A truck accident is often devastating on its own. Semi-trucks carry a great deal of weight, which means more force behind your collision. On top of that, if the truck’s load is hazardous materials, there’s another source for your injuries.
However, it’s not just the truck itself for which you you must watch. When you’ve been injured by a truck accident, you must seek compensation for their carelessness, but there are trucking laws that will impact your accident claim.
Before you file your claim, be sure you understand the trucking laws in question. These laws affect your case, for better or worse. Keeping them in mind can lead to a claim that’s settled faster and gains more compensation when you need it most.
The Truck Driver Might Not Be Liable
In most motor vehicle accidents, it’s easy to assume that the person who hit you is the one responsible for the crash, right? They’re the ones who caused the accident, so they should be the ones at fault.
Truck crashes aren’t so simple. When an 18-wheeler crashes, the driver may have caused the accident, but they might not be liable for the financial consequences of said accident. Truck drivers are on the clock while they’re driving, so their employer may be the responsible party.
For instance, if a construction worker dropped their equipment by accident and it hit someone below, the company would be liable for that injury. The same rule applies here. While the trucker may seem like the right defendant, you may have to dig a little deeper to get the liable party.
Drug or Alcohol: What if They’re Charged?
However, many cases are caused by substance abuse behind the wheel. If the truck driver who caused your collision was driving under the influence, they may also receive criminal charges for their actions.
However, what does that means for you? You’ll need compensation, but a criminal case won’t compensate you for your damages. It’s there to punish the driver for their actions. As such, you must prepare your own case, as well. While you won’t get to file before their trial is over, a conviction can help your case by providing the evidence you need that they were acting in a reckless manner and injured you.
Get Help with Your Case
It’s important to understand the trucking laws in question, but it can be tough alone. You’re already injured and overwhelmed, and now you might find that the information you need is tough to find or otherwise out of your reach.
A lawyer from Dickson Kohan & Bablove LLP, can help you determine what California trucking laws will impact your accident claims. They can also make sure you get the compensation you need to recover. Interested in a free consultation? Contact us by calling 1-844-404-2400, or visiting us online.