If you or a loved one were the victim of a trucking accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for help. Our experienced and skilled Oceanside truck accident lawyers are ready to dive into your case. We believe in promptly investigating the crash, taking steps to preserve evidence, and filing a lawsuit against the potentially liable parties. All of these steps are important elements of pursuing full and fair compensation for your injuries. Call us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to schedule your free consultation. Let us explain your rights and legal options in the midst of a truck accident claim.

Were You Harmed in a Crash With a Commercial Truck?

Commercial vehicles encompass any type of vehicle that transports goods or paying passengers. This broad description includes:

• Semi-trucks/18-wheelers
• Truck-trailer combinations
• Flatbeds
• Livestock carriers
• Tankers
• Cement mixers
• Utility vehicles
• Box trucks
• Moving trucks
• Dump trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Hazardous materials (Hazmat) vehicles
• Passenger buses

You may wonder why does it matter that the other vehicle involved in the crash was a commercial vehicle? Commercial vehicle crashes need to be handled differently than collisions involving only personal vehicles. Commercial vehicles are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The truck drivers, trucking companies, and other businesses involving in the industry must adhere to many regulations. When they fail to do so, this may be evidence of negligence and proof that they are liable for your injuries. It is important to work with our Oceanside truck accident attorneys because we are well-versed in FMCSA regulations as well as how to investigate commercial truck accidents to determine if any of these laws were violated at the time of the crash.

Common Causes of Oceanside Truck Wrecks

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have investigated and litigated many truck crashes. We have handled claims arising from all types of careless and reckless conduct by truck drivers, motor carriers, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. Through an in-depth investigation into the crash that caused you harm, we may uncover:

• Fatigued Driving: Truckers spend long hours on the road, and in many cases, the longer and further they drive, the greater their income. Because of the risk that truckers will over-work themselves, the FMCSA requires drivers to adhere to strict hours of service regulations. Truckers who violate these limits are likely to drive while drowsy and cause a crash.
• Alcohol or Drug Impairment: Truckers who operate a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both are much more likely to cause an accident. Bear in mind, the BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent. After only a couple of drinks, a trucker may be intoxicated under the law.
• Speeding: Truck drivers who drive faster than the post speed limit or faster than what is appropriate for the weather, road, and traffic conditions are acting carelessly and are liable for accidents they cause.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Large commercial vehicles have sizable blind spots. Truckers must keep these in mind when changing lanes. A trucker who fails to keep a lookout and makes lane changes without verifying their blind spots are clear is liable for the injuries they cause when they change lanes into another vehicle.
• Wide Turns: Large trucks must make wide turns. Because of this, truck drivers need to be trained to make these wide left and right turns safely, without putting other vehicles in danger. A truck driver who carelessly makes a wide turn can be held responsible for injuries caused to other vehicle occupants.
• Truck Defects: When a commercial truck is on the road, it is important that it is in good working order and free of defects. A manufacturing defect or negligent maintenance increases the risk that a truck will fail and lead to a crash. If a defect that led to your injuries, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or the part manufacturer may be liable for compensating you.
• Unsecured Cargo: When a truck is carrying cargo, the goods must be properly and safely secured. If the individuals responsible for loading the truck fail to secure the cargo, it could spill or shift. If the cargo shifts, it could cause an imbalance on the truck, increasing the risk of a rollover crash.

Call Our Oceanside Truck Accident Attorneys Today

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the legal processes following a serious or fatal truck wreck can be intimidating. You may hope to receive an insurance settlement offer quickly. We caution you against accepting an insurer’s first settlement offer, particularly when it comes mere weeks after the crash. This offer may be far less than what you and your family deserve. The only way to be confident that a settlement is in your best interests is to work with a truck accident lawyer in Oceanside. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we are confident in our ability to win compensation. We have helped more than 5,000 clients receive more than $300 million in settlements and court verdicts. Contact us at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.