Car accidents involving large trucks and big rigs can be particularly dangerous for those involved. The sheer size difference between a passenger car and a semi-truck can turn a minor fender-bender into a life-threatening accident for those involved.
Asleep at the wheel
Recently, one such collision occurred on southbound I-5 on the Grapevine. According to police, the driver of the big rig fell asleep early in the morning, and collided with a pickup truck containing two occupants. The man and woman were pinned within the pickup truck and had to be extricated by the Kern County Fire Department. They were taken to a nearby hospital.
Pressures of the trucking industry
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by both state and federal laws. Strict limits are placed upon how long truck drivers are allowed to remain on the road. But transportation and shipping companies operate under a great deal of pressure to remain cost-effective, sometimes leading them to violate those regulations and keep their drivers on the road longer than they should.
A well-rested truck driver is a safer driver, but that rest could come at the expense of a company with budgets and deadlines.
If you are the victim of an accident involving a large truck or big rig, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. But it’s not always clear who should be held liable for those injuries. Sometimes a truck driver is employed directly by the shipping company they are driving for. Sometimes they are an independent contractor and their connection to the company is more tenuous.
Sorting through these issues and finding your best options is where an experienced attorney can be invaluable. Let them help you, so you don’t miss out on any compensation you’re entitled to.