Laguna Hills Truck Accident Lawyer

Any motor vehicle accident can cause serious injuries or death, but a collision with a semi-truck or 18-wheeler can be particularly devastating due to the sheer size of these vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes regulations intended to protect truck drivers and those they encounter on the highways, but when trucking companies and their drivers fail to adhere to these regulations, serious accidents can happen.

If someone has been injured in an accident in Laguna Hills involving a tractor-trailer, they may be able to obtain financial compensation from the transport company whose negligent policies, hiring practices, and screening processes contributed to the accident. Speak with a Laguna Hills truck accident lawyer to learn more.

Causes of Truck Accident

The FMCSA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a Large Truck Crash Causation Study to determine the top causes of truck accidents.

The study found that 80 percent of large truck accidents were caused by driver error; another 10 percent were caused by equipment problems.

Driver issues contributing to truck accidents include the following:

  • Falling asleep at the wheel
  • Suffering a medical event
  • Inattentive or distracted driving
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Following too closely
  • Illegal driving maneuvers
  • Drug or alcohol impairment

When Might the Accident be Caused by the Truck Itself?

Equipment issues contributing to truck accidents include the following:

  • Brake problems
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance
  • Unsecured load
  • Load exceeds weight limits

When two or more of these factors combine, the resulting scenario can be particularly dangerous. For example, large trucks require significant stopping distance. If the driver is distracted and does not notice stopped traffic ahead, there is little room for error. Bad brakes will only compound the issue, making stopping in time to avoid a collision nearly impossible.

How Common Are Fatalities in Truck Accidents?

According to NHTSA truck accident statistics, nearly 4,000 people are killed in large truck accidents each year. In accidents involving large trucks, only 17 percent of those killed are the truck drivers. About 71 percent of fatal truck accident victims are passenger vehicle occupants, and 11 percent are pedestrians. That means the overwhelming majority—82 percent—of those killed in large truck accidents were struck by or collided with the truck.

Of course, not everyone involved in an 18-wheeler accident is killed. The NHTSA reports that approximately 95,000 people are injured in these accidents. It is important for anyone who has suffered injuries to consult with a Laguna Hills truck accident attorney about potential damages, because these injuries can be very serious.

Other Types of Injuries

The impact of a 10,000+ pound truck can cause devastating injuries including:

In addition to causing tremendous pain and suffering, these injuries can take a heavy emotional toll on an accident victim. For some, life has permanently changed, and the resulting physical injuries can lead to depression and anxiety. Add to these physical and emotional burdens the financial burden of extensive medical bills, and the fallout of the accident can be overwhelming. A Laguna Hills truck accident attorney can factor these issues into the potential damages in the case

Get Help from a Laguna Hills Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a large truck accident, or if you are grieving the loss of a loved one killed in a collision with a semi-truck, find an attorney who can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a Laguna Hills truck accident lawyer.