A collision involving a large commercial truck typically causes much more severe injuries than accidents between two cars. Trucks can weigh up to 40 times more than the average car and are much greater in weight and size, as a result, most of the fatalities and serious injuries that occur in truck accidents are usually sustained by the occupants of the smaller car.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the damages related to your Redwood City truck accident, including financial reparations for:
• Lost wages;
• Past and future medical bills;
• Hospitalization;
• Pharmaceuticals;
• Pain and suffering;
• Damaged property.
Accident Hazards Unique to Commercial Trucks
Trucks are particularly difficult to drive because of its limits associated with braking, visibility, and acceleration. When truck drivers behave negligently or recklessly, catastrophic accidents can occur that are unique to collisions involving large trucks; accidents such as:
• Jackknifing: when a trailer swings out to the sides, due to a sudden stop by the truck driver.
• Underride accidents: when a smaller passenger vehicle crashes into the trailer attached to the truck and is pinned underneath the side or rear of the trailer.
• Override accidents: when a truck runs over a smaller vehicle from the front.
Causes of Redwood City Truck Accidents
There are multiple causes of truck accidents, such as poor road conditions, a reckless third-party driver, defective trucking equipment, or negligent truck driver behavior, including:
• Speeding;
• DUI / DWI;
• Aggressive driving;
• Driver fatigue;
• Distracted driving;
• Tailgating;
• Violating traffic rules and regulations.
Who can be Held Liable?
In cases where the truck driver or equipment is at-fault, unfairly injured victims can seek compensation from the parties responsible. Because the truck driver’s personal insurance is rarely sufficient to cover the damages incurred by a serious injury or wrongful death, a professional Redwood City truck accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you are entitled to by identifying all the possible defendants, including:
• Trucking company;
• Employment agency;
• Truck maintenance equipment;
• Company shipping the goods;
• Owner of the trailer or truck;
• Manufacturer of truck or its parts;
• Road design/maintenance company.
Recovering Your Rightful Compensation
Truck accident claims are more difficult and challenging than the average car accident claim, not only because trucking accidents are usually more severe, but because the trucking industry is regulated by state and federal laws. A knowledgeable San Mateo County accident attorney can help you prepare your claim paperwork, mediate negotiations, and protect your rightful compensation when insurance companies refuse to take responsibility for your injuries. Contact a Redwood City personal injury lawyer today for more information on how to proceed with your potential case.
