Truck and Big-Rig Accidents

Truck and big-rig accidents are quite common in California and frequently involve substantial injuries. Due to the size and weight of the trucks, the forces involved are substantially greater than most kinds of accidents. Large commercial trucks like eighteen wheelers can cause immense damage to cars, property and people in a fraction of a second. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100,000 people in the United States were injured in large truck crashes in 2006 alone.

Weight and velocity play a major role in large truck accidents. Even at slow speeds, trucks and big-rigs can cause substantial damage to other vehicles. When commercial trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the people riding in the passenger car typically suffer more severe injuries than the truck driver. According to recent statistics, occupants of the passenger car are approximately four times more likely than the truck driver to be killed or injured in an accident.

Physical injuries from truck accidents tend to be more severe than accidents involving other vehicles. It is common to see broken bones, severe back and neck injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, internal bleeding, and permanent disfigurement as a result of traffic collisions involving large commercial trucks or big-rigs. If the truck was transporting a flammable or hazardous substance, secondary injuries can occur including burns, respiratory problems and chemical exposure injuries.

As with most vehicle accidents, Negligence is the most common theory of liability in a commercial truck accident. There are several parties which may have liability after a truck accident. For example, the truck driver, his or her employer, outside contractors, manufacturers, other drivers, and even the owner of the cargo being hauled could be held responsible for the damages. Liability issues can be very complex in these cases and should be discussed with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

If liability can be proved, a plaintiff may be entitled to receive compensation for their physical, emotional and financial losses that resulted from the accident. These damages would include things like past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and possibly punitive damages.

It is very important to note that claims resulting from truck accidents are subject to various Statutes Of Limitations which limit the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. In order to protect your rights and the value of your case, contact a qualified California accident attorney right away if you have been involved in a truck or big-rig accident.

Call The Scranton Law Firm today for a free consultation with one of our experienced California attorneys.