Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Glendale, CA

If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in Glendale or surrounding areas, you are likely to face significant legal challenges when seeking compensation due to complex personal injury laws. However, legal barriers should not bar you from receiving financial support to recover from an accident that was not your fault. Knowing what steps to take after a truck accident in Glendale, California can help you obtain the compensation you need. For guidance through the legal process, a compassionate truck accident lawyer in Glendale can provide the support and expertise you need.

5 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Glendale, CA

1. Get to safety – Directly after your truck accident, the conditions may be perilous. Move your car out of the way of any imminent danger, such as potential fires or oncoming traffic. Before getting out of the car, ensure that it is safe to do so.
2. Check for injuries – Make sure that you and other individuals at the scene of the accident have not sustained any severe injuries. If someone is in a life-threatening medical condition, call 911 right away and notify the operator so that adequate medical personnel can be dispatched.
3. Notify law enforcement – California law requires individuals to report motor vehicle accidents that lead to significant property damage, injury, or death. Call the Glendale Police Department or California Highway Patrol so that they can assess the damage and generate an accident report. Collect this accident report, as it can serve as crucial evidence for any insurance or legal claims you pursue down the line. For more detailed guidance on handling the aftermath of an accident, refer to the California Department of Insurance’s guide.
4. Avoid admitting fault – When interacting with the Police Department or other parties involved in the crash, it is crucial that you avoid any statements or apologies that could potentially imply that you caused the accident. This could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for damages or injuries after your truck accident.
5. Collect information and evidence – Be sure to get the contact information, insurance information, driver’s license information, and license plate of all other parties involved in the crash. Again, avoid admitting fault, as well as statements of blame. If any witnesses are present at the scene of the truck accident, collect their contact information and ask them if they would be willing to make any statements about the accident. They can provide crucial testimony later on for establishing fault in your case. If possible, collect photos and videos of the conditions at the scene of your crash, including any skid marks, road conditions, and vehicle damage, as well as traffic signals and signs. Any general photos of the accident scene could be useful later on.
6. Consult with a Glendale truck accident lawyer – Truck accident cases involve complicated rules and regulations, including federal trucking laws. This sets them apart from traditional car accidents. An individual who has experience successfully handling Glendale truck accidents can assist you with investigating the conditions surrounding the accident and determining who was liable in your case. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a just compensation package. Furthermore, they can help you understand any crucial deadlines coming up so you do not miss your right to obtain compensation for truck accident damages. From managing your case to establishing liability, an experienced Glendale truck accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need to move on from your accident.

FAQs:

Q: How Can a Lawyer Help with My Truck Accident Case?

A: A lawyer can provide you with crucial support with your truck accident case by looking into the details of your accident and determining parties that could be potentially liable. They can collect evidence and work with subject matter experts to build up your case and prove the other party’s fault.

After building up a strong case, they can negotiate or litigate on your behalf to bring home an optimal settlement that represents the full extent of your damages.

Q: What Should I Avoid Saying After a Truck Accident?

A: After a truck accident, you should avoid making any statements that imply you are at fault for the accident. Furthermore, you should avoid making any statements that could potentially place blame on other parties. Be sure to not sign off on any documents from the insurance company of the other party without first speaking with an attorney. They can handle communications and negotiations on your behalf, working to defend your rights and interests.

Q: Can I Sue the Trucking Company for My Injuries?

A: Yes, you can sue the trucking company for your injuries if they were liable for the accident that led to your injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can help you uncover crucial evidence that proves their liability, such as through maintenance logs, black box data, and company documentation. A trucking company may be liable for not limiting the amount of time a driver is on the road without breaks or for failure to vet safe drivers.

Q: What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

A: After a truck accident, you may be entitled to a variety of both economic and non-economic compensation. Economic compensation you may be entitled to includes support for property damage, medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, and financial support required for rehabilitation. Non-economic compensation you might recover includes money for emotional distress, physical pain, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Q: What Is the Deadline for Filing a Claim After a Truck Accident in California?

A: The deadline to file a claim after a California truck accident is typically two years from the date the accident took place. This deadline, however, can vary depending on whether you are suing for property damage or personal injury. A truck accident attorney can work closely with you to help you understand the specific deadlines for your case, helping ensure that you do not lose your right to pursue compensation in the wake of your crash.

Get Support You Need with a Glendale Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents in Glendale and surrounding areas can lead to significant damages, including long-lasting physical injuries and lost wages from being out of work for weeks or even months. You should not have to suffer from the repercussions of an accident caused by someone else. An experienced truck accident attorney from Karlin & Karlin can help you hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you need. Contact us today to get started.