Semi truck accidents in California represent a significant concern on the highways, often resulting in severe consequences. Understanding the intricacies behind a truck crash is crucial for both prevention and ensuring justice for the victims. This blog looks into the causes, injuries, types of accidents, and the process for victims to file a personal injury claim with insurance companies.
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Semi Truck Accidents: Why Do They Happen?
Semi truck accidents stem from a variety of factors, often more complex than typical car accidents due to the size and operational demands of these vehicles.
Driver fatigue is a common issue in a truck accident claim, despite regulations aimed at limiting driving hours. Equipment failure, including brakes and tires, can lead to catastrophic outcomes, as can overloading beyond the vehicle’s capacity.
Distracted driving also remains a risk, as does insufficient training for handling such large trucks. Adverse weather conditions and speeding are also significant contributors, with the latter preventing the truck driver from reacting just in time to prevent a crash.
Injuries from Semi Truck Crashes
The scale and force involved in commercial truck accidents mean the resulting injuries are often severe.
Accident victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and spinal cord injuries that could lead to partial or complete paralysis. Broken bones, internal injuries, and lacerations or burns are also common, depending on the nature of the accident.
Those who suffered injuries may be eligible to file an accident claim in California, which can be collected in the form of medical care, property damage, repayment of non-economic damages, and/or money.
Complications after a trucking mishap may also include emotional distress and psychological trauma. It is not uncommon for truck accident victims to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following a severe crash. These mental health issues can significantly impact a person’s daily life and require ongoing therapy or treatment.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim in California
For victims, the path to recovery involves working through the complex insurance claims process.
This covers filing bodily injury claims to cover medical expenses and lost wages, property damage claims for vehicle repairs, and compensation for pain and suffering. It involves notifying your insurance company, gathering comprehensive documentation, and, crucially, seeking counsel from a personal injury attorney to ensure fair treatment and compensation.
A California truck accident lawyer’s role is to represent you in the claim process and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. They have specialized knowledge and experience in handling these types of cases, which can be beneficial when dealing with large trucking or insurance companies.
Do remember that while insurance providers are obligated to cover injuries and damages, they will often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. This is where having a truck accident lawyer can be invaluable in fighting for your rights and securing financial compensation.
All the steps to file a claim or personal injury lawsuit for truck collisions should happen within the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for taking legal action. In California, this time period is two years from the date of the accident.
File a Personal Injury Claim for a Semi-Truck Accident. Work With an Experienced California Truck Accident Lawyer. Call RTM Law Firm for a Free Consultation.
Personal injury law allows victims of truck accidents to file a lawsuit or claim for monetary compensation. Because the process can be quite tedious and lengthy, hiring a truck accident attorney can help ensure that the right documents are filed, the best evidence is presented, and all deadlines are met.
Dealing with insurance providers and trucking companies while you recover from your injuries can be stressful. The team of California personal injury lawyers, case managers, and medical specialists at RTM Law Firm has helped hundreds of victims injured in a truck crash to get the medical care they need and money they rightfully deserve.
Call our legal experts today for a free case review. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
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