Truck Accident


Overdue Repairs: How Neglected Truck Maintenance Causes Accidents

by cjadmin | November 11th, 2024

Did you know that a single missed maintenance check can turn a truck into a deadly hazard? With thousands of trucks on California’s highways every day, neglected maintenance isn’t just an oversight—it’s a serious threat to everyone on the road.

With over 140,000 drayage trucks and many more freight vehicles traveling daily on the state’s highways, trucking companies and drivers must take proper measures to maintain their fleets.

As experienced California truck accident lawyers, we know that delayed repairs can lead to fatal accidents. If you’re injured in a semi-truck collision, you need legal help to protect your rights and pursue compensation from negligent trucking companies.

The Responsibilities of Trucking Companies and Drivers

Federal and state laws require trucking companies to keep their vehicles safe and well-maintained. The FMCSA enforces these rules by mandating regular inspections and repairs for key components like brakes, tires, and lights. Trucking companies must also keep detailed maintenance records for at least 12 months, and failing to meet these requirements can lead to penalties.

Following these maintenance procedures keeps trucks functioning correctly, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and helping protect everyone on the road.

Common Maintenance Issues That Cause Truck Accidents

Poorly maintained trucks are prone to mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine failure. Common maintenance issues that lead to serious accidents include:

  • Brake Failure: Brake problems contribute to around 29% of truck crashes in the U.S. Without proper maintenance, worn brake pads or air brake issues make it difficult for trucks to stop, especially on steep or congested roads.
  • Tire Blowouts: Worn or underinflated tires often cause blowouts, leading to loss of control. Nationwide, tire issues account for around 6% of truck collisions. California’s heat increases the likelihood, making regular checks critical to avoiding accidents.
  • Steering and Suspension Problems: Faulty steering or suspension systems can lead to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. These failures make it harder to control the truck, increasing the risk of crossing the center line or jackknifing, which can result in a serious crash.
  • Lighting Malfunctions: Broken headlights or turn signals reduce driver visibility and communication. Malfunctioning taillights on a commercial truck can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, particularly on busy highways.
  • Transmission Issues: Transmission problems can cause sudden loss of power, leading to accidents, especially in traffic or on inclines. Without regular checks, these failures can happen unexpectedly, leaving the driver unable to accelerate or shift gears safely.
  • Cooling System Failures: Overheating engines from neglected cooling systems can cause breakdowns on busy roads. This can leave large trucks stranded, blocking traffic and creating dangerous conditions for other drivers.
  • Fuel System Leaks: Faulty fuel systems can lead to dangerous leaks, increasing the risk of fire or explosions, particularly after a collision. What starts as a small leak can quickly turn a minor accident into a deadly disaster.

Legal Implications of Neglected Truck Maintenance

When truck owners or operators neglect essential maintenance, the consequences can be devastating—not just legally but emotionally. Families are often left to pick up the pieces after an avoidable tragedy caused by a simple oversight, like worn brakes or a tire blowout.

The pain of losing a loved one or dealing with life-altering injuries is compounded by the knowledge that it could have been prevented. That’s why seeking justice isn’t just about compensation—it’s about holding those responsible accountable for the suffering they’ve caused.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we can help you gather evidence, like maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair reports, to prove negligence and get you the financial support you deserve.

Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident Caused by Neglected Maintenance

Neglected truck maintenance poses a significant threat to everyone on the road. When trucking companies or drivers fail to address essential repairs, they increase the risk of catastrophic accidents. Whether it’s a brake failure, tire blowout, or other mechanical issue, these accidents can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident due to negligent maintenance, get qualified legal representation from Berg Injury Lawyers. We can help you hold negligent truck owners and operators accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.


Can Large Trucks Drive in the Left Lane in California?

by Staff | March 13th, 2024

In the U.S., the left lane is the passing lane or the “fast” lane. Drivers typically use the left lane to pass other vehicles. In California, lanes are numbered from left to right, with the number “one” lane being the leftmost lane. Drivers of standard passenger vehicles are advised to stay in the far-right lane when moving slower than other vehicles and to use the left lane for passing slow moving traffic.

Considering their relatively slow speeds, you may be wondering if semi-trucks can use the left lane. Read on to discover what the law says about large trucks driving in the left lane in California and learn about the potential risks and dangers.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Legislation regarding driving in the left lane in the U.S. varies by state. Four categories exist:

  • “Keep right” states: Driving in the left lane is prohibited except for passing or turning left.
  • “Yield” states: Driving in the left lane is tolerated, but drivers must yield and move to the right lane if they are blocking traffic.
  • “Keep right when slower” states: These states follow the recommendations outlined in the Uniform Vehicle Code. According to UVC 11-1205, while drivers can cruise in the left lane, they should keep right if they are slower than the current traffic speed (regardless of the speed limit).
  • Permissive states: Driving in the left lane is allowed without restrictions.

According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC 21654(a)), the Golden State follows UVC recommendations, making it a “Keep right when slower” state. Left-lane driving is generally legal as long as the driver doesn’t impede traffic.

WHAT ABOUT LARGE TRUCKS?

The California Vehicle Code oversees numerous commercial vehicle laws and regulations, including those governing semi-trucks. One of California’s most critical laws that semi-trucks and other large vehicles must follow is vehicle-specific speed limits.

According to CVC 22406, large trucks (also referred to as motortrucks) are among the six categories of vehicles prohibited from exceeding 55 miles per hour on a highway.

Other vehicles may use the left lane to drive at speeds up to 65 mph (CVC 22349) or 70 mph (CVC 22356), depending on the posted speed limit.

In practice, these speed limits mean trucks are not legally allowed to exceed 55 mph anywhere on the highway. Therefore, they would be highly likely to impede traffic behind them if they switched to the left lane.

Another law (CVC 21655) stipulates that any vehicle subjected to the speed limits of CVC 22406, like semi-trucks, must stay within designated slow vehicle lanes at all times unless turning left or preparing to enter or exit the highway.

  • 2-lane and 3-lane highways: The designated slow vehicle lane is the rightmost lane.
  • Highways with 4 or more lanes: The designated slow vehicle lanes are the two rightmost lanes.

TRUCK-ONLY LANES

Some highway sections may feature truck-only lanes, reserving traffic for large commercial vehicles and prohibiting passenger cars from driving on them. Drivers can easily recognize these lanes by looking for the white signs stating TRUCK LANE, TRUCK TRAFFIC, or Trucks/All Trailers in black text.

The end of the truck-only lane zone is marked by another sign: END TRUCK LANE RESTRICTIONS.

You can find examples of truck-only lanes at the following locations:

  • At the I-5 / SR 99 junction in Kern County (southbound only)
  • At the I-5 / SR 14 junctions in LA County (northbound and southbound)

DANGERS OF TRUCKS IN THE LEFT LANE

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, there were 168,320 truck crashes in the U.S. in 2022. 13,603 of these crashes happened in California, which is more crashes than in any other state besides Texas. And when semi-trucks cause crashes, 83% of the time the person injured is someone other than the truck driver.

Not only is it illegal for a truck to leave its designated lanes, but California’s 55 mph speed limit on large trucks prevents them from legally reaching the speeds necessary to pass vehicles on the highway. Driving in the left lane would impede traffic flow, create congestion, and significantly increase the risk of causing accidents. Moving any faster would constitute speeding, further increasing the potential risks.

Potential risks associated with trucks in the left lane include:

  • Trucks occupying the left lane may not reach sufficient speeds to pass vehicles on the right, impeding traffic flow. Traffic congestion increases the risk of rear-end accidents.
  • Vehicles behind a truck changing lanes may brake suddenly, significantly increasing the risk of rear-end accidents.
  • Vehicles flowing in and out of the truck’s blind zone as it switches lanes may be side-swiped or struck.

Roughly a third of all truck crashes result in an injury.  

CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY IF YOU NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Truck accidents often cause severe, life-threatening injuries. If you or one of your family members are involved in a truck accident, contact the California truck accident lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today. We can help you hold the trucking company accountable and get the compensation you deserve.

Originally published March 28, 2022.


What Types of Trucks Do You Need a CDL to Drive?

by Staff | November 1st, 2021

Since 1992 drivers have been required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate certain commercial vehicles. These include vehicles like semi-trailers, tanker trucks, and buses.

California requires truck drivers to have a CDL if they drive any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. You also need a CDL if you drive vehicles with a combined weight exceeding 26,000 pounds; the requirement also applies to those driving tractor-trailers.

A commercial driver’s license is important because these are heavy vehicles that require extra training and skill to operate. You must be appropriately licensed and certified, but even the most experienced and careful truck drivers get into accidents.

The size and weight of trucks make them harder to control and bring to a stop in heavy or fast-moving traffic. This makes large trucks more likely to get into crashes and collisions than passenger cars.

If you get into an accident involving a commercial truck and are injured, you’ll need an attorney specializing in truck accident cases. Consider hiring an experienced California truck accident lawyer.

Make sure before you get behind the wheel of any truck that you have the proper licenses. Learn if you need a Class A, Class B, or Class C license to operate a vehicle.

How are Trucks Classified?

Trucks are classified by gross vehicle weight (GVWR) and gross combination weight (GCWR). The type of CDL drivers need depends on the type of vehicle they will be driving.

●      Class A License

You will need a Class A license to drive vehicles that possess a gross combined weight (GCWR) of 26,0001 lbs. or more. Any towed vehicle in this class weighs more than 10,000 lbs.

The most common Class A trucks are tractor-trailers, also known as semis or 18-wheelers; these vehicles have a truck cab and a towed trailer.

Other vehicles in this class include tanker trucks, livestock carriers, and flatbed trucks.

Having a Class A license lets you operate most Class B and C vehicles.

●      Class B License

You need a Class B license to operate any single vehicle that is not hitched to a trailer. Typically, this is any commercial truck where the cab is attached to the cargo area. In this class, the combined weight of the cab and cargo exceeds 26,001 pounds.

Some of the most common Class B vehicles include box trucks, buses, and straight trucks. This license is also for trucks with a detached towed cargo trailer when the trailer weighs less than 10,000 pounds, such as a small trailer for a dump truck.

Drivers with a Class B license can operate some vehicles requiring a Class C license.

●      Class C License

Vehicles that do not fall into Class A or B are designated as Class C. Class C licenses are for passenger vans and buses. Any vehicle that can transport 16 or more people, including the driver, qualifies as Class C.

You will also need a Class C license if you transport hazardous material, as defined by the federal government.

Obtaining a CDL in California

Drivers in California must meet specific state requirements to qualify for a CDL. First, you must have a state driver’s license in good standing.

You must be 18 years of age or older and drive a commercial vehicle within state lines. If you’re driving a commercial vehicle over state lines, transporting passengers, or carrying any hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years of age. You also have to be a resident of California and have permission to work in the United States.

You must pass written exams before you obtain a CDL. You will undergo a hearing and vision exam and additional medical tests. These requirements are for your safety and those on the road around you.

According to the National Safety Council, trucks make up 4% of the vehicles on the road but account for 10% of all fatal accidents, meaning truck drivers are more likely to get into a severe accident than the average driver.

Ensure that if you’re operating a large motor vehicle, you have the correct license and training to do so. If you hold a CDL and are in an accident where you or someone else becomes injured, seek legal counsel from a reputable law firm.

Truck Companies Can Be Held Liable for Unlicensed Drivers

Some trucking companies will hire drivers who are not licensed to drive a commercial vehicle or have the wrong type of license for the truck they will be driving, because they can pay the inexperienced or underqualified driver less money than they would an experienced and qualified driver. This is irresponsible and dangerous for both the driver of the truck and the drivers of the vehicles who have to share the road with that truck.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with a driver who was not legally qualified to operate that vehicle, you may be able to sue the trucking company for your injuries and other damages.

Our Law Firm Wants to Help

If you’re involved in a truck accident, contact the team at Berg Injury Lawyers today. Our skilled truck accident lawyers are on standby 24/7 to help with your case. Whether you were the victim of an auto accident or were injured on the job, we can ensure you understand your rights and are well-informed when pursuing legal action.


Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?

by Staff Blogger | July 8th, 2019

If you or someone you love was injured through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to file a claim to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Injury claims can involve big settlements, and the money in those settlements often comes from insurance companies’ pockets. To protect their huge annual profits, insurance companies often push back against injured victims when they file claims, especially when they were hurt in truck accidents. Truck accidents are more likely to cause serious and even life-threatening injuries than other auto accidents due to the weight and size of tractor trailers. That means the injury claims associated with them can be substantial. Insurance companies and their adjusters use every trick in the book to avoid paying victims what they deserve after truck accidents, and it’s not uncommon for innocent people to have their claims significantly reduced or even denied. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California truck accident lawyers want to protect your rights to the money you deserve. We know that truck accident claims can be legally complex due to the number of parties who may be liable, and we also know that the insurance company will likely be uncooperative when you file a claim. Our legal team has many years of experience assisting injured victims like you, and we know how to stay one step ahead of the insurance company throughout the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation. You deserve full compensation for what you’ve been through, and we want to help you get it.

How We Help Truck Accident Victims Get Compensation

by Staff Blogger | March 25th, 2019

Even the biggest passenger vehicles, including pickup trucks and SUVs, are no match for semi trucks during crashes. That’s because tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are dozens of feet in length when their trailers are fully loaded. If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a big truck, you may have suffered serious and debilitating injuries. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California truck accident attorneys know what you’re going through. We’ve helped many people just like you get the compensation they deserve after accidents, and we’ll do everything in our power to help you, too. When you choose us to handle your truck accident claim, we’ll work hard for you in the following ways:
  • We’ll collect evidence to determine who was at fault—Truck accidents can have many causes and liable parties, including negligent drivers, truck owners, and truck companies. We’ll investigate the crash and find out who caused it.
  • We’ll prove your injuries were caused during the crash—The insurance company may be skeptical of your claim, and it may believe your injuries are pre-existing. We’ll use medical records and even expert witnesses to leave no doubt that the crash caused your injuries.
  • We’ll negotiate to get you a fair settlement—By calculating your injury-related medical bills and lost wages, we’ll find out exactly how much money you’re owed. Then, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your chances of getting it.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation.

3 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

by Staff Blogger | November 26th, 2018

At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California truck accident attorneys do everything in our power to help innocent victims get the representation and compensation they deserve after a truck accident. However, we can’t always be there in the immediate aftermaths of accidents. While we encourage victims to contact us as soon as possible so that we can take over the major and minor details of their claims, there are a few steps that victims can take before calling us that can have big impacts on their health and their chances of recovering maximum damages. The three steps that all truck accident victims should take as soon as possible after their crashes include:
  1. Report the accident. Your first step after any type of auto accident is to call 911. California law requires that all crashes that involve injuries or property damage be reported to law enforcement. You also may need to report the accident to your insurance company.
  2. Get medical treatment. This step is a no-brainer if you suffered serious and obvious injuries during the crash, but it’s important to be checked out by a doctor even if you don’t think you were hurt. Some injuries take time to show up, and a doctor can find and treat those injuries early.
  3. Call a lawyer. Truck accidents are complex and require plenty of evidence and a proactive approach. The sooner you call our office, the better your chances will be of obtaining full compensation.
You have enough to worry about after your truck accident. Let us handle the details of your claim while you focus on getting better. Call today for a free consultation.

3 Reasons to Call a Lawyer After a Truck Accident

by Staff Blogger | October 1st, 2018

Even the largest passenger vehicles are no match for commercial semi trucks during accidents. That’s because big pickup trucks and SUVs weigh around 6,000 pounds, while fully loaded tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The massive difference in size and weight between big trucks and passenger vehicles means that occupants of the latter are significantly more likely to suffer disabling and even life-threatening injuries during accidents involving the two types of vehicles. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping innocent victims get compensation after being hurt in big truck crashes. Truck accident claims are complicated, and pursuing damages on your own can be difficult. Choosing us to fight for you after a truck accident can improve your chances of getting a favorable outcome for three reasons:
  1. We can prove you weren’t at fault—The stakes are higher in big truck accident claims, and that means insurance companies are often more aggressive in protecting their clients and their profits. We’ll collect evidence that leaves no doubt about who was at fault.
  2. We can prove who was at fault—It’s not enough to prove you didn’t cause the crash. We’ll also determine which parties are liable, including the truck driver, truck company, and truck owner.
  3. We can negotiate to get you full compensation—Even if the insurance company agrees to pay a settlement, it will try to pay you as little as possible. We’ll negotiate to make sure you’re fairly compensated.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Truck Accidents?

by Staff Blogger | May 28th, 2018

The injuries that victims suffer during truck accidents have the potential to be more severe than those caused during crashes involving cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. That’s because big trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles—up to 80,000 pounds—and because they can reach lengths of nearly 70 feet. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating truck accidents are for victims and their families. A single accident can change multiple lives forever, especially when it causes lifelong disability. Our California truck accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of innocent victims and their abilities to pursue compensation for medical bills and lost wages. To accomplish that, we must first identify who was at fault for crashes. Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, truck accidents can have multiple liable parties, including:
  • Truck drivers—Truck drivers must follow not only the “standard” rules of the road, such as not speeding and not driving while intoxicated, but they also must follow rules concerning rest and time off periods.
  • Truck companies—Companies that use trucks to transport goods must abide by strict regulations concerning weight limits and loading practices, including making sure loads are evenly distributed.
  • Truck owners—Sometimes trucks aren’t owned by either drivers or the companies that use them. Truck owners must maintain their vehicles as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
In addition, drivers of other passenger vehicles can also be considered responsible if they initiated a sequence of events that caused a big truck to be involved in a crash. Get the help you and your loved ones deserve after your truck accident. Call us today for a free consultation.

3 Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

by Staff Blogger | April 2nd, 2018

When big trucks—which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—are involved in accidents with cars, trucks, and SUVs, the occupants of those vehicles face significant risks of suffering devastating injuries. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California truck accident attorneys know that semi truck and tractor trailer accidents are among the most devastating crashes that can happen on highways and interstates throughout the Golden State. Truck accident victims often deal with debilitating pain and disability, while others may face life-threatening complications. Three common injuries that result from truck accidents include:
  1. Back and neck injuries – Truck accidents involve tremendous amounts of force—much of which is absorbed by victims’ backs and necks. Victims may develop whiplash, a chronic and disabling neck injury, or they may suffer from torn ligaments and nerve damage in their backs. They may even incur spinal cord damage, which can put them at risk of suffering paralysis.
  2. Head injuries – Seat belts and air bags are designed to protect drivers’ and passengers’ heads during crashes, but they’re not always 100-percent effective, especially when vehicles collide with trucks. Head injuries are common during collisions with tractor-trailers, and victims can suffer from traumatic brain injuries.
  3. Internal injuries – Sometimes the most serious injuries victims suffer aren’t visible or obvious. Victims’ internal organs can be damaged during accidents due to blunt force trauma or even due to being forcefully moved around inside their bodies at impact.
No matter what type of injuries you or your loved one suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s vital that you seek medical attention immediately. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation to find out how we may be able to help you.

3 Numbers to Call After a Truck Accident

by Staff Blogger | January 22nd, 2018

At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that truck accidents can be distressing and traumatic. Victims often suffer debilitating injuries that require immediate medical attention, and their main concern after an accident is getting the medical care they need. Our California truck accident attorneys have helped many victims who were able to be proactive after their accidents and take steps to protect their rights, but we’ve also helped countless other victims who were too hurt, traumatized, or disabled to take all of the recommended steps after a serious crash. We know that not at all victims are able to follow detailed checklists after accidents, and we’re here to help. However, we know that victims who make the following three phone calls after a truck accident can maximize their chances of getting compensation:
  1. 911 – Calling 911 should be your first move after any type of accident that involves property damage or injuries. In addition to being required by California law, it also creates a police record of the crash and dispatches emergency medical personnel to the scene.
  2. Your insurance company – You have a short timeframe—often around 48 hours—to report the accident to your insurer. Call them as soon as you’re able to do so, but consider speaking with a lawyer before volunteering information or admitting fault for the accident.
  3. A truck accident law firm – Proving fault in truck accident cases can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved. But an experienced legal team knows how to collect evidence and determine who was at fault for the accident.
Don’t delay after your truck accident. Get the experienced help you deserve. Call today for a free consultation, and let us put our track record of success to work for you and your loved ones.