Any collision on Simi Valley’s roads can be a scary, painful, and potentially very costly experience for everyone involved. However, it’s understandable those after-effects would be magnified if you are involved in a truck accident with a massive commercial vehicle such as an 18-wheeler, semi, tractor trailer, tow truck, or dump truck. We know the aftermath of an accident can be confusing, but when you call the experienced Simi Valley truck accident lawyers Robert and Gary Walch, we can answer your questions and help you get paid. We will get started on your case as soon as you hire us because we understand how important closure and compensation are to moving forward with your life, so don’t wait – call today!
Why are Truck Accidents so Dangerous?All accidents are dangerous, but when a truck is involved the risk is much greater for catastrophic injury or death. Large trucks are much heavier than passenger vehicles – many are over 100,000 pounds – which means the damage is greater in a collision. Most truck accidents also occur on highways where the vehicles are traveling at higher speeds than on city roads, resulting in greater force at the time of impact.
Am I At Risk of a Truck Accident in Simi Valley?Located near Los Angeles, the bustling city of Simi Valley in Ventura County is right off the busy 118 freeway and close to the massive 101 and 405 freeways. These are popular routes trucks to use when hauling cargo to its final destination, so passenger vehicles share the roads with nearly 6 million commercial trucks registered in California on a daily basis that average over 62,000 miles traveled per year. Drivers are at risk of truck accidents for a number of reasons on the freeways -last year, high winds caused a big rig to overturn on Highway 118 in Simi Valley. Miraculously, no one was injured. However, a few years prior a 12 year-old on his bicycle was killed on the city streets at Alamo and Tapo Streets by a large delivery truck.
Are Trucks Required to Obey Special Laws?Because of their size and the danger big trucks pose to others on the road, truck drivers and trucking companies have specific rules they must follow in addition to the rules of the road all drivers are required to obey. California and the federal government have both passed laws regulating truck maintenance requirements, inspections, transporting hazardous material, and hour limits for drivers.
Can I Recover Compensation if I am Injured?To recover compensation for truck accident injuries, you must prove someone’s negligence or otherwise wrongful conduct was responsible for causing the crash and your injuries. Though truck drivers are most commonly at fault, the trucking company that hired them, their vehicle maintenance company, or even the government may potentially be to blame as well.
Most victims argue someone’s negligence caused their injuries when they seek damages. Negligence is established when you can prove someone owed you a legal duty of reasonable care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. It’s also possible to establish a presumption of liability if you can prove the party you believe is responsible broke a law, rule, or regulation meant to protect people. This can be a traffic law like a speed limit or even a federal rule designed specifically for the trucking industry. If you can establish liability for physical, mental, and even emotional injuries you can prove in court.
What Should If Do If I’m Involved in a Truck Accident?You may not be sure what to do after a truck accident, but there are a few important steps you can take to take care of yourself and help your personal injury case.
The time after a truck accident can be stressful; mounting medical bills and an uncertain financial future if you aren’t able to return to work right away only add to that stress. One thing you shouldn’t worry about is affording a personal injury lawyer – you won’t pay the Simi Valley truck accident attorneys at Walch Law until we win your case. Robert and Gary have over 45 years of getting results for our clients and our team is the one you want in your corner after your accident. Call us today to schedule your free, no obligation initial consultation and get started!