One Injured in Truck Accident in Brentwood Area
At approximately 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a report of one party being injured in a truck accident in the Brentwood area. The incident occurred in the area of Walnut Boulevard and Marsh Creek Road. Engine 59 from the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) reported that a Ford F-150 pickup truck was on its side off the roadway, and a big rig was blocking the road. Officials reported one party suffered minor injuries in the semi-truck collision. Further details on the incident were not immediately available.
What are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in California?
Big rig crashes can result when commercial truck drivers fail to meet their obligations. Truckers are required to have a commercial driver’s license, inspect the balance of their load thoroughly, comply with all state and federal safety regulations, and operate the tractor-trailer safely to avoid causing harm to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Sadly, some truckers make reckless decisions that can put the lives of others on the road at risk. Some of the top causes of truck accidents include:
- Blind Spots: Big rigs have large blind spots, and truckers are expected to take them into account. However, not all truck drivers check carefully for others before switching lanes or turning.
- Commercial Truck Defects or Mechanical Failure: Big rigs must be maintained in compliance with FMCSA guidelines. Tractor-trailers have many components like air brakes that need routine maintenance and are prone to failure without it.
- Distracted Driving: Truckers who are using in-vehicle controls, sending text messages, or talking on a cell phone are more likely to cause a crash.
- Drowsy Driving: A recent Large Truck Crash Causation Study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) concluded that 13 percent of drivers operating commercial motor vehicles were considered fatigued at the time of their collision. Hours of service regulations are in place to prevent truck drivers from driving too many hours when they are tired.
- Insufficient Truck Driving Training: In the United States, there is a shortage of commercial truckers, causing some truck firms to hire motorists who are not experienced to operate big rigs safely.
- Jackknifing: A jackknife accident may occur when the trailer slides out to the side of the big rig. This may cause serious injury to drivers and others in the path of the jackknifed truck.
- Speeding: Truck drivers are more likely to drive above the speed limit to meet delivery deadlines set by their employers. However, truckers who speed are more likely to overturn, lose control, or be unable to stop their vehicle in time to avoid striking another car.
- Unbalanced Loads: When a big rig is not balanced properly, or freight is improperly secured in transit, it can increase the chances of a rollover accident.
For details on how truck accident injury claims are different than car accident injury cases, watch the video below by our injury lawyers.
Who is at Fault for a Truck Accident in Brentwood?
Several parties may be found liable for a big rig crash resulting in injury. The first being the driver of the truck involved in the accident that resulted from their negligence. The truck firm that employed the trucker may also be held financially accountable for the collision and damages incurred. The employer may be found at fault for either the negligence of the employee, the truck driver, or because of the company’s actions, such as lack of vehicle maintenance, not complying with federal guidelines on hours of service (HOS), and improper hiring policies. Other potential negligent parties may include the manufacturer of a defective big rig or component, the company that owned the cargo, and the government agencies responsible for ensuring safe road design and maintenance. If you were hurt in a big rig crash, contact an experienced Brentwood personal injury attorney today at AutoAccident.com to schedule a free case evaluation.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Brentwood
I’m Ed Smith, a Brentwood personal injury lawyer. The overwhelming size, weight, and maneuverability of big rigs can pose a risk to truck drivers and others on the road. When a collision occurs, it can result in serious injury for those involved. If you were hurt in a tractor-trailer accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call our legal team at (925) 428-5220 or (800) 404-5400 today for free, friendly legal advice.
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