The unfortunate reality about truck accidents is that they can turn someone’s life upside down in an instant. When this happens, it can leave victims facing intense injuries and mounting medical bills that create a complicated path to recovery. These collisions are intense, and they can lead to far more devastating consequences than a traditional car accident. If any of this applies to you, a Santa Ana truck accident attorney can help you untangle the complexities of your situation.
At Blake & Ayaz, our years of experience in this space have given us a unique understanding of the challenges surrounding truck accidents. From navigating regulations to uncovering evidence like driver logs and maintenance records, we understand what to look for. We promise to remain committed to providing a thorough investigation and strategic advocacy to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Blake & Ayaz services clients in Santa Ana, Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County, and throughout California.
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To build a strong truck accident case, work with your accident lawyer to gather a wide range of evidence. Evidence is crucial to demonstrate liability and calculate the extent of the damages you have suffered.
Some of the most common types of evidence that can help strengthen your case include:
One of the most important pieces of evidence in a truck accident case is the police report. This is foundational to your case, as it will contain critical information about the accident, such as where it took place and a summary of how it occurred. It can also state if any citations were issued to the truck driver or any other parties involved. While the police report itself may not be an admissible piece of evidence in court, it is an extremely strong starting point for understanding the case.
Visual evidence can be some of the most compelling to present in a truck accident case. A combination of photos and videos can help illustrate the condition of each vehicle and the specifics of the damage caused. They can also show what hazardous conditions may have contributed to the crash. If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos as soon as you can after the accident, as this scene will only exist for a moment in time.
Federal regulations require all truck drivers to keep detailed records of how long they have worked. This piece of evidence shows how long the truck driver had been driving before the accident happened. It may help support the suggestion that the driver was fatigued or had violated a federal rule that limits how long they are able to drive safely. Additionally, records of drug and alcohol tests can also be helpful if a DUI is suspected.
It is mandated that all trucking companies keep detailed records of each truck’s maintenance and inspections. These records can reveal if a specific truck was properly maintained or if it experienced mechanical issues that may have contributed to an accident, like faulty breaks or worn tires. If any of this proves to be true, your lawyer could share a history of ignored maintenance to try and establish that the truck driver and their company were negligent.
Any witnesses who saw the accident happen or the aftermath can provide valuable testimony to what they observed. Their accounts can bolster your own claims by corroborating your version of events. These statements can also help to fill in the details of any other information you were not aware of, such as if the driver was driving recklessly before crashing into you. This is why it’s always recommended that you collect the contact information of any bystander after your truck accident.
A: Your first priority after a truck accident should be to ensure you are safe and call for emergency services. Move to a safe location and call 911 to report the accident. Spend time collecting as much evidence as you can at the scene, like photos and videos of your vehicle’s condition. Avoid discussing who could be at fault with anyone, as even the most casual of statements could be used against you later in court.
A: Liability for Santa Ana truck accidents can involve multiple parties. Some options include the truck driver, the trucking company, anyone responsible for truck maintenance, or even the manufacturer of a defective auto part. If the truck driver was speeding or driving fatigued, liability may be placed squarely on them. However, their company could also share liability if there is proof they did not enforce safety regulations or ensure the truck was safe to operate.
A: Truck accidents are often more complicated and destructive than car accidents due to their size and weight. This can cause much more catastrophic damage than your standard vehicle. In addition, trucking companies and their employees are subjected to strict federal and state regulations that must be followed. Any evidence to suggest they deviated from these laws puts them in a vulnerable position to be held liable for what happened.
A: Compensation for any truck accident can cover a wide range of damages, including how many medical bills can be linked to the incident, wages lost from not being able to work, and what property damage was caused. In cases with severe injuries, future compensation could also be at play. For example, you could request funds to support future rehabilitative programs or ongoing treatment that will last far beyond the outcome of this truck accident case.
If you have recently been involved in a truck accident, contact our lawyers today. We have spent years working on many different variations of these cases, positioning us with the education and experience you need to achieve the outcome you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more and see how we can help right away.