About Interstate Big-Rig Truck Accidents
With very few efficient cross-country routes available by train or other alternative transportation, large semi-tractor trailor trucks are the most used mediums for carrying various types of cargo. What this means for you is that your trips on the freeway to visit relatives on the holidays, your neighborhood streets to the grocery store, and typical roads to work, can potentially be clogged and threatened by the presence of large and intimidating semi-truck.
When cars and interstate trucks collide, the result is almost always horrific. Usually those in the cars will face the most damage or injury. The size of the big-rig truck alone generally assures a very serious accident and injury.
There are strict rules and regulations set for truckers to ensure safe travels and avoid accidents. They are not fool-proof, however, as many accidents and injuries still occur that involve interstate trucks.
Some common causes of truck accidents are the following:
- The truck driver may be driving more hours than legally permissible, or faster than the speed limit
- A truck driver may ignore dangerous road conditions
- A truck driver may take illegal stimulants to try to stay awake and alert during their trek
- A truck driver may simply not be paying attention, or ignoring a blind spot
Some of the following conditions may be due to the corporate truck company employer or hirer:
- The trucking company may be negligent in the hiring or training a driver
- The trucking company may not be conduction proper background investigations, and may choose a driver with a door driving history or substance abuse problems
- To make timely deliveries, the truck company may force drivers to travel too far or for too long.
Other causes may be due to truck maintenance:
- If brakes don't function properly or tired are worn down, the truck may be unable to respond to changing road conditions
- If brake lights aren't functioning properly, the truck may not be visible to other drivers on the road
- The truck may not be loaded properly. An overweight truck or an unbalanced load may be factors contributing to a truck accident
- Depending on the circumstances, the company responsible for loading the trailer may have some liability.
Big-rig tractor-trailor trucks become issues all of us on the road have to deal with and navigate around for our own safety. Being involved in wrecks with semi-trucks are extremely serious scenarios, and everyone should investigate and inform themselves of these potential incidents as anyone on the road can become involved.
The Jurewitz Law Group is located in San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:
San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.
