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If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on I-710, or any other roadway in the Los Angeles area, you may be entitled to compensation. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Preston Easley, APC
The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest container port in the United States. In fact, it has the highest volume in the entire Western Hemisphere. The Port of Long Beach ranks right behind Los Angeles in terms of volume. The Long Beach Freeway (I-710) is the principal road that serves both ports. On busy days, it is not uncommon for more than 40,000 trucks to travel this road. Despite continuous improvements to the roadway, I-710 is the scene of many truck accidents.
Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a crash, and you should too. A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Preston Easley, APC can work to protect your right to compensation. Call us today at (310) 773-5207 to learn more,
As many as one in every three accidents on I-710 involve a commercial truck. These are large vehicles that must share the roadway with commuters and other passenger car drivers. Beyond congestion and the sheer presence of many commercial trucks, there are additional reasons why I-710 is a roadway that truck drivers do not safely share with others. Here are some contributing factors to truck accidents on I-710.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers traveling on I-710 are often at the beginning or end of a journey involving one of the ports. In the latter situation, the truck driver may be fatigued from long hours on the road. Even if the truck driver follows the hours of service regulations, the cumulative effect of numerous shifts back-to-back could wear down the driver both physically and mentally. At the same time, a driver who is at the beginning of their journey may not yet be in a rhythm and fully focused on the road.
Unsecured Cargo
When a truck driver is at the beginning of their journey, it could become immediately apparent if the cargo is improperly secured on the truck. Flying cargo can both strike a car, and it can present a dangerous hazard on the roadway. The cargo can also shift, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle in a rollover accident, or even a jackknife crash.
Unsafe Merges and Lane Changes
The way that I-710 is designed does not give truck drivers much leeway or space to get over when they are exiting the road. Furthermore, they also do not have long lead spaces from which to merge when they are entering the roadway.
In addition, a truck driver who is unfamiliar with the area may need to exit the road in a hurry because they do not realize that the exit for the port is approaching. Even if they have enough space to get over in a normal amount of time, the truck driver may make a sudden and unsafe lane change into the path of a passing motorist.
Continuous Construction
There is currently a construction project on I-710 in the Long Beach area that is scheduled to last until early 2027. This follows on the heels of numerous interchange improvements and Bridge Replacements in the corridor. Construction zones increase the risk of truck accidents in the following ways:
- Narrow lanes leave wide trucks little room
- Sudden traffic slowdowns lead to rear-end crashes
- Lane shifts and merges increase blind spot collisions
- Uneven pavement and loose debris can cause blowouts or rollovers
- Concrete barriers leave drivers no room to swerve
Your truck accident attorney can help pinpoint the cause of the crash after an investigation. They can gather evidence that could show that the truck driver was responsible for the accident and then work to hold the trucking company accountable. Your truck accident lawyer can also quantify the damages that you have suffered and work for you to be fully compensated for your injuries. The trucking company and its insurance provider will not willingly offer you this money, so you will need to fight to get every dollar you deserve with the help of an attorney.
Contact a Los Angeles Truck Accident Law Firm
Serious truck accident injuries deserve tough legal representation, so you can fight for all possible compensation. The first step that you can take in the legal process is to seek a free initial consultation with a Los Angeles truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Preston Easley, APC. Message us online or call us today at (310) 773-5207 to get started.
Preston Easley is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He served five years of active duty as a Naval officer — three years as a deck officer on a fast frigate and two years as a patrol boat skipper. Mr. Easley also served aboard a tank landing ship in the reserves. Learn more here.
