Truck accident cases differ from car accident claims in several key ways under California law. These include that they often involve more severe injuries, multiple liable parties, stricter federal and state safety laws, and more comprehensive evidence. Commercial vehicles are also heavily regulated and are usually owned by trucking companies, meaning that they may require a more detailed legal strategy than what is required for a typical car accident.
Serious Injuries and Damages
One major difference is the level of harm involved. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while passenger vehicles are much smaller and lighter. As a result, collisions with large trucks are more likely to cause catastrophic harm, such as brain injuries.
These injuries often lead to increased medical costs and especially debilitating pain and suffering. Truck accident claims are usually more aggressively defended as well because of the higher financial stakes involved.
State and Federal Regulations
Commercial trucks are subject to extensive federal regulations and California safety rules that do not apply to regular passenger vehicles. These rules cover everything from driver hours-of-service limits to truck maintenance requirements and more.
If a trucking company violates these regulations, that can serve as powerful evidence of negligence. For example, failing to properly maintain the truck’s brakes could help support a personal injury claim. In contrast, standard car accident cases typically rely only on general traffic laws and driver behavior.
More Liable Parties
Car accident cases often involve just two drivers. Truck accident cases, however, can include several potentially responsible parties. Under California law, liability may extend beyond the truck driver to other entities involved in the operation of the commercial vehicle.
Overall, some of the liable parties in these cases may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle owner
- A cargo loading company
- Maintenance contractors
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts
Identifying all of the responsible parties is a critical step in the legal process, as each may carry separate insurance coverage that can affect the total compensation available to you.
Evidentiary Requirements
Truck accident investigations usually require more detailed evidence than car accident cases. In addition to police reports and witness statements, commercial truck claims may involve electronic logging devices and other unique forms of proof.
This evidence can help establish whether the trucking company failed to follow required safety procedures in some cases. Early legal action can be important to preserve all of the available proof before it is lost.
Comparative Fault
Like car accident cases, truck accident claims in California follow the state’s pure comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you share some blame for the crash, although your recovery will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
Trucking companies and their insurers often try and blame victims to reduce their liability. Hiring an attorney who can respond to these kinds of allegations appropriately may be a practical necessity if you’re being blamed.
Contact Onyx Law Firm for Help After a Truck Accident in La Cañada Flintridge
Truck accident claims are usually more complicated and are worth more than standard car accident cases. When the stakes are this high, hiring an experienced La Cañada Flintridge truck accident lawyer is one of the best steps you can take. Contact Onyx Law Firm for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options today at (844) 669-9529.