California truck accidents are unfortunately continuing to rise year after year. As we look at what to do after an accident and how to prevent accidents in the first place, we must look at the causes. Read on to learn three of the most common causes for these accidents, then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you need a free legal consultation from an experienced personal injury attorney.
- Fatigue The trucking industry has released data that there will be a nearly 25% increase in freight tonnage thanks to the growth of the U.S. economy. This requires as many as 100,000 new drivers each year, according to trucking associations. Unfortunately, there are already 35,000 unfilled truck driving jobs – which leads to drivers driving longer and more frequently driving while fatigued. Further, the Highway Loss Institute has found that the largest number of truck accidents occur between 6 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. They conclude that this is largely because these are the hours during which fatigue is most likely to have set in.
- Poor Maintenance If there is even a minor issue with a commercial truck, it can cause serious issues. If the brakes are not in great shape, the truck can take much longer to stop and could cause an accident. Unfortunately, with tight schedules these trucks are not always getting the maintenance checks they need. Tires should be properly inflated, brakes should be checked, and other safety gear should be assessed. If they are not, then there could be serious consequences.
- Poor Driving Commercial truck drivers must complete additional training and background checks compared to your average driver, but this does not guarantee that they are good drivers. A commercial driver with a history of accidents and traffic violations can cause serious accidents. Even if they have a perfect driving history, that does not mean that a driver will not speed, switch lanes without signaling, tailgate, or engage in other dangerous behaviors.
Contact an Attorney if You Have Been Injured in a Truck Accident
If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident, we strongly recommend that you contact a personal injury attorney to determine what your legal rights are. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we have years of experience and look forward to helping you find the best way forward. Your initial call is free and we will provide a free legal consultation.
If we decide to take on your case, we will do so on a contingency basis. This means that you will not owe us a penny until we win your case. If we do not win your case then you will not owe us for your legal fees. Contact us today at 909-982-0707 to get started.
