All motorists have an obligation to use extra caution when approaching and passing through an intersection. It has been shown that about half of all accidents occur in or near intersections. This is because traffic is traveling through multiple directions. In addition, not just motor vehicles are at risk. Pedestrians, motorcycle riders and bicyclists are at an increased risk of injuries when traveling through an intersection. Accident injuries can be even more serious when the collision involves a big truck such as a semi, cement truck or delivery vehicle. In the following, we will explore the types of negligence displayed by a truck driver at intersections.
Justice with an LA Intersection Truck Crash Lawyer
Tractor-trailer accident lawyer David Azizi has been serving Los Angeles and its surrounding areas for more than 25 years. His diligence, hard work and compassionate service have helped many clients over the years. These are some of the reasons Super Lawyers, the legal ranking firm, has named him as a top personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. If you have been injured or have lost a family member because of a negligent driver, phone David at (800) 991-5292 to schedule your no-obligation, free case review. David will perform an evaluation of your accident and give you an estimate of what it is worth, as well as providing you with the different options you may have to recover compensation. David can also be reached online at his website.
Intersection Accident Liability
Intersection accidents can be complicated, especially if multiple vehicles or a big truck are involved. This is one of the reasons an experienced accident lawyer is essential for you to obtain just compensation. A lawyer has the experience and expertise to investigate the accident, including looking for traffic cameras, obscured signs or nonfunctioning signals and other evidence, which can be used to build a strong case.
Negligence in Intersection Crashes
Drivers of big rigs and commercial trucks generally try to travel on highways as much as possible because of the difficulty maneuvering along city streets. Big trucks need a longer stopping distance and larger ones have to swing wide, sometimes into the next lane, in order to make a turn. In some cases, the trucker has to back up the vehicle to angle it correctly to make a turn. This increases the risk of an accident. When you add negligence into the mix, it can end up with disastrous consequences.
The following are types of negligence that might be the reason for a crash:
- Failure to stop completely: Because a truck is more difficult to stop due to their braking system and large size, a driver might roll through the intersection, depending on motorists and others to stay out of the way. This is not only a traffic violation but endangers bicycle riders and pedestrians who may not be able to get out of the truck’s path in time to avoid being injured. Obeying traffic signals and applying the brakes in time to stop before the crosswalk is important.
- Running a red light: Truckers, just like some other motorists, may see a yellow light as an invitation to speed up instead of slowing to a stop. This form of negligence can result in a T-bone crash when other motorists are making a turn.
- Failure to yield: At a four-way stop without lights, the truck driver may not yield to others, even if they have the right of way. If another vehicle is in the intersection at the time, it is the driver on the left-hand side who has the right to go first. However, because the truck driver has large blind spots and more difficulty maneuvering, this may be ignored, which can result in an underride or override accident.
- Driving while impaired: Drivers of big rigs seldom drink while driving, and the incidence is low. However, using drugs, whether illegal, prescription or over-the-counter, occurs. This is because the drivers often spend long hours on the road and want to stay alert and avoid fatigue. Using drugs adversely affects a motorist’s ability to reason, their vision and judgment. Drug use is a common cause of accidents with both drivers of passenger vehicles and truckers.
- Mechanical problems: When a truck driver has issues with the vehicle’s brakes, steering or accelerator, it can lead to a serious accident because the vehicle may become hard to steer or impossible to stop. In addition to defects or lack of maintenance, in some cases, the owner of the truck or trucking company may disengage some brakes to save money and wear and tear.
- Weather conditions: Truck drivers have to be especially cautious when driving in inclement weather. Rain, snow, fog and ice can interfere with tire traction, make the roads slippery and lead to accidents. These roadway conditions can cause a driver’s vehicle to slide into the intersection. However, the driver has the duty of care toward others to allow enough time for braking.
- Making a dangerous turn: Truck drivers often have to use the next lane to make a turn. A driver who isn’t cautious can end up sideswiping another vehicle or causing an underride accident. Trucks are not equipped with underride guards on the sides of the trailer.
Injuries in an Intersection Truck Accident
Even though big trucks passing through an intersection are probably traveling at a lower speed, the size and weight of one of these vehicles is enough to cause serious injuries and fatalities when it is involved in a collision. These injuries may include:
- Head and brain injuries: From a concussion to traumatic brain injuries, any of these can be serious and involve extensive recuperation and hospitalization.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the back may include sprain or strain of the muscles, ligaments or tendons. This can result in inflammation, pain and difficulty moving. More serious injuries are fractures of the vertebrae, a herniated disk or a fracture-dislocation. Spinal cord injuries can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. Obviously, those who become paralyzed by a traffic collision will require extensive medical care and may become permanently disabled and no longer able to work.
- Chest injuries: Chest injuries can be caused by the seat harness or by extensive damage caused to a vehicle in a collision. They may range from deep bruising to rib fractures and even heart damage.
- Broken bones: Simple breaks can heal within a few weeks. More complex fractures can require surgery, pins or plates to repair. Any broken bone can interfere with an individual’s ability to work and result in high medical bills.
- Abdominal trauma: Abdominal trauma can result from the seat belt or by contact with the steering wheel or other part of the vehicle. Not all abdominal traumas present right away and may include internal bleeding or organ damage. The spleen and intestines are particularly susceptible to injury, so if an accident victim feels pressure or pain in the abdominal region after an accident, it is essential to seek medical care quickly.
Free Case Review with a Los Angeles Law Firm for Intersection Truck Accidents
David can be reached seven days a week and around the clock to talk to you after a traffic accident. He firmly believes that no one should suffer financial loss when someone has been injured through the negligence of another. His legal acumen, diligence and work ethic helps him win compensation for his clients in 98 percent of his cases. Phone now at (800) 991-5292 to schedule your free case evaluation. If you prefer, you can use the handy online form, and he will call you promptly.
