Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Westlake Village

The only difference between a big rig and an everyday car is the size and shape. Other than that, they both have wheels, an engine, and pedals. They also share the road and can be involved in collisions. Common causes of truck accidents in Westlake Village are largely similar to causes of car crashes: unsafe driving and poor vehicle maintenance.

Unfortunately, the difference in size between a semi-truck and a passenger car usually results in more severe injuries. If you have been hit by a truck, contact Block LLP to discuss your legal options. A knowledgeable 18-wheeler accident attorney could help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.

Unsafe Driving

Failure to drive safely may be the most common cause of truck crashes in Westlake Village. Unsafe driving is a broad term that could encompass several actions or inactions.

Types of Unsafe Driving Behaviors

Everyone is required to follow the rules of the road. If everyone just drove their vehicles how they wanted to, there would be chaos in the streets. That is why failing to follow traffic safety laws, such as obeying posted speed limits and stopping at red lights, is unsafe.

Distractions like cell phones are unsafe because they take a driver’s attention away from the road. This is doubly important for semi-truck drivers because they must be in control of a massive vehicle at all times. These large trucks also require a higher level of skill and awareness to operate safely compared to a normal car. An 18-wheeler has more blind spots, and a driver must be constantly aware of their surroundings. Failing to check a blind spot could be considered unsafe driving if it results in a collision.

However, proper safety awareness is not just the truck’s responsibility, as several other areas of a truck require equal attention. For example, an 18-wheeler’s cargo must be properly loaded and safely secured to prevent the objects from getting loose and potentially causing an accident.

The Role of Negligence

Safe driving does not have any one definition, but most unsafe actions and inactions fall under a legal term known as negligence. Negligence is one way to hold a big rig driver responsible for causing a wreck, but it requires a careful examination of the facts and circumstances. A seasoned tractor-trailer accident attorney could review a specific case and determine if the operator was negligent.

Poor Maintenance

Most trucks on the road are owned and operated by commercial transportation companies. As owners, they are responsible for maintaining their vehicles for the safety of their employees and other drivers. Poor maintenance is one of the most frequent causes of tractor-trailer wrecks in Westlake Village, often stemming from negligence in routine inspections or repairs.

Trucks used in the business of hauling heavy cargo across long distances experience frequent wear and tear on the mechanics, tires, and body. This requires regular maintenance checks and repairs to keep the vehicles in safe operating order. For example, the 18 wheels of a big rig need to be properly inflated and securely fastened, and the brakes need to be inspected and replaced if there are signs of wearing down. Failing to maintain a semi-truck could result in an accident if a wheel comes loose or the truck cannot stop. If a shipping company fails to properly maintain its fleet, it could be held responsible for causing a collision.

Pursuing a claim against a trucking company has challenges as the company will likely deny responsibility. However, a dedicated accident lawyer could help prove the company poorly maintained its vehicles and caused a crash.

Talk to an Attorney About the Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Westlake Village

Collisions with a heavy truck can have devastating results because of the larger mass of the vehicle. If a big rig has injured you or a loved one, get in touch with the skilled legal team at Block LLP.

Our lawyers know the common causes of truck accidents in Westlake Village and could help you seek comprehensive compensation for your injuries. Call today to discuss your legal options and schedule a free consultation.