San Francisco Truck Accident Attorney
Semi-trailer trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and “Big Rigs” are all names used to describe commercial cargo trucks. Early history of the tractor-trailer reveals that at the turn of the 20th century, there were only a mere 700 trucks on the roads. Estimates today report that there are over 1.9 million on the highways and roads in the United States. As over 70% of all cargo in the country is now hauled by commercial freight trucks, it’s easy to see why their numbers are so great and why they’re a popular choice for companies. Unfortunately, with their number increasing, the long hours truck drivers endure, and the great distances they must travel, the number of truck involved accidents has also increased. Compared to a typical automobile accident, a collision involving a commercial cargo truck is immensely more catastrophic. Due to the truck’s large size, the smaller automobile in the crash typically receives the most damage and is often left completely destroyed.
Negligent Driving and Causation
Driver negligence is arguably the single largest contributor to San Francisco truck accidents. Simply put, negligence is the failure of someone to exert reasonable, responsible care. Concerning truck accidents, it is the care that a truck driver must take to ensure the safety of the drivers and pedestrians they encounter on the road. This requirement to exert reasonable care is called a “duty of care”. When this duty is breached and the truck driver doesn’t exert reasonable care, then they are considered negligent. Various acts and even failing to act are considered negligent. Below is a list of common negligent acts that contribute to San Francisco truck accidents.
- Excessive speed (California Truck Speed Limit is 55mph)
- Unlawful lane changes
- Failing to adhere to posted signage (running stop signs)
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII)
In addition to negligent driving, there are several inherent properties of trucks and truck drivers that make them more accident prone compared to a typical automobile.
Larger / More Blind Spots
Due to their long trailers, trucks have significantly larger blind spots (and in different locations) compared to typical automobiles. Trucks have blind spots on the left, right, and front right of the cab. Additionally, they have a blind spot just behind the trailer being towed. Many trucks have signs similar to “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you” posted on the back / side of their trailers. If a truck driver doesn’t see another automobile and fails to check their blind spots, they can make negligent lane changes and cause a traffic collision with a smaller car.
Bobtailing
The practice of driving a truck without a trailer or load attached is known as bobtailing. Trucks driving in this configuration handle significantly differently than one pulling a trailer. Due to this, inexperienced truck drivers often fail to maintain proper control of their vehicle under certain driving conditions, namely when the road is wet and when coming to a stop. Bobtailing trucks driven by inexperienced truck drivers have the potential to cause serious accidents.
Long Hours
Truck drivers often endure extremely long hours when on the road. Although there are state and federal regulations mandating the length and time that a driver can legally drive each shift, some drivers fail to adhere to this law. Oftentimes truck drivers are paid more for delivering more freight, in this case it is just a simple matter of greed that can cause a disastrous truck accident. Drivers working illegally long shifts are less alert, slower to react to changing road conditions, and more likely to cause truck accidents.
Truck Accident Data
The facts on truck accident data may be shocking. As trucks are considerably larger than traditional automobiles, the smaller car typically incurs more damage. On average, a truck weighs anywhere from 16,000 - 80,000 pounds. Compare this to a regular automobile which weighs in between 2,000 - 5,000 pounds and it becomes clear as to why the truck fairs well in the accident and why the car is usually completely destroyed.
- In 2006, there were a reported 4,321 fatal truck accidents nationwide.
- That same year there were 77,000 truck accidents that caused an injury.
- The total number of police reported truck accidents in 2006 was 368,000.
- Trucks hauling hazardous materials (hazmat) are more likely to cause fatal accidents.
Take Action
Truck accidents can cause immense physical and emotional damage to the victims involved. Tragically, they can also end lives. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a truck accident, contact one of our experienced San Francisco truck accident attorneys today. Here at Alexander Law Group, we have decades of extensive experience handling truck accident cases. Our firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars in damages for the pain and suffering they have incurred as a result of their truck accidents.
The San Francisco truck accident attorneys at Alexander Law Group will fervently work with you to procure all possible monetary compensation you are entitled to after your injury. Our goal is to help our clients receive proper compensation for their pain and suffering as the result of truck accidents. We realize that this is a difficult time for you and know it can be hard to associate a dollar amount to an injury. Fortunately, this is an area our attorneys specialize in. Our results speak for themselves. You can reach one of our San Francisco truck accident attorneys at 1.888.777.1776. Alternatively, you can reach us by e-mail and we will get back to you promptly.
When our firm accepts cases, we operate on a contingent fee basis. Simply stated, if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay anything.
After your truck accident, you need knowledgeable attorneys on your side. We are here to help you with your truck accident case. We have the experience needed to succeed. We are here to fight for you.
Please call or contact us today.
Memberships & Awards
Site by iLawyer Marketing
