Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured in a truck accident in California. You probably have a lot of questions, including whether you even need a lawyer. The answer depends on your situation, but whatever part of the process you’re facing, our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
How Do I Know If I Need a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
Being in a truck accident is incredibly scary. Not only are trucks much larger and heavier than your car, but they also carry dangerous cargo. All of this usually adds up to more serious accidents and–more importantly–injuries. Still, you don’t need a lawyer to file a claim.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one, particularly if you’re more seriously hurt. This is where having a lawyer becomes incredibly important, and our team is ready to help by:
- Guiding you – We have years of experience handling truck accident cases and understanding California laws. We’ll explain your rights and options so you can make informed decisions.
- Investigating the accident – We’ll dig into the details of your accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the scene to determine who’s at fault.
- Managing talks with insurance – We handle all talks with insurance companies and other involved parties, ensuring you don’t say or do anything that might harm your case.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement – We’ll build a strong case on your behalf and negotiate aggressively to get you a fair settlement that covers your losses.
Again, the main reason you would need our help is because we make the process easier for you. Trying to deal with the aftermath of the truck accident on top of the legal process can quickly overwhelm you. With our team’s help, though, you can better understand your options and what you need to do to recover.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
Before you can start thinking about your legal options and if you should even get a lawyer, you have to know how to properly respond to the accident itself. It’s true that you have certain options for filing a claim, but doing the right things after the accident happens is very important to how your claim plays out:
- Call 911 for help – When you call 911, you get both medical and police help quickly. EMTs will treat your injuries and create medical records that are important for your claim. The police will also help manage the scene and gather important information you could use later.
- Document the accident – Take photos and notes of everything at the scene, like the time, date, weather, and the truck involved. This will help show what happened. Be sure to get the truck driver’s and witnesses’ contact and insurance details, as this information will be helpful later.
- Preserve evidence – Hold onto all important papers, like medical bills, treatment records, and car repair estimates. These documents will help prove your injuries and expenses when dealing with insurance or legal matters.
- Be careful with statements – When talking to the police or insurance companies, stick to the facts and don’t admit fault. Insurance companies may use your words against you to lower your payout, so it’s important to be careful and only share the truth.
Taking these steps will help show the extent of your injuries and damages, making your claim stronger and more likely to result in a fair result. If you’re unable to complete some of these due to serious injury, our team can help gather the evidence you need.
How Do You Get Damages After a Truck Accident?
There’s two main parts of the claims process after a truck accident: figuring out liability and then filing a claim for “damages.” Even though a truck accident is usually much more serious, the actual legal standard for liability–or the legal responsibility for the accident–is still negligence.
Negligence, at least in terms of a truck accident, falls on whoever was careless and caused the accident to happen. Typically, this involves:
- The truck driver
- The truck driver’s employer
- The truck manufacturer
- The company that maintains the truck
- The company that loads the cargo
- The manufacturer of truck parts (in cases of equipment failure)
Who is responsible depends on the details of the accident. For example, if the truck driver was speeding or driving under the influence, both the driver and their employer could be liable. But if the accident was caused by something like a tire blowout or improper loading, the tire manufacturer or loading company could be at fault.
Understanding who is liable is important because they are the ones who will cover your damages. To get damages, you can file either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on your situation. This will help you recover financial support for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from being unable to work
- Future income loss if you suffer permanent injury
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Funeral or burial costs in fatal accidents
Keep in mind that in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to recover your damages.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in California
A truck accident can have a major impact on your life, causing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, our team of experienced California truck accident lawyers is here to support you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
