Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer | 98% Success Rate

Los Angeles Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are far too common, particularly ones involving large trucks and buses. These types of accidents are extremely dangerous and often result in fatalities.

This guide will help you understand why commercial vehicle accidents are so dangerous and common. Additionally, by learning some tips for driving defensively around commercial vehicles, you can reduce the likelihood that you will be involved in this kind of accident.

Why Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents So Dangerous?

“Large trucks, just 4% of U.S. vehicles, are involved in 12% of fatal accidents.

Although large trucks make up only about 4% of the vehicles on the road, they are involved in 12% of all fatal vehicle accidents in the United States. California in particular has one of the highest rates of fatal trucking accidents in the country. In 2020, there were 3,558 fatal crashes in California. This was many times higher than almost every other state, with only Texas being comparable.

Why Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents So Common?

To start, while large trucks are only 4% of the vehicles on the road, they make up around 9% of the total miles traveled. That partially explains their involvement in a disproportionately large number of crashes, but there are other factors as well.

Since trucks spend so much time on the road, there is more wear and tear on parts, and they are more likely to encounter unsafe roads and weather conditions. The drivers of these trucks often work long hours, and driver fatigue also contributes to many accidents. In addition, many other drivers don’t know how to pass and merge around trucks, often creating dangerous situations.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous?

The size and weight of large commercial vehicles mean that any accident is considerably more dangerous than it would be with a smaller vehicle. The weight causes a more forceful impact and much greater damage.

In addition, large vehicles are significantly less maneuverable, and it is much more difficult for the driver to avoid or lessen the severity of an accident with defensive driving techniques.

What Is A Commercial Vehicle?

“Forklifts, Segways, ATVs, and bike trolleys aren’t considered commercial vehicles under CA law.

Commercial vehicles are broadly defined in California. They include any vehicle that is used to transport people for hire or profit, and any vehicle primarily intended for the transportation of property. Semi-trucks are one of the most obvious examples, but there are many other types, including Uber cars, moving trucks, and garbage trucks.

Different types of commercial vehicles

Commercial Vehicle Classification

Commercial vehicles are categorized based on the weight and size of the vehicle.  The larger the vehicle, the more regulations, and rules there are regarding licensing and operation. For example, larger commercial trucks are required to stop at all weight and inspection stations they come across on their route. They are also required to follow specific hours of service laws.

Commercial Vehicle Licensing

To operate a commercial vehicle in California, a driver must be at least 18 years old and must have a commercial vehicle license or CDL.

Three different levels of CDLs are required based on the size of the vehicle. The highest class of license is required for larger vehicles, as well as for any vehicle that carries hazardous materials or sixteen or more passengers.

Are Non-Registered Vehicles Also Commercial Vehicles?

Vehicles such as forklifts, rented Segways, ATVs, and bicycle-drawn trolley cars might appear to fit the definition of commercial vehicle, but they are not considered commercial vehicles under California law. Commercial vehicles are limited to vehicles that are required to be registered as street-legal.

Standards for Commercial Vehicle Drivers

Both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the California Highway Patrol require that commercial vehicle drivers be held to specific safety and operating standards. The standards include mandatory driving record investigations by employers, annual inquiry and review of driving records and traffic law violations by employers, and regular medical examinations of drivers.

These higher standards for commercial vehicle drivers are necessary because of the skill and attention required to drive these vehicles, and because of the increased danger, these large vehicles pose to other drivers on the road.

5 Tips for Driving Defensively Around Commercial Vehicles

Tire blowouts are common for 18-wheelers. Flying debris or swerving can impact your car.”

Any accident involving a large commercial vehicle is likely to be very serious, and you must take extra safety precautions when driving near a semi-truck and other similar vehicles. Although the driver of a commercial vehicle is responsible for driving their vehicle safely, you are also responsible for driving safely and defensively while near them.

Any accident involving a large commercial vehicle is likely to be very serious, and you must take extra safety precautions when driving near a semi-truck and other similar vehicles.

By following some simple safety tips, you can lessen the chance of a serious accident with a commercial truck.

1.     Don’t Cut Off a Commercial Vehicle

Large trucks are much heavier than typical passenger vehicles. The increase in weight means that it takes trucks much longer to slow and stop. If you merge into a lane directly in front of a commercial vehicle (or are simply driving with a commercial vehicle close behind you) and are forced to brake suddenly, the commercial vehicle will slow down much more slowly than your car and is very likely to rear-end you.

2.     Don’t Tailgate a Commercial Vehicle

There are several reasons why driving too closely behind a commercial vehicle is a bad idea.  For one, debris can fall off a commercial vehicle and hit your windshield. But, more importantly, if you were to rear-end a large vehicle, the impact to your car is likely to be at the level of your windshield rather than your bumper, making the crash far more likely to be fatal.

3.     Pass Commercial Vehicles Quickly

Commercial vehicles have multiple blind spots, behind and on the sides. It’s safest for you to simply pass a commercial vehicle quickly and not linger in a potential blind spot.

4.     Give Commercial Vehicles Room to Turn

Large vehicles cannot turn in the same tight arc that most passenger cars can. They are often forced to use multiple lanes to execute a turn. To be safe, you should leave extra room around a commercial vehicle at an intersection, as well as near the lane it will be turning into.

5.     Watch Out for Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are very common for 18-wheelers. The heavy rubber that flies off the truck’s tire can strike your car, and the truck may swerve during a blowout. You should always keep a close eye on a commercial vehicle, give them extra space, and be prepared to react in case of a blowout.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle

The procedure after a commercial vehicle accident is the same as any other car crash, except that you should obtain some additional information.

If you are injured, you should of course focus on getting treatment if necessary. If you are healthy enough, try to obtain the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information, just as you would after any other accident. Additionally, try to get the name of the trucking company or their employer as well. Other than that, do not discuss the accident with the driver.

The procedure after a commercial vehicle accident is the same as any other car crash, except that you should obtain some additional information.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Against A Commercial Vehicle Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a commercial vehicle or semi-truck accident, the accident attorneys at Adamson Ahdoot LLP may be able to help.

By learning about commercial vehicles and commercial trucks and how to drive defensively around them, you can lessen the chance of a serious commercial vehicle or semi-truck accident. But if the worst should happen, don’t wait to contact or call the experienced attorneys at Adamson Ahdoot at (800) 310-1606. We can help guide your next steps with no money out of pocket and a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Call us today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today

Blog

What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by An Amazon Delivery Truck

March 29, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Due to increasing delivery demands, road accidents involving delivery drivers are on the rise. This is especially true of Amazon delivery truck drivers. The reason? They are pushed to work…

Read Blog >

Why Are Accidents Involving Big Rigs More Dangerous and Who Is Liable?

March 19, 2024

By: Alan Ahdoot

Road accidents are inherently unpredictable and can result in significant damage. However, an accident involving a large truck - also known as a big rig, such as a semi-truck and…

Read Blog >

Ambulance Driver Killed A Pedestrian in Cerritos

September 7, 2020

By: Alan Ahdoot

On September 5th, 2020, around early morning, a male pedestrian was killed in a car accident around McKee Road, near El Rancho Verde Drive in Cerritos, CA. The pedestrian was…

Read Blog >

What Parties May Be Liable in a Truck Accident?

September 21, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Truck accidents are alarmingly frequent in the U.S., posing a greater risk of severe injuries and fatalities compared to typical car crashes, due to the immense size and weight of…

Read Blog >

What To Do After a California Truck Accident

January 27, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Large truck accidents in California are on the rise. In 2020, a total of 107,000 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injury, while 4,695 people died in large…

Read Blog >

Delivery Driver Accident Liability Cases: Who is Accountable?

March 23, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Over the past year, we've seen the number of online shoppers in America grow. Recent surveys revealed that there were a total of 268 million shoppers in 2022 alone. And…

Read Blog >
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by An Amazon Delivery Truck

March 29, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Due to increasing delivery demands, road accidents involving delivery drivers are on the rise. This is especially true of Amazon delivery truck drivers. The reason? They are pushed to work beyond their limits. This has resulted in gruesome consequences, including pedestrian accidents and truck collisions. Read on to find out…

Read Blog >
Why Are Accidents Involving Big Rigs More Dangerous and Who Is Liable?

March 19, 2024

By: Alan Ahdoot

Road accidents are inherently unpredictable and can result in significant damage. However, an accident involving a large truck - also known as a big rig, such as a semi-truck and tractor-trailer, poses an even greater threat and can even be fatal.  As a driver, it's crucial to understand how to…

Read Blog >
Ambulance Driver Killed A Pedestrian in Cerritos

September 7, 2020

By: Alan Ahdoot

On September 5th, 2020, around early morning, a male pedestrian was killed in a car accident around McKee Road, near El Rancho Verde Drive in Cerritos, CA. The pedestrian was hit by an ambulance when he was lying down on the road. Although he was sent to the hospital for…

Read Blog >
What Parties May Be Liable in a Truck Accident?

September 21, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Truck accidents are alarmingly frequent in the U.S., posing a greater risk of severe injuries and fatalities compared to typical car crashes, due to the immense size and weight of these vehicles. But, who is liable in a truck accident? If you've been harmed as a result of a negligent truck…

Read Blog >
What To Do After a California Truck Accident

January 27, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Large truck accidents in California are on the rise. In 2020, a total of 107,000 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injury, while 4,695 people died in large truck crashes. In the same year, the National Safety Council reported that large trucks accounted for the following: 9% of…

Read Blog >
Delivery Driver Accident Liability Cases: Who is Accountable?

March 23, 2023

By: Alan Ahdoot

Over the past year, we've seen the number of online shoppers in America grow. Recent surveys revealed that there were a total of 268 million shoppers in 2022 alone. And experts predict that this number will increase to 285 million by the time 2025 comes. As a result of this growing…

Read Blog >

Get a Free Consultation: (424) 392-7649

Connect with an Attorney

Fill Out the Form Below

Attorneys Contact Us Form - English

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted and recorded by Adamson Ahdoot LLP or a representative, affiliates, etc., calling or sending correspondence to your physical or electronic address, on our behalf, for any purpose arising out of or related to your case and or claim. Standard text and or usage rates may apply.

A person in a suit confidently shaking hands with someone else in an office, possibly discussing a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles and expressing confidence that they can win.

Client-First Approach

Above all else, our clients come first. We go above and beyond to obtain the highest level of compensation possible.

Meet Our Attorneys

Multi-Focus Law Firm

Adamson Ahdoot has successfully executed a plethora of personal injury cases.

Cases We Handle

Get in touch with our firm

Our team can better advise you on your legal options once we receive any available evidence about the incident.

Take Action Now