Trying to juggle medical bills and damages to your vehicle after a truck accident should not be your responsibility if you are not the one at fault. However, truck accident claims can be uniquely challenging due to the higher financial stakes, federal regulations, and vicarious liability. A Pasadena truck accident lawyer can help you overcome the difficulties prevalent in commercial motor vehicle cases.
It is important for us at Venerable Injury Law that you understand all of your options. Working with our Pasadena personal injury lawyer can get you closer to the potential outcome you desire. With a combined experience of more than 30 years, our community-involved attorneys have helped people hold negligent parties accountable for their injuries and secure the fair settlement they deserve.
How to Determine If You Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident
Deciding if you should seek a lawyer’s assistance after a truck accident depends on your situation. A truck accident often involves more than just you and the driver. They have their own insurance, lawyers, and even the manufacturer could come into play.
When a trucking company is involved, having a truck accident attorney in Pasadena on your side is best. The insurance company for a trucking firm does not mess around, and its mission is to pay you as little as they can. When you have your legal representation, you will not have to be so pressured to take an offer, and their tactics may work less.
If your truck accident left you with injuries, lost income, or ongoing medical care, a lawyer becomes important to reach out to. When you did not cause the accident, you should not be left with the financial burden. Your lawyer can help you determine the full impact of your damages and see what potential compensation you may be entitled to.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
Common Reasons Truck Accidents Happen
A truck accident usually happens because of preventable issues. Knowing the most common causes can make a huge difference. Some of the most common reasons truck accidents occur are:
- Distracted Driving: Usually, a truck driver relies on GPS to get to their destination, and this can cause their focus to divert from the road. Other distractions may include a cell phone or radio.
- Driver Fatigue: Tight schedules and long shifts can cause slower reaction times and poor decisions.
- Improper Loading: Uneven or overloaded cargo can make trucks more difficult to control
- Reckless Driving or Speeding: A truck needs more time to stop, so speeding is especially dangerous
- Mechanical Problems: Tires, brakes, or other parts of the truck can cause serious accidents
Establishing negligence is critical to supporting your truck accident claim. It helps to understand whether the fault is with the driver, the company, or the manufacturer. Venerable Injury Law can preserve and gather critical evidence to constitute proof of negligence.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Possible Responsible Parties for a Commercial Truck Accident
Figuring out who is responsible for a commercial truck accident is not always straightforward, so a lawyer can help you figure out how fault is determined in a truck accident claim. It is helpful to know who to hold accountable to build your case and get potential compensation. Knowing the most common parties that could be responsible can be helpful.
The Truck Driver
One of the top parties typically at fault is the driver. Their actions behind the wheel often play a significant role in truck accidents. They should be held accountable if they break the traffic laws or ignore safety regulations.
The Trucking Company
A trucking company can be held responsible if it does not properly maintain its vehicles, hires unqualified employees, or pushes drivers to work past their dedicated hours. The company is legally responsible for ensuring that drivers and trucks operate safely, and it can share the blame if it cuts corners.
Other Third Parties
Sometimes, other parties, like cargo loaders, mechanics, or manufacturers, can be held responsible. Defective parts, unbalanced loads, or poor maintenance can lead to accidents. It is important to identify all the factors that contributed to them and hold the proper people accountable.
Knowing who is responsible for your accident is important to moving forward with your claim. More than one party may be at fault. This is why it is helpful to look at all possibilities to ensure you are getting the potential compensation you need.
The Most Important Documents to Have for Evidence
Having the right documents after an accident can significantly affect your case. These records can help prove what happened, who is responsible, and how it impacts your life. Some of the most important documents you should never skip are:
- Medical Records: These records show proof that your injuries result from the accident and can show how serious they are.
- Accident Report: The police report gives an official report on what happened with your accident and who is at fault. You can also request a report of a traffic accident occurring in California (SR-1 report) from the DMV.
- Insurance Information: This information will include coverage details, your police, and any correspondence with the company.
- Photo and Video Evidence: Take as many photos as you can and, if possible, add any videos to your collection.
- Repair Estimates: Documents showing the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle are helpful when preparing a claim.
These documents are critical to help prove that you need the compensation you are requesting in your claim. The more thorough your claim is, the better. Keep everything organized so you can quickly access it when asked and potentially speed up the process.
You are not just a case number – you are our top priority.
Injuries That May Be Associated With Truck Accidents
A truck accident can cause severe injuries. The impact can be catastrophic because of the vehicle size difference. Some of the injuries that often happen are:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Head injuries like traumatic brain injuries or concussions
- Serious burns or deep cups and gashes
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
Recovery may be a path that you will be on for a while. With that comes medical bills that you have to find a way to pay, so it is essential to know what you should do at the scene of a truck accident. This is why it is important to work with a truck accident lawyer in Pasadena to help make sure your case is strong.
Get Help From a Pasadena Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking laws and regulations can be particularly complicated to navigate. At Venerable Injury Law, we are here to support you and your family and advocate for your best interests. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the details of your accident with our compassionate team.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
