Trucks are essential aspects of the shipping industry. Businesses, which are vital to the economy, use big vehicles to transport a significant amount of goods from one place to another. Using trucks is an efficient way to extend the reach of a business’ products. Thus, these commercial automobiles, however accident-prone they may be, cannot be eradicated.
However, in most highways, trucks and passenger vehicles are forced to share the same lanes. This phenomenon makes smaller vehicles prone to accidents because the difference in their size is enormous. On average, a truck weighs 36,000 kilograms while a car weighs 1,600 kilograms. The car and passengers in the lightweight vehicles are at higher risk should a collision happen.
The phenomenon of truck accidents is a severe issue in the US. In 2017 alone, 4,761 truck-related fatalities were recorded. Apart from this death toll, there were 9,000 individuals injured due to truck collisions. California has the highest number of accidents. Since 2009, truck accidents in the state has a record of 250 deaths every year. Commercial truck accidents have claimed almost 2,500 lives in a decade. Thus, it is worth noting that truck accidents are a severe issue in the state.
Automobiles With Lane and Speed Restrictions
Tractor-trailers and in-combination vehicles are forbidden in California’s two left lanes when all of the roads are bound in one direction. In-combination vehicles refer to automobiles that pull another truck. These kinds of vehicles are common in shipment trucks. The law also forbids any vehicle with three or more rods to drive in two left lanes. These restricted vehicles are allowed to operate in the center lane with a speed limit of 55 meters per hour.
Aside from the lane restrictions, speed restrictions also apply to some automobiles. According to Section 22406 of California’s Vehicle Code, any individual is not permitted to drive more than 55 meters per hour if the driver is maneuvering an in-combination vehicle, school bus, farm labor vehicle, and explosive-ridden automobile.
Driving in two left lanes in a three-lane highway is considered a California truck lane violation. An amount of up to 250 dollar fine can be imposed on a driver who violates these road regulations. The California Highway Patrol or CHP is responsible for the implementation of these laws. Any truck that will disobey the lane regulations will be required to stop. Slow-moving automobiles, on the other hand, must drive on the right-hand lane.
California’s Truck-Only Lanes
Most states force big and small vehicles to co-mingle with each other, with trucks staying out of the left lane. However, since California faces a severe issue regarding truck-related accidents, the state has enforced truck lane restrictions. California has imposed truck-only lanes in its highways.
It is essential to learn these truck lane restrictions in California to avoid unfortunate circumstances. At present, there are only two truck-only lanes in the state. Fortunately, there are other similar lanes in propositions. These two operational lanes are the Northbound and Southbound in I-5 LA County and the Southbound I-5 in Kern County.
The Northbound and Southbound I-5 LA County has been operational for three decades. The I-5 LA County lanes separate trucks from the smaller and faster vehicle in the main traffic roads. The I-5 Kern County truck-only lane, on the other hand, prevent crashes between significant automobiles and lightweight vehicles in a complicated merging way.
Effects of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are devastating for the victims. These victims may suffer severe injuries and in need of medical help. Surgeries, medicines, and therapies are expensive medical treatments that are required for injured victims. Sometimes, those injuries lead to decreased quality of life for the victims. In cases where victims have a reduced quality of life, they may need to be admitted to long-term care facilities or with the supervision of a health professional.
Another unfortunate circumstance brought by truck-related accidents is a fatality. Thousands of lives have been claimed by negligence regarding truck driving. Although human beings cannot be brought back, just trials can help grieving families in their moving on phase. Burial and funeral expenses, as well as the loss of opportunities, must be considered when requiring compensation.
In cases where you or someone you know has suffered due to this kind of accident, it is imperative to contact a legal counsel to help in your suit. A truck accident attorney in California will aid in your compensation claims. Thus, it is best to seek for highly-experienced attorneys who will represent their clients’ best interests during trials. Legal aid from skilled attorneys will ensure that victims do not need to go through their struggles alone. It is in the state’s best interest to hold the perpetrators accountable to avoid another accident from happening.
Get in touch with Mesriani Law Group today and get the help you deserve!
