When a truck collides with another vehicle or a person, the aftermath is often devastating. Injuries might be catastrophic or fatal. Unfortunately, evidence and witnesses disappear quickly. If you were hurt in a truck crash, you deserve the opportunity to seek justice and obtain compensation for your medical bills, expenses, and losses. To give yourself the best chance of a complete financial recovery, it’s important to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney immediately. When protecting your truck injury case, the factors below are very important.
Knowledge of California and Federal Vehicle Laws
It’s critical to hire an attorney who knows the California Vehicle Code as well as relevant federal statutes and regulations – particularly the trucking laws – inside and out. This knowledge sets the groundwork for proving your case.
Finding Fault
Your attorney will need to show that the at-fault party’s carelessness led to your injuries. However, there may be multiple negligent parties. Poorly maintained roads, defective equipment, or other factors may have also affected the situation. A thorough investigation will show whether there should be one or more defendants in your case.
Accident Reconstruction
Truck accidents are often so destructive that an expert may need to “reconstruct” why they happened. Most commercial trucks contain an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that records data about the truck’s operation. This “black box” is extremely helpful in understanding the moments leading up to a truck crash. Your attorney and an accident reconstruction expert will examine this data and seek any evidence to prove your case.
Case Investigation
Sometimes, police will delete the 9-1-1 recording too quickly. Security cameras may overwrite footage of the crash or the environment nearby. A witness’s memory may fade. The faster your attorney can act, the more evidence there will be to investigate. CaseyGerry has two full-time case investigators to work on your case and gather all available evidence.
Consultations
You and your attorney will thoroughly discuss the details before, during and after the crash. If there are any pictures of the crash that depict the scene or your injuries, those will be helpful.
Depositions
This part of the litigation process is critical. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know the right questions to ask the defendants. Understanding the biases, evidence and issues in truck crash cases will help your attorney represent you well and prepare your case for success.
Time Limits
The California statute of limitations gives injured people two years to file a lawsuit against an individual or company. If the injured person is a minor, he or she may file within two years after turning 18. Injured plaintiffs (both adults and minors) have only six months to file a claim against a governmental entity.
For the better part of a century, CaseyGerry’s San Diego law firm has been advocating for people injured by negligence. If you or a family member was hurt in a truck crash, we can explain how to protect your rights and what you can expect. California’s statute of limitations restricts the amount of time an injured person may file a claim. Acting immediately is critical.
