Los Angeles Metro Region is a Hotbed for Tractor-Trailer Accidents

By Taylor & Ring | July 3, 2017

Thousands of commercial trucks carry freight over the roadways of California every single day. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, the Los Angeles metro region contains an extensive market for the transport of freight. While all of this commercial activity may be good for the economy, the high risk of truck accidents leaves every person on the roadway in danger.

Why truck crashes are common on Los Angeles roadways

With the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach located in the region, ports of entry are big business in metropolitan Los Angeles. Not only does Southern California include two of the nation’s largest and busiest seaports, but LAX is also one of the nation’s busiest cargo airports. All combined, these points of entry reportedly see billions of dollars in merchandise every single year. Yet, with all of the electronics, textiles, and machinery entering the ports of Los Angeles, only about six percent of it stays within the state. That means that the other 94% must be transported to other areas of the country by large tractor-trailer trucks.

On any given day, Interstate 5 and Interstate 710 are crowded with trucks traveling in each direction, which makes both of these roadways highly susceptible to fatal truck crashes. However, volume is not the only reason for these startling statistics. There are numerous possible causes for severe and fatal truck crashes, including:

  • Distracted driving. Truck drivers have a duty to operate their tractor-trailers in a safe manner. Cell phone use, texting, or use of dispatching devices takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
  • Improper loading of cargo. Overloading or uneven distribution of cargo can lead to braking difficulties and rollovers.
  • Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic drug impairs a truck driver’s ability to control the truck and exercise proper judgment on the roadway.
  • Commercial driving regulation violations. Failure to follow trucking regulations regarding such issues as the amount of consecutive time spent on the road, or truck maintenance requirements, places everyone on the roadway at significant risk of harm.

If you were injured in a tractor-trailer crash on a Southern California roadway, trust Taylor & Ring to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers have the skill and knowledge to provide you with quality legal representation. Call our office today at 310-776-6390 or complete our contact form.

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