Maison Law represents victims of truck accidents in California, making sure they have what they need to effectively go through the legal process. A huge part of these cases is the evidence that you can present, and one of the most compelling pieces of evidence is video of the accident. In some trucks, this can be recovered from a dash cam that’s been installed. If you’d like to know more about your legal options in these situations, contact us for a free consultation.
Are Dash Cams Required in California Big Rigs?
There’s no legal requirement in California that says big rigs have to have a dash cam, but they are legal to use. So, because liability and accidents are a huge part of either owning a trucking company or simply driving a truck or commercial vehicle, many companies opt to use these devices in their vehicles.
More to the point, truck drivers are subject to strict regulations–more strict than normal drivers. As such, these drivers can use dash cams for a variety of different reasons:
- Documenting accidents – Dash cams record real-time footage of the road, helping to provide an accurate account of events in the case of an accident. This can be crucial for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and determining fault.
- Providing evidence – Dash cam footage serves as objective evidence in case of disputes with other drivers, pedestrians, or law enforcement. It can help clarify what happened during an accident.
- Driver monitoring – Some dash cams are equipped with features to monitor and record driver behavior. This can include making sure they follow traffic laws, don’t speed, and promoting safer driving habits.
- Training – Trucking companies may use dash cam footage for training purposes. Analyzing driving behavior can help identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to drivers.
- Fraud protection – Dash cams can protect truck drivers and companies from fraudulent claims. In the event of staged accidents or false accusations, the recorded footage can serve as a reliable account of the incident.
- Security – Dash cams contribute to the security of the truck and its cargo. They can deter theft and vandalism, and the recorded footage can aid in identifying perpetrators if a security incident occurs.
- Compliance – Using a dash cam is a great way to take care of compliance with regulations. Having this can help companies meet safety standards.
Obviously, having a dash cam can provide some clarity should you be involved in a truck accident. However, your first steps shouldn’t be to think about what evidence you need. Rather, you should focus on other things–like your health.
What Steps Do You Need to Take After a Truck Accident?
A truck accident can be scary, because it often involves a huge truck plowing into you or pushing you off the road. That said, like any other vehicle accident, it’s important to stay calm and take measures to protect yourself and your legal rights:
- Get medical care – Your top priority should be your health and the health of your passengers. Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, it’s important to get medical help.
- Call the police – Dial 911 to let the authorities know about the accident. They’ll come to the scene and create a report that’s important for insurance and legal purposes.
- Share information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver and others involved. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, and license plate numbers.
- Collect proof – If it’s safe, take pictures and videos of the accident site. Show how the vehicles are positioned, the damage, any skid marks, and important road signs or conditions.
- Get witness information – If there are people who saw the accident, get their contact details. Their stories might be really helpful later on.
- Tell your insurance – Call your insurance company to tell them about the accident. Give them a clear picture of what happened.
- Keep evidence – Hang on to important papers like medical records, repair estimates, and any costs from the accident.
- Don’t blame anyone – Avoid saying it’s someone’s fault at the scene. Let the evidence and the experts sort out who’s responsible.
Damages
In general, you can file an injury claim either through the regular insurance process or by taking legal action in court with a lawsuit. Both options give you a chance to recover specific damages from the responsible party. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing care
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages, if the driver or company’s actions were especially reckless.
Filing a claim helps protect your rights and aims to secure full and fair compensation for the various damages you’ve experienced. The outcome depends on the details of your accident and how effectively you present your claim. With our experienced truck accident lawyers, we can handle this responsibility and ensure you receive the financial support you deserve under the law.
Contact Maison Law After a California Truck Accident
In California, accidents involving large trucks can be frightening. If you’ve been injured in one, remember you’re not alone. Maison Law offers trustworthy experience and guidance. We’ll explain your options and help you navigate this challenging time, guiding you toward recovery. Contact us for a free consultation today.
