What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California?

As you travel California’s highways, you may encounter large trucks that can pose significant risks to your safety. Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in the state. Research has identified several common causes of truck accidents in California, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, and poor vehicle maintenance. 

Other contributing factors include overloaded or improperly loaded cargo, inadequate driver training, and reckless driving. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is important to consult with a seasoned Los Angeles truck accident lawyer at J&Y Law to ensure your rights are protected. Our team has 80 years of combined experience to apply to your case.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

As you drive California’s highways, you’re likely to share the road with numerous commercial trucks, which can be an intimidating experience, especially considering the risks involved. One significant risk factor is driver fatigue, which can lead to devastating accidents. 

Driver awareness is important in recognizing the signs of fatigue, such as drowsiness, yawning, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, can also contribute to driver fatigue. 

Unfortunately, many truck drivers violate hours of service regulations, pushing themselves beyond safe limits to meet tight deadlines. This negligence can have catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and property damage. 

Distracted Driving and Inattention in California

You’re likely aware that truck drivers are more prone to accidents when their attention is divided between the road and other distractions. Some common causes of truck accidents in California include:

Texting Behind the Wheel

Texting while driving is a pervasive and perilous habit that claims thousands of lives annually in California. Truck drivers know the risks, but the temptation to glance at their phones quickly can be overwhelming. However, the consequences of texting while driving are severe. 

In California, drivers face texting penalties, including fines and points on their licenses. Furthermore, new smartphone regulations aim to curb this dangerous habit by restricting phone use while driving. 

Failing to Scan Roads

Distracted driving and inattention are leading causes of truck accidents in California, with failing to scan roads being a notable contributor to these incidents. 

When drivers are behind the wheel, it’s important to maintain road awareness and constantly engage in visual scanning. This means checking mirrors, blind spots, and the road ahead to anticipate potential hazards. 

Failing to do so can lead to accidents, especially when driving a large and heavy vehicle like a truck. Drivers must stay focused on the road and avoid distractions, such as using their phones or eating while driving. 

Poor Vehicle Maintenance Is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents in California

As you examine the factors contributing to truck accidents in California, you’ll find that poor vehicle maintenance and inspection neglect are common causes of truck accidents in California. 

Brake Failure Risks

Brake failure is a leading cause of truck accidents, and it’s often preventable. Regular brake inspection is important to identify worn-out brake pads, air leaks, or faulty hydraulic systems. 

Neglecting these inspections can lead to brake failure, which can cause catastrophic accidents. As a driver, you trust that the trucking company has performed proper maintenance, but that’s not always the case. 

Inadequate brake maintenance can result in devastating consequences, including serious injuries or fatalities. To prevent brake failure risks on California’s roads, it’s imperative to hold trucking companies accountable for their vehicles’ maintenance.

Tire Blowout Hazards

When driving alongside a commercial truck in California, you may not be aware of the potential threat posed by poorly maintained tires, which can lead to devastating tire blowouts. 

Regular tire maintenance is important for blowout prevention, yet many trucking companies and drivers neglect this fundamental aspect of safety. Failure to check tire pressure and tread depth and look for signs of wear can result in catastrophic consequences. 

A tire blowout can cause a truck to lose control, jackknife, or even roll over, putting everyone on the road at risk. Trucking companies must prioritize tire maintenance and inspection to prevent such accidents. 

Hazardous Road Conditions and Infrastructure Failure

Poorly maintained roads and infrastructure failures are another common cause of truck accidents in California. As you drive on the state’s highways, you’re likely to encounter road surface deterioration, including potholes, cracks, and uneven lanes. 

Additionally, weather–related hazards like flooding, landslides, and fog can reduce visibility, making it difficult to react to unexpected events. You may also encounter infrastructure failures, such as bridge collapses or overpass damage, which can have devastating consequences. 

It’s important to be aware of these hazards and take necessary precautions, such as slowing down, increasing following distances, and staying alert to changing road conditions. By doing so, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a truck accident in California.

Inadequate Training in California

Inadequate training and supervision of truck drivers can have catastrophic consequences on California’s roads. You may wonder how this can happen, but many trucking companies fail to provide their drivers with adequate training and supervision, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Here are three ways inadequate training and supervision can lead to truck accidents:

• Lack of driver education: Without proper training, truck drivers may not know how to handle emergencies, drive on difficult roadways, or operate their vehicles safely.
• Failure to implement safety protocols: Trucking companies that don’t establish and enforce safety protocols, such as regular vehicle maintenance and drug testing, risk the lives of their drivers and others on the road.
• Inadequate supervision: When trucking companies don’t supervise their drivers properly, they may not catch signs of driver fatigue, reckless behavior, or other issues that can lead to accidents.

Overloading and Improper Cargo Securement

When drivers exceed the recommended cargo weight, they risk compromising the structural integrity of your truck and trailer. This can lead to loss of control, jackknifing, or even a complete rollover. 

To prevent accidents, it’s important to ensure that cargo is properly secured and balanced. Drivers should always follow the recommended weight and size limits and tie down cargo securely. 

Additionally, regular checks on the cargo’s weight and distribution can help prevent accidents caused by overloading and improper cargo securement. 

Learn More About Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California

As you travel California’s highways, it is important to understand the common causes of truck accidents. At J&Y Law, we understand the importance of awareness and caution on our roads. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.