Manhattan Beach Truck Accident Lawyers

Large trucks and 18-wheelers are a large part of commercial vehicles that operate in everyday traffic. The outcome of an accident involving a fully loaded commercial truck can be much more severe than a collision between two passenger cars. With 80,000 pounds or more in tow, large commercial trucks can be up to 25 times heavier than a passenger vehicle. The drastic imbalance of vehicle weight between passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers can cause serious, even catastrophic. In some cases, a truck accident can result in wrongful death. Any time you or a loved one is involved in a large truck accident, due to the nature of these accidents, the experienced Manhattan Beach truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC should be consulted right away.

What Causes Large Truck Accidents?

A large number of truck accidents are caused by the negligence of truck drivers and the companies that employ them. An additional hazard can be the load of the truck. For example, if the truck load is toxic or inflammable, it can result in secondary injuries unrelated to the collision.

As part of their professional responsibility, truck drivers have to be particularly careful on public roads. Truck drivers are required to have basic skills and knowledge related to the operation of 18-wheelers and their employers are required to verify that the drivers have the proper skills, knowledge and training.  If a commercial truck is involved, the owner of the company may also be held liable.

18-wheeler trucks usually have large blind spots, which are referred to as “NO-zones.” This a particular aspect of commercial trucks that other motorists often are not aware of. This area encompasses the left rear quarter, the right rear quarter, and directly behind the truck.

Key factors that can cause a truck accident include:

• Speeding
• Fatigue/Violation of Safety Guidelines
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances
• Inadequate training
• Distractions such as television, CB radios or cell-phones
• Wheel blowout
• Equipment failure
• Jackknifing
• Under-ride accidents
• Blind spots
• Truck driver’s failure to maintain gap control
• Truck driver improperly turning in front of other cars

Among the most common causes of truck accidents is failure to properly maintain the vehicle. If sufficient maintenance is not performed, this is often negligence on the part of trucking companies.

Filing a Claim Involving a Large Truck

As in most other vehicle accident cases, the victim has to prove the following aspects when filing a claim:

• The driver did not exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle.
• The victim is injured.
• The negligence of the driver was the cause of the victim’s injuries.

If you can prove that the truck driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for financial, physical as well as emotional losses and damages. However, since the truck driver was acting on behalf of their boss and the truck is owned by the company for which they works, the distribution of responsibility becomes much more complex than it may initially seem.

Before filing the claim, a Manhattan Beach personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC will identify the liable parties. The liable parties may include the driver, the company that employs them, the owner of the truck or trailer, the manufacturer of the vehicle, and even the manufacturer or supplier of the hazardous cargo the truck was carrying.

Avoiding Truck Accidents

While sharing the road with big trucks comes with a certain amount of risk, drivers can take steps to minimize the chances of getting into a truck accident.

We recommend the following when driving near large commercial trucks:

• Be cautious when changing lanes and don’t cut too closely in front of a large truck.
• Give plenty of room when following or passing a big rig.
• Avoid driving in the truck driver’s blind spots.
• Watch for turn signals and give plenty of space to a turning 18-wheeler.

No matter how safely you drive, sometimes truck accidents can’t be avoided.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Get Help From Manhattan Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one have become a victim of an accident with a commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, losses, as well as medical costs for personal injuries. A truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Scott Dinsmore, APC can help you sort through the different scenarios and their corresponding laws to ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law.

We offer free initial consultations to discuss our legal services and your personal injury claim. Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies should be held accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. Our Manhattan Beach truck accident attorneys are here to help. Call (310) 318-1220 today to schedule your free case evalutation.