The devastation of a commercial trucking accident can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Whether you are struggling to cope with catastrophic traumatic brain damage, paralysis, or a serious bone break, when someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, they should compensate you accordingly. 

Your reputable Garden Grove personal injury attorney with Fisher & Talwar is here to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses. When you need a top-rated Garden Grove truck accident lawyer you can count on to prioritize your best interests, do not hesitate to consult our legal team during a 100% free consultation.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Car Accidents

Truck accidents pose greater risks to everyone involved due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. It may surprise you to learn that a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds per the Federal Highway Administration. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck accidents accounted for over 4,000 fatalities nationwide in 2023.

The physics of truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles. The immense force generated during impact increases the likelihood of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe fractures. Additionally, hazardous cargo or fuel carried by trucks can lead to secondary dangers, such as fires or chemical spills.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Garden Grove

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, as exhausted truckers are more likely to make critical errors on the road. FMCSA regulations, such as Hours of Service rules, are designed to combat this issue by limiting the number of consecutive hours a driver can be on the road. Despite these regulations, some drivers exceed these limits, often due to tight delivery schedules or pressure from employers.

When a fatigued truck driver operates a vehicle, their reaction times slow, and their ability to make sound decisions diminishes. This can result in drifting between lanes, failing to notice hazards, or rear-ending vehicles at full speed. These preventable crashes often lead to life-altering injuries for victims.

Improper Cargo Loading

Improperly loaded cargo poses significant risks to truck drivers and others on the road. When cargo is not evenly distributed or exceeds weight limits, it can affect a truck’s balance and handling, increasing the likelihood of rollovers and jackknife accidents. Loose or unsecured cargo can also shift during transit, potentially spilling onto the roadway and causing multi-vehicle collisions. Specific risks associated with improper cargo loading include:

  • Weight imbalances
  • Unsecured cargo
  • Exceeding weight limits 

Maintenance Failures

Neglected maintenance is a frequent contributor to truck accidents in Garden Grove. Trucks require regular inspections and upkeep to prevent critical mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine issues. When these maintenance tasks are overlooked, it can lead to catastrophic consequences on the road.

For example, worn brake pads can lengthen stopping distances, making it difficult for a driver to avoid rear-end collisions. Similarly, underinflated or damaged tires are more likely to blow out at high speeds, causing a loss of vehicle control. By failing to adhere to maintenance schedules, trucking companies and drivers place everyone on the road at greater risk of severe bodily injury or death.

Exploring Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Determining liability in truck accident cases is often complex due to the multiple parties involved. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accidents may involve not just the driver but also trucking companies, maintenance crews, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. Identifying the responsible party or parties requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

  • Trucking companies – Companies may be held accountable if they fail to enforce safety regulations, overworked drivers, or neglect truck maintenance.
  • Cargo loaders – Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control.
  • Truck manufacturers – Faulty vehicle parts, such as defective brakes or tires, can lead to catastrophic accidents.
  • Maintenance providers – If routine inspections or repairs were not performed adequately, the company responsible may share liability.

Sharing liability often results in multiple claims being filed to recover compensation for damages. For this reason, having an experienced legal team investigate and piece together the chain of events is crucial in building a solid claim, as this ensures every responsible party is held accountable.

Federal and State Trucking Regulations

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules

The FMCSA establishes regulations designed to improve truck safety and reduce risks associated with truck accidents. These rules apply to both truck drivers and trucking companies, creating clear guidelines to promote safer roads. Noncompliance with these rules often contributes to accidents, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

The FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate before taking mandatory breaks. These rules are intended to combat driver fatigue, a common factor in truck accidents. Additionally, weight restrictions ensure that trucks do not exceed safe load capacities, reducing the likelihood of equipment failures or loss of control. Drug and alcohol testing requirements are also in place to identify impaired drivers and prevent them from operating commercial vehicles.

California State Regulations

California imposes additional regulations on truck drivers and companies operating within the state to enhance road safety and environmental protection. These state-specific rules often go beyond federal guidelines.

Speed limits for trucks are one such regulation, restricting large commercial vehicles to 55 mph on highways, even when passenger vehicles are permitted to travel at higher speeds per the FMCSA. Lane restrictions further direct trucks to remain in designated lanes, particularly on multi-lane highways, to minimize risks to smaller vehicles. Additionally, California enforces environmental compliance rules, including emissions standards aimed at reducing pollution from diesel trucks.

Turn To an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Garden Grove for Help Today

Your truck accident injuries may have had a considerable impact on your life, but you do not need to let them prevent you from building the future you have always dreamed of. This is your opportunity to take back control of your life. 

Connect with a highly experienced Garden Grove truck accident attorney from Fisher & Talwar when you are ready to pursue maximum compensation for your damages and suffering. You can reach us through our quick contact form or by phone to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.