What happens if a truck driver gets in an accident?

The vast world of law can be exceptionally complex indeed, particularly in personal injury cases. One classic example is a truck accident case. Through the lens of a personal injury attorney, it becomes glaringly evident that the guilty party is not always confined to the truck driver alone. But rather, the culpability could very well extend to more than just a single entity.

Both independent contractors, as well as major commercial organizations, find themselves intertwined in this intricate web of accountability. The same goes for ordinary citizens and even governmental bodies. The binding factor among these various parties is the shared potentiality to bear the liability in the case of a truck accident.

Belal Hamideh, an experienced trucking accidents lawyer can help. Reach out for a free case evaluation. 

More Ways a Trucking Accidents Lawyer Can Help 

The quest to pinpoint the guilty party or parties can often turn into a convoluted investigation, given that each accident brings its distinct set of characteristics to the table. Sifting through these intricate details to establish accountability can be an arduous task, but it is precisely an area where seasoned professionals demonstrate their mettle.

The realm of truck driving accidents presents a diverse range of parties who could be held liable, contingent upon the specific circumstances surrounding your accident. Quite naturally, the truck driver and his or her accompanying insurance company would be the most likely suspects, especially if proven that due safety measures were disregarded or a mistake made at the time of the accident. However, the roster of potentially liable parties does not end here.

The owners of the truck could also find themselves under scrutiny, particularly if it comes to light that they neglected abiding by critical safety regulations and guidelines. The manufacturer of the truck isn’t immune either: they could get caught up in the legal whirlwind, should it surface that they knowingly circulated a defective truck. Similarly, mechanics can come under the radar if they negligently performed truck repairs.

Moreover, if the truck’s cargo was inadequately loaded, the loading team could also be held accountable. In some instances, even the owners of the accident site could bear a portion of the blame if it can be proven that they played a part, however minimal, in causing the accident.

Armed with the necessary experience and expertise, our team is fully prepared to dig into the nitty-gritty of your case. We’ll carry out a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to identify all liable parties. This unyielding approach ensures that you secure the compensation you are rightly owed from each accountable party.

The question often arises, what if I am partially at fault? Well, fear not. The principle of comparative negligence permits you to recover damages, even if you are at fault to a certain extent. Your entitlement to compensation will reduce on a proportional basis according to your level of liability. For example, if you are deemed 30% at fault, your resultant compensation will be reduced by an equivalent 30%. 

The bitter truth concerning truck accidents is that as an average motorist, there’s only so much you can do. The towering size of a truck, compared to a regular car, makes evading a collision incredibly challenging, irrespective of your expertise behind the wheel. This is where our team can step up on your behalf, ensuring liability is distributed accurately and conclusively. This ensures that all parties responsible are held to account, thus maximizing your potential compensation.

In case you’ve been a victim of a truck accident, it pays to connect with an experienced truck accident lawyer for a no-strings-attached case evaluation. To arrange a meeting with Belal, either send us a message through our website or give us a call.

Understanding the Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer in Your Case

The unfortunate reality of being involved in a truck accident can be a very disheartening and challenging time, amplifying the need for an accomplished, California-based truck accident attorney. Given the sheer size and weight of trucks, which can reach up to 80,000 pounds when fully-loaded, the consequences of these incidents can be devastating, often leading to more severe damage than your standard vehicle collision. Such attorneys prove invaluable in guiding you towards the right medical treatment as well as providing assertive representation in your case, all without any initial expenses.

Belal Hamideh Law is a highly experienced law firm that is no stranger to representing clients in severe situations similar to yours, and is fully-equipped to ensure you obtain the rightful compensation you are entitled to. Our pride stems from our relentless service to the beautiful state of California, and it is our unwavering dedication to ensure each of our clients attains the most favorable results. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that your difficult experiences are duly compensated. We understand the unique situation of each client and provide free consultations, accessible either through our website or a simple phone call, to better cater to your needs.

Truck accidents, while unfortunate, can be born out of various factors, some of which are mentioned below –

  1. Fatigue: Regulations impose a maximum limit on driving hours for truck drivers. However, the race against time or undue pressure from higher-ups can push drivers beyond their limits, resulting in reduced reaction times, compromised decision-making and in severe cases, even leading to them falling asleep at the wheel.
  2. Excessive Speed: The pressure of tight schedules can coerce truck drivers to break the safe speed limits, which in turn heightens the risk of accidents due to the long time and distance required by these heavy vehicles to stop.
  3. Distracted Driving: Unpleasantly, even professional truck drivers can fall into the trap of distractions like texting or eating while driving, which can result in accidents.
  4. Driving Under the Influence: It’s not unheard of for truck drivers to operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, creating severe risks.
  5. Poor Maintenance: Poorly maintained truck parts such as brakes, tires, wheels, and steering mechanisms can lead to hazardous consequences.
  6. Manufacturing Defects: Manufacturing flaws can often pose a higher risk of accidents than one may think.
  7. Improper Loading: Factors like loose cargo, overweight, or unsecured containers could lead to accidents.
  8. Inclement Weather: Severe weather conditions such as snow, ice, strong winds, and heavy rain can significantly augment the chances of major accidents.

At Belal Hamideh Law, we understand that the circumstances of your truck accident might vary, but if the other driver is at fault, rest assured that our firm stands ready to fight your case with tenacity and persistence.

The Aftermath of a Catastrophic Truck Accident: What Happens Next?

Suddenly finding yourself in a truck accident can be a terrifying, disorienting experience. Besides the potential physical harm, the emotional trauma, the unexpected financial burden, and a sea of legal complications make it an excruciating struggle. We stand with you in this distressing time, offering our legal expertise from the onset to the conclusion of your case, ensuring you sail smoothly through the process with optimal results.

After surviving a truck accident, there are several essential steps to take:

Emergency Response: Reach out to Law Enforcement

Regardless of the accident’s scale, you must immediately involve the police. Even if there are no visible injuries or apparent damages to your vehicle, it’s essential to remember that some damages only surface with time. Having an official police report in place can serve as pivotal evidence in your subsequent claim.

Health is Wealth: Seek Medical Attention

Following an accident, your health should be your top priority. Get yourself checked even if you think you came out unscathed. Hidden internal injuries might surface later, and documented medical attention could be crucial in substantiating your accident claim.

Documenting the Scene: Gather Evidence

If you can move around safely post-accident, use this opportunity to gather visual evidence. Take pictures that clearly show the damage to you or your vehicle. Don’t forget to capture other environmental factors such as skid marks and damage to nearby structures- these may disappear over time but can greatly strengthen your case.

Networking the Accident Scene:  Get Details from Everyone Involved

If circumstances permit, get the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If there were other parties involved, it’s crucial to get their details too. Speak to any witnesses at the scene, get their statements and contact information- they could be vital to your case later on.

The Key Player:  Consult a California Truck Accident Attorney

Allow us to step in at your earliest convenience. The sooner we start working on your case, the faster we can get you the compensation you deserve.

Why Hire a California Truck Accident Attorney After a Collision?

Truck accident cases are typically more complex than the average car accident. Trucking companies often fiercely defend against any accusations, deploying teams of investigators and working with insurance companies to reduce compensations.

Moreover, truck accident claims often involve multiple liable parties. These could include the driver, the trucking company, the leasing company, the company responsible for loading the truck, the truck’s manufacturer, among others. An experienced attorney specializing in truck accident cases can expertly identify all liable parties, ensuring you get the rightful compensation for your ordeal.

Exploring Your Claims Capabilities Following a Truck Collision

Are you trying to decipher the variety of injuries that can be claimed for in a truck accident? The diverse range of injuries that you can include in your claim, whether they are economic or non-economic damages, can be quite extensive. Economic damages aim to offer you financial compensation that matches the total amount of expenses you have undergone following the aftermath of your accident. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, medical expenses such as therapy, counseling, treatment, and ambulance charges.

Nonetheless, economic damages extend beyond merely covering your health costs. Your compensation could also include the recovery of lost wages – income that you would have otherwise earned if the accident had not occurred. If the accident resulted in your inability to return to work, you are entitled to claim the income you would have earned during your convalescence. If your vehicle suffered any damage, compensation for repairs or even replacement could be part of your claim. If the accident resulted in catastrophic injuries leading to home modifications or the need for in-home healthcare, these expenses could also be included in your claim.

In contrast, non-economic damages compensate for a different category of losses. These encompass emotional distress such as anxiety, as well as the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced. If the accident resulted in disfigurement, loss of limbs, or any other severe body injury, these are categorized as non-economic damages. Other non-material losses, like diminished quality of life or loss of consortium (loss of companionship from a spouse), are also under this category. Our firm is unwavering in fighting ardently for your rights to ensure that you receive the compensation you truly deserve.

Deciphering the Complex Issue of Liability in Truck Accidents

Unlike car accidents, where the liability often lies solely on one driver and their insurance company, the liability issue of a truck accident is much more complex and multidimensional. A truck accident can implicate numerous parties, including the truck drivers whether they are independent contractors or employees of a commercial entity or government agency.

In relation to your accident, the liability may extend beyond just the truck driver or their insurer. Owners of the truck failing to uphold necessary safety standards and regulations could be held accountable. Manufacturers could be liable for selling faulty trucks knowingly. Incompetent mechanics who undertook repairs on the truck, individuals who improperly loaded cargo onto the truck might be held liable, too. Even the owner of the accident location could bear responsibility if their negligence contributed to the accident circumstances.

With our rich body of experience, we can meticulously investigate your case to identify all liable parties. This thorough approach ensures that you receive rightful compensation from all parties involved.

Addressing the Issue of Partial Fault in a Truck Accident

In situations where you are partly liable for the accident, you are still eligible to receive compensation for your damages. This follows the “comparative negligence” principle where your compensation could be reduced in proportion with your attributed fault. For instance, if you were 30% at fault, your compensation could be reduced by 30%.

Given the vast discrepancy in size between your car and the truck, prevention of a truck accident is limited. Despite your skills and proficiency as a driver, it may not always be feasible to avoid a collision with a truck. Our devoted team can assist in accurately identifying and adjudicating the responsible parties.

Enlist the Assistance of Our Seasoned California Truck Accident Attorney – Our Promise, No Win, No Fee!

In the midst of life’s turbulence, you deserve a proficient ally with a proven track record of defeating trucking companies and securing victories for clients. Having a plethora of worries post a truck accident is common, but we can alleviate your burden by taking charge of your case and advocating vigorously to obtain the compensation you are rightfully owed. We are ready to offer a free consultation. Don’t hesitate to reach out via call or message.