On behalf of Law Offices of Mauro Fiore, Jr. posted in Truck Accidents on Friday, October 20, 2017.
At the Law Offices of Mauro Fiore, Jr., in California, we know that when a collision happens between your vehicle and a semi-truck, your smaller vehicle almost always comes out with the worst damage. You and your passengers, likewise can receive the most severe injuries.GTG Technology Group points that the average 18-wheeler weighs about 80,000 pounds while the typical passenger vehicle weighs only about 4,000 pounds. Given that you share the roads with these behemoths on a daily basis, it just makes sense that you approach them cautiously and give them as much room as possible.
Why big trucks crash
Driver error, be it yours or the truck driver’s, is the main reason why trucks crash. In terms of errors made by professional truck drivers, they often drive while very fatigued, even though they are federally mandated to take regular rest and sleep breaks. Some drive while distracted, such as while talking or texting on their phones. Still others drive unsafely and/or recklessly, especially when the road conditions are less than ideal. A few even drive while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, either legally prescribed or illicit. Improper truck maintenance is another major reason why trucks crash. Some trucking companies and drivers fail to regularly inspect their trucks for such things as the following:
- Properly functioning lights
- Properly functioning brakes
- Worn parts, especially brake pads
- Proper tire pressure
In addition, big trucks, like other vehicles, can be subject to defective parts. Sometimes the manufacturer of a truck, the manufacturers of its numerous parts, the installers who installed the parts, and/or the dealer who sold the truck did not do their jobs as well as they should have. For more information on this subject, please visit this page of our website.