DON’T GET HIT TWICE! FIRST BY THE TRUCK AND THEN BY ITS INSURANCE CARRIER

Truck accidents often result in serious and catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and in some cases, death (wrongful death). Because of unrealistic schedules and deadlines, semi-truck and tractors- trailer drivers sometimes tend to be aggressive drivers, negligent, fail to properly inspect tires, brakes and lights; work and drive illegally long shifts, suffer from fatigue, boredom, distraction such as cell phone use while driving, use or abuse stimulants and drugs to stay awake, fail to install blind spot mirrors resulting in unsafe lane changes, jackknife, and speed.

A big rig traveling at 70 mph has twice as much force as one traveling at 50 mph. Cars are not designed to endure the impact of these 72,000 pound trucks. These trucks also often lack rear and side bumpers. Their high front bumpers often crush car compartments, causing major damage and serious and permanent injury.

Tractor-trailer accidents require careful examination of the accident facts. If you have been injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or other large commercial truck in California, an experienced trucking accident lawyer such as Frederick S. Schwartz can be of great assistance and help. We will pursue a personal injury claim for medical treatment, lost wages, future earnings, and pain and suffering. With over two decades of experience negotiating and fighting with insurance companies, you are assured to receive fair treatment regarding your property damage and injury claim.

The initial minutes after an accident are crucial to ensuring your safety, the safety of others, and the proper gathering of information and evidence. Here are the steps to take immediately following a truck-driving accident:

1. Stop the vehicle – Regardless of the scale of the accident, always stop your vehicle. This ensures your safety, the safety of others, and compliance with the law.
2. Check for immediate danger – Turn on your hazard lights and observe your surroundings for any debris or fires that could cause further injuries.
3. Ensure safety – On busy highways and roads, try to navigate your truck to a safe space out of the way of traffic. If you are unable to move your truck, exit the vehicle and move a safe distance away from traffic.
4. Assess any injuries – Check in with everyone in your vehicle for injuries and overall safety. Take note of any injuries to share with first responders. Don’t decline any offer for medical care if you are hurt.
5. Call 911 – Report the accident to the authorities, even if it is minor. The police will create an accident report after examining the scene.
6. Set up emergency warning devices – Keep your hazard lights on, and set up any emergency warning devices, such as warning triangles.
7. Gather driver information – Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance details. Although the accident report will include this information, it is good to gather it for yourself. When talking to the other driver, refrain from apologizing or admitting fault, as this can be used against you.
8. Gather Witness information – Don’t rely on the police report . Obtain the name, address, telephone number and email of any witnesses. Ask them what they saw. Let them know how important their cooperation is.
9. Take photographs of the accident scene and damages to all vehicles. Make sure the license plate is in at least one of the photos of each vehicle involved in the accident.
10. Contact your insurance company – Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, providing a detailed account of the accident and a copy of the police report. Your insurance company will then begin its investigation.
11. Speak with an attorney – Contact a lawyer for further advice and to advocate on your behalf. Speak with that attorney before providing a statement to the other driver’s insurance company representative.

If you have been injured in a truck accident on a California Freeway, highway, street or the Interstate, such as the I-5, I-10, I-15, I-40, I-405, I-605, I-710, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), CA-90 or CA-101, etc., or if you have lost a family member as the result of such an accident, contact Los Angeles consumer justice attorney Frederick Schwartz at the Law Office of Frederick S. Schwartz for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Speak directly with the attorney. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Office: (818) 986-2407; email: fsslaw@gmail.com