While truck drivers are just as likely as other drivers to be involved in collisions, they’re far more likely to cause catastrophic damage and injuries on the road.
If you’ve been the victim of a truck collision, the resulting damage extends far beyond your physical health. You’re likely facing medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and countless other issues.
Fortunately, California law allows truck accident victims to recover monetary damages for their injuries and related damages. A Santa Clara truck accident lawyer at Golden State Lawyers, APC can help you ensure that justice is served.
Common Santa Clara Truck Accident Injuries
When a semi-truck or 18-wheeler crashes into you, the potential for severe injuries is high. Severe injuries commonly tied to truck accidents include the following:
- Spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Ocular or visual damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Presenting the Full Picture
You may very well sustain any combination of injuries, along with other physical harm, in a commercial trucking accident. Because Santa Clara truck accident injuries can be so severe, it’s important not to underestimate your past, present, and future losses tied to the accident. You will likely only have one chance to recover damages.
Variables like medical expenses, lost wages or earning power, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair costs will need to be factored into your claim.
While quantifying your many damages may seem daunting, your Santa Clara 18-wheeler accident lawyer will have experience tallying up these losses and can use that experience to help you.
Fault in Commercial Trucking Wrecks
To understand fault in California truck accidents, you must first understand the concept of comparative negligence. Comparative negligence essentially makes it so multiple parties can held liable in an accident, regardless of how minimal their involvement is.
For example, in your case, the truck driver may be found 60 percent responsible for the crash, while you’re found 40 percent liable. This would result in 40 percent less compensation than what you’re awarded.
Because multiple parties can share the blame for your truck crash, your lawyer may be able to name several parties within the construction industry in your claim for compensation.
The trucker may be the first and most obvious party to blame, but did any cargo fall off the truck and contribute to your crash? Did a part on the truck or your vehicle malfunction and cause the accident? In those cases, you could name the cargo loader and part manufacturer in your claim.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the period of time during which you can file a claim for compensation. Once this deadline has passed, you will not be able to file a claim.
The statute of limitations for California truck accident injury claims is two years. To pursue compensation for property damage, you have three years.
These deadlines can come and go quickly, so it’s important that you enlist the services of a Santa Clara truck crash attorney as soon after your accident as possible.
Contact a Santa Clara Semi-Truck Collision Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim of a truck accident, don’t let yourself get pushed around while you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
A Santa Clara truck accident lawyer at Golden State Lawyers, APC can help you stand your ground and build a successful claim. To start the process, call us at 408-279-4222 or fill out the online contact form below.