California motorists encounter many different types of large trucks and vans on each trip they take. One of the common sites is likely to be something called the “step truck.” You may not know the name, but you know the companies that use them.
They are the boxy trucks used by UPS and FedEx, and also by some plumbers and A/C Repair Companies. You are also looking at a step truck when you visit a taco truck or other type of food truck.
These rectangular trucks don’t carry quite as much as a box truck or big rig, but they can still haul quite a load. It’s not a problem until a commercial driver has problems slowing that load down and hits you or a loved one.
So, when filing for insurance help for your injuries, do you count on the step truck driver’s insurance or request support from their employer? A California Step Truck Attorney can help sort out this question and more.
A Free Consultation with a California Step Truck Accident Lawyer
In fact, after suffering a serious injury involving a step truck, you may be forced to hold several parties responsible. Unfortunately, when dealing with a major corporation employing a negligent driver, your insurance battle may become one of the worst parts of your accident.
To find out what you should be expecting after a step truck accident, contact a skilled California Truck Accident Lawyer. Maison Law offers this consultation at no charge or obligation to you or your family. It’s an easy way to understand your rights after a collision. It’s also a good time to learn the tactics insurance companies will use to rob you of the compensation you’ll need in recovery.
California Step Truck Accident Dangers
Step Trucks sit lower to the ground than many other delivery vehicles. They get their names from the easy step down the driver has when exiting their vehicles. Drivers can sit or stand in some step trucks.
They also feature easy walk-in access to the back payload area. It’s why handymen and women and delivery pros like the step truck. It’s more convenient to reach their tools, supplies, and packages.
If you pay attention on California Freeways and streets you’ll see a lot of these trucks on the road. They work well for the tasks they’re designed for. However, these big rolling machines carrying heavy loads can cause powerful traffic impacts that lead to especially serious injuries.
They can be harder to stop with the increased weight. Their additional blind spots can make switching lanes that much more dangerous.
There’s also the risk that the drivers themselves present. Some of them, such as delivery drivers, must work while at the wheel. They receive orders and package updates. They may be paying attention to cellphones or computer screens for directions to certain addresses. Drivers can also just become careless or reckless and put other motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
Common Injuries After a Step Truck Accident
Traffic accidents involving something as large as a step truck can be devastating for drivers and passengers. The question of who was at fault and who should be held accountable plays a large role in the physical, emotional, and financial recoveries victims earn.
The injuries from a collision with a giant truck can be severe and anything a truck driver’s or company’s insurance doesn’t pay are expenses you’ll have to meet yourself.
These expenses can be enormous and life-altering. These are just a few of the most serious injuries examined and treated in California emergency rooms after step truck personal injury accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A blow to the head can lead to concussions, seizures, vertigo, and moods swings. Amnesia and memory loss are also potential symptoms. TBI victims can need lifelong medical and memory care after a severe accident.
- Broken bones: Legs and arms are often the bones that fracture for drivers who are compressed or tossed around violently. Broken bones can also heal the wrong way and require surgery to allow for some return to normal use for the patient.
- Whiplash: Thoracic Spine Injury or disc nerve damage can lead to extreme and long-lasting pain. Just sneezing or coughing can be excruciating.
- Back injuries: Muscles and other soft tissue in the back can get stretched and receive small tears that cause back pain. Back injuries can require years of care and victims must often deal with pain and take medication over a lifetime.
- Organ Damage: The tissue that holds internal organs in place can be damaged in an impact, along with the organs themselves. Broken bones can puncture the organs around them and create massive trauma for victims.
- Permanent Physical Disability: Victims in major accidents may have to be taught how to live their lives with a disability. Victims must work to secure money for all future expenses such as money for medical equipment, changes necessary at work and at home. Disabled victims might also need a lifetime of physical therapy and prescription drugs.
Who Can I Ask for Support After a Step Truck Accident Injury?
An accident with a step truck can quickly get complicated because of the potential for several parties to be involved in your injury claim.
A nationwide shipping company like FedEx or UPS will have liability insurance for some of its drivers. This should provide most everything you need during recovery. Although you’ll have to make sure insurance adjusters don’t convince you to take a “lowball” settlement that doesn’t cover even half the bills you’ve acquired in recovery.
However, not all delivery drivers work directly for these well-known corporations. Drivers may be contracted to FedEx by a smaller, local company. Then the driver’s commercial insurance and the local company’s insurer may play a part in the money you receive.
Smaller companies like A/C businesses and plumbers should have their drivers backed by commercial insurance. However, some of these companies may only be comprised of one or two people, so their insurance limits may be low and not enough to cover every recovery cost you have.
Food truck drivers may or may not work for themselves or own the truck and food operation. Again, in the case of a very small business, you may find you hit the insurance limits quickly and lose money out of your pocket to pay for your recovery.
Contact a Step Truck Accident Driver
After you or a loved one are hurt in an accident, discuss your case with a skilled California Truck Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. You should know about your rights and the benefits available before speaking with any insurance adjuster or lawyer for a company that uses step vans.
Attorney Martin Gasparian offers a free and confidential case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian works hard to make sure clients are allowed to restore their health and their lives without worrying over hospital bills and lost paychecks.
