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Truck Accidents

San Diego, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido

Leaving work, getting into your car, and enjoying the freedom of the open road has been a part of the American dream since Henry Ford put cars in the reach of every working man and woman. But unfortunately that freedom comes with potential danger when car drivers share the road with large trucks which, mile for mile, are almost twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident as passenger cars. According to trucking companies, most of these truck accidents are the fault of the passenger car drivers whose vehicles have been crushed under the weight of a massive truck.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a truck accident, we know how to respond to the tactics of trucking companies and obtain compensation for your injuries and your loss. Please call or email us today for a free initial consultation.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are an unfortunate and common sight on the highways in and around San Diego, including I-5, I-15, I-8, I-405, and I-10. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a detailed study of truck accidents to identify the most common and most significant causes of large (more than 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight) truck accidents. Driver-related factors were "critical reasons" in 87% of all truck crashes where one was assigned to the truck. Most commonly, the critical reason is poor decision-making. However, the most common "associated factor" which contributed to truck crashes is brake problems. Cargo shift is relatively uncommon, but when it occurs it is very likely to cause a potentially fatal accident. The combined effects of driver error, improper truck maintenance, and the cargo issues result in large trucks posing serious danger to motorists.

A more complete list of reasons why large trucks cause accidents includes:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver speeding
• Following too close
• Driver unfamiliar with roadway
• Driver using over-the-counter drugs
• Driver distracted
• Driver performing illegal maneuver
• Truck tire failure
• Semi truck jackknife
• Cargo shift
• Driver using illegal drugs or alcohol

Many of these causes are preventable. About 10% of truck drivers reported feeling pressured by the motor carrier to make an unrealistic schedule, which leads to speeding, driving when fatigued, and performing illegal maneuvers to cut time off a trip.

Resisting Trucking Company Damage Control

A trucking company knows that even minor accidents cost them money.  If their driver, their truck, or their cargo is implicated in an accident it will increase their costs, so they will send representatives to the crash scene right away. In most cases, this is your first accident, but trucking company representatives are experienced professionals and will approach you to obtain a statement, and may offer to help you take care of some immediate expenses in exchange for signing a release. Remember, you have no obligation to give a statement to anyone other than the police, and you should not sign any authorizations or releases.

Instead, it is best to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer. We know how to protect your rights and make sure you are fully compensated for your damages, including those you may not yet be aware of. We have represented accident victims from all over the state of California and are knowledgeable about the specific factors that contribute to truck accidents on Interstates 5, 15, 8, 405, and 10 around the San Diego area. For a free initial consultation, please call or email The Rubinstein Law Group today.  We can come to you.

(760) 804-2790

Toll Free (866) 771-7181

La Jolla, Ca
Phone number:
(760) 804-2790
Fax number:
(760) 804-2789
Address:
7825 Fay Avenue
Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037

By Appointment

The Rubinstein Law Group
Phone number:
(760) 804-2790
Fax number:
(760) 804-2789
Address
100 E. San Marcos Blvd.
Suite 400
San Marcos, CA 92069

Free Consultation

San Diego, Ca
Phone number:
(760) 804-2790
Fax number:
(760) 804-2789
Address:
16870 West Bernardo Dr.
Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92127

By Appointment