Truck Accident Lawyer Simi Valley, CA
If you were injured in a truck accident, you should discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer Simi Valley, CA from Barry P. Goldberg. You may be eligible to receive compensation. A lawyer can help you pursue a timely claim and protect your legal rights.
Fatigued Driving is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents
Believe it or not, truck accidents frequently result from fatigued driving. If a truck driver is running on little sleep, he or she may have lower reaction time and poor judgment, increasing the risk of a collision. Truck drivers are on strict deadlines and under a lot of pressure to deliver goods on time.
As a result, they may not take their required breaks and drive too many hours in a row. Eventually, the lack of sleep will take a toll on the truck driver. Truck drivers also tend to eat fast and convenient meals while on the road. These meals are often high in fat, which can also contribute to drowsiness.
How to Stay Safe Around Fatigued Truck Drivers
It’s scary to think that many truck drivers get behind the wheel on little sleep. However, you can take steps to protect yourself. Here are some guidelines to follow.
Be Extra Cautious in the Early Morning and Late Night
As a truck accident lawyer can attest, truck drivers are more likely to be fatigued in the early morning and late night. As such, you should be on high alert during these times.
Report Weaving Trucks
Truck drivers who are running on little sleep may weave in and out of lanes. If you see this while you’re driving, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Be Patient With Truck Drivers
Truck drivers have a difficult job to do and can’t move as quickly as regular vehicles. It’s important to be patient with them and never cut them off. You should also give them plenty of space to maneuver.
What to Do If You Were Injured By a Fatigued Truck Driver
Being in a truck accident is very scary, and it can leave you feeling at a loss about what to do next. Because these kinds of accidents tend to be complex and involve numerous potential factors and many parties, it is in your best interest to get assistance from a legal team you can depend on. We can guide you through the process while also having your health and finances in mind. We know that you may be dealing with serious injury in addition to property and monetary damages. You can trust that we fight relentlessly for our clients.
You may want to follow these steps after a truck accident, so you are doing everything you can to protect your rights and wellbeing:
Halt and Call 911
Anyone part of a car accident must stay at the scene and call 911 for help. If your vehicle is not safe where it landed after the crash, then move it off the road if possible. Make sure other drivers see your car by turning on hazard lights and placing cones if you have them. A second accident can quickly turn things so much worse and result in fatalities.
Check Yourself for Injuries
While waiting for an officer and ambulance to arrive, check yourself for visible injuries. Notice if there are any odd pains or aches in your body, and be sure to tell the emergency medical team about them when they arrive. Keep in mind that since your adrenaline may be rushing through your body, you may not feel the full extent of your injuries until hours or days later. As your CA truck accident lawyer in Simi Valley may tell you, if you don’t seek medical care for your injuries or follow through with treatments, it can interfere with how much compensation you receive.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
It’s imperative that you gather information from the other people involved in the accident. Once they leave the scene, it can be very difficult to track them down. Details to get from the truck driver include:
- Name and contact details for truck driver employer
- Driver’s license number
- Driver’s insurance company name and policy number
- Driver’s name, phone number, address, and email
Call Barry P. Goldberg Today
If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, seek medical care promptly. After all, your health is of the utmost importance. Then, speak to a qualified lawyer about your case. He or she can help you gather evidence, identify all liable parties and negotiate with the insurance company. Schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Simi Valley, California from Barry P. Goldberg today.
Why You Should Call The Police After A Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, our Simi Valley, CA truck accident lawyer knows that one of the most important steps you can take is to call the police. While it might seem like an unnecessary step or you might be tempted to work out the details privately with the other parties involved, having law enforcement on the scene can be crucial for several reasons. A police report can provide essential documentation for your case, and police officers are trained to handle the scene in ways that can protect your interests after a truck accident. When you ned help, give us a call. We have locations in Simi Valley, Northridge, Woodland Hills, and more.
Legal Documentation And Police Reports
The police report from an accident is one of the most valuable pieces of documentation you can have. This official document provides an impartial account of the accident, including details such as where and when it happened, who was involved, and the conditions at the time of the crash. In cases involving truck accidents, police officers will often conduct a thorough investigation, noting the damage to the vehicles, possible driver violations, and contributing factors like road conditions or mechanical failures.
If the police are called, they will write a report that can be used as evidence in your claim. Insurance companies, as well as courts, rely heavily on police reports to assess the facts of the case. Having this document in your hands can help build a stronger case and support your claims for compensation related to vehicle damage, medical expenses, and any lost wages or pain and suffering.
Ensuring An Objective Account Of The Incident
After a truck accident, our Simi Valley truck accident lawyer knows the parties involved may have conflicting stories about what happened. Having the police on the scene provides an objective, third-party account of the situation. Officers will interview witnesses, take photographs, and document physical evidence that can be useful for reconstructing the events.
In situations where there are discrepancies between the accounts of the truck driver, other drivers, or pedestrians, an objective report can clarify what happened and help eliminate bias. This can be especially important when dealing with large trucking companies, whose insurance teams may try to minimize their liability or shift blame onto you. With the police report as a reference, you have a better chance of presenting a clear and accurate version of the events.
Evidence Collection
The police are trained to look for and collect evidence that you might not be aware of in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. This can include tire marks, debris, road conditions, or even surveillance footage from nearby cameras. In cases involving commercial trucks, police may also inspect the truck for possible safety violations, like improper loading, inadequate brakes, or other issues that could have contributed to the accident.
Having this evidence documented early on can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. It could help establish fault and strengthen your claim, particularly if there are disputes over liability.
Insurance Claims And Legal Protection
Calling the police is an important step when dealing with insurance companies. Many insurance policies require a police report to process claims. Without this official record, your claim may be delayed or denied. The police report provides an impartial account of the accident, which is often necessary to move the insurance claim forward.
Additionally, having the police involved can protect you from any potential legal issues. In some cases, the truck driver or the trucking company may try to argue that you were at fault. The police report can help confirm your version of events, giving you a stronger defense if the case goes to court or if you need to fight a claim from the other party.
Taking Action After A Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, calling the police is one of the first things you should do. The police will document the scene, gather critical evidence, and create an official report that can play a key role in your insurance claim and any potential legal action. When dealing with a truck accident, it’s essential to protect your rights, and having law enforcement on the scene is a crucial part of the process.
If you’re unsure about the next steps to take after a truck accident, our team is here to help. We can guide you through the process, work with your insurance company, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team at Barry P. Goldberg often emphasizes the importance of involving the police after an accident. Contact our Simi Valley truck accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.