Unique Risks of Commercial Truck Crashes

There are various types of commercial trucks in the U.S. that drive California roads. Generally speaking, each truck type has its own unique risks associated with it. Trucking accidents are on the rise, with estimates placing commercial trucking accidents accountable for almost one in three fatal accidents in major work areas.

Commercial trucking accidents almost always result in serious property damage and severe injuries to persons involved in the accident. With reference to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, 4,136 people died due to a commercial trucking accident in a recent year.

Reasons Why California Commercial Trucking Accidents Are Unique and Differ From Car Accidents

Besides the increased risk of a severe injury from truck accidents, there is the unique factor of commercial trucking accidents often involving multiple parties. In most instances, a car accident usually involves only two parties. Due to this, the accident is generally handled by their personal auto liability insurers.

Commercial trucking accidents are handled significantly differently. This is because a commercial truck driver is driving under the employment of a company in most instances. That means that the truck driver’s place of work also has an insurance obligation, and the accident’s liability is also the responsibility of his or her employer.

Those injured in commercial trucking accidents will have to seek compensation from, in most cases, a large company and their professional insurance company. This can prove difficult if a person decides not to use an attorney who has experience in this field. This is because there are often many issues to contend with, such as federal safety regulation violations and possible truck defects.

Additionally, a trucking company will aim to pay out as little as possible while maintaining the company’s reputation, which could make it difficult for those injured in such an accident to claim adequate compensation.

Common California Commercial Trucking Accidents by Type

• Commercial tractor-trailers: Semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, as they are commonly known, are responsible for carrying most cargo throughout the state and the country. However, these commercial trucks do have their specific weaknesses. For example, there are many blind spots on these trucks that reduce visibility. In addition to this, there is an increased risk of jackknife accidents and rollovers due to their low center of gravity.

• Commercial garbage trucks and dump trucks: In commercial trucking accidents, garbage trucks and dump trucks are among the most common commercial truck types to be involved in crashes. This is partly due to the truck providing poor visibility and improperly secured loads, unsecured covers, and overloading.

• Commercial flatbed trucks: These commercial trucks are known for their long flatbed, which carries cargo, but these trucks are often incorrectly loaded and secured poorly, leading to many trucking accidents. When freight is loaded incorrectly on these trucks, it causes balance issues and increases the chances of a rollover and collision. 

In general, commercial trucking accidents are incredibly complex and differ greatly from normal car accidents. Should you have been injured in a trucking accident, it’s vital to seek medical care and contact a lawyer. A Tustin truck accident lawyer can assist you with your claims process so you can recover for your losses.