Dangers of California Truck Accidents and Their Types
California is no stranger to truck accidents. These incidents can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding the different types of truck accidents is crucial for drivers to enhance road safety awareness and take preventative measures. If you or a loved one is injured in a big rig accident, an injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in California
- Jackknife accidents: When a truck trailer folds at the pivot point, it swings around like a folding pocket knife. These accidents often happen due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions, leading to a loss of control by the truck driver. The danger of jackknife accidents lies in the potential for the truck to block multiple lanes of traffic, creating hazardous conditions for other road users.
- Rear-end collisions: Due to their sheer weight and size, rear-end collisions involving a tractor-trailer are particularly dangerous. When a truck fails to stop in time and crashes into the rear of another car, the impact can be devastating, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Factors contributing to these accidents include driver fatigue, distraction, or poor braking systems.
- Underride accidents: Underride truck accidents are particularly horrific and can be caused by various factors. One major cause is poor visibility, which might occur at night or during adverse weather conditions, making it difficult for the smaller vehicle’s driver to see the truck ahead in time to stop. Poorly lit or non-existent underride guards contribute to these accidents, as they do not provide adequate warning or physical barriers to prevent a car from sliding underneath the truck. Speeding and distracted driving are also significant contributors. Lastly, abrupt stops by large trucks can catch following drivers by surprise, particularly if the truck’s brake lights are dim, malfunctioning, or obscured.
- Blind spot crashes: Blind spot accidents are particularly hazardous and frequent due to the “No-Zones” that big rigs possess. These No-Zones exist on all four sides of a truck and are substantially larger than those of smaller vehicles, making small cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles virtually invisible to the truck driver. The risk of a collision is high when a vehicle enters these blind spots, especially if the truck attempts a lane change or merge. These accidents can lead to severe, multi-vehicle pile-ups, as the initial collision may cause other drivers to react suddenly and unsafely.
- Rollovers: Rollover accidents involving big rigs are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents, posing significant risks to the truck driver and others nearby. These incidents often occur when a truck’s center of gravity is upset due to high speeds, sharp turns, or improperly secured or distributed cargo. Factors such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, or driving under the influence can also contribute to the likelihood of a rollover.
- Lost load accidents: When items being transported by a truck come loose and fall onto the roadway or fly into the path of other vehicles, it poses a serious risk. Improperly secured cargo not only poses a direct threat by becoming an immediate obstacle on the road but also has the potential to cause multi-vehicle pile-ups as drivers swerve or brake suddenly to avoid hitting the debris. Factors leading to lost load accidents often include failure to follow proper securing protocols, overloading, or using worn or inadequate securing equipment.
Liability and Compensation Recovery in an Accident Involving a Big Rig
Because large commercial truck owners and their companies often carry multiple insurance policies and have their own attorneys, it is important for someone who was injured in an accident involving one to enlist the help of an experienced, aggressive lawyer who knows how to fight for their rights. Over the years, we have successfully handled many of these cases and won high client settlements. When facing a serious injury, you want a law firm you know will have your back and fight for your rights, so call us.
Torem & Associates: Truck Accident Lawyers
At Torem & Associates, we offer you the tenacity and experience you need when you suffer injuries in a collision with a big rig. It is your choice whether to come to us or to have us come to you. You can reach us at (800) 500-5000 anytime, day or night, for a free consultation about your case. Injuries sustained in accidents are compensated to the fullest extent possible by our lawyers. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe us anything until your case has been successfully resolved.
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