Big Rig & Tractor Trailer Accidents

Big rigs and tractor-trailers are responsible for millions of road accidents each year. Many of these accidents result in major injuries, property damage, and fatalities. The most common cause of big rig and tractor-trailer accidents is driver error, and hiring an attorney in Riverside, CA can help you prove who is liable for compensating you for your injuries and other damages.

Did a Big Rig or Tractor Trailer Accident Cause Injuries?

If you were in an tractor-trailer, you likely have injuries and property damage. While your insurance company may compensate you for some of your costs, you can also recoup economic and non-economic damages from the party or parties who are at fault for the accident. Hiring a tractor-trailer accident attorney will give you the resources and guidance you need to begin the complex and lengthy process of seeking compensation for your injuries. Your attorney will investigate your accident, gather documentation, determine who is at fault, and negotiate a settlement or judgment award on your behalf.

Commercial Driver & Big Rig Regulations in California

California has many regulations that dictate how commercial drivers and big rig drivers operate. The most important ones to be aware of are:

• Hours of Service – HOS regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue. Commercial truck drivers can drive 11 hours after they have rested for 10 consecutive hours. They are required to take 30-minute breaks after each eight-hour period of driving. They can only work a certain number of hours per week.
• Driver’s License Requirements – Commercial truck drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). In order to get their license, they must pass a written test, a driving skills test, a vision test, and a medical exam.
• Vehicle Safety – Commercial drivers and the companies they work for must ensure commercial trucks are maintained properly and inspected before and after every trip. They must also maintain detailed logs of problems, maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Speed Limits and Traffic Laws – Commercial drivers must obey specific speed limits that are lower than those for smaller vehicles. They also must obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs and regularly participate in driver training, such as defensive driver training.

Common Reasons for Car Accidents With Tractor Trailers

The most common reason for car accidents with tractor trailers and big rigs is driver error. Other causes of commercial truck accidents are:

• Distracted driving
• Poor roadway conditions
• Poor weather conditions
• Fatigue or falling asleep while driving
• Driving while intoxicated
• Failure to maintain the vehicle
• Speeding
• Ignoring warning signs, traffic signs, or traffic lights
• Reckless driving
• Poorly loaded or secured cargo
• Obstacles or obstructions in the roadway
• Unexpected animal or pedestrian in the roadway
• Poor visibility

Common Injuries from Big Rig & Tractor Trailer Accidents

Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, they can cause major injuries in an accident. The most common injuries associated with big rig and tractor-trailer accidents are:

• Head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and concussion
• Whiplash
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Bruises, bleeding, and contusions
• Burns
• Missing limbs or amputations
• Blindness

Contact Our Tractor Trailer Accident Law Firm

Call or contact us online at the Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler if you need representation after a tractor-trailer or big rig accident in Riverside, CA. Mr. Kistler will determine if you have a case, fight tirelessly on your behalf, and do everything he can to secure fair compensation for your injuries.