A Giant on the Highway – the Logging Truck
Our Northern California highways are high-traveled trucking routes. We share our lanes with a large number of big rigs and semi-trucks and trailers. Logging trucks stand out as impressive even among the other behemoths barrelling down the freeway. You may wonder a few things upon seeing an 80,000+ pound logging truck, but first and foremost may be – are those logs secure? A collision between a passenger vehicle and any large commercial truck can be catastrophic. Add an immense load of lumber, and the danger increases exponentially.
Why are Logging Trucks Different?
It is often cited that some of the most dangerous jobs in the country are within the logging industry. That danger extends to the transport of the product. Logging trucks carry a unique load, much different than many other trailer-hauling big rigs. They also operate under a different set of rules and regulations than other companies in the trucking industry. Logging trucks roll over more often than trucks carrying other types of loads. Additionally, when evasive moves are necessary to avoid an object, the cargo can break free. The risk of logs becoming unsecured is also higher on winding roads.
Reasons for Logging Truck Accidents
There are many situations that can lead to logging truck accidents. Some examples are:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Shifting of logs during transit
- Unsafe speed
- Failure to yield
- Improper or incomplete driver training and instruction
- Unsafe road conditions
- Driver impairment – drugs or alcohol
- Equipment failure
- Inadequate truck or equipment maintenance
- Poor visibility
Who is Responsible for a Logging Truck Accident?
In addition to the truck driver, there are other parties that could potentially be determined through the process of investigation or discovery to be liable for a logging truck accident; those other parties include:
- The landowner or lumber company. If a lumber company or landowner negligently hired a driver to handle the transport of a load, they may be found partially responsible.
- The trucking company. The company for whom the driver worked may have some responsibility for the crash. Potential areas of negligence include but are not limited to failures during the hiring process or during supervision, or inadequate maintenance of the truck or trucking equipment.
- The mechanic. If the trucking company used an outside mechanic, and a defect in the truck or equipment was the cause of the accident, the mechanical records should be reviewed to determine if there was any negligence on the part of the mechanic.
Watch the YouTube video of a day in the life of a logging trucker.
Modesto Truck Accident Lawyer
Hello. Thanks for reading our exploration of logging truck accidents and their causes. I am Ed Smith, and I’ve been a practicing truck accident lawyer in Modesto, California for nearly four decades. Big rigs are a cornerstone of the economy in the United States. Here in Northern California, we gladly share our freeways with fleets of big rigs. Part of the trade-off with a healthy trucking economy is dealing with highway accidents involving large semis. When a collision occurs between a big rig and a passenger vehicle, the smaller car is usually totaled. Because of the force and impact, the driver and passengers are often injured, sometimes severely. If you or anyone you love has suffered injuries in a crash with a semi-truck, the injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com are available to offer free and friendly legal advice. Call us at (209) 227-1931, or if you will be calling from a number outside the local region, dial our toll-free number: (800) 404-5400.
Searching for the right attorney can be daunting. Many people find it helpful to read what former clients have to say about a firm’s services. Our reviews can be found at the following sites:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/lumber-timber-truck-logging-1713722/
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