In previous articles, we have focused on how the size discrepancy between vehicles can increase the risk of injuries in a crash. For example, a semi-truck can cause severe damage to a passenger car, while—in turn—a passenger car can cause serious injuries to motorcyclists. However, serious and even fatal injuries can all occur in collisions between the same types of vehicles. Recent truck-on-truck and motorcycle-on-motorcycle crashes in and around Long Beach, California show how vehicle size discrepancy is only one factor in dangerous accidents.
Recent Long Beach truck and motorcycle accidents highlight the need for an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney.
Two trucks collide
Late last year, one semi-truck driver reportedly crashed into the back of another semi-truck on the 710 Freeway at about 10:00 in the morning. Emergency crews responded and needed to use the Jaws of Life to extricate one driver who was stuck in the cab of their truck. That driver was transferred by ambulance for emergency trauma care. The other driver also suffered injuries.
In many truck accidents, occupants of smaller vehicles are the ones who suffer severe injuries while the truck driver is often able to walk away relatively unscathed. However, the situation changes when one commercial truck hits another. When two huge, heavy vehicles crash, truck drivers regularly sustain life-threatening injuries.
Two motorcycles involved in a fatal crash
Just a few days before the truck accident described above, two motorcyclists crashed when they were traveling in the same direction just after midnight. Reports indicate that one motorcyclist hit a curb, sending them out of control and crashing into the other motorcycle. Both riders were transported by ambulance with critical injuries, and one rider did not survive.
Motorcyclists have little-to-no protection in the event of an accident, even if the collision is with another similarly sized motorcycle. In this type of situation, there is a high chance that both motorcyclists will sustain severe injuries.
What caused these crashes?
In both of these accidents, authorities stated the causes of the collisions were under investigation. While we cannot know for sure what caused these specific accidents, many types of crashes like these have common causes.
There are different reasons why one semi-truck might crash into the back of another truck, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Following too closely
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Overloaded trucks that are too difficult to stop
In many cases, the rear driver would be at fault in a rear-end truck accident, though this is not the case 100% of the time. If the front driver cut off the rear truck or suddenly slammed on their brakes for no reason, the front driver might be at fault. The rear driver also might have lost control due to a malfunction or cargo-loading mistakes.
Motorcycle-on-motorcycle crashes can have similar causes. Some causes might include:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Swerving to miss a pothole or road hazard
- Tire blowout
- Steering issues
It is important to determine the specific cause of every accident, since that can determine who is liable for the ensuing injuries and damages.
Contact our Long Beach truck and motorcycle accident lawyers for help
Truck accident and motorcycle accident claims can both be complicated, especially when the cause of the crash is not immediately clear. An experienced Long Beach accident and injury attorney can examine what happened and help inform you of who might be held responsible for your injuries and losses. If you were injured in a crash, please do not hesitate to call Blair & Ramirez LLP at (213) 568-4000 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.