If you have spent any time in Southern California then you already know that our roads are some of the most traveled in the world. In fact, half a million people commute to work daily in Los Angeles alone. With so many people on the road, it stands to reason that there is a higher chance of being in a car accident here than in other parts of the country.
In fact, so many people on the road increases the chance of all types of vehicle accidents, including truck accidents. An accident involving a truck is more dangerous than a typical accident due to the size and weight of the truck, and is more likely to result in catastrophic injury and fatalities. Read on to learn four of the most common causes for truck accidents. If you have been injured in one, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
-
Weather issues
-
Speeding and excessive lane changing
-
Drowsy driving
-
Mechanical defects
Many people assume that because California does not get as much rain or snow as other parts of the country, weather does not case major issues on the road. This is false. The reality is that people in this area have less experience driving in inclement weather and as a result they may make mistakes that lead to accidents. Trucks are more susceptible to accidents in bad weather because they take longer to stop in good conditions and even longer if it is wet or icy on the road.
If you have seen signs that require commercial trucks to drive at a lower speed than cars, you may have wondered why. It is simple: When a heavier vehicle is in motion, it takes longer to stop. A truck weighs a lot more than a typical four-door vehicle and on roads like those in Southern California where stops are frequent, speeding just a few miles over the speed limit can mean the difference between being able to stop and hitting the care in front of them. Likewise, it takes them longer to change lanes and it can be dangerous if done frequently.
Even with recent changes to how long drivers can go without taking a break and how many hours they can drive in one day, truck drivers are often up all night. They are tired and may assume that their tiredness is nothing more than an inconvenience to them. The reality is that this type of drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
Trucks have many working parts and it takes just one tiny flaw in one part to cause a big accident. It is for this reason that commercial trucking companies are required to do regular maintenance and to keep detailed records of that maintenance.
Have you been injured in an accident with a truck? If so, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now and request your free legal consultation.
