Semi-Truck Crashes in California Spark Concern and Debate

A semi-truck poses obvious hazards on the road. These vehicles are capable of destroying virtually everything in their path, including pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and a range of passenger vehicles. Even when they come to a complete stop, they may erupt into flames, causing even more damage. Semi-trucks can also cause serious injuries when rear-ended, as vehicles can slip underneath the trailer and get their roofs completely sheared off. These hazards make themselves known regularly in California, where semi-truck accidents are quite common. A recent string of semi-truck accidents in California has raised serious questions as lawmakers try to figure out how to make the trucking industry safer.

Walmart Truck Crash Leaves Driver in Critical Condition

On January 9, it was reported that a Walmart semi-truck was involved in a serious crash that left a person in critical condition. The accident occurred near Phelan at an intersection during the early morning hours. According to the police report, three vehicles were involved in the collision. Judging by the images, it seems like this was yet another case of a semi-truck being rear-ended by a passenger vehicle – causing a chain-reaction crash that involved a third vehicle.

These rear-enders almost always leave passenger vehicles in terrible condition, as the semi-truck emerges virtually unscathed. Even though the rear vehicle is usually considered negligent in a rear-ender, semi-trucks are famous for braking suddenly and without warning, giving following vehicles little time to react.

Semi-Truck Crashes Straight Into Someone’s House

On January 11, it was reported that a semi-truck had crashed directly into someone’s home before erupting into flames and causing serious property damage. Two people were hospitalized after this fiery crash. However, these were the occupants of the truck and not the house. Very little additional information was released as police were still investigating the cause of this crash. Because the house caught fire, this will likely result in an insurance claim against the trucking company for property damage. The entire home might be knocked down, causing serious losses for the property owners.

Semi-Truck Causes Mayhem at the Yolo Bypass

On January 10th, it was reported that a semi-truck had rolled over on the Yolo Bypass in Northern California. Part of the truck was left hanging precariously over the bypass, and the cause of the accident was later revealed to be heavy winds. Although the prospect of a semi-truck being blown over by heavy wind might sound ridiculous, it is more common than you might think. The side of a trailer often acts like a giant sail, capturing wind energy with its surface area and pushing the semi-truck over.

The trucker was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and traffic was stalled for hours while first responders tried to deal with the hanging truck. Truckers are required by law to pull over and stop driving when faced with adverse weather conditions. Strict laws prevent their employers from retaliating against them for these actions, and there is really no reason to continue driving in dangerous weather.

California Considers Laws for Self-Driving Semi-Trucks

With so many semi-truck crashes caused by trucker negligence, the solution seems simple: Take the truckers out of the equation entirely. With self-driving semi-trucks, we could make our roads safer by fully automating the trucking industry. No longer would we need to worry about things like intoxicated truckers. There would be no possibility of a trucker taking their eyes off the road because they were distracted by their phone. Road rage would become a thing of the past.

But is it really that easy? In order to bring self-driving semi-trucks safely onto California’s roads, lawmakers must consider a range of potential issues and create effective legislation. On January 30, it was reported that California regulators were exploring these questions with potential new laws. The issue is simple: Truckers do not want to lose their jobs – and that is probably a big part of why California’s current laws for self-driving technology only apply to vehicles that weigh less than 10,001 pounds.

A new set of laws would apply to vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds, but these rules are still far away. In the meantime, labor unions and concerned truckers are taking the matter directly to the state legislature, asking them to intervene and prevent self-driving semi-trucks from emerging onto California’s roads. But despite their protests, California could easily become a “testing ground” for self-driving semi-trucks within the next few years.

While the prospect of losing their jobs might be their main concern, many truckers also point out that self-driving technology might not be as safe as people think. Just consider the stunning number of crashes involving self-driving passenger vehicles within the past few years, and it starts to seem like they may have a point. Truckers point out that some dangerous situations require creativity and years of experience to resolve safely – and that this knowledge cannot be programmed into a computer.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in California?

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in California, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. With our assistance, you can hold negligent parties accountable for your trucking accident. We know that you may be struggling with many damages, including medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress.

You should not have to pay for these damages out of your own pocket. Not only can a personal injury lawsuit provide you with a financial settlement, but it can also provide you with a sense of justice and closure. This may make it easier to move on and heal as best you can. Remember, the statute of limitations can prevent you from suing if you wait too long – and internet research only gets you so far. To get started with a solid action plan and real results, book your consultation today.