Getting hit by a truck can leave you with serious injuries and more questions than answers. These crashes cause far more damage than regular car accidents, and the legal issues around them can be a lot more complicated.
When you work with a Pasadena truck accident lawyer from Lowe Law, founded in 2016, you can expect someone who is motivated, aggressive, and determined to fight for what you need. Our firm is recognized for holding trucking companies accountable when they cut corners or fail to prioritize safety.
Our Pasadena personal injury lawyers know how to build strong cases that speak for you when you are hurting and unsure of what comes next. If you’re ready to discuss what happened, please reach out to us today so we can help you take the next step forward.
How Truck Driver Shortages and Overwork Contribute to Collisions
Staffing issues across the trucking industry create pressure to drive longer hours. That pressure often leads to serious safety problems on the road. Driver fatigue, skipped inspections, and a lack of experience all raise the chances of something going wrong.
How Overworked Drivers Increase Crash Risk
When drivers are behind the wheel for too long, their reaction time decreases and their decision-making skills suffer. Rest breaks are often skipped to meet tight delivery deadlines, which can mean a driver is exhausted by the time they encounter city traffic. Without enough sleep, even a small mistake can lead to a significant crash.
Fatigue-related errors often mirror intoxication behind the wheel. A tired driver might drift across lanes, miss warning signs, or brake too late to avoid a hazard. These issues are hazardous when a fully loaded truck is involved.
Consequences of Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers
High turnover in the trucking industry means that many new drivers are put on the road with minimal training. Some have never dealt with tricky routes, blind spots, or sudden weather changes, and that lack of experience becomes clear when a situation turns tense.
A company that fails to train its drivers properly puts everyone else at risk. Poor training also affects how drivers handle emergencies or recognize warning signs from their vehicles.
If a driver is unsure how to respond to a tire blowout or trailer sway, it can lead to multi-vehicle crashes and serious injuries. Safety begins with experience, and when that is lacking, the consequences can be far-reaching.
When Companies Prioritize Speed Over Safety
Some trucking companies pressure drivers to take unfamiliar routes to expedite the delivery of shipments. They may ignore internal complaints or delay critical maintenance to keep their trucks operational. That kind of pressure makes it harder for drivers to make safe choices.
Companies that focus only on delivery times often overlook what drivers need to stay alert and in control. This includes access to safe rest areas, functioning equipment, and a realistic schedule. When safety is treated as an afterthought, it is often the public that pays the price.
When Third-Party Liability Applies in Truck Accident Claims
The truck driver is not always the sole cause of the accident. Maintenance crews, parts manufacturers, or freight loaders could also bear responsibility. We examine each of these roles closely to identify where things went wrong and who contributed to the crash.
Maintenance and Repair Crews Who Cut Corners
A trucking company may schedule regular inspections, but if the maintenance crew skips critical steps, it puts everyone at risk. Worn tires, brake pads past their limits, and broken lights are just a few of the issues we see left unchecked.
Under California Vehicle Code § 24002, vehicles must be maintained in a safe operating condition, and failing to do so can establish liability. If a company contracts third-party mechanics to save time or money, those records become especially important.
Our team reviews invoices, service logs, and inspection notes to determine whether safety protocols were followed or not. Your Pasadena truck accident attorney from Lowe Law knows what to look for and how to hold outside vendors accountable when their shortcuts lead to harm.
Shippers and Loaders Who Create Dangerous Imbalances
Truck cargo must be loaded with care, and its weight must be evenly distributed. When a freight company rushes the job or fails to secure the load correctly, it increases the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
These issues may not become apparent until the truck is already on the highway, and by then, it is too late to rectify them. Cases involving shipper negligence often include multiple companies with different insurance policies. These are not standard car accident claims.
They require a detailed breakdown of loading practices and testimony from industry experts. We know how to sort through these layers and pinpoint where mistakes were made.
Defective Truck Parts That Contribute to a Crash
Sometimes the problem starts long before the truck leaves the yard. A defective tire, a faulty brake system, or a broken coupling device can cause a catastrophic failure mid-route. If the manufacturer was aware of the issue or failed to recall the part, they may be held legally responsible for the outcome.
These claims require deep investigation and expert technical analysis. Our team can help coordinate those reviews, subpoena relevant testing records, and bring in specialists who are familiar with the proper functioning of these parts. When a defect is involved, we ensure that the company is included in the claim.
Factors That Determine What Your Truck Accident Case Might Be Worth
Every truck accident claim is different, and so is the compensation that may follow. Several factors can affect the outcome of your case. Some of the most important ones we look at from the beginning include:
- Severity of injury
- Whether liability is shared
- Available insurance coverage
- Medical documentation
- Missed work and wage loss
- Recovery timeline
- Emotional and physical impact
- Circumstances surrounding what happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident
The value of your case often depends on how well the evidence aligns with liability and damages under California Civil Code § 3281. We use every piece of information to help show exactly how your life has been affected and what recovery should look like.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Pasadena Can Help You Take the Next Step
At Lowe Law, our truck accident lawyers in Pasadena understand how difficult this situation has been and what is at stake for your future. If you have questions or need guidance, contact us to schedule a free consultation with someone who has experience handling cases like yours.
Our team will help you understand your options and build a plan that makes sense for your needs.
