In a single moment of careless driving, large commercial trucks can easily overcome most cars and cause catastrophic injury. In 2020, California had the second-highest truck accident rate in the country, with 364 fatal collisions. There is a way to help reduce these statistics: If you witness reckless truck driving, you can file a report and assist the proper authorities in getting unsafe drivers off the road.
Continue reading to learn how to report reckless truck driving in California.
What Counts as Reckless Driving?
With overlarge vehicles like commercial trucks, safe driving practices are essential to maintain road safety. Unsafe driving may look like:
- Speeding: Trucks are unable to stop as quickly as smaller cars, and when driving over the speed limit, they increase their risk of colliding with another driver.
- Swerving in front of other cars: This is unsafe driving for any vehicle, but truck drivers have a larger blind spot that makes overtaking incredibly dangerous.
- Distracted driving: If you see a truck driver using a cell phone or other distraction on the road, you’ve witnessed reckless driving.
- Improperly secured cargo: Trucks carrying large loads are responsible for securing them effectively. If improperly secured, materials could fall out and create hazardous road conditions.
What Should I Do When I Witness Reckless Truck Driving?
As a witness to irresponsible or dangerous driving practices, it’s important to document as much as you can. If you are at a safe distance from the reckless driver, do your best to note down facts:
- What is the driver doing that is unsafe?
- When and where did the incident occur?
- What is their license plate number?
- Is there a company name or logo you can see?
- If you or your passenger can safely take photos, try to document the scene or any identifying parts of the truck.
How Do I Make a Report?
You have several options when making a reckless driving report. If the situation is an emergency, you should call 911 at the scene. Following the incident, you can:
- Notify California Highway Patrol: CHP can use the information you provide to conduct an investigation. You can file a traffic complaint at the CHP office nearest to you. For more information on traffic complaints, click here.
- File a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: The FMCSA aims to prevent commercial motor vehicle accidents. Report reckless truck driving here.
- Report the driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles: The DMV may conduct an investigation and potentially revoke the truck driver’s license. To pursue an unsafe driver investigation, click here.
All of these agencies will appreciate the details and documentation you can provide to help them identify the unsafe driver and their company. Your report may help prevent the reckless driver from hurting someone in a future accident. However, if an accident has occurred, it’s important to explore your legal options.
Your California Truck Accident Attorneys
When reckless truck driving results in an accident, you and your loved ones deserve to be compensated. The dedicated truck accident attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates are here to guide you through the complexities of filing a claim and securing justice. Our client-centered approach, decades of experience, and record of successful case verdicts mean that we have the resources and determination to take on high-powered trucking companies on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a California truck accident, trust Rodriguez & Associates to stand by your side. Contact us today for a consultation.