Car accidents usually involve forceful impacts and violent jostling, both of which can damage the soft tissue. Comprised of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other tissues that support the skeletal system, soft tissue is vulnerable to injury in even minor collisions. Unfortunately, because these injuries aren’t usually life-threatening, they’re often dismissed by insurance adjusters as trivial. In reality, though, soft tissue damage can be devastating. From sprains and strains to … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Truck Accidents Caused by Wide Turns
Maneuvering a large commercial truck on neighborhood roads or in a densely populated downtown area is difficult. It is often necessary for truckers to occupy adjacent lanes of traffic when making wide turns. When these turns aren’t executed properly, the truck might swing into oncoming traffic, tip over, or pin another vehicle against a curb. When turning right, for example, the truck may have to swing into the left lane to avoid obstacles. Although commercial drivers undergo training to make … [Read more...]
Which Auto Insurer Should Handle My Property Damage Claim?
If you were involved in a motor-vehicle collision through no fault of your own, you may be wondering whether to file a first- or third-party claim for the resulting property damage. Because California is a fault state in regard to auto accidents, you might be inclined to opt for the latter and bring the claim against the liable party’s insurer. It's reasonable to assume that filing a third-party claim has advantages. You won’t have to cover the deductible, for example. Also, you may already … [Read more...]
How Might Black Box Data Contribute to My Car Accident Claim?
If you were hurt in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, there’s a good chance at least one of the vehicles involved was equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). Also known as “black boxes,” these devices track a number of operational specifics, and more than 9 out of 10 passenger cars and light-duty vehicles manufactured after 2012 have one. Big rigs are also equipped with EDRs, among other recording devices. Because of the metrics they record, black boxes often allow investigators to … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue
Several studies have shown that fatigue can impair a person’s cognitive abilities in a similar fashion as alcohol. Drowsy drivers tend to have slower reaction times, reduced alertness, and less efficient information processing. For the trucking industry, the dangerous effects of fatigue on driving performance is a major concern since the amount of time a trucker spends on the road can have a direct impact on their income—and on their employer’s profits. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of … [Read more...]
Woman Dies After Loose Tire Crashes into Her SUV on 405 Freeway
A 61-year-old woman was tragically killed on the 405 Freeway in Long Beach recently when a tire came off another vehicle and smashed into the windshield of her SUV. The victim died before paramedics could arrive. Her passenger was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just after 1 p.m. when the rear-left tire of a southbound Dodge Ram pickup came loose and entered the northbound lanes. Reports indicate that the tire crushed … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Tire Blowout Truck Accident Claims
Vehicle malfunctions play a role in about 10 percent of all commercial truck accidents. Sometimes these malfunctions are caused by defective auto parts; other times, they can be traced back to negligent maintenance. When a truck tire blows out and causes a crash, it is often necessary to perform an extensive investigation to determine why the blowout happened and who might be responsible. If you or someone you love was hurt in such a collision, read on to learn the answers to some frequently … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Tire Blowout Car Accident Claims
From alcohol consumption to texting to speeding, there are countless behaviors that contribute to auto accidents. But sometimes, a serious collision can occur even if none of the drivers involved was negligent. A tire blowout, for example, can happen due to a manufacturing defect, the negligence of a mechanic, poor road maintenance, or a variety of other reasons. If you were hurt or lost a member of your family in such a crash, you probably have a lot of questions: Who is liable for the … [Read more...]
5 Important Facts About Overloaded Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies use all sorts of strategies to improve efficiency and to increase profits. Some motor carriers have even resorted to breaking the law to ensure their goods get delivered on time and to boost their bottom line. Overloading a truck beyond its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), for example, can improve the profits generated from each shipment—but it does so at the expense of everyone else’s safety. Overweight trucks are far more likely to be involved in accidents. The heavier … [Read more...]
5 FAQs About Blind Spot Truck Accident Claims
It goes without saying that driving alongside a massive semi-truck is a jarring experience. Your life is entirely in the hands of the truck driver, and a minor turn of the steering wheel could be all it takes to cause a deadly accident. This nightmare becomes a tragic reality for thousands of people every year. In many cases, these collisions could have been avoided if the truckers involved had checked their blind spots. If you or a member of your family was injured or killed in such an … [Read more...]