There are serious tractor-trailer accidents reported every day in our region. According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), nearly 10,000 people were hurt in commercial truck accidents in the state in 2019 alone. Following a collision with a big rig, it is imperative that you have an experienced advocate in your corner. These are unique, often complex cases. In this article, our Stockton truck accident attorneys highlight some of the key reasons why it is so important to have legal counsel with specialized skills, experience, and expertise after a tractor trailer crash.
#1: Truck Companies (and Insurers) Waste No Time in Building their Defense
Trucking companies and their insurers are proactive. When a crash occurs, it is crucial to remember that the company and their insurer will begin building their defense immediately. They waste no time because they know that the stakes are high. The weight and size of commercial trucks make accidents involving them more likely to result in serious injuries or death. You do not want to fall behind in the legal claims process. Consult with a Stockton, CA truck accident lawyer who can thoroughly investigate your accident and gather, secure, and prepare all of the evidence that you need to prove liability.
#2: Multiple Different Parties May Be Liable for a Large Truck Accident
Modern trucking operations are complicated. There are often many different parties that are involved in the chain of commerce. Any one (or more) of these parties could potentially bear legal responsibility for a truck accident. Some examples of defendants that may be partially or wholly liable for a truck accident in California include:
- Truck driver;
- Truck company;
- Company that leased/loaded the trailer;
- Manufacturer of the truck; and
- Third party motorists.
You need legal representation from a lawyer who knows how to navigate this type of complex case. An attorney with specialized experience in truck accidents will be able to identify all of the parties who may be liable and hold them accountable.
#3: Commercial Trucking Involves Complex Federal and State Safety Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by both federal and state laws. These regulations cover everything from how long a truck driver can drive in a day to the maintenance and inspection of the truck. These safety regulations could have important implications for your case—they could be the basis for a negligence claim.
For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has Hour of Service (HOS) regulations in place to limit the driving time of truckers involved in interstate commerce. An HOS violation could be an issue after a crash, especially in a fatigued driving accident claim. A lawyer with the right experience can help you get the records that you need to review HOS compliance.
#4: With Larger Policy Limits, Truck Industry Insurers are Especially Aggressive
Trucking companies are required to carry much larger insurance policy limits than other types of vehicles. There is a good reason for this: Due to their large size, commercial trucks are more likely to cause catastrophic or fatal accidents. It is imperative that truck companies have adequate liability insurance coverage. However, an effect of this is that truck companies are often represented by very aggressive insurance carriers in the accident claims process. These insurance companies fight hard to minimize payouts, potentially even trying to deny liability outright. An attorney with specialized experience in truck accidents will know how to deal with these insurers and their aggressive tactics.
#5: Experience Makes the Difference in Truck Accident Injury Claims in California
When it comes to truck accident injury claims, experience makes a big difference. An attorney with specialized experience will know the ins and outs of the legal process and will have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case. They will be able to negotiate with the trucking company and their insurer to get you the compensation you deserve. This includes not only compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering but also compensation for future medical expenses, lost earning capacity and more. After a serious commercial truck accident, you do not have to go it alone. Consult with a top-rated Stockton truck accident lawyer who has the professional skills and specialized expertise to help you get the best outcome.
Get Help From Our Stockton Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton commercial truck accident attorneys provide reliable, solutions-driven legal representation to get big time results for our clients. We have helped victims collect over $25 million in personal injury claims. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to arrange a no cost, no obligation evaluation of your case. With an office in Stockton, our personal injury law firm is positioned to handle truck accident claims throughout the whole region.