Summer Freight Traffic and Increased Risks of Trucking Accidents

Summer is a season of buzzing highways. Whether families are heading out on road trips or businesses are working hard to deliver goods for the season, the roads get busier. Among the many vehicles, freight trucks majorly transport everything from fresh produce to summer merchandise. However, their surge during summer also increases the risk of trucking accidents. For individuals injured during such incidents, understanding the risks, the causes, and your rights is critical in seeking justice.

Understanding the Surge in Freight Traffic During Summer

Summer is a peak season for freight movement across the country. There are several reasons behind the increased presence of heavy trucks on our roads during this time:

• Seasonal Deliveries: Businesses stock up for summer sales, meaning more goods are transported. Think of items like camping gear, BBQ supplies, or seasonal fashion being shipped to stores.
• Harvest and Agriculture Transport: During the summer months, fresh fruits and vegetables move from farms to grocery shelves. These agricultural goods often rely on freight trucks for speedy delivery.
• Summer Construction Work: The warm weather facilitates major construction and road repair projects, resulting in trucks transporting raw materials like cement, gravel, and steel.

More trucks on the road means more congestion and, unfortunately, a higher likelihood of accidents.

Why Trucking Accidents Spike During Summer

Several factors contribute to the increase in trucking accidents during summer. Here’s what you should know:

1. Longer Driving Hours

Truck drivers often face tight delivery schedules in summer. Some may push their limits and drive more extended hours to meet deadlines. Fatigue sets in, impairing their judgment and reaction times. Drowsy driving is a serious issue and is a leading cause of catastrophic trucking accidents.

2. Hot Weather Vehicle Stress

The summer heat also affects machinery. Tires, for instance, are more likely to blow out in extreme heat, especially under the heavy weight of freight. Mechanical failures, like overheating brakes, are also more common, creating hazards for both the truck driver and other vehicles.

3. Crowded Roads

Summer is peak travel time for families, and recreation and road trips increase traffic. Mistakes and collisions become more likely when highways are packed with passenger cars and freight trucks.

4. Driver Distractibility

Summer festivities often lead to distracted driving. Whether a truck driver is glancing at their GPS or a nearby car is swerving to avoid looking at roadside activities, distractions increase the odds of an accident.

5. Poor Road Conditions Near Construction Zones

Summer construction spikes increase the number of trucks and create temporary changes to roads, like narrowed lanes or detours. These abrupt adjustments can make highways more dangerous for all road users.

The Impact of Trucking Accidents

The results can be devastating when a regular passenger vehicle collide with a freight truck. Due to the massive size and weight of trucks, victims in smaller vehicles often suffer severe injuries. These injuries can range from broken bones to spinal cord damage or even life-altering traumatic brain injuries.

Beyond physical harm, the costs associated with medical bills, lost income, and vehicle repair can pile up quickly, leaving victims feeling overwhelmed.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a Trucking Accident

After a trucking accident, victims often face a complex legal battle. Trucking companies usually have legal teams and insurance adjusters working to minimize their liability. This can make it difficult for victims to get the compensation they deserve.

Here’s how personal injury attorneys can assist:

1. Investigating the Accident

A skilled attorney will investigate the case further, gathering evidence such as accident reports, truck maintenance records, and even driver logs. This information helps determine whether driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or negligence was involved.

2. Determining Liability

Trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, from the driver to the trucking company and even manufacturers of faulty truck parts. An attorney helps identify who is responsible so you can take the right steps toward justice.

3. Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may try to settle claims for less than victims deserve. Attorneys know all the tricks of the trade and can fight to ensure your settlement covers all damages, including medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

4. Guiding You Through the Legal Process

Navigating the legal system can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. Experienced attorneys take care of all the legal details so you can focus on healing.

Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident

Taking immediate action is critical if you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident. Follow these steps to protect your rights and build a strong case:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a doctor since some injuries, like concussions, might not show symptoms right away.
2. Call Law Enforcement: A police report provides an official accident record, potentially including key details about fault.
3. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and anything else relevant. If there are witnesses, gather their contact information.
4. Never Admit Fault: When speaking to the other driver, police, or insurance companies, stick to facts and avoid statements like “It was my fault.”
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: A lawyer can step in immediately to protect your rights and start building your case.

Oxnard Truck Accident Lawyers

In conclusion, the challenges and opportunities associated with summer freight traffic are numerous, encompassing a wide spectrum of considerations from safety to environmental impact. By leveraging strategic planning and cutting-edge technology, companies can navigate this busy season with confidence. If you're a logistics professional or company in Santa Barbara, CA, and looking for expert legal insights into these matters, Crane Flores, LLP can offer specialized advice and support. We invite you to contact us for services in personal injury law tailored to the unique demands of the freight industry. Contact us today at (805) 628-4967 to get started.