Hugo D. If you live in Sacramento or are just passing through, you’ll want to read this. More than 75 million Americans go on road trips every year, and many of those journeys involve driving a truck of some kind, whether that’s a big rig, a delivery van, or another type of commercial vehicle.
However, as many people know too well, being behind the wheel doesn’t guarantee your safety during the journey. Even if you aren’t one of the millions who drive a commercial vehicle every day, there is always a potential danger when driving any kind of car or truck.
If you were in a truck accident in Sacramento or somewhere else in California, it can be difficult to know what to do next. There are so many different factors to consider when determining liability, and each situation is unique. Luckily for you, we have everything you need to know about truck accidents in Sacramento covered here.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Depending on the situation, it may be best to wait for the police to arrive at the scene of your accident before speaking with the truck driver. If you feel that there is a significant risk of the truck driver leaving the scene before law enforcement arrives, you should call 911 and ask for assistance as soon as possible.
Be sure to include as many details as possible, including the truck’s license plate number, if you can see it. Occasionally, truck accidents occur due to mechanical failures. If you are in an accident with a commercial vehicle and it seems to be the truck driver’s fault, but the vehicle seems to be in good condition, it is worth having the a mechanic inspect the vehicle and hire a truck accident lawyer. This could be helpful in determining fault in the accident and may lead to compensation for your injuries.
The Basics of Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
There are many different factors to consider when determining liability in a truck accident. While these may vary depending on the situation, read the following explanation.
- The truck driver’s responsibilities and obligations
- The truck owner’s responsibilities and obligations
- The injured party’s responsibilities and obligations In the majority of truck accidents, the truck driver is responsible for their actions and for paying any damages that result from their negligence. However, this isn’t always the case. In some instances, the truck driver may have been negligent, and the truck owner may be liable for the damages.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Truck drivers must maintain a minimum amount of commercial vehicle insurance coverage. This varies from state to state but is usually at least $50,000 and often more. This typically covers injuries to others, such as pedestrians, automobile drivers, and passengers, as well as damage to others’ property.
The insurance company for the truck driver may choose to settle your claim. However, truck drivers often have their own insurance through the company that owns the vehicle. This may apply to you if you were injured in an accident with a truck and are seeking compensation for your injuries.
When the Truck Driver Is at Fault
If the truck driver is at fault for your accident, it may be in your best interest to file a claim against the truck driver’s insurance company. In many cases, you will receive a settlement that is much higher than what you would receive if you filed a claim against the truck owner or company.
When the Truck is at Fault
In some cases, a truck is at fault for an accident, but you are still injured. This may be because you were standing on the side of the road and the truck hit you. Or because you were a passenger in a vehicle and another truck hit it. If the truck is at fault and you were injured, you may be able to file a claim against the truck’s insurance. However, if the accident was the truck’s fault and you weren’t hurt, you wouldn’t be able to file a claim.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when determining liability in an accident involving a commercial vehicle. However, the most important thing you can do is report the accident to the police as soon as possible.
