California Truck Accident Lawyer
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were over 100,000 truck crashes in 2020, resulting in nearly 5,000 fatalities. While truck accidents occur less frequently than car accidents, their sheer size and weight make crashes far deadlier than your average auto accident.
Interstate 15, which cuts through San Bernardino County on the way to Las Vegas, is known as one of the most dangerous roads in the U.S. Yet truck accidents do not always occur on busy freeways and interstates. Even low speed accidents can have devastating effects. Read on to find out about common types of truck accidents and what to do if you are involved in a truck accident.
If you or someone you know was involved in a trucking accident caused by a negligent truck driver, our personal injury lawyer can help. Contact our California truck accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Types of Truck Accidents
Semi-truck drivers often spend long hours on the road transporting cargo from one place to another. When a truck driver becomes distracted, fatigued, or is in a rush, they may cause an accident. A collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle can result in serious and catastrophic injuries. Below are different types of truck accidents:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Tire blowout accidents
- Wide turn accidents
- Under ride truck accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
What to Do After a California Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident in California, there are critical steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights.
1. Move to Safety
After a truck accident, make sure to move to a safe location, away from the road and any oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and use road flares or cones, if available, to warn other drivers. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
2. Get Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be apparent immediately, and delaying medical treatment can result in further complications. Keep in mind that some truck accident injuries may be severe and may require specialized medical care. Be sure to keep all medical records and bills for future reference.
3. Call the Police
Report the accident to the police or California highway patrol, depending on the severity of the accident. Cooperate with the authorities and provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records, as it can be helpful in the claims process.
4. Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. Obtain their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and the name of the trucking company if applicable. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
5. Document the Scene
It’s crucial to document the scene of the accident as thoroughly as possible. Use your smartphone or a camera to take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any other relevant details. These photos can serve as crucial evidence later when dealing with insurance companies or legal matters.
6. Avoid Talking to the Trucking Company’s Insurance
Be cautious when dealing with the trucking companies and their insurance. Keep in mind that their primary goal is to protect their interests, and they may try to minimize their liability by offering you a low settlement or using your statements against you. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident with the trucking company’s insurance without consulting a lawyer first.
7. Gather Evidence
It’s crucial to gather all the evidence related to the truck accident. This includes retaining copies of all documents, such as the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Save all receipts and invoices related to the accident, including towing charges, rental car expenses, and medical bills. These documents can be valuable in proving your truck accident claim and obtaining fair compensation.
8. Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are complex, and gathering evidence in truck accident claims is a lengthy process that requires specialized expertise. Our experienced truck accident attorney in Rancho Cucamonga can help protect your rights in the aftermath of a devastating truck accident.
We Are California Truck Accident Lawyers
At our Rancho Cucamonga law office, we see how truck accident victims are impacted by crashes. Don’t try to take on the trucking company alone. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will fight for fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We offer our legal services completely free until we win your case. Call us at (909) 942-7632 or fill out a free case evaluation form.
