Although truck accidents come in many forms, there are certain common situations in which drivers can find themselves injured after being struck by a massive vehicle. Poor vehicle maintenance is a major cause of truck accidents. If a vehicle is not maintained properly, the driver may lose control or lack the ability to brake safely. Equipment failures are common on these vehicles because of their size and complexity. There are far more moving parts and mechanisms on a truck than a regular passenger vehicle. Improper cargo loading can also cause accidents, especially when the cargo shifts during transit and either spills onto the roadway or causes the driver to lose control. Lack of driver training, substance abuse by drivers, driver fatigue, and driver distraction are also common causes.
Under California law, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their employees if it occurs during the course and scope of business. This means that if a truck driver was driving under the influence at the time of the accident, for example, the trucking company can be held liable for any damages that the driver caused. This is one reason why it is critically important to investigate your accident with the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who has experience with this type of claim. The trucking company may also be independently liable in certain situations, such as if it failed to perform an appropriate background check before retaining the driver or failed to perform appropriate maintenance on its vehicles.
In the lawsuit, showing a violation of a state or federal trucking regulation can be strong evidence of liability. For example, federal regulations place limits on the number of consecutive hours that drivers can operate a truck, and there are stricter standards for driving under the influence when a commercial truck is involved. Finally, since these accidents can cause such devastating, life-changing, or potentially fatal injuries, it is important to seek the maximum amount of compensation that you need. Our legal team is prepared to assist you with ensuring that you receive as much financial assistance as possible following the crash.
Accidents when a truck strikes a car or motorcycle are traumatic and complex. We have seen firsthand what a victim and his or her family goes through after an accident and sometimes well into the future. Our team will investigate your claim diligently and ensure that your legal rights are asserted to the fullest extent possible. We represent victims in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, including Long Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lakewood, Monrovia, Pacoima, Pico Rivera, Redondo Beach, South Gate, Van Nuys, Whittier. Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange, Santa Ana, Moreno Valley, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and other cities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Call us now at (213) 455 4050 or contact us online for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in the Downey area.
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