident causes:
- Manufacturers who produced components used on the truck
- Repair and maintenance shops that worked on the vehicle or trailer
- Fleet owners who purchased the trucks
- Inspectors who overlooked unsafe conditions
- Cargo loaders who failed to secure or balance the freight properly
- Drivers who failed to perform federally required daily truck inspections
Get help with your California truck accident case today
When you are in pain and facing an uncertain future, you don’t need to worry about dealing with insurance companies after a crash with a big rig. Trucking companies and insurance representatives aren’t interested in how much you hurt or whether they are to blame. They hope you won’t hold them accountable instead of ensuring they don’t hurt anyone else.
At Ernst Law Group, we understand the causes of semi-truck accidents and how to manage your case for a satisfactory outcome. Our compassionate and aggressive team will prioritize your interests and maximize your truck accident compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the pain you’re suffering. Contact us online or call (805) 541-0300 today to arrange a free consultation with a California truck accident lawyer.
