Injured by a Commercial Truck? You Need a San Luis Obispo Truck Accident Law Firm 

While any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injury and even death, truck accidents can be especially traumatic. However, there are several factors involved in truck accident cases that make them unique. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced San Luis Obispo truck accident lawyer who knows what sets these cases apart so that you can get the compensation you deserve. 

Large Trucks Mean Increased Hazards

Obviously, trucks are larger and heavier than private passenger vehicles -- especially trucks like tractor trailers and 18 wheelers. As a result, they require longer stopping distances, are more difficult to maneuver, and have larger blind spots. In addition, the forces exerted in a collision can be tremendous due to their size and weight. As a result, heavy traffic or adverse weather and road conditions can be especially dangerous for large trucks as it’s easier for them to lose control and harder for them to stop or swerve in order to avoid an accident. 

A truck’s cargo can also present additional hazards. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals, oil, or gas, can catch fire or even explode. Other heavy cargo can break loose in an accident and result in additional injuries to other drivers. 

Common Causes of California Truck Accidents

The overwhelming majority of motor vehicle accidents are the result of driver error. Truck accidents, however, may be the result of some unique causes: 

• Driving while drowsy. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to make deliveries on time. This means that they may spend long hours behind the wheel and are more likely to drive while drowsy. 
• Lack of training or experience. Because of their size and weight, drivers need extensive training to learn how to drive their trucks safely. Even with training, an inexperienced driver is more likely to make mistakes or drive unsafely. 
• Mechanical failures. Commercial trucks spend hundreds of hours on the road each month, which means that they need to be maintained much more frequently than your average passenger vehicle. A brake failure or blowout can easily result in a catastrophic accident. Unfortunately, trucking companies are not always as diligent as they should be in ensuring their trucks are in good working order.

Truck drivers also tend to speed, make unsafe lane changes, or drive while distracted. An experienced San Luis Obispo truck accident lawyer can review your case, identify the cause of the accident, and determine whether you should pursue a claim. 

Who is Liable for Tractor Trailer Accidents?

Probably the most complicated aspect of truck accident cases is determining who should be held liable for your injuries. Our San Luis Obispo commercial truck accident attorney explains some of the parties that may be responsible for causing your accident: 

• The truck driver: the truck driver’s negligent driving may be the sole cause of the accident. 
• The trucking company: trucking companies have an obligation to ensure that their drivers have sufficient training and supervision. They are also expected to comply with state and federal trucking regulations. Lastly, they also are responsible for ensuring that their trucks are properly maintained and safe for operation. 
• The cargo loader: Improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, making the truck difficult to maneuver at high speeds. Overloaded trucks can also make it difficult for trucks to stop safely. 

Determining who is responsible and how to pursue a claim against them can be exceptionally difficult for non-lawyers. You should also keep in mind that they will be represented by counsel, and it is highly unlikely that they will immediately accept liability for the accident. And even if they do accept liability, they will still try to pay as little on your claim as possible. 

You Need a San Luis Obispo Truck Accident Law Firm on Your Side

San Luis Obispo truck accident lawyer Earl A. Conaway, III knows what you’re up against. More importantly, he knows how to get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Let us help you - contact us today at (805)546-8797 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.