Sharing the road with other vehicles can be dangerous, especially when the other vehicle is a big rig. On top of being much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, these trucks often carry hazardous and highly flammable cargo, making accidents more severe and deadly. But there are also instances where truck parts and frames can malfunction, leading to serious accidents in California.
One such accident occurred in Merced County on Thursday, July 20, 2023. According to a report from KFSN, a 58-year-old woman from Avenal was killed in a big rig accident on Highway 99 near Franklin Avenue in Merced County. California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators say that the woman was traveling south along Highway 99 when the big rig, which was traveling north, lost its axle. The axle then bounced over the center barrier, striking the woman’s truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while the five-year-old that was in the backseat of the truck was not injured. The five-year-old was taken to a local hospital for precautionary reasons.
CHP says that drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the accident.
Who is Liable in a California Truck Accident?
Determining liability after a truck accident in California can be more complex compared to regular car accidents. Generally speaking, there are a number of different factors that go into a typical truck accident in California. Some of the more common factors include:
- Driving too fast
- Driving while tired or drowsy
- Driving under the influence
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving while distracted
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Improperly or unsafely loaded cargo
- Other careless drivers causing an accident with the truck
- Bad road conditions
- Inclement weather
- Low visibility due to poor lighting
- Brake, tire or other equipment problems
Although the truck driver is often held responsible for causing the accident, other factors come into play due to the driver usually not owning the vehicle or carrying insurance. Typically, the trucking company becomes liable as they own the truck.
In these cases, the following parties could potentially be held responsible for the accident:
- Truck drivers
- Truck owners
- Trucking companies
- Supervisors
- Truck maintenance workers
- Cargo loaders
- Equipment or parts manufacturers
- Other drivers
At Maison Law, we have extensive experience in handling truck accident cases and have a successful track record for our clients. Our approach involves a thorough review of your case to identify all parties at fault and ensure they are held accountable for your injuries.
Contact Experienced California Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Truck accidents can be quite complicated. Figuring out who’s at fault, dealing with different insurance companies, and calculating medical bills and other costs are all part of the challenge. But our California truck accident lawyers at Maison Law have the skills and experience to handle these cases and help our clients.
We know that truck accident cases can be tough, but we’re dedicated to fighting hard for the rights of our clients. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
