When Semi Trucks Cause Auto Accidents

It's dangerous when small cars or SUVs engage in risky driving behaviors, but when a big rig or semi-truck goes out of control, the outcome is almost always fatal.

If you live or drive in Los Angeles, you know firsthand how congested our roads and freeways are at any given time of the day or night. Add several ton trucks to the mix plus road hazards and traffic and you have a recipe for a potential multi-car pile up, serious auto accident, and / or more. Some semi truck drivers don't utilize best practices when behind the wheel. Read on to learn about the various ways semis and big rigs can cause serious auto accidents in Los Angeles.

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Tailgating

When one car follows too closely behind another car, that car is tailgating. For safety reasons, drivers should maintain a distance of 3-5 seconds between their car and the car in front of them and this is especially true for big rigs. But often, the drivers are trying to make delivery times, etc... and think that tailgating will get them to their destination quicker. When the driver of a semi-truck follows behind a smaller vehicle or even another truck just a bit too closely, they put themselves at enormous risk of causing an accident.

Because of the size and weight of a big rig truck and its slower brake time, the likelihood of rear-ending a vehicle because of tailgating increases dramatically for a semi.

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Lane Switching

Switching from one lane to another carries some level of risk, even when performed with the proper precautions. Consider a commercial truck that has 70-80 feet of trailer behind it and 12 feet of width. The chances of a smaller car being in the semi's blind spot are high.

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Running Lights

Many of us have sped through yellow lights. With a huge semi truck, this 'time-saving' move is highly dangerous. Should the truck fail to make the yellow light, it runs a red light and the traffic with the right of way ends up in its path.

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What Next

If you or a loved one were injured in an auto accident caused by a big rig, or any other vehicle, you have legal rights. You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. The employer of the driver may also be held liable, meaning a chance of greater financial recovery for you.

For more information, including a free consultation about your Los Angeles auto accident claim, contact the experienced attorneys at the Ghozland Law Firm today.