Do you want to know how to stay safe on California roads?
Truck accidents pose some of the greatest threats for people who travel through California. Thousands of truck accidents happen in the state every year. 3,000 of these accidents result in injuries, and around 113 of them are fatal. So, if you're a driver in California, you need to know some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
That way, you can look out for these situations on the road and keep everyone in your vehicle safe!
Below, we'll get into the top causes of accidents a truck accident lawyer sees. Keep reading to learn more!
Risky Driving
When truckers are on the road, they're often obligated by their company to drive according to the law. Companies require this because aggressive driving puts the driver and others at risk.
Signs of aggressive driving include speeding, not following road signs, and cutting other vehicles off. To keep their drivers accountable, many businesses display a phone number on the back of the trucks. If you notice a trucker driving in a reckless manner, you should call the number to report them.
If you can't get past a truck that is driving in a reckless manner, give them a lot of space. Doing so will give you more time to respond if they make a sudden movement.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often pull long hours because their companies put pressure on them to meet tight delivery deadlines. But if drivers aren't energized, fatigue can start to set in.
Fatigue has several main symptoms. The one people usually notice first is tiredness. Fatigued drivers may also experience bad concentration, blurred vision, or impaired decision-making.
A too-tired driver might not have the ability to respond well to different situations on the road. Worse, they may even fall asleep.
If you've been in an accident because a driver fell asleep at the wheel, you should call a truck accident lawyer. You might be able to get compensation for the medical and property damage you've suffered.
If you notice yourself experiencing symptoms of fatigue while driving, find a safe space to pull over. Lock your doors and take a nap or book a hotel. Doing so will keep everyone safer and help you avoid being sued for causing an accident.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving causes around 920,000 accidents every year.
Distractions come in many different forms. Sometimes, drivers get distracted because they're receiving calls and texts. Drivers in California are not allowed to have their phones in their hands, regardless of the type of vehicle they're driving. So, if a truck driver is operating a phone while driving, you should let their company know.
Drivers can also get distracted when they spend too long looking at anything on the road. Many accidents actually come about from drivers who are looking at other accidents. So, if you notice traffic slowing down to view a distraction, make sure you keep your attention on the road.
Driving Under the Influence
Trucking companies don't allow their drivers to operate a vehicle while they're under the influence. However, that doesn't mean no truck drivers drive while drugged or inebriated.
Common signs of a driver who's operating a vehicle while under the influence include:
Driving too slow
An inability to drive in a straight line
Sudden or irregular braking
Braking when there's no reason to brake
Almost hitting the curb or another vehicle
If you get into an accident with someone who has been driving under the influence, you might notice the following characteristics:
Poor coordination
Loud and/or slurred speech
Bloodshot eyes
Sleepiness
Sudden mood changes
Bad Driver Training
Companies are responsible for the training of their drivers. To keep others safe, those who operate trucks must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Getting a CDL often involves going through hours of training and practice.
Yet, not every driver's training program prepares truckers in an adequate manner. As such, inexperienced drivers get on the road and cause accidents.
Poorly Stored Materials
Sometimes, a truck accident doesn't have anything to do with the driving competence of the driver. Instead, trucks pose a danger on the road when they're loaded in an improper manner.
Companies should load trucks in a way that distributes the weight and keeps everything secure. When items shift around while in transit, it can cause the truck to tip or swerve. When this happens, the vehicle can crash into other vehicles or stationary objects.
Bad Truck Maintenance
When truck companies don't maintain their vehicles, they can break down. Often, truckers don't own the vehicles they drive, nor do they have access to the maintenance records.
So, they might drive trucks that aren't ready for the road.
If you get into an accident with a truck that wasn't properly maintained, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. You should consult with a truck accident attorney to see how you can get the settlement you deserve.
Ready to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
These causes of truck accidents often lead to people needing to pay thousands of dollars in medical and auto repair bills.
Doing so can set people back financially, especially if they need to take unpaid time off from work. Worse, most insurance companies try to get victims to settle for way less money than they need.
That's where a good truck accident lawyer comes in. Here at Kerley Schaffer, we're dedicated to helping people involved in truck wrecks get the compensation they deserve.
Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Contact us today!