Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

Last week's horrific Amtrak train accident that left six people dead and several more with serious injuries raises several issues of fault. The train/truck collision occurred after a big rig crashed into the train just outside of Reno.

If you have sustained any serious injuries or lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin an investigation into the accident.

Here both the conductor of the train and the driver of the truck were killed, making the investigation more difficult. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to look into the crash. Many of the initial reports have focused on the potential fault of the truck driver and the trucking company. Reports indicate that the trucking company had 17 violations of faulty equipments and two crashes since 2009. One accident involved bald tires and in another the springs were defective.

Continue reading "Fatal Amtrak Train/Truck Accident Raises Questions of Fault" »

A Los Angeles big-rig accident caused significant headaches and delays after an18-wheeler over-turned, split open and spilled out boxes containing $35,000 pounds of beef. The driver was not injured, although the truck sustained serious damage.

If you have been injured in a Los Angeles truck accident, contact a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer to begin investigating the incident and answer any truck accident questions you may have.

The big rig's brakes began to overheat wile driving through the Cajon Pass. When he tried to exit, the truck's wheels hit the curb and overturned the trailer. The driver of the truck was lucky. Due to the sheer size of 18-wheelers trucking accidents are often the cause of serious injuries and deadly accidents on California's highways.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Truck Accident Causes Delays" »

This past week, a Christmas tree truck accident carrying 42,000 pounds of Christmas trees overturned in downtown Los Angeles, causing significant traffic delays and headaches.

Although the trees didn't spill out, the accident occurred on a tight turn, making it difficult to get the trailer back on its wheels. Traffic on the Hollywood Freeway through downtown and into East Los Angeles ground to a halt as a result.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Thankfully, no other significant injuries resulted. This truck accident reminds us of the need for safety and the risks associated with big rig accidents. Due to the size of an 18-wheeler, when the driver loses control either due to speed, dangerous road conditions or truck defects, the impact is significant.

One of the biggest causes of accidents is a truck driver's inability to maneuver quickly as a result of many factors. For those nearby drivers, this means give truckers enough room. Truck drivers also need to anticipate problem roadways including steep hills and winding turns.

Continue reading "Christmas Tree Truck Accident Leads To Massive Delays" »

L.A. Now reports that the 60 Freeway near Hacienda Heights had to be closed down due to a crash between two semi-tractor trucks. The freeway was closed at the Azusa Avenue overpass. One of the trucks was carrying animal feed and the other textiles. A fire ensued, but was extinguished shortly thereafter. Fortunately, no injuries occur.

Trucking and big rig safety is a significant problem on the roads and freeways throughout the L.A. area and all of California. Increased pressure on drivers to make deadlines has led to more and more serious trucking accidents.

Truck accidents are likely to occur both because of the pressure from management to put in long hours and carry large payloads, and as the result of driver negligence. Recent trucking accidents have also underscored the effect of faulty breaks and windy highways placing enormous pressure on a driver's skills. The combination of these factors along with the sheer force behind an 18-wheeler creates a significant roadway hazard.

Although studies are underway to improve trucking safety, a few simple rules others drivers can follow to protect themselves include:

Allow trucks room to maneuver. Provide enough space between your vehicle and the truck in front of you - tailing too closely could cause a collision if the truck stops short or has to quickly adjust its speed.

Remember trucks have enormous blind spots. Often truck drivers are unable to see smaller vehicles flanking their sides, making lane switches especially dangerous.

Continue reading "Hacienda Heights Trucking Accident Closes Down 60 Freeway" »

The family of a woman who died after hit head on in a trucking accident, has sued an Arcadia, California company for negligence and wrongful death.

According to witnesses, the truck driver was going too fast for the snowy conditions when he crossed the centerline and drove into oncoming traffic, instantly killing a 54-year-old mother of two.

The lawsuit alleges negligence, carelessness and recklessness in the hiring, training and supervision of the truck driver, asserting that the company knew or should have known that the driver posed an undue risk of harm to others.

Because of the massive size of the trucks - such as the one involved in this incident - when accidents occur the results are often significant personal injuries or fatalities.
Trucks are unable to maneuver quickly, and even small driving errors may become hard to correct before it is too late. In many truck accidents, both the driver and the company who hired him or her can be at fault. Further, manufacturers of truck parts may be held liable if faulty brakes or steering mechanisms are to blame.

Continue reading "Family Of Fatal Truck Accident Victim Sues Trucking Company For Negligence And Wrongful Death" »

In late August, a big rig hauling gravel lost its brakes and crashed into a Santa Barbara house, killing three. The truck had been travelling on Highway 154, which connects Highway 101 near Los Olivos to the 101 in Santa Barbara.

Earlier this week, a dump truck in Oakland set off a chain reaction of accidents involving 13 cars. 4 people were sent to area hospitals with injuries. The truck accident is still under investigation, but according to SFGate, the truck driver indicated that his brakes failed.

The CHP is investigating both of these accidents with an eye toward truck safety and how to avert more California trucking accidents.

Whether due to driver error, defective parts, or poor road conditions, when trucking accidents occur, they are often serious. Because of the massive size of trucks, when something goes wrong - such as a brake failure, difficulty maneuvering, or inability to see due to large blind spots - those involved in trucking accidents may suffer serious consequences including head and brain injures, broken bones, or even fatalities.

Hopefully with renewed attention to the unique safety issues affecting truck drivers future serious accidents can be prevented.

Continue reading "Truck Safety At Issue After Tragic California Accidents" »