Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Below are questions people often ask us after sustaining injuries in a truck collision. These answers generally apply in California, but sometimes exceptions may apply.  RELY ON YOUR OWN ATTORNEY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN EXCEPTION APPLIES TO YOU. Only by consulting an experienced truck crash attorney can you be sure your rights are fully protected.

What types of vehicles are commercial trucks?

A commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is used to transport property. Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which makes them far more dangerous to nearby motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians in the event of a crash.

What are the most common causes of truck crashes?

There are many factors that can lead a large truck to crash. The driver’s health and alertness could impact his or her reaction time on the road. Although truck drivers are limited to 11-hour workdays before taking a break, surveys have indicated that many drivers still work longer hours than they are legally permitted to work. Fatigue, unhealthy eating, drug and alcohol abuse, and distractions might also play a role.

Driving conditions such as bad weather, low visibility, and roadway hazards can also lead to a collision.

Cargo must be loaded with care to keep the weight balanced inside a trailer. An improperly loaded or overloaded trailer could lead to a rollover accident when turning or driving in bad weather. Overly heavy cargo also puts pressure on a truck’s brakes and can lead to brake failure, and increases the distance needed to stop.

Motorists who drive around trucks must exercise caution. Driving in no-zones (where the truck driver cannot see you), and/or making unpredictable or improper maneuvers can also lead to a crash.

These are just a few of the factors that might cause a truck crash. In most scenarios, some sort of negligence has a role in an accident. It’s important to contact an experienced truck accident attorney right away if you are involved in a truck collision.