The number of truck accidents in California is very alarming. In 2007 alone, there are 10,626 non-fatal crashes and 5,315 recorded injuries in crashes involving large trucks. Also, in 2003, there were a total of 332 fatal truck accidents. In addition, every 16 minutes, a truck gets involve in accidents which results in major injuries and even death, mostly by the driver or passengers of the other vehicle.

Various measures are being done by the government to reduce these numbers. In fact, laws were passed to regulate the trucking industry and to lessen accidents involving trucks and buses. Here are some of the laws:

• The Code of Federal Regulations provides that truck owners should require their truck drivers and operators to rest after 10 hour of driving.

• The same code also requires truck drivers and operators to record their duty status every day.

• There are regulations requiring the truck owners to maintain their vehicles properly and to inspect them regularly for defective parts.

• There are laws against over-loading.

• Traffic laws require drivers to undergo written and actual tests to find out if they are capable and skilled enough to operate large vehicles especially on long hours.

But despite government precautions, accidents involving trucks and large vehicles cannot be avoided probably because drivers and operators disobey these laws for personal and economic reasons.

Listed below are the most common causes of truck accidents in California:

1. Trucks are being used to deliver food and other goods to places of great distances. Thus, drivers are forced to drive non-stop for long hours otherwise; the goods might perish or expire.

2. The operators tend to drive fast in hopes that they would be able to get the job done as soon as possible. But since the average weight of a truck is around 80,000 pounds, it is difficult to maneuver, control or even halt, causing it to crash unto a fixed structure or unto another vehicle.

3. Because drivers drive for long hours, they get tired and sleepy making it hard for them to stay alert. As a result, they lose control of the steering wheel.

4. Because of personal and monetary interests, some drivers disregard the law provisions on over-loading. The more goods they can deliver means the more money they can earn.

5. Another cause for truck accidents is defective mechanical parts. Owners don’t inspect and maintain their vehicles vigilantly. Some truck accidents are caused by busted head or taillights, loose wheels, or not working brakes.

6. Trucks can be intimidating by its size. Its size enables it to swerve or pass through traffic unharmed. But a single road miscalculation can cause collision with another vehicle.

7. Due to cost-cutting measures, some truck owners hire drivers who are incompetent and unskilled when it comes to operating large and heavy vehicles. It takes a skilled driver to steer trucks carrying a long and heavy haul on sharp curbs. That is the reason why there are special tests to determine the capacity of a person to drive trucks.

If you or a loved one had been a victim of truck accidents because of the truck driver’s recklessness, the best and first thing to do is to contact a California Truck Accident Lawyer who could help you. A Truck Accident Lawyer can give you legal advice and help you determine and obtain your legal demands easily and hassle-free.

To help you with truck accidents and other related issues, you can consult with our expert Los Angeles truck accident lawyers . To avail of our free case evaluation, you can visit our website.