Hazards of Log Truck Accidents
When a driver is hauling anything behind their vehicle there is an increased chance that there will be an accident, because the weight of the materials and trailers will alter the way that a driver will be able to maneuver their vehicle. Trucks and tractor-trailers carrying timber are just as vulnerable to involvement in an accident as other commercial vehicles because of their extreme weight and oversized cargo. These vehicles are inherently dangerous to other drivers on the road. Some of the hazards that logging trucks pose to other drivers include:
Large blind spots – like other commercial tractor-trailers, logging vehicles have large blind spots, which prevent their drivers from being able to see other cars on the road. This can be a problem when a truck hauling logs wants to change lanes or wants to merge onto a highway.
Heavy loads – Many of the trees and lumber that a commercial driver hauls will be extremely heavy and large. Often people do not even load the timber onto a truck, but because of the extreme weight of the cargo, use machines to load these trucks instead. The heavier a load that a tractor-trailer is carrying, the longer it will take them to come to a complete stop. In addition, in the event of an accident, there will naturally be more force and therefore a greater impact behind a collision.
Loose materials – Popularized by movies, when lumber comes off of a truck it is disastrous and often deadly. While, this may seem the stuff of science fiction, lumber and timber can come loose from the truck and cause accidents even if the rest of the truck can still drive normally.
Many of the accidents and resulting injuries from a logging truck are due to the differences in size, weight, and power of the vehicle.
What Causes Logging Accidents?
In addition to the above reasons for a logging truck accident, there are many other factors that can lead to an accident on the road. Some of these include:
Driver error – Logging trucks are much larger and longer than standard passenger vehicles. A logging truck is designed to carry a large amount of cargo, that only adds to the already increased mass of a truck. Therefore, even a small mistake from a driver is amplified by the size of the truck and cargo.
Improper Maintenance – Large vehicles such as those that haul logs and timber require not only regular maintenance but also thorough and comprehensive maintenance. If a truck hauling thousands of pounds of logs experiences a tire blowout, then it is very likely that even the most experienced driver will be unable to maintain control over their vehicle. In addition to things such as the tires, large commercial vehicles have other essential components that need to be regularly inspected, such as steering columns, braking systems, and hitching systems.
Improperly loaded materials – One of the biggest risks that a truck hauling large lumber poses to others on the road is when their cargo is not properly loaded. If you have ever seen a truck carrying logs, you are aware trucks hauling lumber basically carry chopped-down trees – each of which can weigh thousands of pounds. Even a small imbalance or gap when loading a vehicle of this size can cause a massive accident or collision on the road in the event that any of the logs come loose.
Negligent driving by other motorists – Truck drivers have to be incredibly vigilant on the road. Not only do they navigate difficult traffic conditions, but they often contend with other drivers on the road. Those drivers may not be as sensitive or aware of the danger they cause by cutting-off a tractor trailer. If a car cuts-off a truck, the driver will often have to swerve to avoid a collision, which leads to the driver losing control and causing an accident anyway.
While many accidents are preventable by properly cautious drivers, there are still accidents on the road almost every day.
How We Can Help…
Truck drivers are subject to heightened rules and regulations that drivers of non-commercial vehicles are not subject to. The companies that own trucks are responsible for ensuring that truck drivers are qualified and that these large and potentially dangerous vehicles are properly serviced and maintained.
If you are involved in an accident involving a large truck, you may be unaware of any potential violations the driver of the truck might have committed. But an experienced Nevada County truck accident injury attorney has extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the operation of a large truck in Nevada County and we can help ensure that any potential violations will be investigated and explored.
Additionally, our Nevada County truck accident lawyers sort through the complicated corporate structures trucking companies often use to shield themselves from liability. We understand both the California and federal laws that apply to trucking companies.
Though truck accidents may not be as common as typical automobile accidents, the statistics show that they do happen with regularity and carry significant potential to cause bodily injury and even death. These trucking and insurance companies will often attempt to settle your case for less than you deserve.
Injured in a truck accident in Nevada County County? Call us for help...
If you have been injured by a truck in California, do not let yourself be denied compensation while the drivers, owners, and dispatchers point the finger at each other. Call our Nevada City truck accident lawyers at (530) 265-0186 to get the money you need now to cover your hospital bills and lost wages.
Our consultations are free, and we take no money unless we win your case.
If you were injured by a big rig truck in California, please see our article on trucking accident claims in California law.