Blog

Knowing the Most Common Causes of California Truck Accidents Can Keep You Safer on the Road

No one wants to be injured in a truck accident, yet it happens every day. If you suffer this type of accident or injury, we suggest you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation with an attorney who can help. In the meantime, you can read on to learn some of the most common causes of truck accidents in California.

Improperly Secured Cargo

It is essential that the cargo a truck is carrying is secured correctly. If it is not, then that cargo can shift while the truck is driving. If it shifts suddenly, it can cause the trailer to tip over or cause the truck to jackknife. Even if it shifts slowly, it can change the center of gravity on the truck and cause the driver to crash.

Improper Maintenance or Inspections

Every time a truck driver gets on the road, they should be checking their brakes. There are rules regarding how often their truck must be inspected. If the driver and/or the trucking company they are working for do not regularly maintain their vehicles or put them through required inspections, then the truck can be unsafe.

Bad Road Conditions

It is essential that if the road is not safe for a truck driver, that the truck driver pulls over. This is why you see trucks pulled over during heavy storms – because the truck driver does not want to drive when it is unsafe. Unfortunately, some road conditions, such as potholes and uneven pavement, cannot be easily seen or avoided.

Defective Brakes

Truck drivers should check their brakes every single day. Ideally, they should do so every time they get into their truck. However, missing even one day could lead to them driving a truck with defective brakes. This can cause a catastrophic accident at any time.

Tire Wear or Blowouts

If the tires on a truck are worn out, they can break up and cause an accident. Even if the truck is able to safely pull over, the tire can come spinning off and strike a vehicle. Likewise, if the truck’s tires are too hot, they can suffer a blowout that could have the same consequences.

Truck Driver Fatigue

Whatever your job is, it is likely that you sometimes do that job when you are tired. A truck driver cannot safely do this. That is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created guidelines that all truck drivers must follow. These rules affect how long a truck driver can be on the road. If they do not follow these rules, then they could be unsafely driving while fatigued.

If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident, we invite you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.