According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents kill more than 1.36 million people around the globe every year, making it the leading cause of non-natural death. Traffic accidents are cited as the No. 1 leading cause of non-natural death for citizens at home or abroad in the United States alone. In fact, for Americans, truck accidents are the leading killers on the road out of any other cause of death.

While vehicle accidents can happen anywhere, the truth is that California is a prime location for truck accidents. This is because the state is home to some of the largest cities in the United States. As a result, truck drivers are constantly on the road in and around large urban cities.

In California, numerous truck accident statistics are alarming. In 2018 alone, more than 1,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents involving semi-trucks. These accidents caused more than 12,000 people to be injured as well. Every year, more than 24,000 accidents occur in California involving semi-trucks. By comparison, this number is more than twice the number of accidents reported in Texas and Florida combined.

Today, let's take a closer look at the truck accidents in California. Here's what you need to know:

Truck Accident Trends in California

California is home to some of the most populated cities in the United States. For this reason, semi-trucks are a common sight on the road. There are more than 80 million semi-trucks in the nation, and more than 3 million of those trucks are owned and operated by drivers employed by the United States.

Out of these 3 million drivers, an estimated 6,300 are based in California. Those drivers collectively own about 1.2 million trucks in the state. Then, semi-trucks are a large part of California's traffic problem.

While it is true that truck drivers in California have a right to operate semi-trucks on California roadways, they too have to follow the rules and laws set forth by California state law. When they fail to do so, they are liable to cause a severe accident that harms the victims.

What Causes Truck Accidents in California?

As with any type of accident, there are many risks that drivers can encounter while operating a motor vehicle. However, some locations, in particular, are among the most dangerous. Those locations tend to be rural areas because of the frequency in which cars are not required to use their signal lights when driving on the highway.

During the night, semi-trucks can be challenging to see, particularly going down a hill or a decline. Drivers may be unable to see the vehicles to avoid a collision entirely. Tragically, the impacts of such a collision can be fatal, causing a semi-truck to veer out of control and cause an accident.

How to Address the Trend of Truck Accidents in California?

To prevent the most severe semi-truck accidents in California, law enforcement and lawmakers have recently placed restrictions on the size of tractor-trailer trucks allowed to operate on California roadways.

California is the first state to pass a law stating that all commercial trucks of a certain weight must have a driver behind the wheel. This law is meant to prevent accidents caused by fatigued drivers who may fall asleep at the wheel. The new law will be effective by the end of the year.

What Can You Do to Avoid Truck Accidents?

If you are injured in an accident involving a truck, you may be entitled to compensation. This is true even if you were held at fault or the truck driver was at fault. The truck owner may be held liable for your medical costs, and you may be able to receive compensation that will help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

You should not have to handle the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by your injuries alone. This is why you should speak with a personal injury attorney who can help you seek your compensation.

What To Do In Case You're Involved in a Truck Accident?

If you've been involved in a truck accident, whether in your vehicle or on public or private property, you should remember a few things.

First, you should avoid talking to other drivers at the accident scene. You should also avoid making any statements. You don't need to be at the accident location to receive legal advice, and you should speak with an attorney before making any statements.

Next, you should contact your insurance company. You may need to file a claim with your insurance company, and it is your responsibility to report any accident, no matter how minor. Your insurance company may ask you to obtain a police report, which they will share with your healthcare provider.

Finally, you should seek medical treatment immediately. If you are injured, you must seek medical care when you need it. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you'll be able to recover from your injuries.

Essential Things to Remember

When a semi-truck accident occurs, you might be unable to hear what is happening. Likewise, you may find it difficult to see due to the accident's severity. You might even experience symptoms of shock or trauma. For this reason, you must know what to do if you are involved in a semi-truck accident.

If you are injured, you are required to seek medical treatment. You should not wait to seek care, as your injuries could worsen until treated. You must seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

When you seek treatment, you should give your insurance company the name and contact information of your doctor and your insurance provider if you have one.

The Bottom Line

When encountering a truck driver on the road, driving with the utmost caution is essential. To prevent a severe truck accident in California, avoid distractions when driving. When you see a semi-truck approaching your car, brake quickly to allow the driver to stop and prevent the collision. If a crash does occur, be sure to follow the instructions of the truck driver immediately.

If you are looking for an accident lawyer in Los Angeles, we can help you. Here at Mendez and Sanchez Law, you will only find the best. Our attorneys and team members are here to help you through the difficult legal landscape as we pursue the compensation you deserve. Please contact us for your injury, auto accident, workers' compensation, and other legal needs today!

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