Large trucks are particularly dangerous because of their size. Truck accidents cause devastating injuries. At Crane Flores, LLP, we understand how overwhelming the emotional and financial burden can be for injury victims and their families. Our dedicated Oxnard truck accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate your case, and zealously seek the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a commercial vehicle or truck accident, contact Crane Flores, LLP today for a free consultation. We offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee for you unless we recover a monetary award in your case.
Accidents involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler tractor-trailer, or other large truck differ greatly from smaller vehicle accidents. An 18-wheeler can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and be more than 60 feet long. Large trucks are more difficult to maneuver. They take longer to stop, have large blind spots, and need a wide turning radius. Small mistakes can have serious consequences when big trucks are involved.
Large trucks are more likely to be involved in fatal multi-car accidents than smaller vehicles. In 2011, more than 3,700 people died in large truck crashes, while 88,000 were injured. Like motorcycle accidents, truck accidents can cause spine, neck, and back injuries; head trauma; broken bones; lacerations and internal injuries.
It can take a long time to recover from injuries sustained in a serious truck accident. Our lawyers help accident victims in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and Ventura work to recover compensation for their financial losses and pain and suffering.
The government has implemented new rules to ensure that commercial truck drivers get proper rest by reducing the number of hours they can work in a week. Regulators also banned all hand-held cell phone use by commercial drivers. Despite these safeguards, truck drivers and companies still exercise carelessness and poor judgment.
Driver fatigue: Truck drivers work long hours. If they do not take the necessary breaks between shifts, they risk falling asleep at the wheel and causing a drowsy driving accident.
Driver error: Large trucks leave little margin for error. Dangerous driving behaviors include speeding, driving aggressively, failing to check blind spots, tailgating, and improperly changing lanes.
Driver impairment: The use of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel of a big rig slows reaction time and impedes other skills needed to safely drive the truck. Trucking companies are required to regularly screen drivers for signs of substance abuse problems.
Driver distraction: Cell phones do not just cause car and pedestrian accidents. While it is illegal, some truck drivers still talk and text behind the wheel. They may also take their eyes off the road to eat or smoke.
Inadequate driver training: Driving a large truck takes a particular set of skills. If drivers are not well trained, they may not know how to react to poor weather, congested roadways, or equipment problems.
Equipment malfunction: Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to run smoothly. Faulty brakes and worn tires can cause serious accidents.
To determine the exact cause of an accident, our meticulous accident attorneys investigate the truck driver's logbook, vehicle maintenance records, inspection reports, and witness accounts. Once we find out who is responsible, we build your case against the negligent truck driver or trucking company.
Truck accidents often involve a number of different parties. Trucking companies, owners, and drivers all have legal obligations and can be held accountable for your injuries. While the driver may be to blame for failing to follow the rules of the road, the trucking company is also responsible for the driver's negligence because of the employment relationship. If the tractor-trailer's equipment malfunctioned prior to the accident, the companies that made or maintained the vehicle may also be held liable.
At Crane Flores, LLP, our Oxnard truck accident attorneys evaluate your trucking accident claim, free of charge. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that we don't charge attorneys' fees unless we win the case for you.
Contact our firm online or by calling (805) 628-4967. We are available 24/7 to assist you.