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Semis, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial trucks greatly outmatch cars in size, weight, and power. As a result, collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles can be devastating—or even deadly.
California law gives the victims of car accidents and truck crashes the right to pursue compensation for their injuries and other losses. However, truck accident cases aren't as similar to car crash cases as you might expect. Though they're both common types of motor vehicle accidents, when it comes to seeking compensation, there are important differences between the two kinds of cases.
If you were hurt, or you lost a loved one, in a truck crash caused by a negligent person or company, here's what you need to know—and how an experienced truck accident attorney can help you protect your rights and fight for the fair financial recovery you deserve.
Catastrophic Injuries and Damages
Any motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause injuries and damages, but the injuries, property damages, and other losses sustained in truck crashes tend to be particularly significant. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, which may require extensive medical treatment and result in astronomical, unplanned debt. Additionally, due to the severity of their injuries, truck accident victims may be temporarily or permanently disabled, require ongoing care, and need disability-related modifications to their home. All these costs can add up quickly.
In personal injury cases, substantial injuries and damages increase the potential for substantial settlements or financial awards. That should be a good thing for truck accident victims, but it can actually make collecting compensation more challenging. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their profits, not ensuring that accident victims are fairly compensated. These companies often use shady tactics—like using the information you provide against you—to reduce their financial obligation to claimants. Fortunately, an attorney can help protect your right to recovery.
Potential for Multiple Defendants
Traditional car accident cases are often relatively straightforward: usually the person you name as the defendant in your lawsuit is the driver and owner of the vehicle that hit and injured you. Truck accident cases may have multiple defendants who share liability. Potentially liable parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company that employs the driver, the person who owns the truck, the company that loads the truck, mechanics who incorrectly performed repairs, or the designer or manufacturers of faulty commercial vehicle components. Multiple defendants also mean there's a possibility that there may be multiple insurance policies that can be used to compensate you for the injuries caused in a collision.
A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify the appropriate individual (or individuals) to name in your lawsuit, as well as investigate any and all potential avenues for compensation.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Truck Crash Case
While not all car crash cases require an attorney, most truck accident cases do. The damages are bigger and so are the stakes. A truck accident attorney knows the relevant laws inside and out, and can assist you at every step of the insurance claim or litigation process. Here are just a few things an attorney can do for you:
- Level the playing field between you and a trucking company's corporate defense attorneys
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies, so you don't fall prey to their tricks
- Gather valuable evidence to support your claim for damages
- Negotiate on your behalf to secure the best result possible
- Let you know whether settlement offers are fair
- Take your case all the way to trial, if necessary
- Maximize the value of your truck accident claim
- And so much more
Let Our Skilled Attorneys Handle Your California Truck Accident Lawsuit
If you were hurt in a truck crash caused by another person or company's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, property damages, lost wages, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, and other losses. The adept injury recovery professionals with the Inland Empire Law Group can review your case, and help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule a free, initial consultation.
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