Large trucks are crucial to the economy and supply chain of California, but when accidents involving large commercial vehicles happen, the results can be devastating. If you are injured in this type of accident, it’s crucial to understand the California truck accident laws that will apply to your case. While these cases generally unfold similarly to other vehicle accident cases, there are a few unique factors you must be prepared to address.
Understanding California Truck Accident Laws
The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, there were 5,375 large trucks involved in fatal crashes and 114,552 large trucks involved in crashes resulting in injuries throughout the United States. Most of the victims, about 70%, were occupants of other, smaller vehicles. Those involved in truck accidents have a very high chance of suffering severe injuries, and you need to know the steps to take to recover your losses when another party has caused this type of accident.
In California, all vehicle accidents that involve multiple drivers are resolved based on fault. This means that whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages, and you will need to prove fault if you believe another driver is responsible for injuring you. In a truck accident case, liability could fall to the truck driver, but their employer could bear vicarious liability under certain conditions. It is also possible for another driver to have caused the accident.
A California truck accident attorney can gather the evidence you will need to prove fault, and they will be the ideal resource for determining whether a trucking company has violated applicable industry regulations. This could influence the outcome of your case and the amount of compensation you are able to claim.
For example, truck drivers are required to abide by hours-of-service rules to ensure they get enough rest between driving shifts. These rules are meant to prevent fatigued driving accidents. If a trucking company fails to enforce these rules, the company could be held vicariously liable for a resulting accident. Additionally, trucking companies could face penalties for failing to perform background checks or ensure adequate training for their drivers.
Claiming Compensation for a Truck Accident in California
An experienced California truck accident attorney can be an invaluable asset for helping you prove fault for your accident, and once you have established liability, they can help you claim compensation for your damages. You have the right to claim compensation for the full extent of the economic and non-economic losses the at-fault driver caused, and this will usually begin with an auto insurance claim.
Every California driver is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s policy is typically your first option for claiming compensation for your damages. Trucking companies are usually covered by commercial policies that provide more coverage than the average individual driver’s auto insurance, but dealing with insurance companies can be difficult.
You should hire a truck accident lawyer before an insurance carrier attempts to devalue or deny your claim. The right personal injury attorney can help you file your claim with all the required information and records and ensure you are treated fairly. If you cannot fully recover your losses with insurance, you may need to file a personal injury case against whoever caused the accident.
Ultimately, resolving a truck accident case in California can be more challenging than resolving a standard car accident case due to the trucking industry regulations involved, as well as the severity of the resulting damages. Whatever your case entails, Easton & Easton can provide comprehensive legal support for your recovery efforts, so reach out to our team as quickly as you can to learn how we can help with your case.
FAQs
Q: How Do You Prove Fault for a Truck Accident in California?
A: To prove fault for a truck accident in California, you will need evidence that shows how the accident happened, who caused it, and the full scope of the resulting damages. Your California truck accident attorney can gather this evidence for you, and they can also resolve disputes of liability. It’s possible for fault to fall to a single party or to multiple parties.
Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California?
A: Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in California include driver negligence, like moving violations, speeding, and distracted driving. Accidents can also happen due to fatigue when drivers violate hours-of-service rules or when trucking companies neglect to enforce other regulations, such as performing background checks on their drivers.
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Truck Accident in California?
A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a truck accident in California largely depends on the severity of the injuries the defendant caused. Once you prove fault, you can claim compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the pain and suffering you experienced because of the defendant’s actions. It is also possible to receive punitive damages if the at-fault driver broke the law or if their employer violated industry regulations.
Q: What Are the Penalties for Causing a Truck Accident in California?
A: The penalties for causing a truck accident in California could include more than just liability for the civil damages the at-fault driver caused. If they broke the law, they face criminal charges, and if an accident happened because a trucking company failed to enforce industry safety regulations, the company could face fines and other penalties.
Q: Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
A: You should hire a truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal aftermath of your accident. These cases are some of the most challenging vehicle accident cases to resolve, and you have a much better chance of reaching a positive conclusion with a skilled attorney representing you. You are also more likely to maximize your compensation with legal counsel you trust on your side.
The attorneys at Easton & Easton can help you understand the California truck accident laws that apply to your case and guide you through the process of claiming the compensation you need to recover. You have limited time to pursue accountability and compensation for your damages, so contact us today and schedule a consultation with an experienced California truck accident attorney.
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