With nearly 3 million semi-trucks registered in the United States, California sees hundreds of thousands of commercial trucks on its roads every year. Car accidents involving large commercial trucks are a significant concern due to their unique nature and impact. On average, a semi-truck and trailer can weigh between 30,000 and 80,000 pounds depending on the load they are carrying. Compare that to the average weight of around 3,000 pounds for a small car and 6,000 pounds for some SUVs. Because of this drastic size difference alone, accidents involving semi-trucks can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Accidents involving large commercial trucks carry serious implications and require a comprehensive understanding of their causes, consequences, liability factors, and preventative measures.
Let a Folsom and Orange County truck accident lawyer at Shaaban & Biedgoly help you and your loved ones pursue the compensation and recovery you deserve. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with one of our dedicated injury attorneys.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Several factors contribute to truck accidents in Orange County that may not be so obvious, and which your experienced attorney at Shaaban & Biedgoly will look into. Some of these factors include:
- Driver fatigue /distracted driving
- Lack of proper driver training
- Speeding
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Weather conditions
- Defective/broken truck and/or trailer components
- Improper loading / overweight load
Who Is Liable For My Truck Accident?
Liability for an accident involving commercial trucks in Folsom or Orange County can be placed on several parties that had a hand in the operation, maintenance, and use of the truck. Some potentially at-fault parties can include:
- The driver: The driver is responsible for operating the semi-truck in a safe manner. If they are negligent in their operation of the semi-truck, they could face liability for all damages arising from an accident.
- Owner/employees of the trucking company: Owners of the trucking company have a responsibility to train and supervise their employees and drivers. Further, employees such as mechanics working on the semi-trucks can face liability if their negligence leads to mechanical failure on a semi-truck involved in an accident.
- Cargo loaders: Because of the weight associated with semi-truck loads, the quantity and manner in which the products are loaded in a trailer can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely.
- State agencies: If a weigh station employee is negligent in their duties and does not enforce laws preventing overweight loads, the employee and/or state agency could face liability for damages arising from a semi-truck accident.
Each entity may share some degree of responsibility, making it crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and assign liability accurately. Our Folsom and Orange County truck accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your crash, identify all potentially liable parties, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Call now to get started.