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Common Causes of Big Truck Accidents

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
The majority of causes in big truck accidents go back to the drivers themselves. Big truck drivers who happen to be on the road for long stretches of time are fatigued and more likely to make mistakes. Drivers who are sleepy are far more likely to become involved in an accident. Truck accident causation studies have found that drug use among truck drivers was the most common cause of these dangerous accidents. Until the study had been completed, researchers expected drowsiness, sleep deprivation and exhaustion to top the list of factors responsible for common truck accidents. Unfortunately, more than 26% of the truck accidents were caused by prescription pill abuse or illegal drug use. Speeding, however, was the second most common cause of big truck accidents. According to researchers, more than 23% of accidents, speeding was the cause of the truck crash. Speeding is particularly dangerous, because the vehicles are so large that a speeding truck is more likely to result in a fatality when it collides with much smaller vehicles. Other common causes of big truck accidents include:
  • Driving errors
  • Driver fatigue
  • Distracted driving
  • Road rage
  • Mechanical defects

Stand Up for Your Rights

Big truck accidents often lead to fatalities. Families are left devastated and without a clear understanding of who is responsible. If a big truck accident causes a death, you and your family may be entitled to file a wrongful death personal injury lawsuit on behalf of your lost loved one. If you think that negligence caused your loved ones death, do not hesitate to consult with the attorneys at Arnold Law Firm. Our wrongful death attorneys have decades of experience helping grieving families get the justice that they deserve. There is no obligation to contact our Sacramento truck accident attorneys and you only pay if we successfully recover a settlement or award on behalf of your family.

Call (916) 777-7777 today.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.