Truck accidents happen every day. They are scary, dangerous, unpredictable, and often devastating to everyone involved. Truck accidents are some of the most catastrophic accidents that can happen on a highway, and if you survive a truck accident, it is important that you protect yourself. If you were injured in a truck accident, hire a California truck accident lawyer to represent you.

During your recovery, you do not have to face insurance companies and truck companies alone. You may be eligible for compensation.

Do You Really Need a Lawyer?

If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, there is a chance that the trucking company will try to absolve themselves of any responsibility with the help of their lawyers. To ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your pain and suffering, you should employ an experienced truck accident lawyer to represent your interests against the attorneys being engaged by the trucking company.

A skilled attorney can make sure you are compensated for anything you may have lost due to the accident. Most personal injury lawyers take cases based on a contingency fee, meaning that they do not get paid if you do not win your case. A good truck accident lawyer helps you by:

  • Launching an independent investigation into the crash.
  • Gathering and compiling evidence to support your claim. That can include video of the crash, witness statements, medical records, and anything else that can help.
  • Giving you sound and consistent legal advice for your situation.
  • Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you are not taken advantage of.
  • Representing your interests in court if it comes to that. Not every trucking accident claim will make it to court. It may end in a settlement. Either way, your lawyer will be prepared to fight for you.
  • Preparing for your appeal if your first claim is denied for whatever reason. If your first claim is shot down in court, it is not the end. You and your attorney can work to strengthen your case and pursue an appeal.

What Is Covered By an Insurance Claim?

If you do end up filing a truck accident claim, it is important to know what can be covered by the settlement you are pursuing. Here are just a few of the items covered by your personal injury claim:

  • Medical bills: Any medical expenses that you accrue because of the accident are automatically covered by insurance. This includes hospital stays, medication costs, ambulance rides, surgery costs, and anything else related to your injury.
  • Auto repairs: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle can be covered as well. If you had a run-in with a truck, odds are you are going to need some substantial vehicle repairs.
  • Lost wages: If you have been unable to work since your injury, any wages you may have missed out on can be covered by your claim.
  • Funeral costs: If you lost a loved one in the accident, any funeral arrangements or services can be covered by your claim. You may want to consider filing a wrongful death suit as well.
  • Additional costs: If you have had to hire additional childcare services, housekeeping services, or any kind of extra services you usually don’t have to subscribe to, you can get them covered by your claim.

FAQs

Q: How Much Can You Get for Pain and Suffering from a Truck Accident in California?

A: California state law sets no limit on a pain and suffering claim. The amount that you can receive depends entirely on the situation at hand. The court takes into account the severity of your injury, the nature of the case, and the judge and jury’s discretion. You and your attorney will request a certain amount for pain and suffering, and the court will determine if that is fair.

Q: How Much Is the Average Accident Settlement in California?

A: In California, the average settlement for a vehicular accident can vary greatly. There is no set standard settlement amount. It is all decided on a case-by-case basis, with many different factors considered to determine a total, fair amount. Any auto accident victim is entitled to pursue a personal injury or accident claim in a California court. If you documented your injuries and have evidence of the accident, your claim will be considered.

Q: Who Determines Fault in a Truck Accident in California?

A: Since California is an “at fault” state, insurance companies play a significant role in determining fault in a truck accident claim case. In an “at fault” state, the driver who is found to be at fault in an accident can be found liable for all damages or injuries caused by the accident. Insurance companies will investigate thoroughly and determine fault by going through accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other evidence they deem significant to the case.

Q: How Do Insurance Companies Determine Fault in California?

A: Insurance companies typically determine fault through their own independent investigation, at which point they will determine fault in one of two ways: common-law negligence, which establishes negligence under a breach of duty, or statutory negligence, which shows that one of the drivers violated the California Vehicle Code. Both have to be proved through evidence of wrongdoing, and there may be blame assigned to every party involved.

Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Today

Dealing with the fallout from a truck accident is a difficult road to travel. You may be left shaken, confused, angry, terrified, and ready for action. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney to support you through one of your most vulnerable times can be just the thing you need to make a difference in your case.

Having a strong attorney on your side is an effective way to ensure that the insurance company, the trucking company, and the courts all recognize how serious you are about your claim. Contact Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates today to schedule a consultation.