Step truck accidents are not unlike other truck accidents in Fresno. These vehicles, which are commonly used to deliver mail, packages, or other items, are larger and heavier than normal cars and other passenger vehicles. Not only that, but because they are commonly stopping at various intervals throughout their trip, they can cause different types of accidents with different types of injuries.
When you’ve been injured in an accident with a step truck, not only are you going to have to deal with medical bills and financial strain as you recover, but you’re also going to have to deal with the insurance company to get compensation. Dealing with insurance and compensation is a headache in its own right, so having an experienced, knowledgeable team of lawyers on your side to fight for you is extremely important.
Contact Maison Law For a Free Consultation
Attorney Martin Gasparian founded Maison Law in 2014 after spending years working with California’s oldest law firm. Throughout his time practicing law, Mr. Gasparian gained valuable insight into how insurance companies approach accidents and the tactics they use to devalue your claim.
With that insight, our Fresno step truck accident lawyers know how to counterpunch against insurance companies, gaining maximum compensation for our clients. To learn more about our process, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Step Truck?
A step truck is a commercial vehicle that consists of a cargo area and a cab that includes low step-up areas below all doors and the back of the truck-hence the name “step truck.”. In most cases, the cab offers direct access to the cargo space, making it easy for drivers to quickly grab items from the back of the truck without leaving the vehicle, while the lower steps make these trucks ideal for delivery services.
Step Truck Accident Causes in Fresno
While step trucks are indeed ideal for smaller to medium size deliveries, this also means that they have to make frequent stops throughout the delivery route. This is why step trucks are also known as “multi stop vehicles.” As a result, they can frequently become involved in accidents, especially on step truckier streets and roads. Other frequent step truck accident causes include:
- Frequent Stops and Slow Speed – Step trucks can be part of accidents because they are not entirely like other vehicles. They frequently drive below the speed limit and make irregular stops along their routes, which could be on roads where other vehicles travel at normal to higher speeds. Many of these roads, especially in more rural areas, are only two lanes and do not have shoulders. This means that the step truck has to stop and block traffic while they make their delivery. When other drivers fail to pay attention or become confused by the slow stop-and-start process, accidents occur.
- Wrong-Side Vehicle Driving – Some step trucks have the pedals and wheels on the right side of the vehicle, rather than the left side. The design is to make it easier for them to drop off packages and other items, but this also means that they are reaching over to control the step truck and hit the gas and brake pedals. Such design can cause significant delay in reaction time, as can inexperience with the type of vehicle. Such delays can frequently result in accidents.
- Wrong Side of Road Driving – Along those same lines, some step trucks attempt to save time by driving on the wrong side of the road, especially in slower areas as drivers are trying to meet their delivery schedule and trying to save time. Furthermore, these drivers feel it’s not an issue, because the quieter, slower roads aren’t as step trucky. However, when they drive on the wrong side of the road to try to save time, they often surprise other drivers, who are not prepared for such movements.
- Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo – This is another frequent cause of accidents. In many cases, step truck drivers not only have to drive the vehicle, but also have to help load the cargo. Because these trucks are vital to the economy, many drivers and companies fill the step trucks as full as possible to make deliveries and keep the supply chain moving. While this is common, it can frequently cause accidents because it makes the truck unbalanced or too heavy. This leads to rollovers and tire blowouts, which results in accidents.
Common Injuries from Step Truck Accidents in Fresno
Like any accident, step truck accidents can cause serious injuries, just due to them being larger and heavier than normal cars. Common injuries for those involved in step truck accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Deep tissue and internal injuries
Again, no matter the category of accident with a step truck, injuries are likely to result. While certain types of accidents are more dangerous than others, no two accidents are alike. In addition, the most serious step truck accidents can result in death.
Estimating Value of a Step Truck Accident Injury Claim
Much like no two accidents being the same, claims also vary in every accident. That’s why it’s so difficult to estimate the potential value of a claim. Value involves several different factors, from the liable parties to the severity of your injuries. Still, here are some of the different factors in how to estimate a potential step truck accident claim’s value.
Determining Fault
In a step truck accident, you must prove that the other party was at fault for causing the accident. Because California is a “comparative negligence” state, any amount of fault that you had for creating the accident is deducted from your claim’s potential value. For example, if it’s determined that you were 10% at fault in the accident, 10% of your injury claim will be deducted.
Economic Damages
Another major factor in determining the value of your step truck accident is your damages. This includes economic and non-economic damages. These are calculated by taking the severity of your injuries into account, as well as the mental and emotional impact of the accident. Economic damages typically include:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Ongoing therapy and other costs directly related to the step truck accident.
Non-economic Damages
This type of compensation covers costs that can be more difficult to put a price on, like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Furthermore, non-economic damages are often more challenging to prove, requiring mental health records and other experts weighing in with opinions.
After placing a value on your claim, our team of experienced step truck accident lawyers can help you focus on your recovery by taking over the day-to-day responsibilities of your claim, including negotiating with the insurance company to get your compensation.
Contact Fresno’s Trusted Step Truck Accident Lawyers
Maison Law is one of Fresno’s leading personal injury law firms, with extensive experience dealing with step truck accidents. Our team of experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate lawyers will ensure that you’re compensated fully and fairly. Our proven track record of success in getting compensation is a reflection of our dedication and passion for helping injured victims in Fresno. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
