A nation’s economy depends on several industries that work together to achieve production. Furthermore, the trucking industry might take its place as a vital instrument in determining the flow of the economy. Whether manufacturing, construction, oil, gas, food, retail, or other necessities, all rely on trucking services to transport raw materials and their products. Trucks ship about 72% of the United States freight or goods by weight.
With the number of trucks moving around the country, poor weather conditions, and other factors that influence safe travel, it is inevitable to experience accidents that may cause truck accident injuries to drivers and pedestrians. California is no different from these accidents; there were 27,982 truck crashes recorded in 2017 alone. From these casualties, there were 9,694 truck accident injuries and 359 fatalities.
Moreover, there was a significant number of truck accident cases in 2022. Recent tragedies include an Orangevale truck accident last August of this year. The freighter traversed in the opposite lane and crashed into the Orchard City Tattoo parlor at 8800 Greenback Lane. The accident caused truck accident injuries to two pedestrians on the scene. Another incident was reported in the same month when six people experienced truck accident injuries in Fresno River Park.
With all the casualties mentioned above, you might be wondering about the types of truck accidents that occur in California and what to do when you are caught up in these types of truck accidents. Read further to learn more.
Top 5 Types of Truck Accidents in California
When you travel across cities, you will realize that there are different types of cargo and loads they carry. Likewise, several conditions affect the navigation of these trucks and may cause truck accidents and injuries.
Jackknife Accident
A jackknife accident occurs when the truck driver prompts the vehicle at high speed and presses the brakes without slowing down. This scenario causes the truck to form an angle similar to the shape of a closing jackknife and may lead to an accident across multiple roads. Sometimes, jackknife accidents can happen for reasons beyond the driver’s control.
Mechanical Failure
Before proceeding with the transport operations, mechanics ensure that all truck parts work well for safe travel and operations. Truck accidents often transpire due to mechanical issues such as brake failure, tire breakout, and alternator malfunction. This type of incident can affect and endanger the driver’s safety and other vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Rollover Accidents
This type of truck accident happens when trucks with heavy or excessive freight travel on a curved path and lose control over their weight. Usually, the truck’s gravitational force is propelled off, causing the vehicle to roll over. In some cases, rollover accidents are due to the driver’s unpleasant navigating behavior, such as reckless driving. However, it can also depend on the type of cargo overboard; liquid goods are particularly prone to rollover accidents.
Unsecured Cargo
As part of the safety protocols before transportation, checking the cargo or load of the truck is one of the essential tasks to ensure a smooth operation. However, truck accidents in California are primarily a result of unsecured cargo. Unsecured load or carry may occur when the mechanics fail to check the shipment or commit improper or overloading. Sometimes, it can lead to blown-out tires or even truck crashes.
T-bone
Finally, last on the list is a T-bone accident. This type of truck accident stems from the driver’s traveling misbehavior, such as beating the red light or overspeeding. As a result, the truck collides perpendicular to other vehicles, causing truck accident injuries to drivers and pedestrians.
Now that you know the different types of truck accidents in California, you may want to learn why it is essential to know these as a local driver or pedestrian.
Types of Compensation for Truck Accidents
According to a recent study, about 13,000,000 million trucks are operating in the United States, with three million and five hundred thousand 3,500,000 truck drivers. From this data, it is safe to say that most, if not all, highways are used and traveled by trucks daily. With this significant figure in mind, knowing the types of compensation for truck accidents and how to respond if you are involved in one is essential.
Medical Expenses
When you encounter a truck accident, you may pursue compensation for your medical care and treatment for your truck accident injuries. The settlement coverage may include:
- prescription medications,
- emergency care,
- hospital confinement,
- short and long-term costs, and
- recovery.
In some instances, damages may be reflected when medically examined by a health professional. This is why it is essential to seek a doctor as soon as possible to review and check all necessary treatments to help you recover. Moreover, lawyers can also help determine the coverage of your medical expenses as part of the claim.
Lost Wages
Sometimes, the physical and emotional damage from the truck accident may hinder you from focusing and being physically present in your work. In this case, you may also demand restitution for the lost wages. Make sure that you reach out to your truck accident lawyer to be able to maximize the coverage of your claim.
Property Damage
Truck accidents such as rollover, T-Bone, and jackknife may lead to a crash into another vehicle or property. When you encounter this incident, you may appeal for property damages, including your car, house, or even personal items like electronics, jewelry, and glasses.
Life Care
Unfortunately, some truck accidents may lead to long-term and permanent consequences. Victims may suffer from disabilities that change their entire lifestyle. Some conditions may escalate to severe health damage, requiring long-term or permanent physical assistance.
When your truck accident lawyer proves that the truck crash causes all these injuries, you may receive total compensation when building the case.
The types of compensation mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. When reaching and contacting a truck accident lawyer, you may demand and receive other types of settlement depending on the situation and claim.
What to Do When You are Involved in a Truck Accident in California
Whether you are a bystander, pedestrian, or a driver, it is best to know the following information and tips when you find yourself in a truck accident:
- Stay calm.
- Understandably, being in a truck accident may cause frustration and, in some cases, physical pain. However, it is suggested that you remain calm and refrain from doing actions that aggravate your current situation.
- Check for truck accident injuries and seek medical treatments if necessary.
- In worse cases, drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians involved in the crash may acquire truck accident injuries. If this happens, make sure that you contact health professionals for immediate care and treatment.
- Seek a California truck accident lawyer.
Most often than not, truck accident victims may experience confusion and frustration when facing this situation. It is recommended that you contact a California truck accident lawyer or any attorney where you are located for you to gain the entire claim of the economic and non-economic damages. There are several kinds of compensation that you may acquire when engaged in a truck accident that only a lawyer can check and pursue.
California Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are searching for a lawyer that would aid in building your case, Jacoby and Meyers are here to help. As mentioned, truck accidents may cause severe damage to you both economically and non-economically. With this, it is suggested that you communicate with a personal injury lawyer that would help you determine the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Jacoby and Meyers are a team of personal injury lawyers that cater to victims in California and are known to be the best in the field. You will never settle for less than what you truly deserve with us.
Give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you.
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