Truck accidents that occur in California or any other state tend to have a greater potential for injury or death. That’s because tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds as opposed to passenger vehicles that weigh about 4,000 pounds. Poor weather conditions are among the common causes of large truck accidents. Roads that are covered in rain or snow can be harder to stop without skidding or sliding.
If a truck is not properly maintained, it can increase the chances of that vehicle being involved in an accident. Routine maintenance is critical because trucks may cover thousands of miles in a single day. This can lead to worn brake pads or other problems that drivers need to be aware of and check for prior to leaving for their next destination. However, some problems occur because of the negligence of an equipment manufacturer.
In some cases, the person who installed the part or the company that sold the truck containing the faulty part will be held liable if an accident occurs. To minimize the chances of an accident, cargo needs to be properly loaded or secured. Failing to do so could result in cargo falling off of the truck or creating other dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.
Truck accidents could be caused by a variety of factors, such as hours-of-service violations or negligence on behalf of a truck owner or equipment maker. Someone who has been hurt in a truck accident might be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. An attorney could obtain service records and other information to show that a truck was not properly maintained when an accident occurred. Witness statements or other evidence may also show that a driver’s actions led to an accident taking place.