Tractor-trailer and delivery trucks provide a crucial service in our communities. These large trucks, weighing as much as 80,000 pounds loaded, can be incredibly dangerous if a negligent driver is behind the wheel.
When one of these vehicles is involved in an accident, the risk of serious injury and financial loss is significant. At Meissner Law Firm, our California truck accident attorneys provide victims with the personal injury legal representation and resources to take on the big companies. Contact us for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us at Meissner Law Firm?
For more than 40 years, Meissner Law Firm has helped navigate the most challenging of truck accidents across the state. We are proven trial attorneys, having recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for our clients.
Our California truck accident attorneys have exceptional compassion for our clients, and we personally fight for your benefit. We will investigate, build an evidence-based case, make the maximum claim, and go to court when necessary. You work directly with an attorney, not just a case manager.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in California?
If you are in an accident involving a truck, prioritize your safety by calling 911 and moving out of the way to prevent further injury. You will need to exchange information with the truck driver, file a police report, and document your losses. When it is safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene and the surrounding areas. Make sure to request the contact information for any witnesses.
We encourage every victim to seek immediate medical care. You may not know what all of your injuries are right away.
Then, contact our legal team. Our California truck accident lawyers go to work for you immediately. We handle the insurance companies, gather and preserve evidence, and maximize your compensation claim.
Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?
Truck liability depends on the cause of the accident. Once we have a clear understanding of all factors contributing to the cause, we can then seek to assign liability. Here are some examples:
- The truck driver: The driver is responsible for their actions, including speeding, reckless driving, working excessive hours, or driving under the influence.
- The trucking company: The trucking company may be held accountable if they violate state or federal truck regulations, fails to maintain the truck, or hires inexperienced drivers.
- Cargo loading companies: If a shift in improperly stored cargo caused the accident, the cargo loaders could be held accountable.
We look at all parties at fault, which may include third-party mechanics and the truck manufacturer. Other third parties may be at fault too depending on your specific situation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?
Under California’s statute of limitations, most victims have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against a private party, but this time period could be as short as 6 months if there is a potentially at-fault governmental entity. If you wait beyond that, the court will not hear your case, and you will not be able to seek compensation. There are limits and exceptions to this rule.
Call an Experienced California Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Contact our California truck accident attorneys today. Put our decades of experience at Meissner Law Firm to work on your case. We offer free consultations and never charge you anything out of pocket.