While the COVID-19 pandemic limited California’s in-person shopping, the roads were busy with delivery trucks containing millions of online orders. These commercial trucks rushing on the roads unfortunately caused a spike in truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes leading to 4,965 fatalities in 2020.
Unable to determine where to start when filing your claim, you might wonder, “Who is liable in a truck accident?” Handling the aftermath of truck accidents can be both traumatizing and confusing. Although the answer to this question depends on various factors, working with a reputable law firm like Avrek Law for a trucking accident attorney can bring clarity to your case.
Causes of a Work Truck Accident
The trucking industry has been on a continuous climb since 2020. During that year, Statista reported the industry was worth $732.3 billion, and more than 900,00 truck drivers were employed in the U.S. Companies like Amazon received even more traction than years prior.
According to the Orange County Register, Southern California consumers spent $12.5 billion dollars buying goods through Amazon in 2021. While Amazon gained revenue, their drivers had to increase their deliveries, sending out more than 100 packages within 10-hour shifts. As a result, some drivers used faulty driving practices leading to fatal truck accidents.
In the unfortunate event of a truck accident, seeking the guidance of a truck accident attorney can be crucial. They can help you navigate the legal complexities and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages you may have suffered.
Even with the knowledge surrounding big trucks provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, work truck accidents are still bound to happen. Because trucks are much larger than cars, those in a vehicle are more likely to receive fatal injuries. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 97% of truck accident deaths are passenger vehicle occupants. When sharing the road with commercial vehicles, it’s important to be aware of these factors:
- Longer Stopping Distance – The large weight of commercial trucks requires a longer stopping distance. If not put into practice, a truck driver can rear-end another vehicle.
- Blind Spots – Because the drivers are higher up in their vehicle compared to a regular car, they are unable to see even with the proper mirrors set in place.
- Larger Turning Radius – The length of the truck requires a larger turning radius on residential roads. Without the proper distance, the truck could tip over into oncoming traffic.
These guidelines can keep you aware, yet awareness does not promise the absence of truck accidents. In this case, it is important to have reliable truck accidents attorneys like those at Avrek Law to help you through the process.
When to File a Claim for Truck Accident Liability
After being in a truck accident with delivery companies like UPS and FedEx, one of the first questions that can come to mind is “Who is liable in a truck accident?” It all boils down to proving negligence such as failure to set the parking brake, poor training or not completing safety checks before the shift. Proceeding an accident, gather as much information as you can such as the delivery driver’s license, company, and records from witnesses.
With most UPS vehicle accident claims, your case is dependent on the evidence brought forth in court. Even though you can speak with the company, most have $1 million dollar insurance on each truck and aim to protect it at all costs. Even the FedEx driver accident policy notes that the company will not accept liability for the accident. Keeping all documents and records like medical records, witness statements, and car damages is crucial in taking your case to court.
Trying to gather all the evidence on your own while recovering can easily become an overwhelming process. The expert truck accident attorneys at Avrek Law are ready to assist you in finding the answers you need to proceed with your case.
Hire a Top Truck Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
Getting hit by a semi-truck is a life-altering experience. Working with Avrek Law, you will no longer have to ponder who is liable in a truck accident alone. A law firm with more than 50 years of combined experience representing several states involving truck accidents, Avrek Law is equipped with the experts you need to handle your case. Avrek Law, including in San Bernardino County, has recovered $1 billion in more than 45,000 cases similar to these, and you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care. Contact us for a free consultation and get started to receive the justice you deserve with the help of our trucking accident attorneys.
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