One day after Encino’s new Foothill Extension Service was opened, it was abruptly closed due to a fiery truck melting its tracks.
Earlier this year the driver of a westbound tractor trailer traveling on 210 Freeway in Encino lost control at around 2:45am. The truck crashed through a cement median at San Gabriel Boulevard, overturned, and then burst into flames.
The driver of the truck escaped with minor injuries, but the heat from the flames coming off of the truck melted the train tracks. This forced Metro to close train services for a period of time.
Driver Lost Control of the Truck
The driver of the truck had lost control, though it is not known why this happened. One contributor to this particular accident may have been the weather. At the time of the accident, Encino was experiencing abnormally heavy rain which resulted in 150 collisions in the county within a 6 hour period (10pm Saturday to 4am Sunday).
But the weather is often not the only reason behind a truck-related accident. The majority of truck accidents are caused by one or a combination of:
- Driver error
- Mechanical/equipment error
Some examples of driver error include:
- Speeding
- Inattention/distracted driving
- Use of both legal and illegal drugs
- Drinking
- Fatigue
Some examples of mechanical or equipment error include:
- Manufacturing errors (e.g. faulty brakes)
- Design errors (e.g. the truck’s object detection system malfunctioning)
- Failure to properly maintain the equipment
Who Is at Fault in a Truck-Related Accident?
Most are quick to point the finger at the driver of a truck in a truck-related vehicle accident, but he or she may not be the only party responsible (or be responsible at all). The owner of the truck or trailer, the company which leased the truck or trailer, and/or the manufacturer of any parts used on the truck may all be responsible to some degree.
The problems lies in figuring out who is at fault, and what percentage of fault each party is accountable for. Without proper legal representation, these groups may take advantage of injured victims and offer a “low-ball” settlement which will not adequately compensate them for their injuries.
Choosing Binder & Associates as Your Legal Representatives
Binder & Associates Encino is proud to have a talented team of truck accident attorneys who will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve.
If you have been injured in a truck-related accident, we urge you to contact us at (818) 659-8588 to discuss your case for free.
