Accidents involving larger commercial trucks in California often result in devastating injuries and property damage for those involved in the incident. But why are these incidents so dangerous?
Here, we want to examine several factors that increase the dangers of incidents involving commercial trucks in California.
The Sheer Size of a Commercial Truck
Large commercial trucks on the roadway can reach lengths of up to 75 feet, and they can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. In some cases, trucks can wait even more if they obtain special permits. If we contrast this with the average passenger vehicle that weighs a few thousand pounds, we can begin to see some of the problems associated with accidents involving these vehicles. Larger commercial trucks often cause massive property damage and extensive injuries in collisions with smaller passenger vehicles.
Cargo Falling Onto the Roadway
Another hazard associated with commercial trucks in California has to do with the cargo they carry. These vehicles carry a wide range of types of cargo, from household furniture and electronics to hazardous materials such as fuels and chemicals.
When an accident involving these larger trucks occurs, the cargo can spill on the roadway and cause significant hazards, including explosions, fires, and exposure to toxic fumes or chemicals.
Underride and Override Incidents
Larger commercial trucks sit higher off the roadway than typical passenger vehicles, and this can lead to a range of underride or override accidents.
- Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into a larger truck, but due to the height disparity between the vehicles, the smaller vehicle proceeds under the larger truck. When this type of incident occurs, it often results in a “shearing off” of the top of the smaller vehicle, often impacting the occupants.
- Override accidents occur when a larger truck runs into a smaller passenger vehicle and rides up over the smaller vehicle, often crushing the vehicle and the occupants.
Driver Errors Present Major Issues
The safety of large commercial trucks depends almost entirely on the driver behind the wheel. These drivers are all supposed to have adequate training before getting behind the wheel, and they should all have their commercial driver’s licenses. However, driver error can lead to catastrophic accidents. Some of the most common causes of accidents related to driving mistakes include:
- Impaired driving
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Following others too closely
This is not a complete list of the mistakes drivers can make that lead to major accidents on the roadway, and commercial trucking carriers could also have some responsibility comma, particularly if they fail to adequately train a driver or if they do not regularly inspect and maintain the vehicles.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver or truck company in the Los Angeles area of California, we encourage you to reach out to a lawyer today. When you have a skilled truck accident attorney by your side, you will have an advocate ready to assist you throughout this entire process. Your attorney will work to investigate your claim and handle all communication with other parties to help recover the compensation you need.
