Southern California has, on its vast network of highways and freeways, more than its fair share of truck traffic. Fortunately, most people get to and from their destination safely. Most of us, however, have seen the accidents – both large and small – involving large commercial trucks.
Being involved in a collision with a truck of any size can be both traumatic and frustrating. As a driver or vehicle occupant, you have a legal right to pursue recourse to recover any damages that resulted from the accident.
If you have been involved in an accident, the best first step is to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to help guide you through your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
Should you need assistance with a case, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to receive your free case evaluation with one of our San Diego truck accident lawyers.
In 2019, there were over half a million accidents in the United States involving large trucks. About 20% of them resulted in injuries, with five thousand collisions resulting in fatalities.
Significantly, the most recent statistics show a general trend upward from previous years.
There are many types of large trucks on the road, and they all have the capability to cause significant damage if involved in an accident:
Every situation is unique, and in the event of a collision, there may be more than one party who is at fault. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate issues such as where the responsibility lies and who may be held accountable.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents involving trucks and other vehicles.
A distracted driver is one whose attention is diverted from the road ahead of them. Typical examples of driver distraction while behind the wheel include:
Any one of these could cause a serious or deadly accident.
Many trucking companies are experiencing a severe shortage of drivers. This can lead to sending un-qualified drivers out onto the road.
This is straight negligence. If involved in an accident, the company that trained the drivers can be held directly responsible.
There are strict rules pertaining to how long a driver can be on the road, required break times, and sleep breaks. Truck drivers who violate these rules frequently are more prone to accidents due to fatigue.
It’s a fact that most truck accidents are driver-related. There are instances, however, where vehicle malfunction is the cause. Flying truck tires, for instance, have been a cause of serious damage, injury, and even death to other motorists on the highway.
Wet, slippery conditions and visibility issues due to fog, rain, or snow are frequently the cause of accidents involving trucks. In very rare instances, bad weather can trigger catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.
First, seek medical attention, even if you generally “feel fine”. Injuries and pain can appear days or even months after the initial shock of an accident wears off.
Should you not be in immediate medical danger, try to compile as much information pertaining to the scene as you can – including any witnesses present and the name of the trucking company. Photographs of the scene can be very helpful as well. Your truck accident lawyer will be able to use this in your case to defend your rights.
Another party may try to contact you to resolve the case quickly to mitigate costs and liability. It’s important to get in touch with an experienced attorney before speaking with them to ensure you are properly compensated for and damages and injuries sustained.
If it’s determined that the truck driver was at fault, you can certainly sue them for damages caused by their negligence. Keep in mind, however, that there may be additional parties liable i.e., the trucking company the driver works for. Your truck accident lawyer can assist in taking the right course of action.
Every vehicle collision has its own set of specific circumstances. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you compile all the facts and advise what kind of compensation you might be entitled to.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it is very difficult to predict how things will ultimately play out. Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with a capable truck accident lawyer to evaluate your case and formulate a way forward that is most beneficial to you. Depending on your case, it may go to trial or be settled out of court.
In most cases, settlements are achieved within a few months. There are cases, though, where the circumstances on one or both sides cause a prolonged settlement time.
Disputes with the trucking company or insurance adjusters can cause cases to drag. The discovery process, interrogatories, and depositions may take additional time as well. Your truck accident lawyer will guide you through all the steps, should they become necessary.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, please be sure to contact us toll free @ 1-866-999-9085 as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in these types of cases. One of our experienced San Diego truck accident lawyers will provide you with a free consultation to answer any questions you may have.
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