Accidents involving any motor vehicle have the capacity to cause life-changing damage and injuries. Truck drivers must operate their vehicles as safely as possible to avoid causing a crash. Truck accidents can have a variety of causes and tend to result in totaled vehicles, severe injuries, and even death. Speak with a San Mateo County, California truck accident lawyer for legal assistance.
What Are Some Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are unfortunately common and can be deadly. Statistics show that nearly 500 people died in California due to big truck accidents in 2021. Some of the leading causes of truck accidents include the following.
- Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of all auto accidents including truck accidents. If the truck driver or a nearby driver is texting, eating, or not paying attention to the road it could cause an accident.
- Trucks travel long distances day after day and require a lot of upkeep. Poor vehicle maintenance could contribute to a breakdown of the vehicle and result in a collision.
- Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and do not get much sleep. A fatigued driver is a danger on the road especially if they fall asleep or lose control.
- Reckless driving on the part of the truck driver or a passenger vehicle driver could result in a crash. Because of their size trucks cannot maneuver out of the way or brake as quickly as another car.
- Intoxicated driving can cause severe accidents. Whether it was the truck driver or another driver, drugs and alcohol can severely impact a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous than Car Accidents?
Any time two automobiles collide it is a dangerous and frightening ordeal. Motor vehicles are massive and heavy pieces of machinery so regardless of the type of vehicle, a crash can result in extensive damage, bodily injury, and death.
With that being said, accidents that involve one or more trucks tend to be more dangerous and perilous than crashes involving only passenger vehicles. Because of a truck’s size and weight, a collision will be much more forceful and the impact of the crash will create more significant damage. What might have been just a dented bumper and minor whiplash with a small car could become a totaled vehicle and severe injury when a truck is involved.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in California?
The statute of limitations to pursue damages after a truck accident can vary depending on the state where the accident took place. In California, much like car accidents, victims of a truck accident have two years from the date of the accident to begin initiating a claim or lawsuit.
If two years pass and you have not begun the legal process of filing a lawsuit to seek compensation, you no longer have the right to initiate legal proceedings. If you were involved in a truck accident be sure to obtain the help of a knowledgeable lawyer who can inform you of your rights and the deadlines you must meet to pursue legal action.
