Trucks cause a disproportionate number of highway fatalities. Sadly, people who survive collisions with these large vehicles often suffer devastating injuries, resulting in staggering medical bills and lost income. Fortunately, a skilled personal injury attorney could help.
If you were hurt in a collision with a tractor-trailer, you might be able to hold the responsible party liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future healthcare costs, and diminished earning capacity. A Woodland Hills truck accident lawyer could build a strong case and demand appropriate compensation for your injuries. En Español
Who Is Liable in a Tractor-Trailer Collision?
When someone sustains a crash-related injury, the at-fault party is responsible for paying the damages of anyone who suffered losses. In a truck accident case, multiple parties could share liability.
If a trucker is at fault in a crash, their employer is most likely responsible for the damages. Employers are often vicariously liable for their workers’ negligent acts while employed.
Occasionally, faulty brakes, tires, and other truck components might contribute to semi accidents. A manufacturer, service contractor, or truck owner could be liable in such cases. Similarly, poor loading could cause a truck to overturn or jackknife. If a loading error caused a collision, the loading company could be responsible for a victim’s losses.
A seasoned attorney in Woodland Hills could investigate an accident to identify all the potentially responsible parties.
Gathering Evidence of Negligence After a Semi Collision
Proving responsibility for an accident usually requires proving negligence, which indicates that a person failed to use the degree of care the circumstances required. If an insurer knows that an injured person could present a persuasive argument for negligence in court, the insurance company is more likely to offer a reasonable settlement before trial.
When building a case against a trucking company and other potentially reckless parties, a legal professional could review the following:
- Driving logs
- Vehicle maintenance records
- A trucking company’s delivery schedule
- A driver’s cell phone records
- Truck’s data recorder
- In-cab and external video footage
- A driver’s personnel file and training records
This evidence could indicate whether a trucker might have been distracted or tired, which is evidence of carelessness. In addition, if driver error was a factor in a collision, these records might determine whether the driver’s training was inadequate, meaning that the trucking company was guilty of negligent hiring.
A diligent attorney could collect evidence from the trucking company and other sources to prove negligence after a tractor-trailer crash in Woodland Hills.
When Can a Truck Accident Victim File a Civil Lawsuit?
California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 allows anyone injured in a truck accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation within two years of an incident. However, an accident victim should contact a legal team member immediately.
An important reason to get in touch with a legal representative is to give the legal professional time to establish evidence of negligence. It is beneficial to begin gathering evidence immediately since evidence could erode over time, and witnesses might die, move away, or disappear.
Having legal representation means the injured person will not have to contend with pressure from a trucking company’s insurer. They frequently will offer a settlement soon after an accident and push an injured person to accept their offer. An attorney could handle communication with the other parties and their insurers to ensure any settlement offers are adequate to cover the injured person’s losses.
Seek Help After a Truck Accident from a Woodland Hills Attorney
Trucking companies must take responsibility when one of their vehicles causes significant injuries to other drivers. A Woodland Hills truck accident lawyer could ensure that the trucking business and other negligent parties pay you the compensation you deserve.
Do not delay calling a legal representative. Contact a local injury attorney as soon as possible after your truck accident.
