Many auto accidents that occur on California roads have serious, if not fatal, consequences. Collisions happen for various reasons. Some truly are accidents, but there are those that result from negligent actions.
Commercial truck accidents are some of the most serious of auto wrecks. Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, the damage that they can do can be absolutely devastating. If you have been personally involved in or lost a loved one in an accident with a commercial truck, it is okay to question liability. If negligent actions on part of the truck driver and/or his or her employer are suspected, you may have legal recourse.
Reasons Truck Accidents Tend to Happen
Truck accidents, just like regular auto wrecks, can occur for a number of reasons. One of the top reasons collisions between passenger cars and commercial vehicles occur is obstructed views. Truck drivers do not always have clear views of all lanes of traffic, so they cannot always see smaller vehicles that are trying to maneuver around them. While this may be common knowledge, it does not mean that this is an excuse that truck drivers can use to escape responsibility for any resulting damages.
Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Poor driver training
- Speeding
- Impairment
- Unrealistic schedules
Strict regulations are in place to help prevent accidents based on any of these things. Unfortunately, commercial vehicle collisions are still very much a real problem.
Proving Negligence
After a commercial truck accident, it may take time to gather the evidence needed when trying to prove negligence. An experienced attorney can help you by investigating your claims of negligence in the following manners:
- Reviewing the driver’s log book
- Gathering information about cargo weight and securement
- Requesting truck maintenance logs
- Reviewing police reports
Seek Compensation for Your Losses
Following a collision involving a commercial vehicle, the damages that one might sustain can be pretty substantial. If you suffered injuries in such an event, you are likely facing various physical, psychological and monetary struggles. If you have lost a loved one, the financial and emotional hardships may seem overwhelming. In either case, the economic and non-economic damages can last a lifetime.
According to the laws of California, victims of truck accidents or – in the event of fatality – their surviving family members may employ legal counsel in order to help them take the actions necessary to seek compensation for their losses. If negligence can be established in court, such as any violation of federal safety guidelines, the driver and/or his or her employer may be held liable for any resulting damages.