Among many road accidents that happen daily in the United States, especially in California, truck accidents, trailer accidents, and semi-truck accidents are the most fatal. Semi-trucks are larger in size and mass as compared to cars. Thus, when the collision occurs, the outcome is devastating.
The major reason for semi-truck accidents is truck drivers’ negligence and insurance companies’ safety unconcern. The consequence of a semi-truck accident can be shattering. The damage you suffer is not only physical but also financial and mental—Thats why it’s vital to hire a professional lawyer to handle truck accident cases. In California, you can consult with a California Truck Accident Lawyer who has a high track record of winning track accident cases and helping victims and their families to get the maximum reimbursement for the damages.
Common Types of Truck Accidents:
Just like any other road accident, semi-truck accidents also happen due to different weather and road conditions. Following are the most common types of truck accidents.
#1: Jackknife Accident
Due to a sudden decrease in speed, the trailer and the cab of the 18-wheeler truck fold toward each other. Due to jackknifing, other cars within the area face the impact, and they may be struck by a big rig that has lost control and is jackknifing.
#2: Underride Accident
Underride accidents occur when a car collides with a truck, semi-truck, or trailer truck and slides under it. Due to the heavyweight of the truck, the car is crushed, and passengers die a horrible death or are severely wounded.
#3: Head-on Collision
A tired truck driver may fall asleep behind the wheel and cross a road or highway line, resulting in a head-on collision. In work areas, drivers become confused and fail to follow a quick lane move, resulting in head-on crashes.
Head-on collisions are uncommon, but they can result in serious or fatal casualties when they happen.
#4: Blindspot Accident
Large automobiles such as trucks, semi-trucks, and trailers have blind spots where they can not observe other cars on the road. If a truck driver can not see the car adjacent to the truck due to a blindspot, he can sideswipe the car while trying to change the line.
In such cases, it is a truck driver’s fault, and another party is entitled to file a legal compensation claim with the help of a truck accident lawyer.
#5: Rear-End Accident
Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles; however, most truck drivers do not follow this basic instruction and follow other cars too closely.
These causes rear-end accidents to happen if the traffic stops suddenly and the truck driver cannot stop the truck in time.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident?
If you or someone you know have recently been in an accident, then you might have an idea of how confusing, overwhelming and painful those moments are.
Therefore, to save yourself from feeling like that, we have prepared a step-by-step guide for you to follow if you face a semi-truck or truck accident again in the future.
#1: Contact Police Immediately
After getting your senses back, the first step you should take is to immediately call the police. Calling the police is crucial because they document everything and even testify in court if you want them to. Calling police will also help in establishing you the innocent party in your case as you are the one who called them.
#2: Seek Medical Help
It is important to seek medical help after being in an accident. Truck accidents are brutal. If you have been in a truck accident or witnessed one, you should immediately check yourself or the passenger for any kind of injury. Even if the injury is not apparent, you should get medical help because it can be internal.
#3: Document Everything
Documenting everything will help you in making your legal case stronger. After being in a truck accident, you should immediately document everything if you are doing okay and do not have any crucial injury. From the condition of the road to the damage you suffered.
#4: Contact Insurance Company
If you want to take your case to court or want to file a compensation claim, you must contact the insurance company immediately after the accident. Insurance companies try to avoid paying customers and look for even minor issues. Therefore, we advise you to contact your insurance provider with the proofs as soon as possible.
#5: Contact Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing a compensation claim or fighting your case in court both require expertise in the field. A good California Truck Accident Lawyer can help you get the compensation you want. Therefore, it is important to hire a lawyer to handle your case.
Final Thoughts:
If you’ve recently experienced a truck accident or want to discuss legal matters with a team of professional semi-truck accident attorneys, then you should get a free consultation today by calling (805) 541-0300.
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