Commercial Vehicle Accidents in California: A Comprehensive Guide
Commercial trucks, semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers – whatever you call them, these massive vehicles cause some equally massive accidents on California’s roads and highways every year. When a loaded 80,000 pound tractor-trailer collides with a small passenger car, the results are almost always catastrophic.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
When a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck, the cause may seem obvious – the bigger truck clearly caused the crash.
However, liability is not always straightforward. Like any accident, a thorough investigation is required to determine fault. Possible negligent parties in a commercial truck crash include:
- The truck driver – if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, fatigued, etc.
- The trucking company – if they inadequately train drivers, maintain trucks, or enforce safety policies.
- Vehicle manufacturers – if a mechanical defect caused or contributed to the crash.
- Government agencies – if poor road design or maintenance was involved.
- More than one party – multiple negligence factors are common in major truck wrecks.
While each truck collision has unique circumstances, data shows certain factors repeatedly contribute to these accidents in California:
Common Causes of Truck Crashes in California
The Dangers of Sharing the Road with Big Rigs
Whenever passenger cars and heavy commercial trucks share the road, there is the potential for catastrophic collisions. These crashes carry a huge risk for the occupants of smaller vehicles:
- Rollovers – tall, top-heavy trucks are prone to rollovers in turns or evasive maneuvers. Cars can get crushed underneath.
- Underride collisions – a car can slide under a truck’s trailer, sheering off the roof and killing occupants.
- Oversize loads – all it takes is one poorly secured oversize item falling from a truck onto a passing car.
- Rear underride – a car rear-ending a truck can get wedged dangerously underneath the back end.
- Side underride – an improper truck lane change traps a car partly under the trailer, ripping the car open.
- Truck braking distance – loaded trucks take nearly twice as far to stop as cars, increasing rear-end crash risk.
- Wide turns – cars often misjudge the extra-wide turns trucks need to make and get clipped.
- Blind spots – with massive blind spots all around them, trucks often merge into or turn into cars they can’t see.
When you share the road with an 80,000 lb vehicle, the slightest mistake can have catastrophic and often fatal consequences. Defensive and alert driving is a must.
The Aftermath of a Serious Commercial Truck Crash
In the seconds and minutes after a major semi truck collision, shock and disbelief are common. Once the dust settles, the painful realities begin to sink in:
- Injuries – from minor cuts and bruises to permanent disabilities or death, accident injuries can upend lives.
- Financial stress – medical bills, lost wages, and other costs pile up rapidly after a serious crash.
- Property damage – both vehicles often sustain major damage, leaving families without transportation.
- Logistics headaches – towing, rental cars, finding alternative routes to work, and other tasks add stress.
- Insurance issues – claim disputes, delays, underpayment, and denial of benefits frustrate many innocent accident victims and their families.
- Legal concerns – complex questions of fault, liability, settlements, litigation, and more must be addressed.
- Emotional trauma – shock, anger, sadness, sleeplessness, and other issues linger long after the physical recovery.
Navigating the legal, medical, financial, and emotional aftermath of a major truck collision is incredibly challenging. An experienced attorney can help.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Truck Accident in California
Do not go it alone after any serious crash with a commercial vehicle. Consult an attorney from the Sasooness Law Group for assistance with gathering accident evidence, proving liability, maximizing compensation, litigation, and managing logistics. The aftermath of a truck accident can be a complex, stressful time.
Our attorneys have helped hundreds of commercial vehicle crash victims in California get their lives back on track after tragic accidents.
Call the Sasooness Law Group Today
After any collision with a commercial semi, delivery truck, or other large vehicle, consult our experienced attorneys immediately. We have an exceptional track record getting injury victims and grieving families maximum compensation after devastating truck crashes. Visit our law offices at:
- 21777 Ventura Boulevard Suite 263, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
- 15000 7th Street Suite 201, Victorville, CA 92395
- 8889 West Olympic Boulevard, 3rd Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Or call us today for a free consultation at (888) 922-8399.