In California, truck accidents are, unfortunately, quite common. As a major economic powerhouse and location of many shipping, manufacturing, and distribution headquarters, California’s roads are often full of commercial trucks and shipping vans delivering goods across the country. However, with an increased number of commercial trucks on California roads and highways comes an increased risk of being involved in an accident with one. Drivers should be prepared in case they are hit by a commercial truck and understand what their legal options are in these cases.
What are commercial truck accidents?
Commercial truck accidents are vehicle collisions that involve one or more shipping or delivery vehicles used for a company’s operations. While some commercial vehicles may cause damage like you might expect from a typical car accident, other commercial truck accidents can result in major damage and injuries.
Can you report a commercial truck accident to the company?
Typically, yes. You can report a commercial truck accident to the company involved. However, you may find some companies may be defensive when incidents are reported, sometimes attempting to shift focus away from their driver or business practices in an effort to minimize liability. Others may take responsibility but will offer a small settlement to close the claim quickly. In either case, it can be helpful to have abogados de accidentes comerciales en California also known as commercial truck accident lawyers in California who know your rights and can push for fair treatment from the company.
Common commercial truck accident injuries
Due to the size difference between a typical car and a commercial semi-truck or shipping vehicle, drivers are often at risk of more severe injuries than if they were in a collision with another personal vehicle. After being involved in a commercial truck accident, it’s most important to seek medical care, even if you feel okay. Some injuries are masked by adrenaline and may emerge over the following hours or days. Many commercial accident victims experience:
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Abrasions and lacerations
How do you know if you need a commercial truck accident lawyer?
If you’re injured in a commercial truck accident in California, the driver, shipping company, manufacturer of the truck, or manufacturer of the cargo could be liable for your injuries and damages, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Many times, truck accidents require extensive research and evidence to understand what led to the collision and who may be at fault. For drivers who aren’t sure if they have a case or who were injured due to obvious negligence, a consultation with a California commercial truck accident lawyer can help you decide if bringing a claim is right for you.
What happens next?
Once you’ve retained a California commercial truck accident lawyer also known as abogado de accidentes de camiones en California, you can work alongside your attorney to collect evidence and provide testimony that will help your lawyer advocate for justice. If you don’t have much evidence at your disposal, your lawyer will investigate the accident themselves to collect the records necessary to argue for your full recovery. Commercial truck accident lawsuits can vary in length depending on multiple factors, but most take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
If you’re injured thanks to a negligent commercial truck, schedule a consultation with a skilled lawyer like those at Abogados Fuertes to understand your rights.
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