Long Beach Runaway Trailer Accident Lawyers
Advocating for Victims of Long Beach Runaway Trailer Accidents
Big rigs hauling cargo to and from the Port of Long Beach add to traffic congestion in the area. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ranks in 10th place on the national list of 100 urban areas with major freight highway bottlenecks and congested corridors based on truck hours of delay compiled by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Large commercial trucks create risks for other motorists on the road, including the risk of a runaway trailer accident when a big rig’s trailer detaches from the cab.
A runaway trailer can be deadly. If you or your loved one has been injured a runaway trailer accident, speak with an experienced Long Beach truck accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV about a claim for compensation. Founding attorney Joseph Low is a seasoned trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience taking on large companies to recover compensation for our clients. Mr. Low has tried and consulted for hundreds of jury trials with victorious settlements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
Call us at (562) 901-0840 to schedule a free initial consultation after a serious runaway trailer accident.
What Is a Runaway Trailer?
When a semi truck’s trailer becomes detached from the cab, it is known as a runaway trailer. A detached trailer is no longer under the driver’s control. It can cut across lanes of traffic, crashing into other vehicles. The trailer may hit an obstacle, roll over, and continue rolling or slide on its side, crushing other vehicles in its path. It may come to rest in the middle of the road, creating an obstacle that causes a multi-vehicle pileup.
What Causes Runaway Trailer Truck Accidents?
Big rigs are made up of a cab and one or more trailers. Common causes for trailers becoming detached include:
- Failure to properly fasten the trailer hitch: Truck drivers are required to stop and check their loads on a regular basis. When they fail to check the hitch, it can lead to a crash.
- Defective trailer hitch: A hitch with a design or manufacturing defect can snap off, sending the trailer into traffic.
- Overloading the truck: Although commercial trucks are subject to weight restrictions, trucking companies may overload them to make more profit. Heavier loads are more difficult to control and make trailers more likely to become detached.
- Improper loading of cargo: Under federal regulations, a commercial truck’s cargo must be properly loaded so that its weight is distributed evenly and properly secured. Big rigs have a high center of gravity, which makes an unbalanced load particularly dangerous.
- Dangerous driving maneuvers: A speeding truck driver who takes a curve or incline too fast or makes a turn too sharp can put stress on the trailer hitch, causing it to break.
What Is a Runaway Truck and How Does It Happen?
A semi-truck can become a runaway truck when the driver can no longer maintain control on a downhill slope. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more. Truckers who fail to use proper braking techniques on a long or steep decline can cause the truck’s brakes to fail and the truck to run out of control.
You Want a Long Beach Truck Accident Lawyer Who Will Never Back Down
Runaway truck and detached trailer accidents can cause serious injuries. If you have been a victim of this type of accident, contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. Mr. Low has received national awards for excellence in the courtroom, including membership to the American Board of Trial Advocates and ranked among the United States’ Top 50 Truck Accident Verdicts in 2019.
We are compassionate about your situation and committed to fighting for your rights. Call us at (562) 901-0840 to learn more.