The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that there are approximately 14,000 commercial truck accidents in our state each year. Given the immense size of commercial trucks—up to 80,000 pounds on many roads in California—a crash can result in devastating or even catastrophic injuries. Injured victims need justice and the maximum financial compensation.
Sadly, the big trucking insurance providers can make the legal claim process very difficult for people. Their goal is to pay out less. A proactive approach can make the difference. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we put justice first. Within this article, our Stockton semi-truck accident attorney highlights seven big mistakes to avoid after a crash in California.
Mistake #1: Not Reporting the Crash to the Police
In California, all injury collisions should be reported to law enforcement. Commercial truck accidents are certainly no exception to the rule. Failing to report a truck accident to the police can undermine your ability to file a claim. A police report serves as an official record of the crash—it will typically include details about what happened and the resulting damages. Without a police report, you risk losing critical evidence. Contact the police right away after a truck accident.
Mistake #2: Failing to (or Waiting Too Long to) Seek Medical Attention
Were you hurt in a truck accident in Stockton? You need to see a doctor. There are no exceptions. Your health and well-being are the absolute top priority after a serious crash. As many common tractor trailer accident injuries arise with a delayed onset, it is crucial that you get checked out. Without medical records, you may not be able to bring a claim. Indeed, insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment indicates injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the crash.
Mistake #3: Not Carefully Investigating and Documenting the Crash
California is a fault-based commercial truck accident state. The party who caused a truck accident through their negligent actions/inactions can and should be held liable for the resulting damages. All collisions should be investigated. Comprehensive documentation is essential for building a strong case after a truck accident. Skipping this step can leave you without the evidence needed to prove liability or damages. Among other things, truck accident victims should:
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions;
- Write down a personal account of what happened in the crash;
- Collect witness contact information from any person who saw the accident; and
- Obtain a copy of the police report.
Mistake #4: Providing a Recorded Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer
Trucking companies are represented by large commercial insurance providers. You may get a phone call from the truck company’s insurer relatively shortly after a serious crash. The insurance company representative may come across as friendly and disarming. They will likely ask for a statement. Do not provide one at this point in the process. Truck company insurers often request recorded statements to use against accident victims. These statements may be manipulated to minimize or deny your claim. Even seemingly innocent comments can be misinterpreted. It is not legally required to provide a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer.
Mistake #5: Admitting or Accepting Fault for the Crash
Fault matters in commercial truck accidents in California. Regardless of who you believe may be at fault, you should never admit or accept blame without speaking to a lawyer first. Let your attorney review the accident and make the proper determination. Apologizing or accepting blame at the scene of a truck accident can undermine your claim. Notably, California uses comparative negligence—meaning your compensation may be reduced even if you are only partially at fault. The reality is that determining fault is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation.
Mistake #6: Rushing Through Settlement Negotiations
Building a truck accident injury case takes time. Negotiating a full and fair settlement offer from the insurance company also takes time. Accepting a quick settlement offer from the truck company’s insurer can leave you with less financial compensation that you rightfully deserve. Indeed, initial settlement offers often undervalue claims. Be patient. You should take the time to consult with a top-rated Stockton, CA truck accident attorney who can investigate your case, document your damages, and help you take action to negotiate the maximum settlement.
Mistake #7: Not Hiring a Top-Rated Truck Accident Attorney
The biggest mistake you can make after a serious truck accident in Stockton is not speaking to an attorney. Truck accident claims are notoriously complex. The truck company and its commercial insurer will be well-staffed—and they waste no time in building their defense strategy. Do not go it alone: Consult with an experienced Stockton, CA semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a serious collision in San Joaquin County. Your lawyer will protect your rights.
Why Trust Our Stockton Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
Navigating the aftermath of a commercial truck accident is not easy. It is normal to be loaded with questions about your rights, your options, and what exactly needs to happen next in your case. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are always ready to invest time and resources into every case that we take on. Our Stockton semi-truck accident attorneys are aggressive and experienced advocates for justice. Victims and families took the top priority. With a proven record of successful case results, we have recovered more than $25 million for injured victims across our practice areas.
Contact Our Stockton, CA Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton semi-truck accident attorneys are standing by, ready to advocate for your rights and your interests. Do not rely on any truck company or insurance company to do what is right for you. Hurt in a collision? We are more than ready to help. Contact us now for a no cost, no obligation case review with a top-tier Stockton truck accident lawyer. We represent victims and families throughout Central California.