California’s roads are filled with a wide variety of motor vehicles, including cars, buses and trucks. Truck accident injuries are typically more serious than injuries from other types of motor vehicles because of the large size and weight of trucks.
Truck accidents have increased in recent years
Recent statistics show that truck accidents have increased by 52% since 2009. Although it is often believed that fatigued or distracted driving accounts for many truck accidents, the most common cause is tire defects, which cause approximately 30% of truck accidents.
Truck accidents are more likely to occur in certain areas or during specific times of the day. A report in 2017 found that over half of accidents involving large trucks happened on major roads, and not highways or freeways.
When and where do most truck accidents occur?
Most truck accidents occur on weekdays between noon and 3 p.m., with the most truck accidents being reported on Thursday. There are much lower numbers of truck accidents reported on weekends outside of these afternoon hours.
The large size and weight of trucks means that it takes longer to brake. When a trucker needs to suddenly slam on the brakes due to a traffic jam or another vehicle darting out in front of them, the stopping distance needed to brake safely is between 20 to 40% more than a smaller vehicle.
Help is available after a truck accident
This not only makes an accident more likely, but it causes many accidents to be fatal. As a truck accident victim, even if you survive a crash, you are likely to face substantial injuries.
Broken bones, spinal cord injuries or burns causing permanent disfigurement are just some examples of injuries experienced by truck accident victims. The injuries often go beyond just physical, with victims suffering from long-term mental or psychological distress, perhaps even being afraid to drive again.
Truck accidents often occur because of negligence, whether from the truck driver or another driver on the road. As a victim, you could receive compensation for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can help with filing a negligence claim.