Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in Southern California

Image Reference: http://www.truckaccidentlaw.org

Big rig collisions in Southern California are not uncommon. In 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 27 people were killed in the State due to large truck accidents. Taking such information into consideration, fatalities may be considered relatively low but it does not mean that truck drivers can take accidents easy.

According to Santa Monica personal injury attorneys, truck accidents contribute to thousands of tort-related cases in California each year. There are particular reasons why truck accidents occur in parts of California, like Los Angeles and Santa Monica. The following are some of the common causes of big rig collisions in California:

1. Driver fatigue – Commercial truck drivers are susceptible to driver fatigue because they are subjected to rigorous and demanding schedules. Because of this, it is not surprising that several truck accidents in California are caused by  such factor. When a driver is exhausted, chances are his driving skills are compromised thus making him closer to accidents.

2. Alcohol intoxication – Driving under the influence (DUI) accidents do not only involve automobile or motorcycle operators.  Truck drivers are also vulnerable to such traffic violation. Intoxicated big rig drivers contribute to hundreds of DUI-related road accidents each year. Drunken drivers are likely to cause or get involved in traffic accidents because their driving skills are impaired.

3. Violation of traffic laws – Even a simple traffic infraction such as not stopping on red light may lead to serious accidents. Certain truck drivers that do violate California traffic laws are likely to get involved in a traffic crash. They may not only put their health in danger but also the safety of  other driving public.

Truck accident victims, pursuant to California tort law, have the right to claim for personal injury compensations. Consulting with Los Angeles lawyers may provide great advantage when it comes to learning their civil rights.