A Fresno County truck accident involving two commercial trucks, a fuel tanker and a pick-up has left one dead and two injured, according to an ABC30 news report. Authorities are still unclear as to what caused the truck accident. According to reports, a driver from the commercial truck had pulled over and was outside of his vehicle when the fuel tanker slammed into the back of the truck, pinning the driver under the tire. The 39-year-old driver was pronounced dead in the hospital shortly after the crash. The accident, which may have occurred because of low driver visibility to due fog, happened in the early morning hours on a major state highway.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, contact a truck accident attorney right away to preserve your rights under the law. Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and massive medical bills.
Top 10 Reasons for Truck Accidents
In 2014, approximately 500,000 commercial vehicle and large truck accidents occurred on American roads. This statistic rings true despite the regulation of truck driving, and the requirement of special training of drivers who operate large and commercial vehicles. While there are numerous reasons why a truck accident may occur, the top ten contributors are:
1. A driver’s failure to follow traffic rules
2. Excessive speeding or improper braking
3. Improperly maintained tires on large trucks
4. Uneven cargo loading or shifting
5. Driver fatigue
6. Driving under the influence
7. Adverse weather conditions
8. Improper truck maintenance
9. Blind spots
10. Reckless driving
Potential defendants in a trucking accident lawsuit may be numerous; however, the relationship between the driver and the employer will determine who can be sued. For example, if an employer-employee relationship can be established between the truck driver and the shipping or trucking company, the company may be held liable for the driver’s negligence under a theory of respondeat superior. If the driver is found to be an independent contractor, however, liability will be more difficult to prove.
Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys
Unfortunately, truck accidents are common and often result in serious injuries or even death. Litigating these cases can be complex, as determining who may be at fault may not be clear. Accordingly, a Charleston truck accident attorney should be contacted immediately to preserve the rights of the injured under South Carolina law. Don’t attempt to navigate this difficult time alone.