When a trucking accident happens, it can be catastrophic. It can cause multiple pileups, injuries, and deaths. The massive size and weight of large trucks can severely injure those who are in the path of a trucking accident. California is no exception, as the state has had its own share of truck accidents. Many Californians may wonder, “What was the worst truck accident in California history?”
Severity of Truck Accidents
Several factors may be taken into consideration when determining the severity of each accident. Some of these factors include:
- The number of vehicles involved. Some truck accidents can involve one vehicle, such as a truck crashing into a guardrail. Others, however, include another car and can sometimes involve more than two cars. For example, a truck may tip over on a foggy night. If other vehicles can’t see the truck, it can result in multiple crashes.
- Pileups. When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, it can cause a pileup, especially on highways. This is especially true with highways that have low visibility, which can be caused by adverse weather conditions (fog, rain, or snow) or other obstructions. Essentially, a pileup is a chain reaction where drivers approaching the accident are unable to stop in time, causing them to be part of the accident.
- Injuries. The number of injuries and the severity of those injuries contribute to how a trucking accident is ranked.
- Deaths. If the accident results in the death of one or more people, it is considered a more severe accident.
- Extreme details. Because trucks are usually carrying lots of cargo, truck accidents can result in additional consequences that pose a greater threat to the safety of the public. Some trucks carry toxic substances, which can result in explosions. Others may carry other heavy equipment, which poses a greater hazard if spilled onto the road.
- The amount of damage done. Truck accidents that cause a lot of property damage, whether public or private, will generally be considered more severe than those that cause minimal damage.
The Worst California Trucking Accident
When determining which accident is the worst in history, you might look at all the aforementioned considerations and other extenuating circumstances to make a decision. Although there are differing opinions on which was the worst, many agree that the I-710 pileup in Los Angeles, California, on November 3, 2002, tops that list.
This accident began when a semi-truck crashed into the divider on the highway. Because this was the center divider between both directions of traffic, this caused crashes on both sides of the highway. Two-hundred-sixteen vehicles were involved in the accident. While many people were injured, no deaths were reported.
This happened in the early morning during rush hour, and many suspect that fog was a factor in the pileup, affecting other drivers’ visibility. The highway had to be closed for hours in order to provide medical attention to those involved.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents stem from various factors that can jeopardize road safety. Some contributing factors include:
- Driver fatigue. When a driver is fatigued or their hours of service are violated, it can impair their judgment or reaction time.
- Distracted driving, such as texting or adjusting a GPS, can also contribute to trucking accidents. This causes the driver to divert attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding and aggressive driving. This amplifies dangers and reduces a driver’s ability to respond to hazards or control their vehicle.
- Poor vehicle maintenance, including brake failures and tire blowouts, poses serious risks, especially at high speeds or in inclement weather.
- Improper loading. When a truck is not loaded properly, it can lead to spills or shifting loads, which can impact vehicle stability.
- Inclement weather. Weather like rain, snow, or fog can impact road conditions and driver visibility.
- Inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced or untrained drivers may not have the ability to deal with changes in the road, construction zones, poor signage, or other complexities that come about during a drive, affecting their ability to operate the truck safely.
FAQs
Q: How Does Truck Accident Litigation Differ From Car Accidents?
A: Truck accident litigation is different from car accident litigation due to elements including numerous accountable parties, federal regulations, significant damage and injuries, and the participation of commercial insurance firms. These factors make truck accident litigation more complicated. Having the assistance of a Hawthorne truck accident attorney can help in litigation of these kinds of accidents.
Q: What Are Some Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?
A: Common injuries in truck accidents include whiplash, fractures, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), internal organ damage, and severe burns. The severity of injuries often depends on factors like the speed of the vehicles involved, the number of cars involved, and the severity of the crash. It can also include extreme circumstances like the presence of explosions.
Q: What Trucking Company Has the Most Fatal Accidents?
A: It can be difficult to determine which trucking firm has the most fatal accidents because accident information is not always available to the public or might change from year to year. Due to their size, huge trucking businesses with vast fleets and activities in several states may have higher incident rates.
Q: What Should I Do if I Witness a Truck Accident?
A: If you witness a truck accident, make sure you’re safe before reporting the incident to emergency services and law enforcement. Offer as much information as you can regarding the area, the cars involved, and any injuries that were noticed. Provide assistance to individuals in need until help arrives if it’s safe to do so.
Contact McLachlan Law, APC, Today
It’s critical to seek legal counsel as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident. McLachlan Law, APC, is committed to fighting for your rights. We are aware of the difficulties associated with truck accident cases.
We can offer the direction and assistance you need to handle insurance claims, collect proof, and seek compensation for your injuries, hospital bills, and other damages. Contact us today to get started.