California is home to some of the busiest highways in the country, with millions of cars and commercial vehicles traveling them every day. Unfortunately, accidents are inevitable, and when they involve large trucks, they can be even more devastating. According to recent statistics, over 5,000 truck accidents occurred in California in 2019 alone, resulting in over 300 fatalities and thousands of injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to have a qualified truck crash lawyer on your side. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why a skilled attorney is essential when navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in California.
1. Overview of California Truck Accident Statistics
Factual data shows that California is one of the top 10 states in the US for truck accidents, with fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles increasing by 42% over a recent 10-year period. Most of these accidents occur on major highways such as I-5 and I-10, with Los Angeles County having the highest number of large truck crashes. While some studies suggest that passenger car drivers are often responsible for truck accidents, when evaluating the critical reason for all large truck crashes, it is found that truck drivers are at fault in 55% of all collisions. Backing accidents involving large trucks are also more common than one might think, with approximately 25% of all accidents being attributed to poor backing techniques. These data highlight the importance of hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer in California to help victims seek compensation. [1][2]
2. Importance of Hiring an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
It is crucial to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer after being involved in such an accident. Unlike car accidents, truck accident litigation is far more complicated due to the weight of the truck and the severe consequences from the crash, including fatalities, disabilities, and severe injuries. A licensed, experienced attorney can ensure that you are correctly compensated by all responsible parties. The job of an attorney is to represent you and all your interests resulting from the accident and pursue compensation for damages, including medical costs, wage losses, emotional trauma, and other expenses incurred. Moet Law is an experienced truck accident attorney firm serving Irvine, Orange County, and Ontario, California, with expertise in identifying the type of truck involved in the accident and all legal and additional requirements each type of truck and its driver must meet before being driven on public U.S. roads. [3][4]
3. Negligent Hiring and Retention of Truck Drivers
In truck accident cases, the driver is not always solely responsible for the collision. Sometimes, trucking companies are at fault for hiring or retaining an unfit driver. Negligent hiring and retention of truck drivers can result in deadly crashes, and victims can seek compensation from the trucking company. Truck accident lawyers are experienced in investigating the backgrounds of drivers involved in accidents to identify any flaws in their employment history. It is essential to note that trucking companies are responsible for screening drivers and ensuring they have the necessary licenses and qualifications. Nonetheless, some companies ignore crucial facts about a driver’s qualifications and work history to save money or meet deadlines. Therefore, truck accident lawyers can help victims pursue legal action against negligent trucking companies. [5][6]
4. Investigation of Driver Performance in Truck Accidents
When it comes to investigating the causes of semi truck accidents, an experienced truck accident attorney will examine the driver’s performance to see if their actions contributed to the accident. This includes analyzing the driver’s history of accidents, any prior drug tests or chemical dependency, criminal record history, and any medical conditions that could impair their ability to drive safely. Lawyers may also look into whether the trucking company failed to investigate the driver’s experience, training, and past driving record before hiring them. If the driver’s performance or the company’s hiring practices were found to be negligent, the victim may have grounds for a separate claim against the trucking company for additional damages. It’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side who can thoroughly investigate all aspects of the accident and hold any responsible parties accountable. [7][8]
5. Role of Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Claims
Insurance companies play a major role in truck accident claims. Unfortunately, they often try to offer truck accident victims lower settlement amounts than what they actually deserve or even deny claims altogether. This is why it is crucial to hire a truck accident lawyer who can handle communication with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf. Without a lawyer, insurance companies may not respect the victim’s ability to file a successful lawsuit. A truck accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure that the victim receives fair compensation for their injuries and damages. In addition, truck accident lawyers have experience in analyzing insurance policies to determine coverage limits and identifying all possible insurance policies that may be available to cover the victim’s losses. Ultimately, having a truck accident lawyer by your side can help level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies and ensure that the victim receives proper compensation. [9][10]
6. Essential Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, there are six essential steps that should be taken. Firstly, it’s important to call 911 for emergency response and to file a police report. Secondly, seeking medical attention is crucial even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Thirdly, documenting evidence from the scene, such as photos and videos, can greatly aid in any future claims. Fourthly, obtaining contact information for all involved parties, including witnesses, is important. Fifthly, while it’s important to alert your insurance company, caution should be exercised as they may try to reduce the payout. Lastly, getting your vehicle appraised for damage and consulting with a qualified truck accident lawyer are important steps in pursuing justice and fair compensation for damages. Following these steps can help ensure that necessary information and evidence are documented, and the injured party can receive the support and help they need. [11][12]
7. Identifying Liable Parties in Truck Accident Claims
Truck accidents are not the fault of just one party. In fact, several parties can be held responsible for the accident and injuries sustained. Identifying the liable parties is critical in seeking compensation for damages. All parties involved in building, maintaining, and driving the truck should follow traffic rules and operate with caution to prevent accidents. The truck driver is often held accountable for the accident, but it is important to determine if they were violating the law or acting with gross negligence. Additionally, the maintenance crew can be held liable if poor upkeep or major mechanical flaws caused the accident. Other potential liable parties include the trucking company, manufacturers of truck parts or tires, and even government entities responsible for maintaining roads. A qualified truck accident lawyer can help identify all parties responsible and pursue maximum compensation for the victim. [13][14]
8. Regulations Governing the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry is governed by a set of regulations that aim to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. These regulations include rules on hours of service, which limit the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel before taking a break, and mandatory rest breaks for drivers to prevent driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversees and enforces these regulations, which also involve standards for commercial driver’s licenses, vehicle maintenance, and drug and alcohol testing. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, fines, and even the suspension of a trucking company’s operating authority. It is important for truck accident lawyers to understand these regulations and use them to strengthen their clients’ cases. By holding trucking companies and drivers accountable to these regulations, the likelihood of preventing future accidents increases, and victims of truck accidents can receive the compensation they deserve. [15][16]
9. Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
Semi truck accidents can be caused by various factors, but some causes are more common than others. One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver error. This includes distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fatigue, and speeding. Another common cause is poor vehicle maintenance, which can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that make accidents more likely. Other causes include hazardous weather conditions, road construction, and improper loading of cargo. It is important to note that many of these causes can be prevented with proper training, maintenance, and safety protocols. By identifying the cause of a truck accident, a qualified truck accident lawyer can help determine who is responsible and hold them accountable for their negligence. [17][18]
10. How Truck Accident Lawyers Gather Evidence to Support Claims
Truck accident lawyers play a critical role in gathering evidence to support claims. After a truck accident, it is essential to hire a qualified truck crash lawyer who can conduct an independent investigation and obtain valuable evidence. This includes collecting police reports, eyewitness statements, photographs of the scene, and the driver’s logs. The lawyer will also review medical bills and obtain statements from doctors regarding injuries sustained during the collision. With their extensive knowledge of the law and their experience handling similar cases, they can provide invaluable legal advice throughout the process. They will negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of clients to ensure they receive fair compensation and pursue punitive damages if negligence is found. A skilled truck accident lawyer will use all possible resources to build a strong case and maximize the compensation for their clients. [19][20]
