How Road Conditions in Los Angeles Impact Truck Accidents and Liability

Los Angeles is one of the most populous cities in the United States. It is a major center of commerce and transportation. This makes it a vital location for trucking. Nevertheless, supporting that industry has certain requirements, particularly when it comes to roadways.

They demand a considerable amount of space and a direct road network that is both immediate and durable. That is, the road network has to be capable of supporting an enormous amount of traffic, and the roads have to be capable of withstanding the traffic they bear.

Poor road conditions can often lead to serious truck accidents. And if you’ve been involved in one of these incidents on a Los Angeles road, you may want to get in touch with Gerald Marcus, abogado de accidentes de camiones en Los Angeles.

Impact of Road Conditions on Truck Accidents

The road conditions are a huge factor in truck accidents in Los Angeles, and they directly affect how often and how severely accidents occur. L.A. roads are not only overcrowded but also often in disrepair, which is twice as bad for the large trucks that have to use them.

Potholes and Road Deterioration

Potholes and under-maintained roads are a common thing in older cities such as L.A., which faces the unique challenges of maintaining an infrastructure that should be ripped up and rebuilt. Large commercial trucks, however, are especially susceptible to damage from pesky potholes.

Potholes can still burst tires or knock out axles and suspension systems. They can also cause drivers to overcompensate in turning, leading to collisions, jackknifes, or overturned rigs, sometimes carrying hazardous materials.

Traffic Congestion

Los Angeles has a very bad reputation for having truly awful traffic jams, with some of the busiest highways in the country, such as the I-405 and I-10. Traffic congestion (and the impatient drivers that it seems to create) significantly multiplies the risk of truck accidents. Here are some of the common reasons:

Driving conditions for truck drivers are much tougher when the roads are jammed

Stressful conditions in stop-and-go traffic can lead to hasty decisions and road rage

Big rigs are particularly prone to hit the rear ends of other vehicles when they suddenly brake in a panic

Liability in Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Truck accidents in Los Angeles raise complex questions of liability. Liability refers to who is legally responsible for damages or injuries caused by an accident. In the case of truck accidents, several parties could be held accountable.

Our friend Gerald Marcus, abogado de accidentes de camiones en Los Angeles, gives us the following breakdown regarding liability:

Truck Driver Liability

There are instances when the truck driver may be responsible for an accident. Drivers are charged with the jobs of keeping their vehicles in proper working condition, making sure they are suitable for the kinds of road conditions they are likely to encounter, and operating their vehicles responsibly.

Trucking Company Liability

Trucking firms owe it to the public to keep their rigs well-maintained and their drivers well-trained. Otherwise, the companies could be held liable for accidents that occur because of the rig’s inadequate maintenance or the driver’s inadequate training.

Government Liability

Truck accidents attributable to poor road conditions may also stem from government negligence. The roads in Los Angeles are supposed to be maintained by the city and by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and are required, by law, to be safe for travel.

Third-Party Liability

Sometimes third parties, like contractors and construction companies, must share the blame. For instance, a construction company that alters a roadway without proper signage or fails to follow safety protocols while doing roadwork could be held responsible if an accident occurs as a result.

Gerald Marcus, Abogado de Accidentes de Camiones en Los Angeles Can Help

The pronounced effect of Los Angeles road conditions on truck accidents cannot be overstated. They impact both the frequency of accidents and the assignment of blame when they do happen. Dangerous roads produce dangerous driving conditions.

Potholes, severe congestion, adverse weather, inadequate signage, and construction zones create a perfect storm for truck drivers. When you’re the one whose life is impacted in one of these accidents, you need the services of a tough, seasoned injury attorney.