Truck Accident Attorney El Cajon

Due to their size, weight, and design, large trucks can cause devastating injuries and even death when an accident occurs. In 2016 there were 4,317 fatalities in large truck accidents across the United States and 83.2% of those fatally injured were not large truck occupants. So you can see that not only do large trucks cause severe injuries but also it is often anyone but large truck occupants who sustain those injuries. California’s roads see hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries each year as a result of large truck accidents.

Truck danger factors

Semi trucks have dangerous predispositions and any truck driving error can have extremely serious consequences. Some things that make them more dangerous than smaller passenger vehicles on the road include the following:

• Underriding and jackknife – Because of their shape and design, common catastrophic accidents happen when a truck jackknifes (an attempted sudden stop causes the trailer to swing out to the side of the truck) or underriding occurs (when a smaller vehicle collides with a truck and slides underneath its trailer).

• Inability to react quickly – Because of their weight and size, large trucks are not able to stop quickly nor are they able to swerve or change lanes with ease. This is a problem when a sudden stop is required or when a road obstruction unexpectedly appears.

• Visual impairments – Large trucks can be 75 feet long yet the only windows are in the cabs of their vehicles. They have no rear view ability and blind spot limitations. They are also very tall which makes seeing smaller, shorter objects near them much more difficult.

Accident investigation

After a large truck accident occurs, it is imperative to conduct a thorough and efficient investigation in order to prove fault. If you are not able to prove a driver’s fault, you are not able to recover for your injuries and damages. Large trucks are subject to federal and state requirements and regulations. It is important to review the truck driver’s and his or her employer’s conduct and practices to be sure that they were in compliance with regulations. Details to investigate include the following:

• Driver training and education compliance
• Contents of driver’s driving records and history
• Required licenses and certifications
• Compliance with hours of service guidelines
• Investigate the possibility of drug or alcohol impairment
• Vehicle maintenance and safe loading practice
• Witnesses and their statements
• Any existing accident footage

If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact El Cajon truck accident attorney, Eugene G. Bruno, to schedule a consultation. Our truck accident experts will start by conducting a thorough investigation to gather the evidence needed to prove the defendant’s fault. We will review and evaluate your injuries and damages so that you may be completely compensated for your losses. We will negotiate with difficult insurance companies who will attempt to settle your case for as little as possible, leaving you with damages and injuries to take care of by yourself. Our team will be your best advocate during this difficult time.