Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Negligence
Hit By a Negligent Truck Driver in San Francisco, CA?
When it comes to the competency of commercial truck drivers, the U.S. Department of Transportation imposes strict rules and regulations – including driver training and testing programs. They also maintain that it is the responsibility of employers to ensure that these regulations are followed. A driver that is not properly tested and trained will not have sufficient experience, and is at a much higher risk of causing an accident.
Similarly, truck drivers who maneuver recklessly or aggressively, make poor decisions while out on the road, or engage in distracted driving behaviors, can also put other drivers at risk. If you were injured in a truck accident, and you think that negligence on the part of the truck driver may be the cause, you have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact our team at The Matiasic Firm today for the help you need.
At The Matiasic Firm, we have over 25+ years of experience helping accident victims in San Francisco recover compensation for their injuries. Over the past several years, we have recovered over $12 million in damages.
Texting While Driving
In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) responded to the rise in trucking accidents caused by texting while driving by imposing an immediate ban on the practice. Due to the high probability of serious injury or death occurring when a truck is involved in an accident, the importance of safeguarding private citizens on the roads and highways from these types of accidents has become paramount.
If you were injured in a trucking accident, and you have reason to believe that the truck driver was texting or otherwise distracted, it's important to contact an attorney from our firm as soon as possible. At The Matiasic Firm, we pride ourselves in investigating every detail of a trucking accident to be certain that we bring the strongest case possible. And, we are committed to taking on even the most difficult of cases.
Aggressive & Reckless Driving
If you believe that your accident was caused by aggressive or reckless driving on the part of the truck driver, it is crucial that you discuss the details of your case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Reckless or aggressive behavior can include:
- Tailgating
- Careless passing
- Unsafe lane changes
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Failure to yield
Determining the cause of a trucking accident in which you have been injured can be difficult, but it is a vitally important aspect of your case. Let our experienced legal professionals help you get started today.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue can affect a driver's perception and judgment just as much as being intoxicated. Drivers who feel rushed to get to their destination may violate federal trucking regulations by driving longer than they should. Exhausted drivers can make mistakes, overlook the obvious, and react too slowly in emergencies.
For this reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has imposed strict regulations to prevent tired driving. When a truck is loaded with cargo, it can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. The weight, size, and power of a truck can cause an otherwise minor accident to become a catastrophic or fatal event.
According to hours of service regulations, commercial drivers may not drive more than 11 hours a day and must take a 10-hour break between driving intervals. If drivers ignore these rules and take to the road while fatigued, it can result in aggressive or distracted driving, in addition to falling asleep at the wheel.
In order to stay behind the wheel longer, truck drivers may also resort to stimulants, drugs or alcohol. A driver who is exhausted may become irritable under pressure and behave erratically. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, The Matiasic Firm can determine if you have grounds for a personal injury case.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Due to the size, weight, and power of a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, commercial truck drivers are held to a higher standard of safety. Unfortunately, not all drivers take this responsibility seriously. All too often, accidents are caused by truck drivers who make poor decisions while behind the wheel, like unsafe lane changes.
Speeding, carelessness, and distraction on the part of the truck driver can all lead to unsafe lane changes, which may include:
- Failing to signal before changing lanes
- Failing to check traffic before changing lanes
- Frequent lane changes
- Cutting off other motorists during a lane change
- Straddling two lanes
Even if you have exercised caution when driving near a large commercial truck, it may not be enough to protect you if the driver is careless when changing lanes. If you were hurt in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver in San Francisco, The Matiasic Firm is here to help. Call now for your free case evaluation.
Contact The Matiasic Firm for a Free Consultation
The legal professionals at The Matiasic Firm bring 25 years of experience in helping clients like you recover the compensation they deserve. Our firm has a high success rate and has recovered over $12,000,000 in damages in the last several years alone. We take pride in going as far as necessary to achieve a successful outcome.
The privilege of advocating for our clients is our number one priority. If you were involved in a truck accident in San Francisco that was caused by a negligent driver, contact us today at (415) 858-6692 for a FREE review.