How Are Accidents Involving Oversized or Overweight Trucks Handled?

If an oversized or overweight truck crashes into your vehicle in West Sacramento, CA, it is important to handle the incident the right way. Otherwise, if you try to move on from the crash as quickly as possible, you risk missing out on getting damages from the trucker who caused your collision. With help from a Sacramento truck accident lawyer, you can take appropriate steps to recover from your crash and secure the compensation that you deserve.

At Triumph Law, P.C., we have extensive experience with truck collision cases in West Sacramento. We can connect you with a West Sacramento truck accident attorney who wants to help you in any way possible. To get started, please reach out to us.

Get Medical Help After Your Truck Accident

Large trucks make up only 5% of all registered vehicles in the United States, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). However, if a trucker crashes their vehicle into a car, they can cause much more significant harm than a smaller vehicle would. Thus, it is paramount to call 911 if you are involved in a trucking crash, which will bring medical personnel and police to your accident scene.

At this point, medical professionals will treat you and anyone else involved in your trucking collision. Meanwhile, police officers can gather information from you and anyone else at the accident scene. They will use this information to put together an accident report.

Along with calling 911, it is beneficial to gather evidence at the scene of your trucking crash. You can use your smartphone to snap photos and videos of any vehicle damage or injuries that you incur. These can be used as evidence if you want to sue for damages.

You Can Sue a Negligent Truck Driver and Their Employer

Trucking accidents can happen at any time and for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons why truck collisions are reported in West Sacramento include:

Distracted Driving

A trucker can take their eyes off the road for just a second but travel a long distance, putting others at risk. When a trucker is driving while distracted, they can cause a crash. In this situation, the driver can be required to pay compensation to anyone who got hurt during the accident.

Intoxicated Driving

It is illegal for any motorist to drive while impaired. If a trucker gets behind the wheel while they are intoxicated from the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can cause an accident. This driver can be held financially responsible for any damages that result and face criminal charges.

Driver Fatigue

Commercial drivers can spend long hours on the road. When a truck driver feels exhausted, they are increasingly prone to mistakes. In one of the worst-case scenarios, a trucker can feel tired, be slow to respond, and cause a crash in which other motorists or pedestrians are injured.

Unsecured Load

If the loading company or other party does not secure the cargo properly, problems can arise. For instance, the driver may turn too quickly, which can cause the load to shift. This can result in a tip-over in which other motorists or pedestrians suffer injuries. Both the loading company and the driver could be held liable.

Truck Performance Issues

A trucking company may not inspect its vehicles regularly. This can lead to safety issues that impact the performance of their vehicles. If a trucker is driving a tractor-trailer with defective brakes or similar problems, they may be unable to prevent a crash.

Poor Weather or Road Conditions

Inclement weather or bumpy roads do not excuse poor driving. If a trucker blames the weather for an accident, they can still be held accountable. A West Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help anyone who got hurt in the crash sue for damages.

The team at Triumph Law, P.C. takes the guesswork out of trucking accident claims. Our truck accident lawyer in West Sacramento can provide you with the help you need to get damages from a trucking driver, their employer, or both. For more information, please reach out to us.

Do Not Wait to File a Trucking Crash Lawsuit

You have a maximum of two years from the date of your trucking collision to request damages. This is in accordance with California’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. If you decide against submitting a claim within this window, you lose the right to do so at a later date.

A truck accident attorney in West Sacramento can help you file your personal injury claim in accordance with California’s statute of limitations. In the event your loved one passed away as a result of the crash, your lawyer can work with you to submit a wrongful death claim. In either scenario, your attorney will put you in the best position to secure the most compensation they can.

After you submit your claim, the defendant in your case will have an opportunity to respond. If you have a compelling case, the truck driver or their employer may propose a settlement. You then have the option to close your claim if you accept a settlement offer.

Beware the Dangers of Instantly Accepting a Truck Crash Settlement Proposal

Before you approve a settlement proposal, consult with an attorney. Typically, it is beneficial to hire a lawyer who has a track record of success in trucking collision cases. This lawyer likely has received dozens of positive client reviews, and they will do whatever they can to help you get a fair settlement.

Your lawyer can go over a settlement proposal with you and answer any questions that you have about the offer. If your attorney feels like it is not in your best interests to accept a proposal, they will let you know. Ultimately, you have the final say on any settlement proposal and whether to approve, reject, or counter it.

By hiring the team at Triumph Law, P.C. for your truck accident case, you can reap the benefits that come with having best-in-class legal representation. We will make it simple to file a trucking collision claim and get compensation from any at-fault parties. To find out more or request a confidential case consultation, please contact us today.