Commercial trucks play a huge role in California’s economy, transporting goods and providing all manner of products to stores throughout the state. But sharing the road with these vehicles offers more risk, because trucks are inherently more dangerous. They often are hauling hazardous, highly flammable liquids or freight. Also, because of the sheer size and weight difference between them and normal cars, accidents take on a much more serious nature. larger than normal vehicles.
Not surprisingly, all of these risks and factors make a truck accident much costlier in terms of damages and injuries. Sharing the road with trucks on your daily commute is a reality in Fullerton and elsewhere throughout the country. That said, even if you haven’t been involved in an accident, knowing what to watch out for and what to do if you are in one can make all the difference.
Work With Experienced and Compassionate Fullerton Truck Accident Lawyers
At GK Legal Group, our team of experienced Fullerton personal injury lawyers knows how serious a truck accident can be. Throughout our years of practice, we have handled all different types of truck accident claims for our clients. We have developed a proven system of success, and we can make sure you get the support and benefits that you need to aid in your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
What Makes a Fullerton Truck Accident Unique?
There are several aspects of truck accidents that make them unique from other accidents. First and foremost, because of their size and weight difference, accidents with trucks are often more severe in terms of the damage they cause. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Strained or torn ligaments
- Cuts and bruises
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Not only are these injuries serious in the short-term, but the long term effects of a truck accident include both physical and emotional effects that can last for the duration of your life. Even a relatively minor collision with a truck can cause serious, even catastrophic injuries to you or a loved one. Moreover, truck drivers are under quite a bit of pressure to meet deadlines and make deliveries. This frequently causes accidents, as drivers may be fatigued or otherwise impaired when hauling cargo on Fullerton’s roads.
Regulations
Because truck accidents can be so serious, there are more extensive state regulations that these vehicles have to meet in order to be out on the road:
- The legal age to drive a commercial truck in California is 18 years old.
- The legal age for drivers that are making trips between states or transporting hazardous materials is at least 21 years old.
- Drivers must either pass a skills test for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain and hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CPL) for at least 14 days.
Commercial trucks also have size and weight limits in California. In order for a commercial truck to pass regulations, they must meet the following requirements:
- No more than 40 feet in length
- A maximum total length of 65 feet for a truck and trailer combination.
- A 20,000 pound gross weight limit on any one axle.
Even with these limitations and regulations, commercial trucks are still extremely hard to maneuver and control. This is especially true when these trucks are improperly loaded. This can cause an imbalance that makes driving much more difficult. And when you factor in potentially inclement weather or other forces, accidents often occur.
Liability
Another unique aspect of truck accidents involves the concept of liablity. While liability is always determined the same way–the negligent party that caused the accident is responsible for any damages–a truck accident is different in that it can involve several potentially liable parties. These parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The truck driver’s employer.
- The manufacturer, especially if they loaded the truck.
- The company that owns or leases the truck.
- The person or company responsible for the truck’s maintenance.
- The truck’s manufacturer.
- The manufacturer of a certain truck part, in the event of equipment failure.
While establishing liability in a truck accident can be difficult, it often comes down to the specific circumstances involved in your accident. If the accident was caused by negilgence on the part of the truck driver–speeding, driving under the influence, etc.–they or the company that employs them will be liable for your damages. On the other hand, if the accident is caused by a tire blowout or an improperly loaded truck, the part manufacturer or company that loaded the cargo could find themselves the responsible party in your claim.
Figuring out the responsible party is only one part of the equation. The other is knowing what your options are when filing a claim. A truck accident can invovle multiple insurance companies, but with our experienced team by your side, we can help you navigate this complex process.
Filing a Truck Injury Claim In Fullerton
While it’s important to explore the full range of your legal options after a truck accident, your top priority should be your health and wellbeing. Once you have that secured, you can focus on working toward getting support and benefits available in an injury claim.
Again, because of the specific challenges involved in a truck accident claim, working with our team can ensure that you receive everything that’s available to you. In a truck accident, this means dealing with multiple insurance companies, all of which have an interest in protecting themselves. This can lead to multiple variations of claims, and while it can be somewhat complex trying to untangle the details, our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience in making sure that your claim is as strong as possible.
Generally speaking, a truck injury claim in Fullerton can provide you with the following damages:
- Medical bills and costs
- Costs of treatment and therapy
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
It’s important to remember that these damages are general. This means that they are ultimately determined by the extent of your medical bills, as well as the depth of the emotional and psychological trauma that the accident caused.
One of your other options, aside from filing an insurance claim, is filing a lawsuit. This will most likely occur if the insurance company doesn’t provide you with a satisfactory settlement offer. While you have the legal right to file a lawsuit, there is an important aspect that is present in any claim, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is simply the deadline in which you can properly file your lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for a truck accident claim is two years from the date of the accident.
Contact GK Legal Group For a Free Consultation
Being in a truck accident is one of the most damaging and traumatic experiences a person can have out on the road. Worse yet, these vehicles are everywhere in Fullerton and throughout the country, so the likelihood that you’ll be involved in an accident with one of them is fairly likely.
When this happens, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Our team of experienced and compassionate Fullerton accident lawyers at GK Legal Group can help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We take pride in our ability to handle all the responsibilities of your claim so that you can focus on your health and recovery. If you or a loved one have been in a truck accident in Fullerton, contact us today for a free consultation.
