Truck Accidents

On Saturday morning, April 23, KTLA reports a Vons grocery truck driver was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol after crashing into a guardrail and then the median on the Santa Ana Freeway.

According to the article, the 44-year-old male driver of the truck is believed to have hit the guardrail on the right shoulder of the freeway close to the Norwalk Boulevard offramp at about 10 a.m., which caused the truck to jackknife into the center median and into one lane of the northbound freeway. The collision caused the vehicle to catch fire and explode while spilling its grocery contents onto the highway. The truck driver reportedly suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The accident did not involve any other vehicles and no other injuries were reported. About 30 feet of guardrail was damaged in the incident. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) closed all southbound lanes until approximately 2 p.m. to conduct an investigation into the accident as well as to clean up debris.

Following the California truck accident, The Los Angeles Times reported he was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol during the crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 3,380 fatalities and about 74,000 people injured in truck accidents in the United States during 2009. Overall, approximately 296,000 large trucks were involved in traffic accidents in the U.S. that year. According to the NHTSA, truck drivers accounted for around 2 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes that had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent, the legal limit, or higher during 2009. While this percentage is relatively low, the consequences of an impaired truck driver operating an 80,000 vehicle in such a careless manner are significant. When a truck operator drives impaired, distracted, or fatigued, everyone on the road is in danger of suffering serious injury or death should an accident occur.

The Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have successfully represented victims for many years who have been injured in a crash caused by the negligent actions of a truck driver. Call 1-877-800-1700 today to learn how our attorneys can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.

The Long Beach Press-Telegram reports a big rig accident critically injured a man in Anaheim on Tuesday night, April 12, when an out-of-control 18-wheel truck collided with a gravel truck at approximately 10:54 p.m. on the westbound 91 Freeway close to the Glassell Street exit.

According to the article, the big rig landed on top of the gravel truck’s cab in the California truck crash. The gravel truck driver was trapped in the vehicle for around 30 minutes and firefighters used the ”Jaws of Life,” in addition to heavy hydraulic tools, to remove him. The man’s legs and pelvis were pinned against the vehicle’s dashboard and he sustained numerous injuries. The gravel truck driver was taken to the UCI Medical Center where he was in critical condition at the time the article was written. The driver of the big rig was reportedly not seriously injured in the collision.

What caused the big rig to veer out of control is undetermined. Vehicle malfunction is the cause of many truck accidents in California. A truck or truck component may malfunction due to wear and tear from continuous operation. Truck operators drive their trucks, often heavily loaded with cargo, for several hours a day, multiple days a week. Without regular inspections and proper maintenance a truck can begin to fall apart. If a trucker or their employer failed to take adequate care of a truck and an accident resulted from its malfunction, either or both of them may be held liable for a victim’s injuries and losses.

The Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have helped clients across the United States and in California receive compensation from a negligent truck driver or trucking company for their accident and injury related losses. To learn how our attorneys can assist you, call 1-877-800-1700 today.

ABC 7 News reports that a big rig accident occurred on the southbound 5 Freeway in Burbank on Friday morning, March 25.

According to the article, at least one big rig had rolled over and was on its side. The accident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. and blocked all lanes of traffic, starting at Alameda Avenue. Due to the lane closures, traffic was backed up for miles.

There were no reports of injuries as a result of the California truck crash. At the time the article was published, the cause of the truck rollover accident was unknown. The weather in the area was reported to have been rainy for several days, and there was light rain on the morning of the accident.

Due to their high centers of gravity, more than most other vehicles, large trucks are highly susceptible to rollover accidents, particularly in adverse, windy weather conditions. These types of accidents can pose serious danger to all motorists on the road, especially if the truck is transporting hazardous materials, which can make the results of a crash all the more deadly. If a flammable substance is being transported, there is a chance an explosion may occur, which could cause those in the immediate area of the accident to suffer serious injuries.

Since there is a high chance of a truck rollover accident occurring, it is imperative for large truck operators to drive their vehicles according to weather conditions and the circumstances of the road to prevent a crash. If the weather is particularly poor, a truck driver may need to drive below the posted speed limit in order to be safe. In some severe weather situations, it may even be necessary for a truck driver to pull off the road altogether and not resume driving until it is safe to do so. However, truck drivers often are required to deliver their goods within a strict time frame, and are under pressure from their employers to make these deliveries in a timely fashion. As a result, many truck drivers ignore safety precautions and attempt to drive at a speed faster than weather or road conditions permit in order to make deliveries on time or ahead of schedule. Such reckless behavior often causes severe California truck rollover accidents.

At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our Los Angeles big rig accident attorneys have successfully represented many clients who have been injured in an accident caused by a truck driver’s negligence. To learn how our lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you deserve, call 1-877-800-1700.

Recently, two women lost their lives in a collision between their motor vehicle and a large truck on the eastbound 60 Freeway in Industry, CA, reports NBC Los Angeles.

According to the article, the accident occurred around 1:40 a.m. when the big rig, which was traveling eastbound on the 60 Freeway from the southbound 605 Freeway, jackknifed through the center barrier and into an oncoming Nissan Altima. The California truck accident trapped the two women in the vehicle and also set it on fire. Motorists at the scene attempted to pull the women out of the vehicle but were unable to do so. The women were pronounced dead at the accident scene. The driver of the big rig was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the truck crash also caused a gas spill from the truck. The freeway was closed for several hours as investigators examined the accident and gas and debris was cleared from the road. At this time, it is not know what caused the big rig to jackknife.

Unfortunately, the causes of many California truck crashes are truck operator negligence or recklessness. Driving while fatigued is also a major factor in trucking accidents. Truck drivers are often under severe pressure from their companies to complete deliveries on-time or drive extra hours to accomplish more deliveries. There are strict rules that truck companies and their drivers must follow regarding how many hours drivers are permitted to be behind the wheel; yet many drivers break this rule, which can result in accidents that would otherwise be avoidable. Driver inexperience, driving under the influence, and overloading a truck can also lead to fatal truck crashes in California.

At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys have successfully represented many clients across the U.S. and in California in truck accident cases. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck crash that was caused by a truck driver’s or trucking company’s wrongdoing, we can build a strong case on your behalf in order for you to obtain the compensation you need and deserve. To find out how our lawyers can help you, call 1-877-800-1700 today.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced it will petition the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding stronger regulations for underride guards on semi-truck trailers.

Underride guards are the metal frames that hang below a large truck’s rear end and are designed to protect occupants of motor vehicles by preventing vehicles from sliding beneath trucks when a rear-end collision occurs. Underride guards, often referred to as underriders, are required to be on the back of most large trucks in the U.S. However, according to the IIHS, these guards are not sturdy enough to endure the impact of an average accident. The IIHS also believes that the federal rules that govern the use of underride guards are not strict enough.

The current standard regarding underride guards was instituted in 1998 and was intended to prohibit vehicles from going underneath trucks in the event of a rear-impact accident. However, testing proved that underride guards can fail at accident speeds as low as 35 miles per hour. Car occupants are at risk when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck, as this puts the vehicle’s windshield at the main point of impact. In such instances, even vehicles that have high safety ratings in crash tests offer occupants little protection, according to the IIHS, as the upper part of the motor vehicle’s occupant compartment is prone to crush due to the truck body intruding into the vehicle’s safety cage.

Since the 1970s, there has been debate over the underride standards for trucks in the U.S. As early as 1976, crash testing by the IIHS showed problems with the strength deficiency of underride guards. Still, even today many large trucks are not covered by underride guard standards and some trucks are not required to have the guards at all.

At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys have successfully represented clients across the nation in cases that involve large commercial trucks. We have accident investigators and reconstruction experts we can readily dispatch to assist any of our clients who have been injured in a collision with a truck. Our legal team can work to determine whether your accident was caused by a vehicle defect, truck driver negligence or another factor. To learn more about how we can protect your rights, call 1-877-800-1700 today for a free consultation.

The Orange County Register reports that a truck accident occurred early Monday morning, February 21, in La Habra and left two people in critical condition.

According to the article, the accident occurred at about 3:37 a.m. at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Imperial Highway when a Ford Mustang and a big rig collided. La Habra police stated there were two vehicle occupants in the Mustang who were stuck following the accident and needed to be removed from the vehicle by paramedics. They were taken to a local hospital where they are listed in critical condition from injuries sustained in the truck crash.

A manager at the truck driver’s company stated the driver had been with the company for less than six months, but has a good driving record.

The La Habra truck accident blocked the intersection for several hours as police investigated the cause of the crash. At the time the article was written, it was not known what caused the two vehicles to collide. Considering that the accident occurred during the early morning hours, investigators may look into whether truck driver fatigue or drug use played a factor in causing the accident.

The Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP represent clients throughout the United States in cases that involve commercial trucks. We have accident reconstruction experts and investigators whom we can deploy to immediately assist any client who is injured in a truck crash. If a truck accident is caused by another’s negligence, we can help you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. To learn more about how our attorneys can protect your legal rights, call 1-877-800-1700 to schedule a free consultation today.

California leads the nation in truck accidents. Truck accidents often present serious consequences for the occupants of the passenger vehicles involved in the collisions. Injuries in these accidents are often catastrophic or result in an occupant’s death, causing significant emotional, physical and financial challenges to those injured and their families.

Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 318 deaths and 4,614 injuries were reported as a result of truck accidents in California in 2008. Nationally, during the same year, 4,229 people died and 71,460 were injured due to truck versus vehicle accidents. However, truck accidents are not just about numbers. For the personal injury lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, truck accidents are about people – the seriously injured victims and the families of those killed – and the hardships they undergo in the aftermath of a devastating collision.

Truck Accident Causes
The most common causes of California trucking accidents are negligence and recklessness on the part of truck drivers and trucking companies. Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, tailgating, lack of experience, overloading the trailer and poor vehicle maintenance often lead to truck accidents, which have tragic consequences for occupants of other vehicles. Truck driver fatigue is also a factor in many of these crashes. There are stringent state and federal regulations that govern commercial trucks for the express purpose of enhancing roadway safety. Unfortunately, sometimes trucking companies and their employees put profits over safety and fail to follow these laws, resulting in otherwise avoidable collisions.

The Need for Prompt Investigation
Trucking companies get their insurance companies and attorneys on the scene within hours after a crash. Preserving the physical evidence at the scene and gathering witness reports are critical to investigating truck accidents. Important pieces of evidence could be misplaced, lost or intentionally destroyed. Victims in such cases need a law firm with significant resources and experience in performing accident reconstructions, preserving evidence and gathering vital eyewitness testimony.

Successful Track Record
The Los Angeles personal injury accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP consult with clients nationwide on truck accident cases. We have investigators, accident reconstruction experts and other resources that we can employ immediately for our injured clients. To discuss your case, please contact Panish Shea & Boyle LLP. Our goal is to protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

A multi-vehicle accident on Highway 101 in Sunnyvale, California has killed one man and severely injured his passenger. An article on KTVU.com reports that two cars and a tractor-trailer were involved in the California auto accident. A preliminary investigation determined that alcohol was not a contributing factor in the crash. The driver of the Nissan reportedly collided into the tractor-trailer after traveling at unsafe speeds along a ramp and failing to negotiate a turn. The impact with the large truck caused the Nissan to travel across two lanes of traffic, where it was hit a second time by another car. The driver of the Nissan died from severe head and abdominal injuries, and his passenger suffered a serious spinal cord injury. The other motorists involved in the collision were not injured.

Motor vehicle accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large trucks often result in serious injury or death. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reminds drivers to be especially careful when traveling on highways shared with trucks since approximately 74 percent of fatalities involved large trucks in 2008.

Fatal California trucking accidents can be caused by drivers who fail to avoid a truck’s blind spot or who travel too closely behind these large vehicles. However, many big rig collisions are also caused by truck driver negligence, poor truck maintenance , or violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules and regulations.

At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our California tractor-trailer accident attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to help individuals injured and family members of those wrongfully killed in truck crashes obtain the compensation that is rightfully due to them. We never back down against the challenges posed by major trucking companies. To learn more about how we can protect your rights, please call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.

A California big rig accident resulted in a load of carrots spilling along four lanes on the 5 Freeway close to the Grapevine exit near the Los Angeles County-Kern County line. The Los Angeles Times reports that the accident also lead to a 150 acre brush fire within the center divider and a larger fire that progressed up a hillside east of the highway.

The large big rig reportedly lost control while traveling along a steep downgrade of the freeway, causing the truck’s trailer to slide sideways and spill the load of carrots. The California Highway Patrol did not reveal any details regarding the truck driver’s condition or what caused the truck accident.

Although it is not certain why the truck driver lost control of the big rig in this case, truck speed or driver distraction often plays a contributing role. Whether a big rig accident is caused by truck driver fatigue, distracted driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or due to a defective truck component, those involved in such accidents, especially occupants of small passenger vehicles, can endure serious injury and even death.

Commercial truck drivers are required by state and federal law to receive proper training in how to control and operate large big rigs and tractor trailers and adequately secure a load for transport. If a trucking company overlooks the importance of truck driver training or fails to comply with safety regulations regarding truck loads, it may be held liable in the event of a truck accident that causes an injury or fatality.

Truck accidents in Los Angeles put many lives in danger and can lead to several financial, emotional, and physical challenges. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our Los Angeles big rig accident attorneys understand how crucial it is for injury victims and family members of wrongful death victims to receive the compensation that they deserve. With our years of experience handling a wide range of truck and motor vehicle accidents, we have obtained numerous successful settlements and verdicts for our clients. Call us today at 877-800-1700 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

From June 8-10, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducted its 2010 Roadcheck, inspecting approximately 65,327 trucks and buses at 2,482 locations throughout North America. According to the CVSA, over 9,856 certified inspectors participated in the 72-hour Roadcheck examination of commercial vehicle brakes, tires, lights, and every other major truck or bus component. Drivers’ commercial driver’s licenses, medical examiner’s certificates, and records of duty status were also examined.

Although this commercial vehicle safety campaign has occurred every year since 1988, roadside inspections take place every day throughout the United States to help prevent serious injury or fatal auto accidents. In 2009, over 3.8 million inspections were conducted to help enforce truck and bus safety standards and regulations.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator, Anne S. Ferro, stated, “Roadcheck has once again successfully reinforced the critical importance of safety, compliance, and crash prevention – lives depend on both safe and well maintained trucks and safe and well trained drivers.”

With Brake Safety Week scheduled for September 12-18, the CVSA hopes that more commercial drivers, governments, industry associations, owner-operators, and motor carriers will take part in actively maintaining and inspecting brakes for potential defects. In the 2010 Roadcheck, brake-related defects accounted for half of all out-of-service violations, which was consistent with the results from prior years.

While manufacturing defects and maintenance issues pose serious risks for occupants of any vehicle, defective or faulty vehicle components in large commercial trucks and buses are especially dangerous. Cases involving auto product liability or commercial vehicles are often highly complex and require significant experience to litigate. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our aggressive and skilled California auto product liability lawyers and commercial vehicle accident attorneys have obtained numerous successful jury verdicts and settlements for injury victims and family members of wrongful death victims. As a nationally recognized Plaintiffs’ law firm, we have the necessary legal resources to develop a strong and effective case on your behalf. Contact our firm today for a free consultation by calling 877-800-1700.