Big Rig Collision
It’s hard to travel along the 5 or 805 freeways near Chula Vista without having to navigate around a large truck. These 18-wheel big rigs weigh up to 80‚000 pounds. When a big-rig collides with a smaller vehicle‚ a motorcycle‚ pedestrian or bicyclist‚ significant damage could be inflicted. Chula Vista truck accidents often result in serious injuries and even death to occupants of the other vehicles. In the aftermath of an accident‚ victims can be left with a number of questions. Often‚ fear‚ anger, and confusion set in.
You may wonder who will help pay your mounting medical bills? How will you be compensated for lost wages and/or benefits? If you have been catastrophically injured and are unable to return to work‚ how are you and your family going to survive? How will the truck company or other responsible party be held accountable? You need an experienced Chula Vista auto accident lawyer on your side early on in the claims process. Call the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers at (888) 233-5020 to find out how we can help.
The Impact of Trucking Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)‚ there were 3‚921 fatalities and 104‚000 injuries in large truck accidents nationwide in the year 2012. Of the people killed in large truck accidents that year‚ 2‚843 were occupants of other vehicles‚ 381 were pedestrians and cyclists and 697 were occupants of large trucks. Of those injured‚ 76‚000 were occupants of other vehicles compared to 25‚000 who were in large trucks when they were injured.
What Causes a Truck Crash?
Truck driver error and negligence are the most common causes of truck accidents. According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)‚ of all truck accidents caused by driver error‚ 44 percent involved drivers who were taking prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs‚ 23 percent involved truckers traveling too fast given the conditions and 18 percent were caused by driver fatigue. Impaired and distracted truck drivers also pose a significant risk to other motorists on the roadway. In addition to driver negligence‚ other factors that cause or contribute to a major injury truck accident include failure to properly maintain the big rig and improper loading.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Trucking Accident in Chula Vista?
Depending on the circumstances of the case‚ a number of parties could be held financially responsible for injuries‚ damages and losses caused in a truck accident. They include:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- The individual or entity that leased the truck from the owner
- The company that loads the truck’s cargo
- The manufacturer of the truck or a defective part that may have caused or contributed to the accident.
What an Experienced Chula Vista Lawyer Can Do
Receiving support for your injuries following a Chula Vista truck accident can prove challenging. Trucking firms often fight the claim and truck insurance providers are known for denying claims and for offering inadequate settlements. Furthermore‚ if you fail to request the preservation of certain key pieces of evidence such as truck driver logs‚ maintenance records and cell phone records‚ they may get destroyed or lost.
Our San Diego personal injury attorneys will fight for your best interests and make sure that the at-fault driver‚ trucking company‚ truck owner and any other potentially liable parties are held accountable for your injuries and losses. Please contact us at (888) 233-5020 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
