Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are a destructive combination of a truck’s massive size and speed compared to a considerably smaller car, van, and even bus. A fully loaded truck or tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, as compared to the average mid-size sedan, which typically weighs around 4,000 pounds.
This means that even when a truck is moving at a relatively low speed, any accident between a truck and another vehicle will likely result in massive damages. Driving a large truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or another large commercial vehicle, therefore requires extra training and diligence.
Unfortunately, not every truck driver is as attentive as they should be and many truck accidents are caused by negligence or carelessness. However, there are numerous other causes of truck accidents including:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Substance abuse
- Improper loading
- Improper inspection and maintenance
Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, when an accident occurs it often results in substantial property damage and severe injuries. A San Diego truck accident lawyer can help determine the cause of a truck accident by working with experts to determine what caused the accident, and if it could have been avoided.
A San Diego truck accident lawyer will also help determine if a person can file a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and other involved parties, as well as help determine the amount of compensation a person may be entitled to.