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Major Traffic Delays Reported After a Commercial Truck Accident in Santa Barbara

Steven R. Andrade Oct. 29, 2021

According to a report from LA Weekly, a semi-truck accident on California State Route 154 caused serious traffic delays in Santa Barbara. The accident happened near Cachuma Village Road, when a large commercial truck rear-ended a minivan. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported in the tractor trailer accident. Here, our Santa Barbara truck accident attorney discusses the dangers of rear-end tractor trailer collisions and provides an overview of liability under California law.

Large Commercial Trucks Are Disproportionately Likely to Get Into Catastrophic Collisions

The maximum weight of a fully loaded tractor trailer in California is 80,000 pounds. The incredible size of commercial trucks makes them uniquely dangerous. Semi-trucks are disproportionately likely to get involved in catastrophic collisions. Federal data shows that less than 2% of all motor vehicle collisions reported in the United States involved a large commercial truck. However, semi-trucks are involved in nearly 13% of all fatal crashes in California. If your automobile is rear-ended by a large commercial truck, it could cause serious damage—especially if you are hit while on State Route 154 or another highway in the area by a fast-moving truck. It is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention for any injuries.

All Rear-End Truck Accidents Require a Comprehensive Investigation

California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. This standard of liability also applies to commercial truck accidents. The party (or parties) deemed responsible for causing the collision can be held liable for any damages. In most circumstances, the rear driver in a rear-end collision is responsible for the accident. However, that is not automatically true. An investigation will still be required to determine exactly why an accident happened. Some common reasons why truckers and trucking companies can be held liable for rear-end accidents include:

  • Truck driver speeding;

  • Distracted or inattentive driving;

  • Tailgating (following too closely);

  • Drunk driving or drugged driving; and

  • Failure to conduct proper brake maintenance on the truck.

After a truck accident, an attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove fault and document your damages. We are focused on helping our clients get the maximum available financial support. Among other types of losses, our Santa Barbara truck accident lawyers can help you seek financial compensation for the full value of your economic and non-economic damages, including vehicle repairs, medical expenses, rehabilitative medical care, loss of current/future income, pain and suffering, and long term disability.

Contact Our Santa Barbara, CA Truck Accident Lawyer for Immediate Help

At Andrade Law Offices, our top-rated Santa Barbara truck accident attorneys are committed advocates for justice. Truck companies must be held accountable for negligence. If you or your loved one was rear-ended by a tractor trailer, we are here to help. Contact our firm for a free review of your case. From our Santa Barbara law office, we represent truck accident victims throughout the wider region, including in Montecito, Goleta, Naples, Summerland, Isla Vista, and Mission Canyon.