Truck accidents have the potential to cause significant damage and detrimental injuries, even in a low-speed crash. Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, making it likely that an accident will result in injury and have other serious consequences for individuals in the smaller vehicle. Victims of truck accidents are often unsure of what to do after a crash or how they can take steps to move forward with their lives.
After a truck accident, a California victim could have the option to seek compensation through a civil claim. One of the most important elements of a civil claim is determining which party is at fault. A careful assessment of the crash will reveal who is to blame for what happened to you and how you can pursue an outcome that allows you to recoup your losses and pick up the pieces. You have the right to pursue justice, starting with identifying the cause of and responsibility for your truck accident.
Possible factors in a truck accident
Truck accidents can happen for many of the same reasons other types of accidents can happen. For example, distraction, speed or negligence of any kind can lead to a higher chance of a truck accident. Because they are behind the wheel of such large and heavy vehicles capable of causing significant damage, truckers bear the responsibility of ensuring they are driving as safely as possible. Two of the most common reasons for truck accidents include:
- Truckers are in a hurry to deliver a load, and in their haste, they ignore basic rules of the road, including properly yielding, stopping at intersections and looking before lane changes.
- The trucker is following another vehicle too slowly, and he or she is unable to come to a complete stop, resulting in a rear-end accident.
Trucking companies also bear the responsibility of ensuring they implement safety restrictions, train their drivers and provide properly working vehicles. It is possible your accident was the result of negligent operation of a vehicle or negligence from the trucking company. It is not always easy to identify the specific cause of an accident, which is why it may be helpful for you to seek an assessment of your potential personal injury case as soon as possible in order to understand the legal options available to you.