California Truck Accident Attorneys

California Truck Accident Attorneys

California roads are saturated with trucks. Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers make daily trips up and down California’s highways as well as both in and out of the state to transport a variety of goods. Although California roadways are generally safe, the number of trucks present increases the risk of a traffic accident.

California Specific Trucking Laws

Trucking in California is governed by both federal and state laws. A variety of California agencies regulate everything from emissions to weight to highway safety laws. Thus, drivers in the state of California must respect these laws, rules, and regulations in addition to basic traffic laws.

Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accident happen on a regular basis. Because 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are so much bigger than other cars on the roads, collisions can be devastating. Some of the common types of accidents involving trucks include:

• Blind spot: As with all vehicles, trucks have their blind spots. Although truck drivers are often vigilant
  and aware of other vehicles, the truck’s blind spots may hide another vehicle that the driver does not see
  prior to switching lanes.
• Roll-over: A truck driver who loses control of his or her truck runs the risk of the truck rolling over. Here, the sheer size and weight of the truck can result in the trailer being turned and rolled onto its side.
• Jack-knife: A truck driver can slam on his or her brakes and cause the trailer to skid outward in a perpendicular direction from the cabin.
• Under-ride: If a vehicle following behind a truck does not have a reasonable opportunity to stop, it runs the risk of colliding with back of the truck. Because of the high clearance, a small vehicle may become wedged under the trailer.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents regularly occur because of the truck driver’s negligence. Some of the more common causes of truck accidents include:

• Inadequate driver training
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Improper turning
• Impaired driving

Because transportation by trucks makes up such a big part of California’s economies, it is no surprise that trucks are involved in a significant number of accidents. In fact, in 2010, California was the 2nd deadliest state for drivers with 235 fatal accidents involving trucks.

Truck Accident Checklist

If you are involved in a trucking-related accident, you should be sure to do the following things:

• Never admit fault.
• Collect as much evidence and information as possible. This includes the name, contact information, and insurance information of the parties involved as well as witnesses.
• Take photographs of the accident.
• Obtain a copy of the official accident report.
• Seek legal counsel

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

Traffic accidents are stressful. The legal process for resolving those matters can be complex. Seeking experienced legal counsel is imperative to obtaining the damages you deserve. More importantly, you should seek the expertise of a truck accident attorney. Our California truck accident attorneys know and understand the numerous laws and regulations governing trucking. This knowledge and experience can make the difference in developing and implementing the soundest legal strategy to recover against negligent truckers.