San Jose Truck Accident Attorneys

A:The numbers vary from year to year but on average, there are approximately 5,000 fatalities each year from truck accidents. California routinely has one of the highest truck fatality numbers in the country and had 318 in 2008.

A:As with other types of motor vehicle accidents, driver error is one of the most prevalent causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers, especially those on long hauls, are particularly prone to fatigue, distracted driving, and mistakes stemming from alcohol or drug abuse. Other causes seen frequently with truck accidents are improper maintenance and product/part malfunction. Factors like weather, poor road conditions, and unmarked construction zones also often play a role. Ultimately, no two accidents are the same and each big rig accident will have its own set of unique circumstances and issues. If you've been involved in a truck accident, it's important not to assume anything when it comes to liability as so many different factors can be present. A detailed and specific investigation into your crash is the only way to isolate all potential causes and, consequently, all potential defendants.

A:The answer has much to do with the physics of truck accidents. Big rigs are enormous machines, sometimes weighing up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. They are also capable of traveling at high speeds and gaining devastating momentum. The force of a big rig traveling at even a relatively slow speed is often much greater than the force a smaller car can achieve at a high rate of speed. Trucks and big rigs are also built differently from smaller or commuter vehicles. With heavier chassis and construction aimed at deflecting force and protecting the truck, big rigs are incredibly sturdy and will not crumple upon impact. This has the effect of transferring more force to the other vehicle (and occupants) it collides with

A:The longer you wait, the riskier it becomes that something detrimental will happen to your case. For starters, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is usually two years but can be as short as six months. In addition, if you deal with the insurance company or opposing counsel on your own, you could make a statement--explicitly or implicitly--that could be used against you for liability purposes or in calculating damages. Moreover, if the defendant in your case has hired an attorney, the best way to level the playing field will be for you to retain your own counsel as soon as possible. Finally, if you wait to retain counsel, you could miss collecting important evidence or forget important details not memorialized in writing with an attorney.