The truck accident lawyers at Chudleigh Law, P.C. in Laguna Beach, California work with people who have suffered serious injuries as a result of a truck accident. Unlike passenger vehicle accidents where often the other driver is the one at fault for the accident, truck accidents can sometimes involve many stakeholders and responsible parties. Truck companies can be held responsible for an accident in addition to the drivers, and if a truck was under maintenance or if equipment was defective maintenance personnel or equipment manufacturers could also be held responsible. Truck companies are also required to properly insure their vehicles and drivers in the event of an accident, and many of these insurance policies have high limits because truck accidents can be so serious.
Truck drivers and truck companies are also subject to federal trucking law and regulations. Drivers must follow hours of service laws, truck companies must properly maintain their vehicles, and truck drivers must pass regular medical exams. In the aftermath of a truck accident, determining negligence on the part of a truck company or driver may involve a close examination of a truck driver’s logs, maintenance logs, shipping schedules, certifications, and also may involve a review of the truck company’s accident history or history of infractions. Truck accident personal injury claims can get complicated, because in addition to determining whether the truck company broke the law, a truck accident lawyer may also need to negotiate with the truck company’s insurance adjusters. Larger claims sometimes see bigger pushback from insurance adjusters, and truck accident claims can involve large settlements, especially for serious accidents.
According to Markets Insider, trucking is a $700 billion a year U.S. industry. Despite these big numbers, every year people are injured or even killed in truck accidents. Truck companies have a responsibility to put safety first. Unfortunately, when truck companies cut corners or drivers engage in unsafe practices, accidents can happen. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, Chudleigh Law, P.C. is a truck accident law firm in Laguna Beach, California that may be able to help you. Our truck accident attorneys can review your case, estimate the value of your claim, and assist you with seeking the damages you may be entitled to receive under the law. Reach out to Chudleigh Law, P.C. today to learn more.
Types of Truck Accidents and Causes in Laguna Beach, California
Chudleigh Law, P.C. is a truck accident law firm in Laguna Beach, California that handles a wide range of truck accident claims. Truck accidents can happen for a range of reasons. Common reasons can include factors that affect passenger vehicles, like violation of the rules of the road, distracted driving, impaired driving, illegal lane changes, speeding, and more. However, there are certain types of truck accident causes that can make a truck accident claim different from a passenger vehicle claim. These types of truck accidents include:
- Fatigued Driving. If a truck driver violated federal hours of service laws that limit how long truck drivers can be behind the wheel, this will be revealed through a close inspection of the driver’s logs, or through shipping records. If you were hurt in a truck accident where the driver was fatigued, you may be able to seek damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Drugged Driving. Impaired driving is against the law, and we all know that drinking and driving kills. But truck drivers are subject to laws that additionally restrict the kind of medication they can take while operating a commercial vehicle. If, upon investigation, your truck accident lawyer learns that the driver may have been taking this medication, you and your loved ones may be able to seek damages and compensation.
- Mechanical Issues. Mechanical issues in a passenger vehicle can be problematic, but issues in a commercial vehicle or large truck can be deadly. A blown tire, failed brakes, or other mechanical problems can lead to a loss of control of the truck, and lead to an accident. Truck companies are required to keep their trucks in working condition and are required to regularly maintain their vehicles. The truck accident lawyers at Chudleigh Law, P.C. in Laguna Beach, California can review maintenance records and determine whether gaps in maintenance may have been a factor in your truck accident.
- Poorly Loaded Trucks. An improperly loaded truck or overloaded truck may take longer to stop, or may be at risk of tipping over. Loads that aren’t secured can pose hazards of debris on the road. If you were hurt in an accident involving road debris from a truck, or because a truck failed to stop or tipped over, you and your family may have the right to seek damages and compensation under the law. Reach out to Chudleigh Law, P.C., a truck accident law firm in Laguna Beach, California today.
These are just some factors that can affect a truck accident claim. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, reach out to the truck accident lawyers at Chudleigh Law, P.C. in Laguna Beach, California. Our truck accident lawyers may be able to help you and your family seek damages for your losses.
How a Truck Accident Law Firm in Laguna Beach Can Help You
A truck accident law firm may be able to assist you and your family in seeking compensation following serious injury from a truck crash. But you and your family may only have a limited amount of time to seek damages for your losses. A truck accident lawyer at Chudleigh Law, P.C. in Laguna Beach, California may be able to assist you in seeking a settlement with insurance companies and with negligent truck companies and drivers. Reach out to Chudleigh Law, P.C., a truck accident law firm in Laguna Beach, California today to learn more about your rights and next steps. We offer new clients a free initial consultation during which we can review your case, provide an honest assessment of your case, and offer you guidance on the next steps.
Call (949) 504-5000, or email info@chudleighlaw.com. You can also fill out the contact us section on this webpage and we will contact you as soon as possible.
