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With a population of approximately 4 million people, Los Angeles is a massive city with sprawling highways crowded with commuters. From residents trying to get to and from work to truck drivers delivering goods and produce to stores, businesses, and homes, the incidence of car and truck accidents is high considering the high volume of traffic on the roads. Because of the size and weight of trucks, truck accidents can be quite serious and often require the experience of a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer. He or she will pursue a personal injury claim and recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you’ve suffered a serious or catastrophic injury.
Because trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times as much as a passenger vehicle and can have greater difficulty coming to a halt or turning in the case of a split-second move to avoid an accident, the effects of a truck accident can be devastating. Below, we discuss some of the most common causes of truck accidents, with tips for avoiding them.
Common Reasons for Commercial Truck Accidents in California
Truck drivers are typically on the road for long stretches at a time. They may traverse entire states and often cross state lines to deliver goods to businesses and commercial ventures. Between the amount of time they spend behind the wheel and the difficulty of maneuvering these massive vehicles, accidents are bound to happen. Some of the incidents that can enhance the probability of a truck accident include:
- Distracted driving: When truck drivers spend so many hours on the road, they are more likely to let their attention stray and get distracted on the road. When they begin to use their phone, surf the internet, talk on the phone, or eat while driving, they increase the risk of an accident no matter how experienced they think they might be behind the wheel.
- Fatigue: While there are federal laws prohibiting truck drivers from driving longer than 11 hours in a single day, many truck drivers – and the companies that employ them – often push themselves longer than that, and the consequences can be dire. Those who do not get enough rest run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel or having a slow reaction time when faced with a situation that requires swift action.
- Improper Training: Trucks are large and heavy vehicles that require specialized training to operate effectively. Drivers who don’t know how to properly handle these vehicles often cause serious accidents.
- Exceeding cargo limits and excessive speed: Speed limits are often set at 55 miles per hour for large trucks because they carry heavy cargo. That makes it harder for them to stop and makes abrupt stops that much more dangerous to themselves and other drivers on the road.
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Contact a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been Injured
Commercial truck drivers are often under pressure to get their goods delivered, and they can make mistakes that cause serious accidents. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Los Angeles, you are entitled to file a lawsuit to recover damages for your losses. Contact a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer at our firm today.
"We use over 100 years of combined legal experience to help our clients get the maximum compensation available under the circumstances."
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