California's highways witness frequent trucking accidents, leading to extensive property damage and, unfortunately, often causing severe injuries or even fatalities. If you're facing the aftermath of a trucking accident, a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in West Covina from Fiore Legal can provide the necessary expertise to guide you through this challenging situation.
What Are Trucking Accidents?
Trucking accidents involve commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large vehicles for transporting goods. These accidents are a severe problem in California, and various factors can cause them:
- Driver fatigue, as truck drivers often work long hours and may not get enough sleep, leading to drowsiness and impaired driving
- Distracted driving, as truck drivers may be distracted by their phones, GPS devices, eating, drinking, or other activities while behind the wheel
- According to the Federal Motor Carrier Saftey Administration (FMCSA), alcohol contributes to about 3% of trucking accidents, while drugs are a contributing factor in about 2% of accidents
- While truck companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and ensuring they operate safely, some companies may cut corners to save money, putting their drivers and others on the road at risk
- Poor road and weather conditions
- Equipment failure
The most common injuries sustained in trucking accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Long-term disability
- Other injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation
Due to commercial trucks' large size and weight, these accidents can be hazardous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. The case is tried under personal injury law when trucking accident victims pursue legal action.