Head-on truck accidents in California are quite common. Unfortunately, they can result in severe injuries and even wrongful death. After a head-on collision with a truck, it is important to identify who was responsible and take steps to recover your losses and get on with your healing. A truck accident lawyer is a necessary resource when going to court with a claim.
Head-on collisions with trucks can be reduced by knowing the factors that contribute to these accidents. There are several common reasons for these incidents that reside in the negligence of truck drivers. Here at Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys, we have outlined the main ones.
Speeding
The biggest reason any accident occurs is usually speeding. When you have been hit by a speeding truck, you can claim compensation for your injuries and costs by working with a truck accident injury lawyer. Speeding is dangerous, more so in a truck because of its weight and size. The truck will take longer to stop and have a lowered ability to respond to a potential crash or take steps to avoid a collision. It is paramount to consult with accident injury lawyers CA who are familiar with the state laws.
Disobeying Traffic Laws
As with any other driver, a truck driver is required to follow the rules of the road and to adhere to traffic laws in California. Some laws that are disobeyed include stopping at red lights, yielding to oncoming traffic, and only making legal U-turns. You may need a personal injury lawyer California if you have experienced injury and loss of income following a collision with a truck.
Distracted Driving
Head-on collisions with trucks may be caused by distracted driving. This often leads to accidents where people sustain severe injuries or even fatalities. It is vital to get in touch with a personal injury accident attorney from our firm as soon as possible after a crash involving a truck.
Examples of behaviors associated with distracted driving are having a conversation on a cell phone while driving, sending text messages, trying to watch a video clip on a cell phone, and fiddling with the controls, such as for the radio. Anything that takes one’s eyes off the road could create distracted driving, a dangerous behavior that can have serious consequences in a split second of inattention.
Drunken Driving
Alcohol and driving do not go together. Reaction times are slower, and judgment is impaired. Drunken drivers are more likely to take chances, such as changing lanes when it is not safe to do so and crashing straight into a car on the opposite side of the road. When a person knows that they are going to be drinking, they should arrange a sober driver to drive them home or to a party, for example.
Most truck drivers are transporting goods and therefore are on duty at work. There is no excuse for them to become intoxicated as they should not be drinking on the job. Some people have drinking problems and do behave irresponsibly.
However, they present a danger on the road, and if you should happen to have a collision with one, contact a personal injury lawyer California as soon as you can. We will assist you with a free consultation to assess the merits of your case.
You need to be seen by a doctor so that you have medical records directly after the accident. It is a good idea to see a chiropractor as well, especially if you have experienced whiplash.
Driving When Feeling Sleepy
Truck drivers are limited in how many hours they can work before needing to take a break. In the US, the law stipulates that they must take a half hour break between eight-hour drives. They are not allowed to take one of these breaks just before their shift ends. They must only drive for up to 11 hours if they have had 10 hours off-duty beforehand.
An Inexperienced Truck Driver
An inexperienced truck driver is still acquiring the skills to operate a truck, which is very different from driving a car, which is smaller and has far fewer gears. Yet, many truck drivers who still lack skills and are busy gaining experience are driving long shifts and experiencing sleepiness on the road. Trucking companies need to ensure that any driver that they send out on the roads to deliver their cargoes is sufficiently trained and competent to do so. If necessary, extra training must be given before sending an inexperienced driver out on a run.
Poor Road Conditions and Weather States
Poor road conditions and weather states, especially those that reduce visibility or make the road slippery (rain, sleet, snow, oil spill, road surface breaking up) are often responsible for traffic accidents. Truck drivers are handling a heavier vehicle, where the results if a collision are often tragic, and they need a longer stopping speed.
Failure to Provide Routine Maintenance on Trucks
A commercial truck company has to service its fleet regularly, as specified by the manufacturer. It is also necessary to do repairs as soon as a part of a truck breaks down. Drivers need to report any issues with their trucks’ performance and must not drive a vehicle that is not in a good state of repair. Pre-drive inspections must be done. Head-on truck accidents are a frequent result of trucks that have not been serviced or trucks have been sent out on the road without attending to an issue.
A truck that is not up-to-date can cause accidents. For example, its brakes might fail, and the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle. If a tire blows, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. Routine maintenance is essential, or the trucking company may find itself taken to court by a personal injury accident attorney.
If you have been involved in an accident where the truck driver was at fault, contact us here at Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys to claim compensation. We have offices in California, Texas & Nevada.
