Truck accidents can be serious, leading to extensive damage and injuries. If negligence on the part of the truck driver or their employer is determined to be a factor in the accident, victims may be able to seek compensation for wages lost, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. To make a successful personal injury claim following a truck accident, it must be shown that someone else’s negligence is to blame for your injuries. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you with this. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Every year, trucking accidents cause serious injury and death in the United States. By understanding the conditions that can lead to truck accidents, you can help ensure your safety while on the road. Some of the most common causes include:
Driver Fatigue: Driver fatigue can be a major contributor to trucking accidents, as it can severely impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making abilities, and concentration. Driving while overcome by fatigue can have serious consequences.
Federal law has set strict limits on how many hours a truck driver can work without taking a break or getting rest. Logs must be maintained to document on-duty and off-duty hours. Failure to follow the hours-of-service regulations can result in hefty fines and other serious penalties.
Inadequate Training or Maintenance: Many trucking accidents happen because drivers lack proper training, or their trucks have not been adequately maintained. To ensure safety on the roads, federal law requires all commercial motor vehicle drivers to have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Keeping vehicles in good working order is required for employers. Neglecting to do so may expose them to liability if an accident arises as a result of inadequate maintenance, potentially leading to civil lawsuits.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI): Driving under the influence is another major cause of trucking accidents in the United States. Federal law and California state laws prohibit any person from operating a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or if their BAC is .04% or more.
Who Is Liable for Trucking Accidents?
In the event of a trucking accident, liability can belong to several parties. The driver of the truck is the most obvious party that could be held responsible, depending on their negligence during the incident (e.g., driving while tired and running a red light).
The trucking company could also be held liable if they failed to properly maintain their vehicles or enforce safe driving practices among their employees, such as limiting hours behind the wheel and implementing regular safety checks on their trucks.
Additionally, any maintenance companies hired by the trucking company may also be held liable if they failed to ensure that all parts were working correctly prior to dispatch.
Why Hire Rodriguez & Associates For Your Trucking Accident Claim?
Truck accidents can be dangerous for all parties involved due to the size and weight of these vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Here’s why you should work with Rodriguez & Associates:
- With over 100 years of combined experience in personal injury cases, we have handled all kinds of trucking cases; there’s never a case that’s too complicated for us to take on.
- We are selective about the cases we choose, so if we agree to represent you, it’s because we truly believe we can help you.
- You will always have direct communication with your attorney, and we will keep you up to date on the progress of your case.
If you need legal assistance after a truck accident, contact Rodriguez & Associates to schedule a free consultation.