Heavy traffic and distracted driving often lead to California car accidents. When these accidents involve commercial trucks, the results can be devastating. If your car was hit by a truck and you haven’t been able to work, you may benefit from contacting a personal injury attorney for help. Below is an overview of personal injury law and how it relates to vehicle accidents.
Statistics
According to Distracted Driver Accidents.com, accidents involving trucks are higher than ever before. A the end of 2015, the states with the most accidents involving trucks were:
California
Texas
Georgia
Florida
Pennsylvania
The primary reasons accidents involving trucks occur are:
Fatigue
Truck drivers are often required to travel long distances in a short period of time. This leads to driving while fatigued that often results in accidents.
Drug Use
Many truck drivers have resorted to using stimulants to keep them awake on long runs. The results can be devastating for other drivers if an accident occurs.
Speed
Truck drivers have little time to deliver the goods they are hauling. For this reason, speed is often a major factor in crashes.
Who Is Responsible?
If you were hurt in an accident involving a truck, you want to know who is going to be responsible for compensating you for the injuries you sustained. This can be a complicated matter but the primary people responsible include:
The Truck Driver
The Maker Of The Truck
The Owner Of The Trailer And Truck
Whoever Loaded The Truck
What Expenses Can You Be Compensated For?
After an accident, you most likely have unpaid medical bills and have missed time from work. If the accident caused you serious injury, you may be out of work for months to come. California law has guidelines in place for those injured in these types of accidents. Some expenses you are entitled to recover include:
Ambulance Transport Costs
Doctor Bills
Cost Of Diagnostic Testing
Hospital Costs
Cost Of Alternate Transportation
Income Lost Due To Time Off From Work
Therapy Fees
Price Of Medical Devices
If You Are Disabled
If the truck accident caused you to become disabled for the long term or permanently, you may be able to be compensated. An experienced personal injury lawyer can accurately calculate the amount of earnings you would have made if you had not been injured. This total includes earnings you would have made over your entire career. Some factors considered in this type of settlement include:
Are You Permanently Disabled
Can You Perform The Same Job
Will You Be Unable To Work For The Remainder Of Your Life
General Damages
In addition to medical bills and payment for lost income, you may also be entitled to general damages. While it can be a bit more difficult to prove these types of damages some examples include:
Pain And Suffering
Loss Of Companionship
Incovenience
Can A Lawyer Help?
Hiring a lawyer who is experienced in California personal injury law can increase your chance of obtaining a fair settlement for your accident. Personal injury law is complicated and it can be difficult to handle the case on your own. Some ways a lawyer can help include:
Gather The Facts Surrounding The Accident
Speak With Your Doctors And Medical Experts
Talk With The Trucking Company And Their Insurance Company
Negotiate A Settlement With The Insurance Company
File Court Documents
Represent Your Interests At Trial
If you have been unable to work after a car accident, contact a personal injury attorney for advice. This is one of the best ways to be sure you obtain the amount of money you deserve for your injuries.
Need legal help? Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys and Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are available to help whenever, and wherever, you need it.
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