California’s scenic highways stretch over 16,000 miles of roadway and are traveled by millions yearly. These busy roadways are also home to nearly 200,000 auto accidents resulting in injuries annually; roughly 3,000 of these crashes involve semi-trucks, almost 113 being fatal each year. The Sacramento truck accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini are experienced in the handling of semi-truck, also known as big rigs, accidents. This blog will outline what makes California roadways particularly dangerous, why trucking accidents are more severe compared to average motor vehicle accidents, and California accident statistics, and why an attorney should be involved in resolving these intense trucking accidents.
Why Are California Roadways Dangerous?
As of the writing of this article, California is home to almost 40 Million people. Nearly 25 million of these people are actively driving on California’s roadways. This massive population contributes to many of the state’s accidents, causing busier roadways, more DUIs, and more traffic fatalities. Other factors that may contribute to dangerous road conditions may be:
- Variation of terrain including deserts, mountains & winding roads
- Interpretation of weather conditions across the state
- Construction on many sections of California highways
- Different classes of vehicles on roadways, such as bicycles, motorcycles, semi-trucks & trailers
Combined with large semi-trucks, these conditions can contribute to more severe yearly accidents.
What Makes An Accident With A Semi-Truck So Dangerous?
In the United States, a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or 40 tons. The average vehicle size is roughly 4,000 pounds or 2 tons. The sheer weight differential between these two vehicles can cause catastrophic damage to the smaller cars, but other factors may contribute to the severity of these accidents. These factors can include but are not limited to:
- Driver fatigue being experienced by overworked drivers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Violation of commercial motor laws
The intensity of these semi-truck accidents can be linked to thousands of accidents per year, many causing fatalities. These tragic accidents are difficult for the families of lost loved ones to experience and handle, and many families choose to enlist attorneys for help. The truck accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini have years of experience running the nuance of these intense accidents. They are ready to help if you have been involved or lost a loved one in an accident with a semi-truck or big rig.
What Can An Attorney Do To Help With These Accidents?
Because of the factors we previously examined, semi-truck crashes on California highways and other roadways can be complicated and involve many factors. These factors can cause more complex insurance or legal claims. Some of these factors can be a statute of limitations, the severity of accidents, potential wrongful death, and the difficulty of seeking medical care while also trying to maintain a regular and balanced life. Attorneys are often consulted to assist with these difficulties so those directly impacted by these accidents can recover without the stress of handling legal proceedings alone.
California’s busy roadways are home to millions of drivers, including commuters, tourists, and semi-truck drivers. Due to the high traffic volume and other dangerous conditions, thousands of accidents occur each year involving semi-trucks and smaller vehicles. These accidents can be severe and often fatal. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, also called a big rig, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer at Eason & Tambornini is ready to provide you with a no-cost consultation regarding your accident. Our attorneys have years of valuable experience handling the legal cases of those who are injured or tragically killed in these intense accidents.
