Maison Law represents injury victims in San Luis Obispo truck accidents. Just like there’s all different types of passenger cars on the road, there’s also a variety of different trucks. The difference is that any truck–including farm trucks–can leave you very injured in an accident. While this isn’t ideal, it does give you certain legal options. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Even Need a Lawyer After a Farm Truck Accident?
For as serious as they can be, you only need a lawyer after a farm truck accident in San Luis Obispo in certain situations. For example, if you’re just in a minor fender bender, you probably don’t need to worry about getting a lawyer.
However, if you’ve been in a farm truck accident and are facing severe injuries or other damages, you’re going to need all the support you can get. Our firm is here to help by:
- Explaining the law and your options
- Helping you gather evidence and information
- Negotiate with insurance companies and reps
- Make things easier for you
Our goal is to simplify things for you so you can focus on recovering while we handle the legal aspect of your case. Knowing what to expect can help make the process smoother.
How Can You Protect a Farm Truck Accident Claim?
In legal terms, it doesn’t necessarily matter that the truck accident you’re in involves a farm truck. But in reality, you have to have necessary information and evidence for a potential claim. This process starts right after the accident happens. So, to protect an eventual claim, here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911 for help – The first thing you should do is call 911 for an ambulance and local police. This will take care of any immediate injuries, and make sure that the scene is properly managed. The police can also help you get certain information you’ll need for your claim.
- Start collecting evidence – If it’s safe and you’re able, take pictures and videos of the accident scene to show what happened. This includes taking pictures of both your own car and the farm truck, as well as anything that led to the accident.
- Gather and exchange information – Get contact and insurance information from the farm truck driver. Provide your information to them as well, and if there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
- Watch your statements – When you discuss the accident, particularly with an insurance rep, be very careful. Stick to the facts, because anything you say is going to be factored into the legal process.
Even though every accident is different, these steps are going to apply to virtually every truck accident situation. But, because your injuries might be more serious in a farm truck accident, taking these steps might be difficult–or even impossible. That’s where our team can step in and help you get the information you’re going to need for your claim. And an important piece of information involves who is responsible for the accident.
Who’s Responsible For Farm Truck Accidents in San Luis Obispo?
A farm truck, at least as a vehicle, isn’t different from any other on the road in San Luis Obispo. Farm trucks have the same responsibilities as any other when it comes to driving safely and not causing an accident.
At the same time, one of the biggest challenges in these accidents is figuring out who’s responsible. It depends on the specific circumstances of the accident itself, but generally, it comes down to negligence. When someone doesn’t do what they’re supposed to do (speeding, driving under the influence, not paying attention, etc.), and this causes an accident, that person is going to be responsible for covering your injuries and other losses.
In a farm truck accident, then, this liability can fall on any of the following:
- The driver
- The farm that employs the driver
- The manufacturer that made the truck or its parts
- Local government agencies
- Other drivers involved
- People or company that loaded the truck with cargo
Responsibility can change depending on what caused the accident. If the truck driver was speeding or drunk, they and their employer could be at fault. If the accident was due to a tire blowout or bad cargo loading, the tire maker or loading company might be to blame.
But the fact remains–responsibility for the accident is important because it tells you who will pay for your damages.
What Damages Can You Get in a San Luis Obispo Farm Truck Accident Claim?
Dealing with the aftermath of a farm truck accident can be very challenging. These accidents often lead to severe injuries and extensive damage, especially to you and other drivers in regular vehicles. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Death
These injuries typically require a lot of medical treatment, and your vehicle might be severely damaged or totaled. The emotional impact of the accident is also significant. All of these factors contribute to what’s known as your “damages.” In a typical accident claim (whether it’s an insurance claim or lawsuit), you might be able to recover:
- Medical bills from the accident
- Lost income because you can’t work
- Future income loss if you’re permanently injured
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or property
- Financial consideration for physical and emotional pain
- Reduced quality of life
- Changes in your relationships
- Scarring or disfigurement from your injuries
- Expenses related to the death of a loved one if the accident was fatal
To get the help you need, you’ll need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Our team is here to guide you through the process, no matter which option you choose. But again, it all depends on the circumstances of the accident.
What Leads to Farm Truck Accidents in San Luis Obispo?
There’s some very real differences that make farm truck accidents different from other truck accidents in San Luis Obispo. A lot of this has to do with the purpose and build of the trucks themselves.
Basically, a farm truck is one that’s designated for agricultural use. As such, it can either be a regular pickup truck, flatbed truck, or even a larger commercial truck. Under California law, they can’t be operated on a highway, but that doesn’t always prevent it from happening.
What’s worse, there’s any number of things that can lead to a farm truck accident that you need to watch out for:
- Size and weight – Farm trucks are larger and heavier than regular vehicles, which means they can cause more severe damage and injuries in an accident.
- Cargo – Farm trucks often carry large or hazardous loads, like chemicals or farm equipment, which can add complexity to the accident and increase the risk of additional damage or injury.
- Road conditions – Farm trucks may travel on rural or less maintained roads, which can impact the likelihood of an accident and the severity of the damage.
- Speed – Farm trucks might not travel as fast as other commercial vehicles, but they can still cause serious damage due to their size and the type of cargo they carry.
- Maintenance – The maintenance of farm trucks can vary, and issues with upkeep can lead to accidents, such as brake failures or tire blowouts.
Any one of these factors can cause an accident, but it’s often a convergence of them that are involved. Unfortunately, this means injuries and other losses for you and your family. While it’s not what you want to happen, you do have certain legal options and our team will be there to help you.
Legal Help from Dedicated San Luis Obispo Farm Truck Accident Lawyers
When you’re hurt by a farm truck in San Luis Obispo, you might not immediately think about your legal options. While your primary focus should be on your health, it’s still important to know how the legal system can help you get better. At Maison Law, our dedicated team of San Luis Obispo farm truck accident lawyers know how to support your claim and give you the best chance possible at recovery. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to get the process started.
