Overview of Truck Accidents in California

In California, driving on a freeway frequently means sharing the road with massive 18-wheel commercial trucks. Driving alongside a large commercial vehicle can be nerve-wracking for any commuter, and this fear is well-founded. Large truck accidents happen all the time, and when they do, they usually result in serious death and non-fatal casualties. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 4,951 truck accident fatalities in 2018, up.9% from 2017.

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of causes, but when the truck driver or truck business is proven to be irresponsible in causing the accident, they can be held liable for the victim's damages. When a person dies as a result of a truck accident, his or her family can file a wrongful death case to seek monetary compensation.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Large commercial vehicles can be difficult to navigate due to their vast size and weight, putting other drivers on the road at danger of an accident. Fortunately, there are stringent state and federal rules in place to safeguard the general public and reduce the danger of large truck accidents.

Unfortunately, accidents can still happen as a result of breaking these rules, such as:

·       Removing the load from the truck

·       Inadequate maintenance

·       Driving when inebriated

·       Ignorant of traffic signs and laws

·       Driving too quickly in inclement weather

·       Driving while drowsy and disregarding hourly driving limitations.

‍

Truck Accidents Frequently Caused Injuries

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but because these vehicles are so enormous and heavier than conventional passenger vehicles, they frequently result in serious injuries. Injuries may be unavoidable when a smaller car collides with a huge commercial vehicle. The following are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a truck accident:

·       Trauma to the head or brain

·       Spinal cord damage

·       facial trauma

·       Bone fractures or dislocations

·       Disfigurement and scarring

Damages that could occur in a case

For many people, recovering after a truck accident might take a long time. For others, a complete recovery may be impossible. Fortunately, the state of California is aware of the risks that massive trucking accidents pose. As a result, when a truck accident is caused by negligence, the law authorizes truck accident victims to seek compensation from the at-fault party.

Although each case is unique, the following are some of the most frequent damages that can be recovered in a truck accident:

·       Bills from the hospital and emergency rooms

·       Costs of long-term medical care

·       Costs of prescriptions and treatments

·       Following a severe injury, home adjustments are required

·       Suffering and pain

·       Trauma and psychological anguish

·       Loss of earnings

·       Loss of income potential 

·       Loss of life quality

‍

Truck Accident Wrongful Death

It is not unusual for a collision to result in fatal casualties due to the enormous size and weight of huge commercial trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 457 individuals were killed in truck accidents in 2019. So far this year, 146 people have died between the months of January and May.

‍

When a huge truck accident causes a person's premature death, the decedent's surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the tragedy. Wrongful death cases are treated similarly to personal injury lawsuits in that the plaintiff must show that the at-fault party is responsible. In order to do so, the victim's relatives must demonstrate the following:

·       The victim had died

·       The defendant's negligence or purposeful harm caused the victim's death

·       The plaintiff suffered monetary losses as a result of the victim's death

·       The estate of the victim has been designated a representative

To establish liability in wrongful death suits, as well as other personal injury claims, simply a preponderance of evidence is required. This means that the burden of proof for establishing culpability is lower than it is for a guilty conviction in a criminal case. Furthermore, wrongful death claims, like other personal injury cases, are subject to a stringent timeframe, with plaintiffs normally having two years from the date of the accident to submit a claim.

‍

How a Skilled Attorney Can Assist

Truck accidents are well-known for being among the most difficult of all personal injury claims. This is unsurprising given that many instances involve state and federal regulations, where proving a breach can be challenging. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, you should be aware that a successful lawsuit will necessitate a thorough investigation. Speak with an experienced attorney who will guide you through the inquiry process, assist you in establishing liability, and fight for your right to full compensation. Consider seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney after a major vehicle accident.

‍