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100 Most Influential Lawyers in America
– the National Law Journal

Recovering damages after a tractor-trailer accident

On Behalf of | Oct 15, 2024 | Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Many California accidents on the road can result in serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Tractor-trailer accidents are particularly serious, as they involve large trucks containing heavy and sometimes hazardous cargo.

What are some common causes of truck accidents?

Operating a large commercial vehicle can be a challenging endeavor. As a result of these difficulties, accidents may occur. Tractor-trailer accidents occur for the following reasons:

  • Driving at an excessive rate of speed.
  • Inattentive driving.
  • Drowsy driving.
  • Inadequate training and experience operating a commercial vehicle.
  • Brake failures, blowouts, and other mechanical failures.
  • Failure to properly load cargo.
  • Failure to properly inspect and maintain the vehicle.

If you have suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, you will likely need to establish that the truck driver operated the vehicle negligently. Proving that the driver violated a traffic law or trucking regulation is generally enough to establish a breach of the driver’s duty to operate the truck safely. You will also need to show that the driver’s actions caused your injuries and damages.

You may also be able to allege that the truck driver’s employer was vicariously liable for the negligence of its driver. The employer may also be liable under claims for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, and negligence for failing to provide proper training or failing to properly maintain its vehicles.

If you have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. If your claim is successful, you may recover damages that will help cover your medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, mental anguish, and other accident-related costs.