California’s economy and the US economic growth in general both rely heavily on commercial trucking. However, because they are inherently risky, large commercial trucks face accidents that can occur for a variety of reasons. However, the majority of drivers are used to driving alongside large commercial trucks and managing these contacts without incident.
Truck accidents can occur abruptly and cause severe losses for those concerned. Some fatal accidents on the nation’s highways are caused by large commercial trucks. Each year, there are roughly 5,000 fatalities resulting from incidents involving trucks.
Some of the most frequently prominent causes of truck accidents in California include the following:
1. Driver Exhaustion & Mistake
According to police records, driver error is most frequently attributed to exhaustion, carelessness, inattention, and substance usage. Truck drivers often have 14-hour shift patterns and 70-hour long weeks on the schedule, contributing to their high fatigue rate.
2. Poor vehicle maintenance
Truck drivers must adhere to strict deadlines to transport goods throughout the country. Every day, their vehicle covers thousands of miles. They consequently need regular and intensive care. Equipment can malfunction or even break down when it doesn’t undergo maintenance as frequently as it should or when the upkeep is poor.
3. Exceeding the speed limit
Truckers drive at rapid speeds due to the strain of rigorous delivery timetables, which may be made worse by bad weather or traffic jams. The risk to the smaller cars is typically very high. For commercial trucks to slow down and halt in time to prevent some collisions, they need a lot more space than an average vehicle. Truck accidents can be deadly, but accidents that occur at high speeds are most likely to cause severe or even fatal injuries.
4. Driving While Intoxicated
Driving while intoxicated or under the effects of drugs is prohibited for all drivers. Due to these substances’ ability to impair judgment, situational awareness, and lower inhibitions, drunk drivers are more likely to engage in unsafe actions. A drunk driver who hits a vehicle is likely to be charged with the crime of violating DUI (Driving Under Influence) law. Their punishment may be drastically increased if they cause serious injury or death.
A drunk driver that causes a truck collision confronts a host of civil liabilities as well as professional repercussions in addition to the criminal court’s punishments. They can lose their CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in addition to owing the victim significant damages.
If a trucking company ignores a driver’s previous driving while intoxicated incidents or improperly checks their credentials and the driver leads to an accident, the company could be subject to harsh penalties.
5. Cargo Issues
Correct loading of commercial vehicles is necessary to secure goods for transportation and keep a well-balanced large vehicle. Cargo may shift or dislodge during travel if it is not adequately secured or loaded. This would be very risky for some types of cargo, such as building supplies, logs, or huge loads.
If an investigation finds that the company in charge of loading a heavy vehicle did not do so correctly, they may be held accountable for a truck accident. A truck, for instance, might tip over or roll over around a steep curve if the trailer is unbalanced.
