Truck Accident Lawyer Beverly Hills, CA

Steps To Take After A Truck Accident

Check Yourself and Others for Injuries

People’s wellbeing should always be a top priority in an accident. You should first make sure that you are alright, then move on to the passengers in your car and the people in the other vehicle. Call an ambulance immediately if anyone needs medical attention. 

Take Photos and Pull Over to Safety

Depending on where the accident took place, it is always a great idea to take photos of the accident so that you have evidence in court or to submit to insurance companies when you are seeking compensation. The more evidence you have in your favor, the better. Your truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA will be able to determine what is important to show in a case and what may end up hurting you more than helping. Sometimes, angles of photos don’t show the full story of what happened. This is why you need an expert to help see what a judge may see so that the correct account of the accident is given. 

If you cannot safely take photos where the accident happened, pull over to safety and wait until the police arrive. You can take a few photos of the road and the damage done to each vehicle to document everything possible. 

Call the Police

It is always important to have the police come to the scene of an accident so that they can write an official unbiased report of what happened. The officer will write an account of what appears to have happened, as well as gather all of the necessary contact information from each of the parties. 

Exchange Information

Even though the police officer should get all of the contact information, it is important to exchange this with the other party yourself so that you have this information when you need it. This includes a name and phone number, as well as insurance information and vehicle information. Write down the license plate number and details about the vehicle that hit you. 

Ways To Prevent Collisions With a Truck

Driving a truck is not the same as driving a car, and truckers have different ways to stay safe while traveling on the road. Trucking accidents are frightening for everyone involved and often lead to the need for a truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA to help settle lawsuits over compensation and damages. Defensive driving is one of the best ways a motorist can prevent a truck accident.

Increase the Distance When Following

You need to leave more space between your car and a truck traveling in front of you than you would typically do for a standard automobile. Anytime you follow a large vehicle, you have limited visibility for what`s happening ahead on the road. Increasing the distance when following gives you more time to react if you need to stop suddenly or swerve.

 Pass With Care

As you may find out when talking to an attorney with Seber Bulger Law, many truck accidents are caused by decisions made with poor judgment on account of both motorists and truck drivers. Trucks are much heavier than cars and can`t stop or slow down suddenly. Darting in front of a truck or passing without leaving enough space can cause an accident. Trucks also have blind spots that make it difficult for a driver to see you. If you can`t see the truck`s side mirrors, the driver can`t see you. Passing on the driver`s side is the safest, as the blind spot is wider on the other side.

 Watch for Turn Signals

Trucks require a greater turning radius than cars, and drivers experience less visibility than a car. Err on the side of giving a truck more room whenever you see turn signals go on. Give the truck the right of way, as you consider the speed and flow of traffic. When a truck signals to pass you or move in front of you, go ahead and move over or let it in. This could avoid an accident and having to call a truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA.

Limit Driving Distractions

Distracted driving can be deadly, no matter how minor you think the distraction might be. Eating while driving, using a cell phone, fiddling with things in the console or driving while sleepy can reduce your ability to drive safely and avoid accidents with trucks and other vehicles.

Defensive driving and these tips can help keep you out of a truck`s way when driving down the road. However, if an accident occurs, Seber Bulger Law may be able to help.

Truck Accident Infographic

The Main Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck drivers are usually more skillful drivers than a typical driver, but they can still be prone to accidents. Sometimes the accidents are due to a driver’s negligence and other times it can be other factors such as the road conditions, weather, or other drivers. When the truck driver is at fault the main causes are:

• Driver fatigue: Unfortunately, many truck drivers work long hours and may not always have time to get proper sleep. Compounded with stress, driver fatigue is perhaps the most common cause of a trucking accident. 
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is an issue in every area and can affect truck drivers as well. Truck drivers will drive long stretches of highway without much entertainment and might resort to texting or finding a podcast or radio station that can result in an accident. 
• Alcohol and drugs: Due to the stresses and demands of the job sometimes truckers resort to using alcohol and drugs. In particular substances like amphetamines and cocaine are often abused because they can allow a driver to stay awake. 
• Speeding and other traffic violations: Like any driver, a truck driver might speed or commit other traffic violations. 
• Inadequate training: There are strict rules and regulations that truck drivers have to undergo such as a certain number of hours a driver must be on the road. In addition to some truck drivers being able to find ways to bypass certain requirements, sometimes truck drivers aren’t properly trained under certain conditions. These could include weather that they’re unfamiliar with or driving a different type of truck. 

Some truck accident causes may also not be the driver’s fault (at least not entirely). These may include: 

• Weather conditions: Even the best-trained truck driver may have difficulty in certain weather conditions. While pedestrians often have the luxury of not needing to drive during extreme climates such as a terrible snowstorm or heavy rains, truck drivers may not always have this luxury. Even mild weather can be a problem when combined with other factors such as distracted driving or poor road conditions. 
• Improperly loaded cargo: While drivers are required to perform quality checks on their cargo before and during certain stages of their trip, because they usually don’t help load the cargo themselves some oversights can still happen. These issues can especially be harmful if there is hazardous materials being transported. 

Knowing the Cause Can Help

Having an idea of the main cause of the trucking accident can help when talking with your truck accident lawyer or when communicating with the police. Of course, the police will follow up on their own investigation, but providing as much information as possible can help point them in the right direction and can better help your lawyer build a case. It might be difficult to gather evidence especially immediately following the accident, but any signs that can point to the driver’s negligence, unsafe road conditions, etc. can go a long way. It’s recommended, though, to consult with your lawyer first about any insights you may have into what caused the accident before communicating with the police or other parties. 

 What Not To Do After A Truck Accident

Skip Medical Appointments

It’s important for your health and your case to attend all of your doctor’s appointments after a truck accident. Your truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA, can use your vigilance in attending appointments to show initiative on your part and support your claim, and missing these appointments could seriously inhibit your recovery. If you’re unable to make it to an appointment, try to reschedule at your earliest convenience and let the professionals at Seber Bulger Law know why you can’t go.

Neglect Your Prescribed Treatments

As well as attending your doctor’s appointments, you should also stay on top of any medications, physical therapy or other treatments your medical team prescribes after the accident. Be sure not to miss any doses and follow prescribed instructions carefully; this is another great way to show initiatve and support your case, and following your treatment plan can make recovery faster and easier. If you’re struggling with adverse reactions and side effects of your medications, let your doctor know right away so you can start looking for alternatives.

Share Details of Your Case

You never know how or when details can be used against you during legal affairs, so nearly any truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA, would advise you not to share details of your case with anyone. Avoid mentioning information about the incident online, especially on social media, and don’t attempt to contact anyone else involved in the accident without the consent and assistance of the professionals at Seber Bulger Law. 

Sign Anything Without a Lawyer

Like sharing information, signing documents without your lawyer’s professional help can be a bad idea. Unless you’re well-versed in vehicular laws and legal jargon, you may miss crucial pieces of information that could help or hurt your case depending on the context they’re used in. If you’re ever instructed to sign a form, don’t agree to do so without your truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA, present. You also have a right to decline being recorded or giving a statement without consulting your lawyer first.

Push Yourself Too Hard

After a truck accident, your body needs plenty of time to recover. It’s important that you take all the rest you need to allow your wounds to heal; if you’re able to, don’t return to work until your injuries are fully recovered. If you’re struggling without a regular paycheck, speak with your lawyer to learn about your options.

Beverly Hills Truck Accident FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Collision?

In the wake of a collision with a truck, your safety is paramount. First, ensure you are in a secure location and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene by taking photographs and gathering witness information if possible. It’s also crucial to notify the authorities and have an official report filed. You should also call a Beverly Hills truck accident lawyer to ensure you have proper representation. 

How Does A Collision With A Truck Differ From Other Vehicle Accidents?

Collisions involving trucks often result in more severe injuries and complex legal issues due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Additionally, there may be multiple parties involved, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance companies, making these cases more intricate than standard vehicle accidents.

When Should I Contact A Lawyer?

It’s advisable to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure vital evidence is preserved. A lawyer can also assist in handling communications with insurance companies and other parties involved.

What Types Of Compensation Can I Pursue?

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specifics depend on the details of your case, and a lawyer can help you understand what compensation you may be eligible for. One of the lawyers at Seber Bulger Law can assist with this. 

How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?

The time limit for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state. Generally, it’s within a few years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to act swiftly to ensure your claim is filed within these legal time frames.

Will My Case Go To Court?

Many truck accident cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Beverly Hills truck accident lawyer should be prepared to take your case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Expect During The Legal Process?

Your lawyer will guide you through each step, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. They will handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.

How Do Lawyer Fees Work In These Cases?

Most lawyers in this field work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or win at trial. The fee is usually a percentage of the compensation awarded. Be sure to discuss fee structures with your lawyer upfront.

Contact Us Today

Finally, make sure you reach out to Saber Bulger right away so that we can assist you with your truck accident. We are experienced in this field and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t delay — you do not want to miss the statute of limitations for filing.