Cargo trucks are large, dangerous vehicles that are common on the roads and highways of the United States. Victims of cargo truck accidents can suffer serious consequences that upend their lives. These consequences can include injury, financial loss, and in severe cases, even death. If you or a loved one was the victim of a cargo truck accident that may have been caused by a third party, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to discuss your case. Call (800) 794-0444 to speak with a Los Angeles cargo truck lawyer team member.
What Is a Cargo Truck?
If you go shopping, you probably do not stop to think about where the items you purchase came from, but there is a good chance they spent time on a cargo truck. Cargo trucks play an essential role in the transportation of consumer goods all over the world. There are many different types of large cargo trucks on the road. These include big rigs, which are also known as “tractor-trailers,” refrigerated trucks, flatbed trucks, “low boys,” and more. While cargo trucks are one of the backbones of our transportation system, they can also be dangerous.
The Dangers of Large Vehicles
Cargo trucks are cumbersome vehicles, capable of causing tremendous damage in an accident. Depending on the load, it is not unusual for these trucks to weigh more than 50,000 pounds. Vehicles of this weight traveling at highway speeds require a driver with specialized training to operate them. Unfortunately, accidents still happen.
The prevalence of large vehicle crashes might surprise you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 1 in 3 truck drivers have or will experience an accident throughout their career. Another federal agency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), found that more than 30% of fatal crashes in work zones involved a large vehicle, defined as weighing over 10,000 pounds. The FMCSA also reported that in 2017 alone, nearly 5,000 Americans lost their lives due to collisions with cargo trucks and other large vehicles. This staggering number does not include the thousands of other accident victims who experience injury or property loss.
If you were in a cargo truck accident that may have been caused by a third party, you could be able to file a claim against responsible parties. Speaking with a Los Angeles cargo truck lawyer could help determine if financial compensation is available in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Cargo Truck Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
Causes of Accidents
Understanding the causes of accidents is essential. It can help keep you safe from future accidents or determine if another party was liable for a past accident you experienced. Some of the common factors contributing to cargo truck accidents include:
- Driver error: Even though a cargo truck driver might receive specialized training, it is still possible that they make a mistake. Taking a turn too sharply, failing to use the brakes soon enough, or choosing to drive in dangerous conditions are all forms of driver error that could put you at risk.
- Distracted driving: Any action or behavior that takes attention away from the road is dangerous. These actions could include looking at a phone, changing the radio station, or gazing at a billboard advertisement.
- Impairment: Impaired driving, or driving under the influence, is when a foreign substance influences the operator of a vehicle. The foreign substance could be drugs, alcohol, prescription medicine, or anything else that affects the ability to drive safely.
- Hazardous conditions: Sometimes, weather or other conditions can play a role in cargo truck accidents. Rain, ice, sleet, fog, or wind could give a cargo truck driver difficulty controlling the vehicle.
- Mechanical issues: If the operating company does not properly maintain a cargo truck, lives could be at risk. There are many regulations for large vehicles, and when they are not checked frequently enough for mechanical issues, they could fail while on the road, which could prove extremely dangerous for other vehicles.
- Speeding: Speeding can make it difficult for large vehicles to react to hazards, brake in time, or make a turn effectively. If a cargo truck is not following the speed limit, accidents can occur.
If one or more of these factors causes an accident, the resulting damage can be devastating. Cargo truck accidents can leave victims with a wide range of property loss and injuries. You can contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to discuss with a Los Angeles cargo truck lawyer team member whether you are eligible for compensation if you were involved in a cargo truck accident.
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Common Injuries in Vehicle Accidents
Some accident victims are fortunate enough to walk away at the scene, while others suffer from permanent damage or require years to recover. If you or a loved one is in pain or physical danger, seek help immediately. Even if you do not notice the pain immediately after an accident, it is still good to see a doctor. Some of the possible injuries from cargo truck accidents may not be noticeable for days, weeks, or months after an accident. Common accident injuries include:
- Head and neck trauma, including whiplash and concussions
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and lacerations
- Sprains, strains, and damage to the joints and ligaments
- Breaks, fractures, and other injuries to limbs
- Anxiety, depression, fear of driving, PTSD, and other emotional effects
- Death
If you or your loved one is suffering from a cargo truck accident that was not your fault, a Los Angeles cargo truck lawyer might be able to take legal action to seek justice on your behalf.
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Understanding Your Legal Options
Accidents can completely change your life, but victims of a cargo truck accident caused by a third party are sometimes eligible for compensation, including reimbursement for lost property, medical expenses, and more. Every case is unique, so it could be beneficial to discuss your situation with a Los Angeles cargo truck lawyer. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you understand your legal options. Call (800) 794-0444 to speak with a team member today about what you can do next.
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