Construction sites invariably rely on large trucks, defined as those with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds, to pour concrete and move heavy materials. The presence of large trucks puts motorists in passenger vehicles at a greater risk for truck accidents, and accidents involving large trucks can be more likely to result in fatalities, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
When a commercial truck seems to be driving erratically or has extended operating parts that would normally be stored during transit, drivers must take exceptional care. Attempting to pass such a vehicle can be very dangerous, as was evidenced in early December in an accident in San Marcos, California.
How the presence of large trucks may be a risk for other motorists
According to ABC News, the accident in San Marcos allegedly occurred when a driver attempted to pass a dump truck on eastbound Route 78. The dump truck left the site with its bed still raised, according to the California Highway Patrol, and a vehicle attempting to pass it allegedly collided with another passenger vehicle after the truck’s bed struck an overpass. The bed was ripped from the truck and caused damage to the Nordahl Road overpass.
The FMCSA issued a report noting there were over 247 million vehicles on America’s roadways in 2005, and more than 8 million of these were large trucks. The presence of large vehicles is not immediately threatening to motorists, but accidents involving large trucks have a fatality rate per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled 60 percent greater than those involving smaller cars and light trucks.
Choose the best attorney to help with truck accident cases
Trucks leaving construction sites should take pains to secure any loose attachments and ensure they are in operable condition for transit. Truck accidents can easily arise from truck drivers failing to lower beds or leaving parts extended, and these accidents can result in severe injury and even the deaths of other motorists on the road.
Anyone who is hurt in an accident involving a large truck should seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyers understand how to begin the process of seeking compensation from the trucking company or its insurance provider. Many victims are confused with how to stop this process, and some may be intimidated by the prospect of tackling a large commercial company or its attorneys. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help navigate these hurdles.
