Almost everywhere you look there are trucks on the roads. You won’t have to drive too far to pass a truck, have one start following you or have one pull in front of you down the road. Because of the sheer volume of vehicles on the roads, trucking accidents are all too common in the state of California. Here are some of the most common causes of these often tragic accidents.
One of the most common causes of truck accidents in California is distracted driving. Truck drivers can get distracted much like drivers of cars, SUVs and vans. Distracted driving includes cellphone use, reading a map or newspaper, paying attention to what’s happening outside the truck, changing radio stations, swapping CDs, talking on a dispatching device and more.
California truck accidents are also caused by driver fatigue. Truck drivers are required to take breaks every so often and if they don’t, they are subject to discipline. They must log their time behind the wheel and their break time in the trucking log. Even with the required breaks, truck drivers can still suffer from fatigue, which hinders the ability to make proper decisions.
Reckless driving is another common cause of truck accidents throughout California. This includes speeding, weaving between lanes, tailgating, distracted driving and more.
Truck accidents are also caused by poor maintenance of the truck. If something breaks and isn’t fixed, this broken item could eventually cause an accident. When trucks aren’t checked for issues or aren’t properly maintained, they can breakdown or have parts fall off them when moving.
Your life can change in seconds if involved in a truck accident in the San Fernando Valley. Make sure you have plenty of insurance coverage prior to hitting the road and always seek medical attention after being involved in an accident. If the accident was not your fault, you may wish to pursue compensation through a settlement or a civil lawsuit.
