Trucking Accidents

Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer  

An accident involving a big rig and a smaller vehicle or pedestrian, often results in tragic consequences. A big truck can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and be up to 75 feet in length. Because of this difference in size and weight from passenger vehicles, it is not shocking that truck accidents result in more traumatic injuries and a larger number of deaths than all other traffic accidents.

The United States Department of Transportation data shows that there are over 500,000 truck accidents in the United States each year. It has been estimated that as many as 12% of all fatal accidents are caused by big rigs.

There are many different causes for accidents involving 18 wheelers, including:

• Negligence on the part of the truck driver
• Negligence of other vehicles involved in the accident
• Failure to inspect tires, brakes and lights
• Tailgating
• Long work-shifts that cause driver fatigue
• Cell phone use
• Failure to install blind spot mirrors
• Jackknifing
• Speeding and ignoring reduced truck speed limit

Safety tips for driver’s of passenger cars:

• Keep as much space as possible between your vehicle and large trucks.
• Do not linger alongside a truck; you may be in the trucker’s blind spot. The size and configuration of many trucks, especially those with trailers, create large blind spots for truck drivers.
• Do not cut in front of a truck. Truck’s have a much longer stopping distance.
• Do not tailgate a large truck. If you are following a truck and cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
• Always give trucks plenty of room when they are turning.

At O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley we have 45 years of experience. We have the expertise and a proven track record of success. If you or a loved one has been the victim of trucking or big rig accident and would like to speak with an attorney, please contact us. We are here to answer your questions and discuss how to protect your legal rights.

The attorneys at O’Connor, Runckel & O’Malley are well known and respected throughout the legal community and among our clients. From our offices in Contra Costa County, San Francisco and Sacramento, we serve clients throughout the greater Bay Area. Our experience and expertise are available to you.