Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in California

In 2020, 4014 people died in accidents involving commercial trucks. That’s nearly 11 people per day across the United States who lost their lives in commercial truck accidents. These accidents are generally avoidable and often stem from the negligence of the driver. In this article, the Oakland, CA truck accident attorneys at Venardi Zurada will discuss the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents.

Driver fatigue 

Federal law requires commercial truck drivers to take periodic rest breaks after being on the road for 8 hours or more. It also limits how many hours an individual truck driver can drive in a week. These rules are important for ensuring that the truck driver is safe to operate their vehicle. Driver fatigue can greatly impair reaction time and influence the decision-making ability of the driver. A tired driver may not be able to respond quickly to a situation in traffic. This is important for truck drivers because big rigs cannot stop on a dime. They must roll to a stop. Rear-end collisions are common when tired truckers take the road. Drivers and trucking companies must adhere to federal regulations when it comes to rest breaks.

Distracted driving 

Today, we are inundated by distractions on the road. Our cell phones, infotainment systems, and more contribute to an environment where we might take our eyes off the road while our vehicle is in motion. Given the size and weight of large trucks, such accidents can be devastating. When the driver is distracted, the negligence falls on the driver and the company they work for.

Speeding 

Speeding is another cause of truck accidents. As mentioned earlier, large commercial trucks cannot stop suddenly. They must roll to a stop. This requires the driver to anticipate stops in traffic. Far too often we hear about rear-end collisions involving large commercial trucks in stalled or stopped traffic or at red lights. Speeding accounts for a large cross-section of such accidents.

Improper loading 

An overloaded truck or a truck that does not have its cargo properly secured can represent a threat to other vehicles on the road. Navigating curves and turns can lead to instability that causes the truck to capsize or jackknife. To prevent these situations, truck drivers must ensure that the cargo is properly loaded and balanced inside of the truck.

Mechanical failures 

Tire blowout accidents can often be fatal when they involve large commercial trucks. Drivers are required by federal law to make inspections on their vehicles before going on a delivery. Inspecting the tires is incredibly important because large commercial big rigs can lose tires in flying tire accidents. If the truck experiences a blowout, it could cause a major accident with other vehicles once the truck starts pulling to the side of the blown-out tire.

Talk to an Oakland, CA Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

Venardi Zurada represents the interests of Oakland residents who have been injured in accidents with commercial trucks. Our truck accident lawyers will fight tirelessly to ensure that you are compensated justly for your injuries. Call our Oakland personal injury lawyers today to learn more.