San Diego Truck Accident Attorneys

Many truck drivers feel pressure to work as many hours as possible. This pressure leads to a real safety problem - especially when truck drivers are paid by the mile. Some truck drivers push the limits by driving longer than is safe. Some even try to operate longer than is legal. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck may go before taking a break, but some truck drivers try to sneak in longer hours to get more miles and more pay. This situation, unfortunately, can lead to severe accidents.

Speeding is another problem that occurs when truck drivers are paid by the mile. Speeding can cause severe consequences for anyone who holds a commercial driver's license, so many truck drivers do stay within the speed limit and exercise caution on the road.

But others still choose to drive faster than is safe for the current weather conditions, traffic conditions, or cargo load they are carrying. Doing this, too, leads to truck accidents. Speed contributes to the severity of injuries that occur in a truck accident. This fact is why truck drivers who speed are more likely to be found negligent - and thus required to compensate you for your injuries and losses.

Like any driver, a trucker can quickly become distracted while operating a vehicle. In addition to the smartphones, navigation programs, and entertainment systems that distract drivers, truckers also have other unique equipment in the cab. The CB radio and electronic logging device are just two examples of equipment in a truck that are not typically found in a passenger vehicle. A truck driver can also be distracted by complicated maneuvers or problems with the cargo load.

Large, bulky vehicles are difficult to operate safely. This is why it is so essential for truck drivers to have adequate training and experience before entering traffic in a large vehicle that is heavily weighed down with cargo. A transportation company that sends an inexperienced driver into traffic can be held liable for damages caused by that driver’s negligence. This liability covers a wide range of traffic scenarios that can arise when a truck driver is not experienced enough to handle their vehicle safely.

Maintenance is essential in any vehicle. Without regular inspections and work, any vehicle can break down and cause an accident in traffic. Accidents can be even more dangerous when it happens to a large truck. A driver who loses control of a truck can cause severe damage - and serious injuries.

If the transportation company does not regularly maintain its vehicles, the vehicles can break down. If a driver does not inspect the truck before heading into traffic, he or she can cause fatal injuries. Even something as simple as a tire blowout can be deadly when it occurs in a large, fully loaded cargo truck.

In some cases, a truck accident is not the driver’s fault. Defective parts and equipment in any vehicle can lead to a breakdown that causes a collision. In this case, the truck manufacturer (or the part or equipment) can be held liable for the accident. This complexity is why it is so important to consult with a truck accident attorney about your case's specific circumstances.

If your case involves a defective truck, as opposed to a negligent truck driver, your attorney will need to pursue a claim against different defendants (and their insurance carriers).