While sharing the Southern California roads with an increasing number of large trucks, even the most cautious drivers can become the victim of an accident involving a commercial truck through no fault of their own. The commercial trucks that share the Southern California roadways with passenger vehicles and motorcycles may weigh up to 88,000 pounds on designated routes, and up to 80,000 pounds on interstate highways; the average weight of a passenger car is 4,000 pounds. The weight of the truck alone can turn a simple rear end collision into a fatal crash.
If you were recently in a trucking accident in Southern California, there are some very important first steps to take. First, contact and wait for law enforcement officers to investigate the accident. It is also very important to thoroughly document the scene by taking pictures and exchanging insurance information with any and all other parties involved. Upon leaving the scene of the accident, you must immediately seek medical treatment for any injuries. It is also recommended to consistently document your treatment and recovery over time. Lastly, do not discuss and provide a recorded statement to anyone before speaking with a reputable attorney.
At Esposito Law, we have the experience and resources to help clients in Southern California get the compensation you deserve. We help our clients in many ways including but not limited to:
- Locate all the insurance coverage and identify all defendants
- Deal with the insurance company so you do not have to
- Gather documentation such as police reports, medical records, and lost wage information
- Stay apprised of your medical care and document all your damages
- Build your case to show why the defendant was at fault
- Advise you and provide thoughtful recommendations so you can make informed decisions about your case
A wide turning radius for commercial trucks is a frequent cause of accidents as well as the poor weight distribution which can trigger the vehicle to rollover. However, it is much more likely that driver error is the cause of the crash compared to any other factor. Reasons for this include:
- Distracted driving (ie: cell phones)
- Failure to watch blind sports
- Unfamiliarity with the road
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Failing to stop or yield
- Unfamiliarity with route
- Aggressive driving
- Health issues
- Inadequate vision
- Violations of hours
Truck accidents tend to be catastrophic and complex events. Negligence on the part of the driver, the carrier, one or more manufacturers or the trucking company’s policies and procedures, or multiple parties may have led to the accident. In addition, truckers’ and carriers’ behavior, as well as the tractor-trailers and their cargo are regulated by voluminous regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as other federal and state agencies. Violations may indicate liability in a crash.
In addition to the complexity of a truck accident, there is a lot of money at stake when a large commercial truck crashes and people are hurt or killed. In many cases, this causes the trucking company to spring into action to limit the financial damage by offering the injured party a quick settlement that seems like a great deal of money after a truck accident. However, you should not accept a check or sign anything after a significant truck accident without first speaking to an experienced truck accident attorney. You could be giving up compensation you deserve. Give us a call today to discuss your case.
