Sunnyvale Truck Accident Lawyers
Sunnyvale Truck Accident FAQs
Some of the most destructive accidents on Northern California roads and highways involve large trucks. Tractor-trailer trucks, or big rigs, are capable of wreaking maximum havoc on unsuspecting motorists. Big rigs pose extreme danger to other motorists and unfortunately, are responsible for thousands of deaths each year in the United States.
1. I've just been in a truck accident. What should I do first?
As with any accident, the most important thing to do is to seek medical attention, even if you feel that your injuries are only minor. Even if you think you suffered no injury, seeking medical attention is always a prudent course of action as many injuries do not manifest themselves until days after an accident. Particularly with truck accidents which usually cause severe damages, you should never turn away medical attention. After an accident, call the police and paramedics yourself or make sure someone else does.
Next, it is crucial that you take note of as many details of the accident as possible, especially while they remain fresh in your mind. In many Sunnyvale truck accidents, liability is disputed and your ability to accurately recount the details of the accident could be very important. To ensure you are not taken advantage of and your legal rights are not infringed, you should consult with an experienced Sunnyvale truck accident attorney as soon as possible who will fight for your rights in a court of law.
2. I don't remember much from the crash. What are some common causes of truck accidents?
There are a number of factors that can lead to a Sunnyvale truck accident but negligence is usually the common thread to truck accidents. Negligence can take many forms and some of the more common causes of Sunnyvale truck accidents include: reckless driving; excessive speeding; operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance; improper upkeep or maintenance; defective parts; and ignoring dangerous road conditions. Because there can be so many different causes of truck accidents along with many factors to consider, it is essential that a thorough investigation is conducted to accurately determine what happened.
3. Do truck drivers have to follow different driving rules in California than your average motorist does?
As far as the rules of the road are concerned, there is little difference in how a truck driver operates his or her vehicle and how the owner of a smaller passenger car is expected to operate theirs. Everyone is bound by the same California Vehicle Code which at its heart prohibits negligent driving and/or operation of motor vehicles. Truck drivers, however, are held to and must follow strict federal guidelines regarding how they operate their trucks. For example, they may only operate their big rigs for a maximum number of hours within a 24-hour period, and must stop to rest in between such periods.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers, in attempts to deliver their loads either ahead of or on schedule, choose to disregard the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's rules and regulations. Many drivers use stimulants in order to stay awake and work for longer periods of time. When the stimulant wears off, the results can be devastating as even one seemingly minor mistake or violation often leads to serious accidents.
4. Who can file a truck accident lawsuit, and what can one expect from doing so?
Generally speaking, if you were injured in a truck accident by someone else’s negligence, you may file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. These parties can include the driver, owner, employer, or other motorists who may be only partially responsible. In Sunnyvale truck accident wrongful death cases, the family members of the decedent may file a lawsuit on behalf of their lost loved one against the responsible parties.
Your principal expectation in filing a lawsuit against a negligent party should be to hold that party accountable and to recoup damages for your injuries. This is often easier said than done, however, and to ensure your rights are protected, you should consult with a skilled Sunnyvale truck accident attorney at Van Der Walde & Associates. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and uncover all negligent parties and theories of recovery. The damages you can expect to receive include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and sometimes even loss of companionship and consortium.
If you have been injured in a Sunnyvale truck accident, contact us today at (877) 862-6288 for a free, confidential, and no obligation consultation to discuss your case.
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