What Is the Number One Cause of Truck Accidents in California?

Commercial truck accidents are some of the most damaging motor vehicle accidents that happen. These vehicles are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road and, therefore, are capable of inflicting more severe injuries to others and damage to property. When it comes to resolving the aftermath of a truck accident and determining compensation for the victim, it’s vital for them to ascertain the underlying cause of their accident before they can secure any type of compensation from the at-fault driver.

Many government offices and private companies collect vehicle accident data from across the country, and the reports they generate highlight the most common reasons for these incidents. It’s vital to know your legal options for recovering from any vehicle accident someone else caused, and truck accidents can easily raise complex questions regarding liability for damages.

Commonly Reported Causes of Truck Accidents

Throughout the country, the latest accident data for commercial trucks highlight a few trends that expose the most common reasons for truck accidents. A few commonly cited reasons for serious truck accidents resulting in bodily injury and death in the state include:

• Truck driver error. While commercial truck drivers must possess commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to handle these large vehicles and must complete extensive job training, one of the most common reasons for truck accidents is truck driver error. Any negligence on the part of the driver could implicate the driver and their employer as liable for the resulting damage.
• Distracted driving. It is dangerous for any driver to drive their vehicle without paying full attention to their surroundings. Throughout the US, distracted driving is the leading cause of all motor vehicle accidents, and even a few seconds of inattentive driving is enough for any driver to cause a devastating accident.
• Speeding. Any time a driver exceeds the speed limit, they inherently increase their risk of causing an accident. Additionally, accidents that happen at higher speeds carry the greatest risk of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
• Moving violations, such as failure to navigate intersections correctly, performing illegal turns, or making inappropriate lane changes.
• Reckless driving, which applies broadly to any intentional misconduct behind the wheel. While some drivers may make moving violations unintentionally, some engage in willful misbehavior that endangers themselves and others behind the wheel.
• Vehicle malfunctions. Large trucks spend more time on the road than most other vehicles, and this means they have more demanding maintenance needs. Improper or incomplete maintenance may cause a truck accident, and it is possible for a defective vehicle or part to cause an accident, implicating the manufacturer.

If you or a family member experiences a truck accident that someone else caused in any way, you can seek accountability for their actions through an auto insurance claim and a personal injury action. An attorney with experience can help you navigate the insurance claim process and secure an appropriate settlement from the at-fault driver; they can also assist you in pursuing further legal recourse with a personal injury claim if necessary. Rush Injury Law routinely helps our clients navigate auto insurance claims and personal injury claims when they have suffered physical injuries and economic damages because of the actions of other parties.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of All Motor Vehicle Accidents?

A: Throughout the US, distracted driving tops the list of most commonly cited causes of accidents year after year, and distracted driving is also a major contributing factor to the number of truck accidents reported across the country. Even momentary inattention can cause a devastating crash, especially when a large commercial truck is involved.

Q: Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?

A: Truck accidents happen most commonly on rural roads and interstate highways. Large trucks are not as maneuverable as smaller passenger vehicles, and those that navigate winding rural roads must do so very carefully. Other drivers must also use caution around these large commercial trucks. Highway travel is faster than road traffic on most other streets, and accidents that happen at higher speeds tend to cause the worst damage.

Q: When Is a Trucking Company Liable for an Accident?

A: If a truck driver’s employer was negligent in any manner that contributed to a truck accident, the employer is likely to face vicarious liability for the resulting damages. Vicarious liability might apply if the trucking company failed to perform a thorough background check on a driver responsible for an accident, if the company failed to ensure appropriate training for the driver, or if the company failed to enforce any applicable regulations that contributed to the accident. Your attorney can advise you as to whether vicarious liability applies in your accident case and, if so, how it may influence your recovery.

Q: What Kind of Compensation Can I Obtain for a Truck Accident?

A: If you were recently injured in a truck accident that someone else caused, it’s possible to secure compensation for all of the economic losses you suffered, as well as compensation for pain and suffering under California law. An attorney with experience will help you explore the full range of damages you are entitled to claim from the at-fault driver and guide you through the process of holding them accountable.

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries From Truck Accidents?

A: Any vehicle accident has the potential to cause catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Because of the large size of most commercial trucks, the risk of these injuries is even greater than it is in most other vehicle accidents. Truck accident victims often report injuries such as broken bones, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injury, and more. Many victims of these severe injuries face extensive immediate medical care costs along with ongoing medical expenses for managing symptoms and restoring functionality.

If you or a loved one recently experienced a truck accident in California, you need reliable legal counsel on your side to help you navigate the complex legal issues the accident is likely to generate. Contact Rush Injury Law today to schedule a consultation with a truck accident attorney with experience to learn more about the legal services our team offers.