When passenger vehicles are involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, there is a much higher likelihood that the occupants of the smaller vehicle suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. However, pursuing compensation for losses suffered in a large truck accident can be challenging.
This is because large corporations and insurers back trucking companies. They will fight to avoid paying out large personal injury claims, even when it is clear that the victim has suffered disabling injuries.
The experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorneys at the Vaziri Law Group have helped injured victims recover maximum compensation for their losses. We are sensitive to the needs and situations of victims and their families.
Our team is here to assist you as you face the challenge of securing fair compensation for your losses. We always put the needs of truck accident victims first.
Learn more about what to do after a Los Angeles truck accident below. Then, contact our experienced truck accident attorney to schedule a free case consultation.
Factors That Lead to Tractor-Trailer Crashes Nationwide
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the vast majority of deaths in large truck crashes involve occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Tractor-trailers and trucks are taller and have greater ground clearance than average cars.
Lower-riding vehicles can slide under truck trailers, which could have serious consequences. Strong underride guards can prevent such catastrophic accidents from occurring.
Truck driver fatigue is also a factor in truck accidents nationwide. Under the federal hours-of-service regulations, large truck drivers must take breaks so they are not tired behind the wheel. In addition, braking capability can be a factor in truck crashes.
Compared with passenger vehicles, stopping distances for large trucks are much longer. This is often the case on wet and slippery roads or if the brake systems need to be better maintained.
Common Causes Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Several factors could cause accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large trucks and result from different acts of negligence. Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show several common causes that lead to devastating truck accidents nationwide:
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About 32% of truck crashes are caused by large trucks crossing over the road's centerline. The truck driver could be fatigued, distracted, impaired, or otherwise careless.
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Losing control of the truck due to speeding causes 29% of truck accidents.
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FMCSA's causation study attributes 12% of truck accidents to "driver nonperformance." This could include fatigue, being sick, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. About 2% of truck drivers who were involved in fatal accidents in 2016 had a blood alcohol level of 0.08%. The legal limit for drivers of commercial vehicles is 0.04%.
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About 28% of truck accidents were caused by driver inattention.
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About 10% of accidents are caused by truck-related problems, such as faulty parts, loading mistakes, or overweight vehicles.
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About 3% of truck accidents are caused by inclement weather and poor roadway conditions.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers will conduct a deep investigation into what caused your truck accident and collect documentation relating to driver history, driver logs, cell phone records, and vehicle maintenance information, which could shed light on what caused your accident and who should be held liable.
Our law firm also uses the services of outside experts who can help strengthen your case.
Distracted Truckers
Distracted driving is a major risk for any traffic accident. However, it can be more dangerous when large truck drivers operate their rigs while distracted. According to FMCSA's statistics, truck drivers texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Also, large truck drivers are six times more likely to be involved in an accident while dialing a handheld cell phone and three times more likely to be involved in a crash when reaching for an object in the truck.
Federal laws prohibit truck drivers from texting or talking on a handheld cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. When truck drivers operate their vehicles while distracted, the consequences can be catastrophic.
If a distracted truck driver has injured you or a loved one, our experienced California truck accident lawyers can help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a dangerous cause of truck accidents, as alcohol impairs a driver's reaction time and decision-making abilities. When truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence, they pose a significant risk to everyone on the road.
Many truck accidents have been linked to drivers with illegal blood alcohol content levels. Laws and regulations prohibit commercial drivers from drinking and driving to help prevent these tragedies.
Tired Driving
Tired driving is common among truck drivers due to long hours on the road and strict delivery schedules. Fatigue can reduce a driver's concentration and reaction speed, making responding to road conditions or traffic changes difficult.
Regulations exist to limit driving hours and mandate rest periods, but they are not always followed. As a result, tired driving remains a significant factor in truck accidents.
Improper Maintenance
Improper truck maintenance can lead to critical failures that cause accidents. Essential components like brakes, tires, and lights need regular checks to ensure they function properly.
When trucking companies or drivers neglect these maintenance requirements, the risk of an accident increases significantly. A poorly maintained truck is not just unreliable but also a potential hazard on the road.
Lack of Proper Training
Lack of proper training for truck drivers can lead to serious accidents. Driving a large commercial vehicle requires specialized skills acquired through comprehensive training programs.
Without adequate training, drivers may be unable to handle complex driving situations, leading to errors on the road. Trucking companies must provide thorough training to ensure their drivers are prepared for the challenges of the road.
Common Trailer Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. The force of impact can cause devastating harm to those in passenger vehicles.
Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in trailer truck accidents:
Traumatic brain injuries.
These injuries can occur when the head is hit or when an object pierces the skull. Brain injuries can have long-term cognitive effects and may require extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries.
Such injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis. They can change a person's life forever, requiring long-term medical care and personal assistance.
Broken bones.
Truck accidents often cause severe fractures that can require surgery and lengthy periods of immobilization. Recovery may involve physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation.
Internal injuries.
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, are common in truck accidents due to the force of impact. These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Lacerations and cuts.
Glass from shattered windows and metal from torn vehicle parts can cause serious cuts and lacerations. These injuries can lead to significant blood loss and may result in scarring.
Burn injuries.
Fires can occur when a truck's fuel tank is damaged in an accident. Burn injuries require specialized medical treatment and can lead to severe pain, infection, and lasting physical marks.
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries.
These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons and can cause prolonged pain and mobility issues. They might not be apparent after an accident.
Are Trucking Companies At Fault For Their Truck Drivers?
When a truck driver operates a commercial truck, it often means that he or she is an employee of a company, corporation, or agency. However, there are also instances where truck drivers work as independent contractors.
Suppose a truck driver is self-employed and not connected to any corporation or firm. In that case, the driver might be responsible for his or her actions and held liable for an accident.
However, if the truck driver is employed by a company - which is often the case - his or her employer can also be liable for the accident and resulting injuries. An experienced California truck accident lawyer will examine the evidence and determine who the liable parties may be in a tractor-trailer accident.
How Much is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a truck accident claim can vary greatly depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Several factors are taken into consideration when determining how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Here are some key components that can impact the value of your truck accident claim:
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Medical expenses. Compensation for medical expenses includes past, present, and estimated future medical costs. You can claim for everything from emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy and any required surgeries.
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Lost wages and earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim for lost wages. If your ability to earn money in the future is compromised, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning potential.
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Pain and suffering. This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Calculating pain and suffering can be complex and often requires expert testimony.
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Property damage. If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for repair or replacement costs. This is calculated based on the fair market value of the items at the time of the accident.
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Punitive damages. Although less common, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant's actions causing the accident were reckless or malicious. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Getting Help After A Trailer Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident or lost a loved one in a large truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your damages and losses.
An experienced California truck accident lawyer can help you collect, preserve, and compile critical evidence that could be vital in proving your case and proving liability. Lean on our experience for help with truck accident claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
First, ensure your safety and that of others by moving to a safe location and calling emergency services if there are injuries. Then, document the accident scene with photos, exchange information with the other driver, and contact a truck accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
How can a truck accident lawyer help me if I am involved in an accident?
A truck accident lawyer can guide you through filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help gather and present evidence to support your compensation claim.
What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and sometimes, punitive damages if the driver's or company's negligence was egregious.
Contact Our Los Angeles Trailer Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you are hurt in a trucking accident, see a doctor first. Then, let Vaziri Law defend your rights. We know that even common truck accident injuries can have lifelong consequences. We have experience with truck accident cases and can hold the trucking company, truck driver, or even a third party responsible.
Injured accident victims can request a free consultation by filling out the contact form on this page. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident claim.