Protecting Your Rights After A Truck Accident

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, property damage, and long-term financial strain. When you’re involved in a serious collision with a large commercial vehicle, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance paperwork, and time away from work can quickly become unmanageable. It’s in these moments that working with our experienced legal advocate can make all the difference.

As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen the significant impact truck accidents can have on people’s lives. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, it’s important to act quickly and know your options. Our El Cajon, CA truck accident lawyer services can be the key to recovering damages and moving forward.

How Truck Accidents Are Different From Other Collisions

Crashes involving semi-trucks and other large vehicles typically involve more parties and more complex regulations than a standard car accident. These vehicles are often owned by commercial carriers, meaning there may be multiple layers of liability. For example, the truck driver, their employer, the maintenance company, or even the manufacturer of the truck may bear responsibility.

A few key difference in these cases include:

• Large insurance policies: Commercial vehicles often carry higher coverage limits, making it more likely for claims to be disputed.
• Federal regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict rules that don’t apply to standard drivers. These regulations can affect how liability is determined.

We frequently see accidents caused by driver fatigue, improper cargo loading, and mechanical failure. While every case is different, many share similar root issues that can be traced back to negligence or oversight. By identifying the exact cause of an accident, we can build a stronger case for our clients.

Why Experience Matters In Truck Accident Cases

Barry P. Goldberg brings more than 35 years of consistent practice in personal injury law, including extensive experience with commercial vehicle accidents. Mr. Goldberg has been honored as a SuperLawyer for the past 10 years and earned a place on the Southern California Super Lawyers “Top 100” list in 2021. He also holds the AVVO 10 “Superb” rating, the AVVO Client’s Choice Award, and several other professional recognitions. When truck accidents happen in El Cajon, CA, our truck accident lawyer services from our trusted law firm can help injured individuals take the next step forward.

Take The Next Step With Barry P. Goldberg

We believe that every truck accident victim deserves to have their case heard and fairly considered. The physical and emotional toll of these events can’t be overstated, and the legal process shouldn’t add more stress. By working with our law firm, which has a strong history of success in truck accident cases, you can feel more confident as you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck-related collision, don’t wait. Reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation and talk directly with an experienced member of our legal team.

Types Of Truck Accidents We Handle

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries, and in many cases, they happen because of preventable issues like driver error, mechanical failure, or unsafe road conditions. At Barry P. Goldberg, our El Cajon, CA truck accident lawyer represents individuals and families who have been hurt in crashes involving large commercial vehicles. Truck accidents come in many forms, and knowing the differences can help clarify how these incidents occur and what types of harm they can cause. Our team is committed to holding the right parties accountable and helping clients move forward after a serious collision. Speak with us about our translation services if English is not your first language and see how we can help you.

Rear-End Collisions

These happen when a large truck hits the vehicle in front of it. Due to a truck’s size and stopping distance, rear-end crashes can cause major damage, even at lower speeds.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, often folding into an L or V shape. This can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle crashes. These accidents usually happen when a truck brakes too suddenly or loses traction on wet or icy roads. The swinging trailer can sweep across lanes and hit other vehicles before coming to a stop.

Rollover Accidents

Our El Cajon truck accident lawyer can tell you that when a truck rolls onto its side, it puts nearby drivers at risk. Rollovers can result from speeding, sharp turns, unbalanced cargo, or sudden maneuvers on highways or ramps. These crashes often cause lane blockages, fuel spills, and serious secondary collisions. Drivers and passengers in smaller cars are especially vulnerable when a rollover happens near them at high speeds.

Underride Accidents

These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck. They are among the most dangerous types of crashes and often result in severe or fatal injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents

To make a right turn, trucks often swing left first. If a driver misjudges space or fails to check for other vehicles, it can lead to crashes with cars caught between the truck and the curb or median.

Tire Blowouts

A sudden tire failure on a commercial truck can cause the driver to lose control. Blowouts may also scatter debris across the road, creating hazards for surrounding vehicles.

T-Bone Collisions

T-bone accidents happen when a truck strikes the side of another vehicle, usually at intersections. These crashes often result from red-light violations or failure to yield.

When truck accidents happen, they tend to cause serious harm because of the size and weight involved. Victims may face long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Barry P. Goldberg, we’ve worked with people dealing with the aftermath of every kind of truck accident described above. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, reach out to us today. Our El Cajon truck accident lawyer is ready to help you take the next step toward protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you may be owed, so set up a free consultation now.

What To Do Immediately Following A Truck Accident

Our El Cajon, CA truck accident lawyer knows that being involved in a truck accident can leave you shaken and uncertain about what to do next. The steps you take right after the crash can impact your safety, your health, and any legal claims you may bring later. If you are ready to move forward, speak with us for a free consultation.

1. Move To A Safe Location If You Can. If the accident happened on a busy road or highway, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area nearby if it is drivable and safe to do so. If not, leave the vehicle where it is and get yourself and any passengers to a safe location away from traffic.
2. Call 911 Right Away. Always call 911 after a truck accident, even if it seems minor. A police officer will document the scene and file a report, which may help support your case later. Emergency responders can also provide medical assistance if anyone is injured.
3. Get Medical Attention Immediately. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. A timely medical record will also help connect your injuries to the accident.
4. Exchange Information With The Other Driver. Our El Cajon truck accident lawyer would encourage you to ask the truck driver for their name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Also write down the name of the trucking company and any identifying numbers on the truck. Keep the interaction brief and polite, and avoid discussing who was at fault.
5. Talk To Witnesses. If anyone nearby saw what happened, ask for their name and contact information. Their statements could be helpful later when building your case. Don’t assume the police will collect this for you—try to get it while the scene is still fresh.
6. Take Photos And Video Of The Scene. Use your phone to take clear pictures and video of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any injuries. This evidence can play a key role in showing what happened and how the accident occurred.
7. Avoid Posting On Social Media. After an accident, avoid sharing anything online about the crash, your injuries, or your recovery. Insurance companies and trucking companies may look for ways to use your posts against you.
8. Do Not Speak With The Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster. You might get a call from the trucking company’s insurance representative shortly after the crash. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Politely decline and say your attorney will be in touch.
9. Keep Track Of All Documents And Expenses. Hold onto all medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, and any other accident-related documents. Keep a journal of how your injuries affect your daily life. This information can support your claim for compensation.
10. Contact an Attorney Who Handles Truck Accident Cases. Truck accident cases are different from regular car crashes and often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the company, and even the vehicle manufacturer. A lawyer familiar with these claims can help protect your rights and guide you through your next steps.

Speak With Us Today

At Barry P. Goldberg, we take truck accident cases seriously. If you’ve been hurt or impacted by a collision with a commercial truck, reach out to us to talk about your situation and get the support you need. Taking the right steps early can make a difference in the outcome of your case. With 5 stars and over 500 reviews, you can feel confident when you work with us. Speak with our El Cajon truck accident lawyer when you are ready.