Many vehicle collisions are serious, but colliding with a commercial truck on a California highway is likely to be catastrophic. If you’re a victim, you’ll need to focus on recovering while simultaneously gathering evidence, which involves more than taking photographs at the accident scene. Here are some reasons why a truck collision’s aftermath is more complicated than a car crash.
More potential victims
An out-of-control truck on a busy highway can cut a swath of damage across multiple traffic lanes before it finally stops. This degree of damage will inevitably lead to numerous lawsuits and interactions among the victims.
Different regulations
A device in a commercial truck logs the driver’s hours behind the wheel, and you will need to request a copy of these entries. A driver must take rest breaks when driving long distances, and the electronic record will show whether or not the driver complied. Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents.
Multiple parties involved
A commercial hauler will often use a third-party company to load the freight and ensure that the balance and weight are appropriate for the vehicle. This data requires verification from the accident investigator.
The investigator must also check the truck’s maintenance history and suspected manufacturer’s defects. If there were safety recalls, the manufacturer should have a compliance record.
Longer-term injuries
If you’ve been in a truck accident, your injuries may result in chronic pain or life-long disability. You must protect yourself and your future by ensuring that an insurance offer or a lawsuit adequately compensates you if you’re the victim. Keep a complete record of all your medical expenses, office visits and time off work.
If you’re involved in a truck crash, obtain the professional help you’ll probably need to complete a thorough investigation. It may be too complicated for one person to handle alone.