Being involved in a traffic collision with a big rig is just as terrifying as it sounds. Occupants of a passenger vehicle are at a significant disadvantage in terms of forces of impact when the other involved vehicle is an enormous commercial truck weighing approximately 80,000 pounds. The disparity in size between the two vehicles is one reason big rig accidents are in a different category of traffic accidents. Because of the size and weight differences, the risk of severe injuries to the other vehicle’s occupants is high. Fatal crashes are common. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it is essential to find an attorney with experience successfully handling truck accident cases.

Although the City of Escalon is small, with only a handful of stoplights, many commercial carriers travel through the area on California State Route 120. The Central Valley is a high-traffic region, given its agricultural importance and proximity to larger cities in the Bay Area. Escalon residents face the risk of truck accidents when commuting on their roads and highways, just like the rest of Northern Californians.

Watch the YouTube video below, highlighting some of the roads around Escalon.

Although big rig drivers must undergo extra training and obtain a special license to operate large commercial vehicles, they are not immune to negligent actions that cause collisions. Some examples of driver behavior that may result in a collision between a semi and a passenger vehicle include:

• Driver fatigue: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits how long a truck driver can work without a rest break. Again, that does not make the drivers immune to fatigue. It continues to be a factor in many truck accidents.
• Driver impairment. It is illegal to drive under the influence, regardless of the type of vehicle. However, alcohol and drug impairment continues to be a major cause of traffic accidents of all kinds, including those that involve commercial trucks.
• Excessive speed. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that approximately a fourth of all truck accidents that result in a fatality involve a truck driver who has had at least one speeding violation.

Following a collision with a big rig, you may be injured. You may be in shock. You will likely feel anxious, with adrenaline pumping. If you are physically and mentally able, there are a few steps to take following an accident that will help to strengthen any insurance or legal claim that may arise from the accident.

• Photograph the scene. Take photographs of all involved vehicles and any visible injuries, street signs, scattered road debris, and a general view of the aftermath and area of the collision.
• Seek medical evaluation. Often, traumatic injuries are not immediately apparent. Several internal traumatic injuries can be caused by the force of impact. A typical example is a concussion. When your head is whipped back and forth or is slammed against the headrest, this can cause a head injury. You may also have suffered injuries to your neck and spine, which may not be immediately painful but will worsen as inflammation sets in. Seek prompt evaluation by a medical professional, either at the scene or shortly after.
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Police may come to the accident scene to investigate and facilitate the exchange of information between the parties. They will usually get statements from any witnesses. If the police do not respond to the scene, it is up to the involved parties to exchange information. Get the truck driver’s name and the full name of the company they work for. Independent witness contact information will be beneficial if there are conflicting accounts of what happened.

If you were injured in a big rig accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you would want to make a claim against the driver and trucking company to be compensated for your losses. Some potential damages for which you may seek recovery are:

• Medical expenses. This will include those bills already incurred and future care recommended by a physician.
• Wage/income loss. If your injuries keep you from working, you are entitled to repayment for that wage loss. If you cannot return to your former line of work because of injuries or become permanently disabled, you can present a loss of earning capacity claim.
• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of consortium. If applicable, your spouse may be able to make a claim for loss of consortium damages, which stem from your injuries and how they affected the marital relationship.

Depending on the initial investigation into the crash, there may be more than one party who could be held responsible for your injuries and damages. They include, but are not limited to:

• The driver of the truck
• The company for which the truck driver worked
• The truck manufacturer (if a manufacturing defect contributed to the collision)
• Repair facilities that were responsible for maintaining the truck

Identifying all the responsible parties is an essential part of any legal matter. If you miss the opportunity to bring in a liable defendant, this could negatively affect your case. This is just one reason why retaining an experienced truck accident lawyer is a wise decision.

There is no need to take on a large trucking company alone, and there are several reasons not to. A skilled attorney will protect the statute of limitations (the time limit in which you must file suit or settle the case), as well as a whole host of other legal rights. An experienced truck accident lawyer will not allow the insurance companies to devalue your claim. Having an advocate who knows the specialty will ensure that the value of your claim is maximized.

The compassionate and knowledgeable injury lawyers at our law firm are dedicated to assisting injured Escalon residents. We also help families who have lost a loved one in a truck accident with their wrongful death claims. For free and friendly legal advice, do not hesitate to call us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We offer no-obligation consultations to go over the details of your potential case.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 11.7.23 Image by falco from Pixabay mm [cs 1080]}