Truck accidents are one of the most catastrophic accidents that you can experience. In a typical truck accident in Orange County, California, vehicles are often crushed as a result of the sheer mass and weight of semitrailer trucks weaving in and out of traffic. So, the injuries that people suffer as a result of these kinds of crashes are usually severe. In fact, truck accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities nationwide.
Therefore, it is essential to speak to an Orange County truck accident lawyer if you have been involved in a collision with a truck. An accident attorney will be able to explain the complex nature of a truck accident case and will be able to advise you on recovering the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Here are the five main causes of truck accidents in Orange County, California:
- Fatigued driving
Fatigued driving is when you are so tired that you are not able to drive your vehicle safely. This is the number one cause of truck accidents in Orange County. Truck drivers are permitted to drive only for limited hours in any 24-hour period. Anything over that is considered fatigued driving and can be a contributing cause of an accident.
- Distracted driving
Cell phone use, eating, and personal grooming are just a few of the common causes of distracted driving. Distracted driving, which includes truck drivers texting or talking on their cell phones, is another main cause of truck accidents in Orange County.
- Driving under influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is often a contributing cause of truck accidents in Orange County. According to statistics, about 25% of truck drivers involved in accidents have been drinking alcohol, which can impair their driving ability and contribute to accidents.
- Speeding
Speeding is another factor that can contribute to the likelihood of a truck accident in Orange County. Accidents caused due to speeding are more likely to be severe. So, if you have been involved in a collision with a truck driver who was not at the posted speed limit, seek legal advice immediately.
- Improper loading
Improper loading is another contributing cause of truck accidents in Orange County. This factor includes overloading more than the truck’s weight capacity or not securing and stabilizing loads. You should speak to an attorney if you suspect that the trucker was not following safety procedures.