When you are driving on the 5, 405 or 10 freeways, it is not uncommon to see large trucks. Semi trucks have an important role, but these large vehicles can cause catastrophic accidents. In 2008, it was reported that 4,008 people lost their lives in truck accidents across the country. Thousands more were injured that same year.
In a Los Angeles truck accident, it is usually the people riding in the smaller vehicle who suffer the worst injuries. According to information released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 69 percent of the people killed in large truck crashes in 2008 were occupants of cars and passenger vehicles. Only 15 percent were occupants in the trucks.
Why are truck collisions so devastating? Maybe it is because of the fact that trucks weigh 20 to 30 times as much as passenger cars or that it takes much longer for a fully loaded truck to stop. Researchers have looked into truck accident causes and have also discovered that driver fatigue, brake problems, drug use, speeding and roadway conditions have contributed to thousands of crashes. Driver fatigue is such a danger, that there are state and federal laws to combat the problem, but truckers frequently violate these hours-of-service regulations.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Riverside County or Ventura County, you need to contact an experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer who can explain your legal rights. You may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries, by holding the driver and trucking company accountable. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers at 800-350-8888 today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the initial consultation is free.
