A devastating truck accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and the inability to return to work. 

Your experienced Compton truck accident lawyer with Fisher & Talwar is here to provide the support and advocacy you deserve. As your dedicated legal advocate, we will work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact a leading Compton personal injury attorney at our firm to request a 100% free consultation today.

Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Compton

Truck accidents in Compton often occur due to a combination of human error, vehicle defects, and external factors. Understanding these causes is critical to determining liability and building a strong case. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver Fatigue – Commercial truck drivers often work long hours, leading to exhaustion and reduced reaction times. Violations of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations under 49 CFR 395 are one of the most common causes of trucking wrecks.
  • Distracted driving – Using cell phones, adjusting navigation systems, or eating while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of accidents. Federal regulations under 49 CFR 382 require regular drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers.
  • Improper loading – Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo can cause a truck to tip or lose control, leading to severe accidents.
  • Speeding or reckless driving – Excessive speed, aggressive lane changes, or tailgating can make it difficult for a truck to stop or avoid hazards, resulting in collisions.
  • Vehicle maintenance failures – Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or lights can contribute to mechanical failures. Under 49 CFR 396, trucking companies are required to perform regular inspections and maintenance.
  • Poor weather conditions – Rain, fog, and high winds can make it challenging for truck drivers to maintain control, especially when carrying heavy or hazardous loads.
  • Inadequate training for truck drivers – Drivers who lack proper training may struggle to operate large commercial vehicles safely, which increases the risk of an accident.

Whether your accident was caused by a fatigued driver, faulty equipment, or poor weather conditions, it is essential to identify the root cause to hold the responsible parties accountable. If your case involves another type of collision, such as one with a smaller vehicle, you may also benefit from consulting a Compton car accident lawyer for additional insights.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Compton can take many forms, each with unique causes and consequences. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents our clients have been involved in:

  • Rear-end collisions 
  • Jackknife accidents 
  • Rollover accidents 
  • Underride accidents 
  • Wide turn accidents 
  • Tire blowouts 
  • Lost cargo accidents
  • Blind spot accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, understanding the type of collision and its causes is crucial to building a strong case. Determining whether you may need to file a lawsuit can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. At Fisher & Talwar, we are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal trucking regulations are designed to enhance safety on the roads and reduce the risk of catastrophic accidents involving commercial trucks. These regulations, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), set strict standards for drivers, vehicles, and trucking companies. When these rules are violated, the results can be devastating, and responsible parties must be held accountable.

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules 

Governed by 49 CFR 395, these regulations limit the number of hours a driver can operate a truck to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For example, drivers may not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Violations of these rules are one of the leading causes of drowsy driving accidents.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Under 49 CFR 396, trucking companies are required to perform regular inspections and maintain their vehicles. This way, they are safe to operate. Neglecting maintenance tasks like brake checks or tire replacements can lead to mechanical failures and severe accidents.

Drug and Alcohol Testing 

Federal regulations under 49 CFR 382 mandate drug and alcohol testing for commercial truck drivers. This includes pre-employment testing, random testing, and post-accident testing to ensure drivers remain fit to operate their vehicles safely.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) 

To monitor compliance with HOS rules, truck drivers must use electronic logging devices as required by 49 CFR 395.8. These devices track driving hours and rest breaks, which provides critical evidence in cases where fatigue may have contributed to an accident.

California State Laws Impacting Your Truck Accident Case

In addition to federal trucking regulations, California enforces state-specific laws that govern the operation of commercial trucks on its roads. If the at-fault party violated any of these laws, this could leave them open to liability for your damages. Some of the most notable laws include:

  • Truck speed limits – Under California Vehicle Code § 22406, trucks are limited to a maximum speed of 55 mph on designated roadways, regardless of the posted speed limit for smaller vehicles. Exceeding this speed limit can lead to serious collisions, particularly on highways and urban roads.
  • California trucking laws – Under California Vehicle Code § 34501, trucking companies are required to follow detailed safety regulations, including regular vehicle inspections, maintenance schedules, and driver training programs. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in mechanical failures, poorly trained drivers, and preventable accidents.
  • The statute of limitations – Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, there is a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is essential to act promptly.

Meet With a Trial-Proven Compton Truck Accident Lawyer for Help Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Compton, securing experienced legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights. Your top-rated Compton truck accident lawyer with Fisher & Talwar is committed to advocating for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our team has the knowledge and resources to handle the legal challenges you may face. When you are ready to fight for justice and hold the at-fault party accountable, contact our office to request a free, no-obligation consultation. You can reach us through our online contact form or call our office to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as today.