In 2021, approximately 5,700 trucks were involved in fatal accidents, and 117,300 were involved in accidents that resulted in injuries across the country.
Truck accidents are common in California, given that the transportation logistics infrastructure accounts for one-third of the state’s economy. This includes 5,800 miles of high-volume commercial traffic on interstate and highways.
With all this traffic, it is no surprise that there are many different truck accident causes.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, consider contacting the experienced truck accident lawyers at Wells Call Injury Law to learn more about your legal rights to compensation for your injuries.
Common Truck Accident Causes
Knowing some of the most common causes of truck accidents can help keep you safe by providing insight into what to look for on the road.
There is not much, if anything, you can do to prevent negligent behavior by others, but knowing the possibilities may help you react faster and minimize injuries.
Distracted Driving
California is a large state, and there are some significant stretches of nothing but farmland or desert. Driving can get boring, but even if the route is scenic, a driver’s attention may waver.
Distracted driving entails anything that diverts attention from the road, such as texting, changing the radio station, or picking something up from the passenger seat.
Driver Exhaustion
The time a truck driver can sit behind the wheel in one shift is strictly governed to prevent fatigue. These laws include rest and sleep requirements.
If drivers or the companies they work for do not follow these rules, the fatigue puts the driver and others on the road in danger.
High Speeds
It is difficult to stop a truck moving at high speeds. Speeding significantly decreases reaction time for any driver, but for trucks, it can be especially deadly.
If a driver is running late to deliver their cargo, they may speed or be encouraged to do so. This is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Unfortunately, substance abuse is a problem throughout the trucking industry.
The allowable threshold for blood alcohol concentration levels is lower for those who hold a commercial driver’s license to deter drunk driving.
Amphetamines may be used by drivers to stay awake on long drives. Both drugs and alcohol have a significant impact on driver reaction time and overall behavior and decision-making.
Unbalanced Cargo
There are regulations within the industry to ensure cargo is properly balanced in a trailer. Weight should be distributed evenly when loaded to avoid sudden shifting.
Unbalanced cargo can cause a trailer to pull suddenly, potentially falling into another lane or into the roadway.
Mechanical Malfunctions
It is important to maintain trucks and conduct pre and post-trip inspections.
Faulty brakes are one of the most common mechanical truck accident causes, but other mechanical issues can also lead to crashes.
Get in Contact with a California Truck Accident Attorney Today
Our personal injury attorneys at Wells Call Injury Lawyers have decades of experience handling truck accident claims in the Golden State.
We can guide you through the process and help you determine the best legal strategy to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your claim.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for your free case consultation.