Common Causes of Los Angeles Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Los Angeles often involve semi-trucks, delivery trucks, charter buses, mass transit buses, school buses, and other large vehicles that require the driver to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To obtain a CDL, the driver must undergo special training and pass both a written test and a driving test. With all of the additional training, you may be wondering how these often catastrophic truck and bus accidents still happen. Read on for some common causes of major vehicle accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Falling asleep at the wheel. While there are federal and state laws that dictate how long a driver may be behind the wheel in a 24-hour period, some truck drivers are pressured by tight deadlines or trucking companies to drive longer than they should. Science has shown driving drowsy is just as dangerous as driving drunk.
- Drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication. Although the standard for drunk driving or driving while under the influence is .08 for the State of California, CDL drivers cannot have more than .04. Drugs, alcohol, and even legal prescription medication can cause a professional driver extreme difficulty in controlling their vehicle.
- Inappropriately loaded trailer. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the driver because some drivers aren’t required to load their own trailers. When a trailer isn’t properly loaded, the goods can shift which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Failure to maintain the truck or bus. Depending on whether the vehicle is privately owned or leased, this may not be something strictly involving the driver. Poor maintenance or no maintenance can cause mechanical failures that put the driver and other vehicle drivers in danger.
This list is not exhaustive. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck or bus accident that you believe was the result of driver negligence, reach out to an experienced accident attorney to discuss your potential case. You may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries, lost wages, emotional stress, and more.
Determining Cause Isn’t Always Easy
Truck accidents can be complicated. Determining the cause of the accident can take time and experience. To learn more about Los Angeles truck accidents and to have your claim evaluated, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.
For a free, no obligation consultation, contact the skilled injury attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today.
