While truck accidents are dangerous no matter where they occur, there is additional risk in California. There are more cars and trucks on the roads than in many other states. Further, the number of large trucks on the road has increased considerably over the past decade.
Those fortunate enough to survive an 18-wheeler accident may find their lives forever changed. Rehabilitation and recovery may take months or years, and many people suffer permanent disability.
As you recuperate from your injuries, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Salamati Law can conduct a thorough investigation of your case and determine which parties may hold responsibility for your injuries. This can include not only the truck driver and trucking company but the facility where the cargo was loaded, the manufacturer or repair shop, and the jurisdiction in charge of road maintenance and design.
Truck vs. Car Accidents
A small object colliding with a larger object is always going to receive more damage. Put that in the context of a small car getting hit by an 18-wheeler and the impact on the passengers. An 18-wheeler may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. That is 95 percent larger than the average car, which weighs about 4,000 pounds. In addition, the sheer length of a large truck creates blind spots in front and behind and on both sides of the truck.
When two cars collide, the smaller vehicle usually endures the brunt of the destruction. In a truck vs. car accident, injuries are far more likely to prove severe or fatal. The car is often destroyed. The odds of the car’s occupants suffering severe or fatal injuries are far greater than that of the truck driver.
Moreover, trucks require much more room to stop. At a typical highway speed of 65 miles per hour, it takes a truck nearly twice as long to stop if the vehicle ahead brakes unexpectedly or if the truck driver tries to avoid another object in the roadway. They have less maneuverability than cars. Sudden stops can cause the truck to jackknife, a common cause of truck accidents. Top-heavy trucks are also more vulnerable to inclement weather and gusty winds.
Because they weigh so much, it takes much longer for a truck to accelerate when entering a highway. This causes accidents when the truck is merging lanes or pulling in front of a car which may slide beneath big rigs. The results are often catastrophic.
Other Factors
Not all serious truck injuries involve a direct collision with a truck. Improperly secured cargo may break loose and spill out onto the road, creating chaos on the highway. Flammable or toxic chemicals can cause additional damage when coming into contact with cars and their occupants. Tire blowouts due to inadequate maintenance can also result in serious accidents.
Truck Accident Causes
Truck accident causes relating to driver negligence or recklessness includes:
- Driving under the influence
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Inexperience
- Speeding
- Unsafe, wide right turns
Truck Accident Injuries
A truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles knows that their clients may require long-term care due to the severity of their injuries. Medical expenses and the inability to work may soon overwhelm an accident victim financially. They can no longer provide for or care for their families. Truck accident injuries may include:
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Multiple fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
In addition to physical injuries, many truck accident victims suffer psychological and emotional anguish. While money cannot restore a severely injured person to health, it can ensure they and their dependents receive some form of justice for the harm done to them by the negligent entities.
Contact our team of Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a truck accident due to another party’s negligence, it is critical to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced attorney at Salamati Law will protect your rights and help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Fill out our online form or call or text 24/7 to arrange a free consultation. There is no fee unless you receive compensation.
