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The Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California

The number of truck accidents in California is on the rise. There are many factors that contribute to these accidents, but some are more common than others. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in California:

  • Risky Driving

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is risky driving. This includes things like speeding, driving while tired, and driving while impaired. These behaviors can lead to accidents because they make it difficult for drivers to react quickly to changes in the road or traffic.

  • Driver Error

Driver error is another common cause of truck accidents. This can include things like failing to check blind spots, misjudging distances, and making sudden changes in direction. These errors can often lead to collisions with other vehicles.

  • Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions can also lead to truck accidents. This includes things like potholes, icy roads, and construction zones. These conditions can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles and can lead to accidents.

  • Poor Truck Maintenance

Another common cause of truck accidents is poor truck maintenance. Trucks are extremely complex machines, and there are many parts that can fail if they are not properly maintained. When a truck is not properly maintained, its brakes may fail, its tires may blow out, or its engine may fail.

  • Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving is also a common cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers often work long hours, and this can lead to fatigue. When a truck driver is fatigued, they may fall asleep at the wheel, which can lead to a serious accident.

  • Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents in cars, and it’s also a major cause of accidents in trucks. When a truck driver is distracted, they may not be able to focus on the road. This can lead to a serious accident.

Some common distractions for truck drivers include using a cellphone, eating and drinking, and talking to passengers. When a truck driver is distracted, they may not be able to drive safely.

  • Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, you may face criminal penalties, including a prison sentence.

  • Bad Driver Training

It is important to get proper driver training before hitting the road. Unfortunately, not all drivers receive adequate training. This can lead to dangerous driving habits and, ultimately, traffic accidents.

One common bad driving habit is tailgating. Tailgating is when a driver gets too close to the car in front of them, often resulting in a dangerous situation.

Another common bad driving habit is speeding. Speeding can lead to dangerous driving conditions and, ultimately, traffic accidents.

It is important to be aware of these and other bad driving habits to stay safe on the road. If you see someone engaging in a bad driving habit, be sure to stay away from them and report their behavior to the police.

  • Poorly Stored Materials

People can also cause accidents by improperly storing materials in their vehicle. This can include everything from loose lumber to camping gear. If these items fall off the vehicle, they can obstruct the view of other drivers or cause them to swerve to avoid them.

In order to avoid these hazards, drivers should make sure that all materials are properly secured before hitting the road. This means using ropes, bungee cords, or other securing mechanisms to keep items in place.

How to Avoid Truck Accidents

There are a few things that drivers can do to avoid accidents with trucks.

1. Give trucks plenty of room to maneuver. Trucks need a lot of space to stop, so make sure to stay back and give them plenty of room to maneuver.

2. Watch for blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots, so always be aware of where they are and what they are doing.

3. Use caution when passing. Passing a truck is always risky, so make sure to use caution and make sure that the truck driver sees you.

4. Avoid driving in the rain. Trucks are more difficult to maneuver in the rain, so avoid driving in the rain if possible.

5. Use your turn signals. Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning, so that the truck driver knows what you are doing.

6. Be aware of the dangers of being rear-ended by a truck. A truck can cause a lot of damage if it rear-ends a smaller vehicle.

7. Stay calm. Always stay calm when driving around trucks and remember that they are much larger and heavier than your car.

What to Do in Case You're Involved in a Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident, the best thing to do is to remain calm and stay in the vehicle. If you are injured, do not move until you have been instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. If you are able to leave the scene of the accident, take the following steps:

1. Call your insurance company and report the accident.

2. Get all of the information you can about the other party involved in the accident. This information will be important when filing a claim.

3. Take photographs of the accident scene and any injuries you may have sustained.

4. Contact your insurance company to set up a claim. Be sure to bring all of the information you gathered in step 2 with you.

Other Things to Keep in Mind When Dealing with Truck Accident

When involved in a truck accident, you should keep a few things in mind. 

First and foremost, take pictures of the damage. This will help with insurance claims and any other legal proceedings that may take place. Additionally, keep all receipts related to the damage. This will help prove the cost of the damages incurred. 

Finally, always seek medical attention after a truck accident even if you do not think you are injured. Many injuries do not manifest themselves until later on and it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, there are many common causes of truck accidents in California. Some of these include driver fatigue, speeding, and distracted driving. These accidents can cause serious injuries or death to drivers and passengers in other vehicles. It is important to be aware of these potential dangers when sharing the road with trucks.

Mendez & Sanchez Law is an excellent accident lawyer in Los Angeles. We will help you through difficult legal processes. Get in touch with us. 

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