San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Many factors may lead to truck accidents. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents are:

Driving Under the Influence

Some truck drivers have been known to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A study conducted by the University of Central Arkansas found that out of 310 truck drivers, 250 failed a urine and hair drug test. This means that 99% of the time, truck drivers tested positive for drug use in this study.

Improperly Loaded Trailers

Cargo that is not loaded properly can create various safety hazards, such as tire blowouts and rollovers. These types of accidents are more likely to occur when trucks are overweight and not properly secured, or if the weight distribution causes the truck to sway.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who are distracted while driving are a danger to themselves and other motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people died in motor vehicle accidents due to distracted driving.

Tailgating

Trucks require more distance to come to a full stop than other vehicles. To be safe, it is best to keep a good distance between your car and any trucks in front of or behind you.

Speeding & Aggressive Driving

Unsafe driving practices, such as speeding, can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. This is especially true when making turns. Commercial trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles, so it is easier for a driver to lose control. Also, attempting to make a complete stop is more dangerous with a larger truck.

Poor Maintenance and Equipment Failure

If a truck accident occurs and it is determined that it was caused by equipment malfunctions, the company that manufactured the truck may be held responsible for any injuries or damage that resulted. This is why it is so important to properly maintain all vehicles.

Natural Disasters

Truck accidents can occur in adverse weather conditions when roads are slippery, and visibility is impaired. These conditions can lead to serious traffic accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Despite there being laws in place to prevent truck drivers from working excessive hours, some drivers will choose to do so in order to earn more money. This can lead to driver fatigue, which can impair a driver’s vision, reaction time, coordination, and judgment.

Most Common Injuries in a Truck Accident

Truck accident victims may sustain various types of personal injuries in the event of an accident. Due to the size and weight of trucks, these accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in a truck accident are:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Neck injury/whiplash
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones
• Partial or total paralysis
• Amputations

At Farahi Law Firm, we understand the difficulty of dealing with a trucking accident claim while trying to recover from your injuries. Obtaining legal representation from an experienced truck accident attorney will ensure that you receive the accident compensation and medical care you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Which Parties Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident?

There are several parties that could be held liable in the case of a truck accident. It can be difficult to determine who is responsible for a truck accident, and you may need the help of a San Diego truck accident lawyer.

The liable parties in a truck accident are dependent on how the accident occurred, these parties may include:

1. Truck driver – If a negligent driver was the cause of your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against him and recover compensation.
2. Truck owner – Truck owners are responsible for keeping their commercial vehicles well-maintained and functional. If a truck owner failed to do this, they may be held liable for the accident.
3. Cargo loaders – As mentioned earlier, improperly loaded cargo is a common cause of trucking accidents. If the driver loses control of the vehicle due to the improperly loaded cargo or if the cargo itself causes an injury, the cargo company may be held liable for the accident.
4. Truck manufacturer – When trucks have issues with their steering systems, brakes, or hitches, it can often lead to dangerous accidents. If the defective truck was the cause of the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for the accident victim’s injuries and damages.
5. City or County Government – If poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, or a lack of road signs caused the truck accident then the local government might be held responsible for the accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer will ensure that your trucking accident claim is filed within the statute of limitations.
6. Truck Company – A trucking company may be held liable for an accident if they engaged in a negligent hiring process. Trucking companies are subject to federal regulations, by law they must follow these guidelines at all times.

Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Claim

As the injured party, it is within your rights to file an insurance claim and recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Depending on several factors of your case, you may be entitled to the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of companionship
• And more

In the event that the truck accident causes the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

Although no amount of compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, this may cover costs such as funeral expenses and help the family with other financial burdens that resulted due to the accident.

Expert San Diego Truck Accident Lawyers

Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident due to the reckless driving of another motorist? You may be entitled to compensation. At Farahi Law Firm, our amazing team of experienced personal injury attorneys, doctors, and case managers will fight to win you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.

It is crucial that you seek the legal advice of a San Diego truck accident lawyer to help guide you through the claims process. Having an experienced attorney by your side will also ensure that your rights are protected from insurance companies who might seek to lower the value of your claim in order to avoid offering you a fair settlement.

Our experienced team will also handle all the complex paperwork of your case, deal with the insurance company, so you won’t have to, and put you in touch with the best medical experts.

Contact us at (619) 776-3851 for a free case consultation. Your justice is our cause!