Given its enormous population and economy, it’s no surprise that California is a hub of activity and commerce. Amid this bustle, tractor-trailer trucks traverse California’s highways, playing a crucial role in transporting goods across the state and beyond. But with these big rigs comes an increased risk of catastrophic accidents. In this article, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of tractor-trailer accidents in California. We’ll also investigate their causes, the process of determining responsibility, and how a tractor-trailer accidents lawyer can assist you.
The Mighty Tractor-Trailer: A Force on the Road
A tractor-trailer truck is a large, powerful vehicle for transporting cargo. It typically consists of two main components. The first part is the tractor (a towing engine). The second part is the trailer (the cargo-carrying component). These behemoths can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and stretch up to 75 feet in length, dwarfing the average passenger car. Depending on where you live, people may also refer to tractor-trailers as “18-wheelers” or “semi-trucks.”
California often ranks second in the nation for fatal truck accidents, behind only Texas. The California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported over 7,000 injury collisions involving trucks in 2019. Over 340 accidents led to at least one death. These sobering statistics underscore the immense risk posed by tractor-trailers on California’s highways. They also remind us that your life can change overnight if you end up in a tractor-trailer accident.
Differences Between Tractor-Trailer Crashes and Car Accidents
For several reasons, tractor-trailer accidents are simply not comparable to regular car accidents. Several factors distinguish them from your average fender-bender:
- Tractor-trailer crashes are more severe. Due to their sheer size and weight, tractor-trailers can cause devastating damage and serious injuries. This is especially the case when they collide with smaller vehicles.
- Truck accidents are more complex. Identifying the responsible party in a tractor-trailer accident can be far more complicated than in an ordinary car accident. Possible responsible parties include the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, vehicle manufacturer, and maintenance provider.
- There are more regulations for trucks. Tractor-trailers have to obey many kinds of federal and state regulations. These cover diverse topics like driver qualifications, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance.
Lastly, the parties in a truck accident have access to larger amounts of evidence. Examples include things like the truck’s “black box,” driver logs, maintenance records, and witness testimony. However, you should hire a semi or tractor-trailer accident lawyer to collect this evidence efficiently.
Types of Truck Accidents
When it comes to truck accidents, there are many different situations you can find yourself in. Understanding the common types of truck accidents can help you navigate the aftermath and prepare for potential lawsuits.
One common type of truck accident is the “jackknife.” Here, the tractor and trailer fold where they connect, resembling a closing jackknife. Jackknife accidents often happen when a truck driver brakes abruptly. This sudden braking, usually combined with a turn, makes the trailer swing out and sometimes overturn.
Another type of truck accident is the “underride” collision, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer. As you might imagine, this kind of collision is often fatal. It can occur when a truck stops suddenly or if a car driver fails to see the truck in bad weather.
There are also “rollover” accidents, where the truck tips over onto its side. Causes for rollovers include taking a curve at excessive speed. Rollovers also happen when the truck swerves quickly.
The Road to Disaster: Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Tractor-trailer accidents can result from a multitude of factors. A few examples include:
- Driver fatigue. Exhaustion can impair a truck driver’s reaction time, judgment, and ability to concentrate.
- Distracted driving. Texting, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
- Speeding and aggressive driving. Excessive speed or reckless maneuvers can reduce a driver’s ability to react to hazards or maintain control of the truck.
- Improper loading. Overloading or unbalanced cargo can cause a truck to become unstable or difficult to control.
- Equipment failure. Mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, can lead to accidents if not addressed through proper maintenance.
Finally, weather conditions can play a large role. Specifically, rain, fog, or icy roads can make it challenging for a truck driver to maintain control or avoid a collision.
Identifying the Responsible Party in Your Truck Accident
In tractor-trailer accidents, identifying the liable party is crucial to getting the compensation you need for your injuries and losses. Depending on the facts of your case, the responsible party might be:
- The truck driver. A driver may be liable if their poor choices, like speeding or driving while tired, led to the accident.
- The trucking company. The company may be liable if they encouraged dangerous practices. For instance, they might have forced their drivers to work unsafe hours or neglected vehicle maintenance.
- The truck driver’s employer. While many truck drivers are independent contractors, some are employees of the trucking company or another business. If that is the case, their employer may be liable for the truck driver’s actions.
- The cargo owner or loader. If improper cargo handling led to the accident, then you’ll want to find out who was responsible and what their actions were.
- The maintenance provider. A third-party maintenance company may be held liable if they failed to address a mechanical issue that led to the crash.
Sometimes, third-party vehicles can be the ultimate cause of the accident. All this complexity is just one reason why people involved in tractor-trailer accidents need a lawyer.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents Lawyer: A Guiding Light Amid the Chaos
Navigating the aftermath of a tractor-trailer accident can be overwhelming, especially when faced with medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of determining liability. A Sacramento tractor-trailer attorney can be your guiding light, offering invaluable support and expertise during this challenging time. Let’s run over a few of their benefits.
Knowledge of Laws and Regulations
A tractor-trailer accidents attorney understands the intricacies of federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry. They also have extensive experience working on truck accident cases. This means they are able to identify legal violations and use those to build your case.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Attorneys are also incredible investigators. A seasoned attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering crucial evidence for you. Examples include driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck’s black box.
Expertise in Negotiation and Litigation
Tractor-trailer accident cases often involve multiple defendants and insurance companies. Thanks to their experience, a skilled attorney can easily navigate these complexities. Depending on the situation, your attorney might negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible party. Or they may, if necessary, fight for your rights in court.
What State Has the Most Tractor-Trailer Accidents?
According to the National Safety Council, Texas has the most fatal accidents involving tractor-trailers. 643 fatal accidents happened in the Lone Star State in 2020 alone.
What Is the Number One Cause of Tractor-Trailer Accidents?
Fatigue is the top cause of tractor-trailer accidents. Alcohol and speeding are two other serious contributors.
Consult with a Quality Sacramento Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Today
As you can see, tractor-trailer accidents in California offer all kinds of challenges. Don’t try to navigate these complexities by yourself and risk losing out on what you deserve.
Instead, partner with the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C. We are a detail-oriented and award-winning law firm standing by to preserve your rights. We will work to provide the support, guidance, and expertise you need to get through your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait. Contact us today to get started.