There is no shortage of “big rigs” on the streets and highways of California. Each one of these vehicles is presumed to have a trained and competent driver at the wheel. Unfortunately, we all know that is not the case. There are hundreds of truck accidents in California each year, leaving many people with devastating injuries to recover from, or even causing death.
So, what are the common ways that truck drivers cause accidents in California? Well, for starters, some drivers simply have not received the proper training. Operating a semi-truck or other large commercial or transportation-size vehicle is much different from operating a normal passenger car. Big rig drivers are expected to receive specialized training and, in fact, oftentimes are required to have a completely different type of driver’s license than most other drivers. When truck drivers do not receive the appropriate training, they become a danger behind the wheel of a massive vehicle sharing the road with other drivers.
Then, even truck drivers who have received the right training may be under another type of pressure: time. They are oftentimes expected to deliver their loads based on unrealistic timelines. This may cause a truck driver to speed or drive without having the chance to get adequate rest. Such negligent conduct is a clear danger to other drivers. Lastly, like all other drivers, truck drivers are not immune to intoxicated or distracted driving.
Truck accidents can cause unparalleled death and destruction on the roads in California. Anyone who has been injured in such an accident may want to learn more about their potential legal options.