While you cannot prevent 100% of big rig accidents, there are steps we can take that could significantly reduce them. For example, taking steps to prevent two of the most common causes of these accidents would be fairly simple. Read on to learn what these two causes are and how they can be prevented. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Big Rigs Are Essential to the Economy but Increase Demand is Leading to Unsafe Conditions
Big rig trucks are essential to the economy of California and the United States. They transport goods from one side to the other, and they make it possible for you to buy whatever you want from just about anywhere in the country. As demand for cross-country and cross-state goods has increased, so has demand for truck drivers.
Unfortunately, in many parts of the state and county there are not enough qualified drivers to handle the challenge. This leads the trucking companies forced to turn down business or cut corners. Many of the ways they may attempt to curt corners can be causes of truck accidents.
1. Tired Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has created strict regulations designed to reduce the number of fatigued drivers on the roads. These regulations limit the number of hours a driver can drive in one day and within a week. They require breaks to ensure that drivers are moving around and staying awake. The good news is that these regulations can help reduce accidents and save lives. The bad news is that not all truck drivers or their employers follow these rules.
2. Improperly Loaded Trucks
Big rigs are designed to carry as much as 80,000 pounds. However, that weight must be secured and it must be disturbed evenly. Even the largest, most powerful big rig can struggle and become difficult or impossible to maneuver if the load is not secure, if it shifts during transit, or if it is not even. It is not uncommon for an improperly loaded truck to flip or fall on its side, which can cause serious injuries and block the roadway.
The fact of the matter is that accidents caused by improperly loaded trucks simply do not need to happen. Truck manufacturers are clear about the maximum load each truck can handle. Cargo loaders know the rules and regulations on loading trucks. The sad truth is that these accidents are almost always the result of someone trying to cut corners.
Call Us Now if You Have Been Injured in a Big Rig Accident
If you have been injured in a big rig accident then we urge you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 as soon as possible. We will carefully assess the evidence and help you find the best way forward. Call us now and we can get started right away.
