What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in the Bay Area?
San Jose Truck Accident Lawyers Explain
A loaded tractor-trailer rig can weigh as much as 40 tons, while a large passenger car weighs a mere two tons at most. As a result of that disparity, when a truck collides with a car, the consequences can be catastrophic and often fatal. When an accident like this happens, it is usually due to negligence on the part of the truck driver and/or the trucking company. Therefore, if you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a semi-truck collision, you may be able to claim compensation from the commercial carrier. However, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible to ensure that you can recover the maximum compensation available.
At Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, our San Jose truck accident lawyers have more than 75 years of combined experience helping injury victims in Northern California. We know that an injury victim faces a long, tough road ahead. Thus, we are prepared to stand by your side throughout the entire process. In a free initial consultation, we can advise you of your legal rights and options based on your unique circumstances. Then, we may be able to shoulder the legal burden of filing a claim for you, so you can focus on healing.
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Our law firm has represented many victims of truck-related accidents in California. Some common causes of the truck accidents include:
- Fatigue: One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. For truck drivers, time is money. Therefore, many drivers force their bodies to keep driving long past the point of exhaustion. Alternatively, trucking companies may encourage employees to work long hours. This can lead to swerving and unpredictable driving behavior, which can cause a serious accident.
- Distraction: Cellphones, GPS devices, eating and using the radio are all examples of distractions that can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road and lead to a serious crash.
- Intoxication: Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s judgment and reflexes. If you or someone you love is in an accident with an inebriated driver, then seek help from an experienced injury attorney.
- Vehicle defects: Trucks are complex pieces of machinery, so there is a lot that can go wrong. If tires, brakes or other components malfunction, then the truck driver may lose control of the vehicle and cause a devastating accident.
- Reckless driving: Truck drivers should treat their fellow motorists with courtesy and respect. Yet some big-rig drivers tailgate, speed and perform unsafe lane changes, endangering the lives of everyone on the road.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
After a truck crash, you should seek any necessary medical treatment right away. Then, it is important that you contact a San Jose truck accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can begin gathering evidence to support your case. Since trucking companies are often responsible for these wrecks, these companies often have the most valuable evidence. This may include truck maintenance records, information about the driver and more. An attorney can take steps to obtain this evidence and prevent its loss or intentional destruction. Additionally, a lawyer will take necessary photographs of the scene and the vehicles involved and gather any available witness statements.
Furthermore, an attorney can investigate the truck itself to determine whether defects or other factors played a role in the wreck. Identifying all possible liable parties can help maximize your compensation.
After a wreck, the trucking company and/or its insurer may contact you to try to get a statement about the crash. However, you should always refuse to give a statement until you have time to consult a qualified team of San Jose truck accident lawyers.
Questions? Contact Our San Jose Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident, we at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP have the experience and knowledge to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. If your condition prevents you from visiting our office, we will visit you at your home or wherever is most convenient to you. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (408) 956-6949 or use our online contact form. We handle injury cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that you pay us nothing unless you recover compensation.
