What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Roseville?

Collisions involving 18-wheelers and commercial trucks can be life-threatening and permanently alter the course of your life. When someone else is found responsible for causing the crash, they should compensate you for your damages in full. However, many liable parties do everything possible to escape their financial obligations.

An experienced Roseville truck accident lawyer at Triumph Law can help you make them pay. To do so, we will need to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. How the accident occurred will determine who is at fault for your injuries and liable for your damages.

Top Causes of Roseville Truck Accidents

Arguably the most important task your personal injury attorney at Triumph Law will have is figuring out the cause of your big rig accident. This will help us figure out who should be sued for your damages. In some cases, multiple parties may share blame.

If this happens, it may make your case more complex. However, it will also increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your losses and suffering. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Roseville, CA:

Negligent Driving

Irresponsible, reckless, and negligent driving is one of the top causes of commercial truck accident injuries and wrongful deaths. When truck drivers do not operate the tractor-trailer as safely as possible, or fail to ensure the truck is functioning as intended, they can be held accountable for the victim’s losses. However, negligent driving can take several forms, such as:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Following too closely
• Changing lanes without using a turn signal
• Changing lanes without checking blind spots
• Distracted driving
• Driving while fatigued
• Failure to perform required safety inspections
• Truck driver inexperience
• Failure to stop at traffic lights are stop signs
• Making illegal turns
• Failure to yield to the right of way

Truck drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists on the roadways because of how much more dangerous commercial trucks could be. When they fail to uphold this obligation, they could be the subject of your insurance claim or civil lawsuit. However, trucking companies are responsible for their truck drivers and could also be sued.

Dangerous Roads

Hazardous road conditions also contribute to truck wrecks. The government agencies and municipalities responsible for maintaining the roads could be responsible, including the California Department of Transportation or the city of Roseville. Some examples of dangerous road conditions include:

• Failure to respond to traffic complaints
• Lack of sufficient street lighting
• Failure to replace missing street signs
• Potholes
• Improperly secured road construction zones

Irresponsible Trucking Companies

Trucking companies are most frequently held accountable for the impact of a commercial truck accident. Trucking companies are responsible for the actions of the truckers they hire and the big rigs their own. The trucking company has an obligation to appoint highly qualified and experienced tractor-trailer drivers and ensure the commercial trucks are properly maintained and safe for the roadways.

Unfortunately, trucking companies often prioritize their financial interests. When this happens, they may force truck drivers to violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service regulations, which ultimately leads to truck drivers being too drowsy to drive safely. This can dramatically increase the risk of severe bodily injury or death in a collision.

Trucking companies can also be named in your personal injury lawsuit if they did not do their due diligence before hiring a truck driver. If they hired a truck driver who did not have the necessary education, experience, or training, had a history of poor driving, or worse, a dangerous criminal record, the trucking company could be to blame for your injuries. Our investigation will determine whether the trucking company played a part in causing your collision.

Malfunctioning Parts

Malfunctioning tractor-trailer parts are another common cause of crashes. The size of the big rig makes them one of the most dangerous vehicles on the roads. If a tire blows out, braking systems fail, or any other auto part malfunctions, the consequences could be catastrophic.

The trucking company could be held accountable for these damages. However, truck part manufacturers, suppliers, designers, distributors, and retailers could also share the blame. These types of cases may be more complicated, but when more parties share responsibility, there is a greater chance you can receive total compensation for your damages.

Lost Loads

When commercial trucks lose control of the trailer, multi-vehicle pile-ups and life-threatening car crashes can occur. Truck drivers should be taking steps to secure the trailer before heading out on the roads. Cargo loaders should be properly loading the truck and ensuring it is not in violation of any state or federal weight limitations.

Dram Shop Liability

If your truck accident was caused by a drunk truck driver, your attorney will likely pursue legal action against them. They may even face criminal charges. However, other parties could be partly at fault as well.

According to California Dram shop liability laws, establishments that serve or sell alcohol can be sued when they over-serve or sell alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated. This law also applies to social hosts. Some examples of establishments and entities that could be considered dram shops or fall under the social host laws include:

• Restaurants
• Parents of minors
• Anyone supervising minor children
• Night clubs
• Bars
• Liquor stores
• Country clubs
• Sports or athletic venues
• Fraternity and sorority organizations

Connect with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Roseville, CA Today

This was not an exhaustive list of the potential causes of tractor-trailer collisions. Our in-depth review of the circumstances of your case will help us figure out how the accident occurred and who is ultimately at fault. This way, you can pursue a truck accident lawsuit or claim with the insurance company and recover the compensation you need to avoid financial ruin.

Work with a knowledgeable and experienced Roseville truck accident attorney at Triumph Law. When we take on your case, you could breathe easier. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with our legal advocates today and protect your future by calling our law office or completing our quick contact form.