Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Los AngelesĀ
Commercial truck accidents are a major problem on California roadways. In 2023, California had the second-highest number of deaths resulting from large truck accidents in the U.S. (392 fatalities). Understanding the most common causes of truck accidents in major cities such as Los Angeles can help you avoid them as a motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian.
Distracted Driving
If a truck driver is distracted by anything inside of or outside of the cab, his or her ability to properly and safely control the big rig is compromised. Los Angeles truck accident attorneys emphasize that truck drivers need to dedicate 100 percent of their attention to the road and the driving task.Ā
Distractions caused by cellphones, infotainment systems, watching videos, taking pictures, reading, looking at a GPS, daydreaming, eating and drinking, or rubbernecking can cause a truck accident. Cellphone use is the most dangerous form of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A distracted driver operating a commercial truck is much more likely to engage in dangerous activities such as missing traffic signs and signals, failing to yield the right-of-way, making unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and failing to hit the brakes in time to avoid a collision.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is an issue due to long work hours and pressure placed on drivers to get to their destinations quickly. Although federal law has restrictions in place for driving hours and rest breaks, truck drivers may break them to meet tight deadlines. This can lead to drowsy and fatigued truck drivers who may cause accidents or fall asleep behind the wheel.
Inadequate Truck Maintenance
Large trucks need consistent, high-quality maintenance and repairs to remain roadworthy. If a trucking company or maintenance crew cuts corners to save time or money, a truck can fall into a dangerous state of disrepair. It may experience various part breakdowns or malfunctions, such as brake failure or a tire blowout.
Speeding
Big rigs have lower speed limits in California than standard passenger cars. This is because large and heavy 18-wheelers have longer stopping distances and cannot brake as quickly. If a truck driver is surpassing the posted speed limit on a Los Angeles road or highway ā or driving too fast in dangerous conditions, such as rain ā this increases the odds of a crash from the driver losing control of the truck.
Broken Federal Laws
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has many laws in place regarding safety in the trucking industry. This includes rules and regulations for driver hiring and training, large truck maintenance and inspections, recordkeeping, drug and alcohol testing, and cargo loading and securement. Violations of these rules can lead to dangerous trucks and drivers.
Driving Under the Influence
If a truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving, this can significantly impair his or her judgment and ability to control the truck. Intoxication can slow a truck driver’s reflexes, impair judgment and decision-making, and lead to reckless driving behaviors. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for a commercial driver in California is 0.04 percent ā half of the BAC for standard drivers.
Seeking Justice for a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
The majority of truck accidents reported in Los Angeles are preventable. They are traced back to avoidable issues such as truck driver or trucking company negligence. In these situations, injury lawyers in Los Angeles can represent injured crash victims to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party for their medical bills, property damage, lost wages and other damages. To discuss a particular truck accident case in LA, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free case review.