Due to their size and weight, there is a lot that can go wrong when it comes to trucks. Unfortunately, truck accidents can be severe and have serious consequences. Read on to learn more about what to do in the event that you are involved in an accident.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are caused by a number of different things. But, for the most part, truck accidents are a result of negligence. The most common forms of negligence include:
- Drowsy driving
- Lack of visibility, often caused by large blind spots
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding
- Cell phone use or other forms of distracted driving
- Failure to maintain the truck, resulting in mechanical issues
- Failure to brake in time — trucks need nearly 2 full football fields in length before they can come to a complete stop
- Faulty parts that the truck driver was unaware of
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If you are injured due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In order to recover this compensation, you will need to provide proof that your accident was a result of negligence. This proof may consist of photos and videos taken at the scene of the accident. Make sure to document any damage done to your car, the truck, any property involved, and the injuries you have sustained. You should call the police right away as they can file an accident report, call an ambulance, conduct chemical tests, and gather witness statements. It is important to the hospital to ensure that your injuries are treated. At the hospital, make sure to ask your doctor for a copy of any relevant medical documents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are involved in an accident, you will have to file your personal injury claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years. This means that if you fail to file within two years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. To avoid missing any important documents, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in California, contact our firm today to discuss your case.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
When someone is wrongly injured in an accident, they often require financial compensation to heal. That’s where we come in. Contact the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady today to learn more about what our firm can do for you.
