Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles 2024

Commercial trucks are essential to the economy and supply chain of California, but these vehicles are some of the most dangerous on Los Angeles roads. While less common than passenger vehicle accidents, truck accidents are easily capable of inflicting tremendous losses on all those caught in these incidents. It’s vital for all drivers in Los Angeles to recognize the inherent dangers of these large vehicles and the most common causes of truck accidents throughout the Los Angeles area. If you experience a truck accident of any kind, a Los Angeles truck accident attorney can help determine your most viable options for legal recourse against the driver responsible for the incident.

Commonly Reported Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Truck accidents happen due to many of the same causes as all other vehicle accidents, but they are also vulnerable to additional risks due to their size and weight. Some of the most commonly cited causes of truck accidents in the Los Angeles area include:

• Truck driver errors. All commercial truck drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely and attentively at all times. If a truck driver is negligent behind the wheel in any way, they can not only face liability for the harm done to others but professional consequences as well.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Some truck drivers, unfortunately, choose to cope with the stress of their job by consuming alcohol or drugs behind the wheel. It is also possible for a third-party DUI driver to cause a truck accident. Penalties for a DUI conviction automatically increase when the defendant has caused injury or death.
• Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo. Large trucks are more vulnerable to tipping or rolling over than other smaller vehicles, especially if they have not been loaded correctly. Liability for this type of accident may fall to the party responsible for loading the truck.
• It is dangerous for any driver to exceed the posted speed limit as this reduces the distance and time they have to slow down or stop to avoid a crash. This is especially true for large trucks that require much more stopping distance than smaller passenger vehicles.
• Fatigued driving. Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Truck drivers are subject to hours of service regulations that require them to take regular breaks, but some push themselves too far behind the wheel in their efforts to meet their delivery deadlines.
• Mechanical failures. Large commercial trucks have more complex internal components than standard passenger vehicles and spend more time on the road. This means they have greater maintenance requirements, and failure to perform proper maintenance on any commercial truck can easily lead to a critical failure on the road that causes an accident.

These are only a few of the ways that truck accidents can happen. If you or a family member experiences this type of accident, the first challenge you face when it comes to recovering your losses is proving the exact cause of the accident and identifying the driver responsible for causing it. The right attorney can make this much easier, helping you gather evidence and witness testimony you may need to firmly establish liability for the damages. Once you have proven fault, you can proceed with claiming compensation for the losses you suffered.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Truck Accidents?

A: The most commonly reported cause of commercial truck accidents in the state is truck driver error. Truck drivers must complete specific certification requirements and possess adequate experience to handle their job duties. However, truck driver error can cause accidents in many ways, from speeding to distracted driving to failure to manage their commercial vehicle correctly in specific situations.

Q: Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Los Angeles?

A: It is possible for one or more parties to bear fault for a commercial truck accident. Fault may fall to one driver if their actions are entirely responsible for the accident, and it is possible for the fault to rest with more than one driver. An experienced attorney can assist you in gathering whatever evidence you may need to accurately identify the party or parties bearing fault for a recent truck accident.

Q: Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles?

A: California law requires all drivers to have auto insurance, including commercial truck drivers. If a truck driver is responsible for causing an accident, an injured driver may file a claim against their auto insurance policy. However, if their insurance cannot fully cover the victim’s losses, a personal injury suit will be necessary to ensure the victim’s full recovery.

Q: What Happens if a Truck Accident Is Fatal?

A: If you have lost a family member in a fatal truck accident, you would have the right to file a wrongful death suit against the driver responsible for causing the accident. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim in some ways, but this type of civil suit focuses on compensating the victim’s family. An experienced attorney is an invaluable asset if you intend to file a wrongful death claim for any reason.

Q: Will a Driver Go to Prison for Causing a Truck Accident?

A: It’s possible for the driver who caused your recent truck accident to face jail time, depending on how they caused the accident. If they were simply negligent, criminal charges are unlikely, but they will face liability for the damages they caused. However, if they caused the accident through any illegal action, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or reckless driving, they face liability for damages caused to others as well as criminal prosecution from the state.

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating vehicle accidents that anyone can suffer. If you have experienced this type of accident, you need legal counsel you can trust to guide you through the aftermath. Amendt Law has the experience and resources you need on your side for a truck accident claim in Los Angeles, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help you recover.