Trucking Accidents
The past ten years have seen major developments in the trucking industry, from advances in the technology found in the vehicles on the road to significant changes in the rules and regulations that govern the industry itself. A truck accident is complex from both an investigation and litigation perspective. These complexities range from the impact of on-board electronics and the latest governmental regulations on hours of service to truck driver fatigue and the admissibility of simulations in court.
Our firm represents plaintiffs in accidents involving semi-tractor trailers and 18-wheelers. Because of the large size of semi-tractor trailers and 18-wheelers (some up to 75,000 pounds) persons in automobiles who are struck by these trucks are at an elevated risk for severe injuries, such as:
- Death
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Internal bleeding and internal injury to organs
- Severe bruising
- Burn injuries
Because of the heightened risks for big rig trucks causing severe injury if involved in an accident, several specific regulations have been implemented by the California Vehicle Code. Violation of any of these statutes, if that specific violation was the cause of the accident, is called negligence per se, which means that the elements of negligence required to be proven are deemed proven automatically due to the violation. Some specific truck-oriented statutes include regulations regarding:
- Height and width
- Length
- Weight
- Speed
- Lane Restrictions
- Load Limitations
- Regulations for drivers on hours of service
Injuries suffered as a result of big rig accidents can be severe and life altering. You may have suffered a spinal cord injury or paralysis, head trauma, broken bones, dislocated limbs, internal bleeding, internal organ damage, burns or whiplash. Our firm understands that your immediate goals after going through such trauma are to get your medical bills paid and covered, make sure you do not suffer financially by missing work, and make sure your insurance company will pay for past and future treatment relating to your injury. Our experienced attorneys will discuss your situation and present all the options available to you, as well as work with insurance companies to make sure all your needs are handled quickly and professionally.
In all big rig accidents, it is essential that certain measures be taken immediately to preserve evidence, investigate the accident, interview those involved in the accident as well as witnesses, and file a lawsuit prior to the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations.
