Do You Need A California Trucking Accident lawyer?

California’s highways are filled with commercial trucks transporting goods across the state and beyond. While essential to the economy, these massive vehicles pose significant risks to others on the road. A trucking accident can lead to devastating consequences, leaving victims with severe injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma. That’s where an experienced trucking accident lawyer can make a difference. Deldar Injury and Trial Attorneys help victims recover compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.

We execute many tasks as a premier personal injury law firm with extensive experience pursuing truck accident claims. Deldar has a well-earned reputation for obtaining compensation for our clients and holding trucking companies and truckers accountable. Our capable attorneys are well-versed in truck safety laws and the complex insurance issues involved in truck accident cases. Let’s learn more about how a trucking accident lawyer can help you and your family.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California

Truck accidents often result from a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and external factors. Although no two accidents are the same, some of the leading causes of truck and big-rig accidents include:

Driver fatigue
Speeding
Distracted driving
Improper loading
Improper maintenance
Inexperienced drivers
Reckless driving
Poor weather and road conditions

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents. Driver fatigue plays a big role with drowsy drivers having slower reaction times and impaired decision-making. Distracted driving has become an increasing concern in recent years as more drivers rely on electronic devices for navigation and communication. These factors contribute significantly to the rising number of trucking accidents on California’s roads.

Similarly, improperly loaded cargo raises the level of danger. Not only can this destabilize the truck, but it also increases the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents. Mechanical failures fall into the same category as a preventable cause of an accident. With the countless number of trucking companies in the U.S. that operate in California, each one has a different maintenance schedule. It’s impossible to know and ensure that every party is consistent with their pre-transportation safety checks. These situations place both the driver and others on the road in danger.

Different Types of Truck Accidents

Each truck accident out on the road is different. The range of damage and destruction varies from case to case, but most fall into one of the following incidents:

Rollovers: While speeding can cause a truck to roll over, these accidents can also occur on steep inclines and decline when trucks hit curbs, swerve around objects or other vehicles, take curves too fast, or when cargo is improperly loaded.

Jackknifes: These accidents start when a big-rig’s drive axle brakes lock, causing the trailer to skid and then stop after coming to a 90-degree angle with the trailer. As the vehicle is jackknifing, the trucker has no control, and then the truck flips over on to other vehicles.

Brake Failure: Both improperly installed and poorly maintained brakes can fail while aging brakes and sudden stops cause overheating. All these scenarios increase the risk of accidents, particularly in heavier trucks and tractor-trailers.

Runaway Trucks: Truckers should be trained to apply the brakes gradually, reducing speed with each application, to prevent the brakes from failing. A trucker who uses improper techniques, such as suddenly slamming on the brakes, can cause a runaway truck accident.

Blind Spots: Most commercial trucks have larger blind spots along the sides and rear of the truck. However, motor vehicle drivers who fail to avoid these so-called ”No-Zone” areas can become involved in an accident.

Rear-Ends: Because of the weight of the truck and its cargo load, a truck that runs into the back of another, smaller vehicle can cause serious injuries to its occupants.

Under-Rides: If the driver of a big-rig suddenly slams on the brakes, vehicles traveling behind can become crushed under the rear trailer, often resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Wide Turns: Also known as a swinging turn crash or squeeze-play accident, these accidents occur when truckers underestimate the amount of space needed to complete a turn or fail to notice smaller vehicles in the path of a trailer.

Injuries Common In Trucking Accidents

Now that we know about the common causes and types of truck accidents, it’s time to talk about injuries. People need a trucking accident lawyer based on injuries sustained during the accident. Here are some common injuries:

Brain Injuries
Head and Neck Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Broken Bones
Paralysis
Fatalities

Truck accident injuries can be life-changing and can require years of medical treatment or rehabilitation. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe, often affecting a victim’s memory, motor skills, and overall quality of life. Spinal cord injuries, another common outcome, can lead to permanent paralysis, leaving victims reliant on mobility aids and caregivers. Broken bones and fractures may heal over time but often involve painful surgeries and extensive recovery periods. Tragically, some victims do not survive, leaving their families to cope with the devastating loss and the challenges of filing wrongful death claims. These injuries highlight the importance of pursuing fair compensation with the help of a trucking accident lawyer.

California Truck Safety Laws

There are a number of truck safety laws governing trucking companies and truck drivers. First, trucking companies must properly maintain the vehicles they own or lease. This means that the braking systems, lights, steering, engine, and other mechanical parts must be operated and maintained properly by vehicles they own or lease. Trucking companies must conduct routine maintenance and safety inspections to ensure vehicles function safely. Additionally, records of inspections and repairs that have been performed must be maintained and available for review. In short, trucking companies that fail to abide by these rules can be held liable for accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

Further, truck drivers are also responsible for safely operating their vehicles and adhering to certain rules. In particular, they must obtain special licenses, comply with driving limits and take regular rest breaks. Truckers contend with strict delivery deadlines while covering long distances and often skirt rules regarding limits and breaks. Truckers are prone to fatigue, and some take stimulants to stay alert. Whether driver fatigue, driving under the influence, or driver error caused an accident, the consequences can be dire, and negligent truckers can also be held liable.

California Trucking Accident Lawyer

Deldar is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured in accidents involving trucks and big-rigs. Over many years of practice, we have seen how trucking companies and insurers quickly deploy teams of crash scene investigators immediately after an accident. Because they are more concerned with profits, they aim to minimize liability and settle claims for as little as possible. Our team has the skills and resources to level the playing field and pursue successful claims.

By relying on a respected network of investigators and accident reconstruction specialists, we will work diligently to build a strong case. We believe that no one should suffer needlessly because of the negligence of truckers and trucking companies. We have a proven track record of obtaining meaningful compensation for our clients for their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial and nonmonetary losses. If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, it may be possible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact Deldar Today

Deldar Legal serves clients throughout California, including Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and West Covina. We handle truck and big-rig accident cases on a contingency basis which means you do not pay any attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Call our office today for a free consultation or fill out the contact form on our website.