California Trucking Laws Designed to Prevent Accidents
Every driver has certain responsibilities to ensure the safe operation of his or her vehicle and prevent accidents on the road. Truck drivers and tractor-trailer drivers have even more strict duties and responsibilities under California and federal laws.
If you were involved in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you should immediately contact an Orange County truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can protect your legal rights and help you recover just compensation for your injuries and damages.
Understanding California’s Semi Truck Regulations
Semi truck laws and regulations are usually based upon California and United States codes and statutory laws specifically relating to trucks, which includes 18-wheeler trucks. The Department of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission and Department of Homeland Security regulate most of these laws.
These trucking laws and regulations determine how much a fully laden commercial truck should weigh, who may drive semi trucks on the roads, how many hours the truck driver can operate before pulling over for a nap, and the type of training a driver must have prior to operating a truck.
When commercial trucking company or truck driver violate trucking laws, it can result in serious accidents, especially when the other vehicle is a passenger vehicle. If you are an injured truck accident victim, you should seek the assistance of an Orange County truck accident lawyer who specializes in this particular field of law. Generally, the violations of these regulations are the legal cause of the accidents themselves.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
When a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck collide, the consequences can be catastrophic and even fatal. The sheer size and power of a tractor-trailer can cause a significantly smaller vehicle to crumple, resulting serious injuries to the motorist and passengers.
Most truck drivers are skilled and patient drivers. However, common causes of truck accidents include:
- Inadequate training as to driving technique, safety concerns, and defense driving
- Systems of compensation that encourage faster vehicle speeds and more hours of consecutive vehicle operation than would normally be advisable
- Unrealistic schedules and expectations set by the trucking companies for their drivers, despite safety risks involved – causing driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Defective truck equipment
- Unsafe lane changing
- Speeding
We Can Help
At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas, we have litigated many complex and difficult truck-caused personal injuries over the years. We work hard to get you the maximum compensation under the law for the personal injuries and property damages you have suffered.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck or tractor-trailer accident, call our offices at (888) 848-5084 to schedule a complimentary consultation with an Orange County truck accident lawyer to discuss your valid claims.