No one gets on the road expecting to get into an accident. However, knowing the common mistakes to avoid after a truck accident in California can not only preserve your health and safety, but your legal case as well.

Experienced Auto Accident Lawyers in California

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor has been a pillar in California’s legal community for years, helping hundreds of injured residents secure the compensation they need to move forward. We pride ourselves on giving transparent legal guidance to new clients so they can make informed decisions about their futures.

Our attorneys know that no amount of compensation can erase what happened to you and the widespread effects it has on you and your loved ones. However, it can help you recover financial losses, making your future easier to face.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident

There were 101,114 trucks involved in a crash in California in 2022. Truck accidents tend to have devastating effects on those involved. Knowing what to do right after a crash can help save your life. Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention, even if you feel physically okay. In 2023, there were 392 deaths due to a truck accident in California. Many injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, don’t present symptoms until it’s too late.

Be sure to get a copy of the incident report filed by law enforcement, as well as a copy of your medical records. Failing to preserve evidence early on is a common mistake survivors make. In the chaos of an accident, it’s easy to forget about.

You’ll want to take extensive photos and videos of:

  • The crash site, including any skid marks or property damage
  • Any damage to your vehicle
  • Damage to personal belongings, such as your clothes, phone, or bag
  • Any visible injuries you incurred from the crash

Be sure to collect the contact information and insurance details from the other driver involved in the crash. Get the contact information from any witnesses, too. Failing to do so can be detrimental to your case. Then, hire a truck accident lawyer. Not having a lawyer to represent you is a common mistake that can be easily avoided. They’ll help you navigate insurance claims and your court case.

The Importance of Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Evidence is key in a truck accident case. Courts rely on proof to make their decisions about compensation. Along with the evidence collected at the incident site, you’ll work with your lawyer to gather:

  • Accident reconstruction professional opinions
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes
  • Dashcam footage
  • Black box information from the truck

Having as much evidence as possible is beneficial in a truck accident case. If you try to take on your case without a lawyer, you won’t be able to gather as much proof. Showing up to your court case with little preserved evidence will likely result in less compensation or a dismissal of your case.

Because truckers are typically working for companies, they’ll have the backing of their employers. You need your own support system during this stressful time. The lawyers at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor are here to help ensure legal compliance. You won’t make mistakes with them on your side.

FAQs

Can I Speak to Insurance Companies Without My Lawyer Present?

You can speak with insurance companies without a lawyer present, but it’s important to be cautious when doing so. Only give insurance adjusters basic facts about the accident. Don’t speculate about what caused it or admit any fault in the crash. Writing down what you want to say before the meeting can be helpful. Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. They’re looking for anything misspoken, so they can avoid paying for the crash.

What Happens After I Report the Crash to My Insurance Company?

When you report the accident to your insurance company, you’ll have to wait until they contact you to get more details. This can take up to 15 days. They’ll contact you to ask more information about the crash and may ask you to make a recorded statement or answer questions under oath. Only do so if your lawyer is present. They’ll be able to coach you before the meeting so you don’t say anything that can bar you from compensation.

Can I Do Anything if My Insurance Company Denies My Truck Accident Claim?

If your insurance company denies your truck accident claim, it’s important to understand why. It may be for a variety of reasons, such as your policy excluding truck accidents or the fault in the accident being unclear. Your lawyer will help you fight it, as they’ll have experience in the tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying for accidents. Be sure to review your personal insurance policy terms and then file a formal appeal of the denial.

How Long Do I Have to File My California Truck Accident Case?

You have two years to file your California truck accident case. While this timeline may seem long, the longer you wait, the more your financial losses will pile up. Evidence can be harder to preserve, too. That two-year deadline can shift, depending on case specifics. For example, if the truck were a government vehicle, the deadline to file would be six months. If you don’t file on the correct deadline, courts will most likely dismiss your case entirely.

Can I Still Get Compensation if I Made a Mistake That Contributed to the Truck Accident?

Even if you made a mistake that contributed to a truck accident, you can still seek compensation in court. California courts factor this in when determining compensation and assign everyone involved a percentage of fault. Compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, you may be found to be 20% at fault for the accident. If your final award was $100,000, it would be reduced by 20%, making it $80,000.

Contact Our California Truck Accident Lawyer

The team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor takes truck accidents seriously. We know how devastating it can be for both you and your family. Contact us today to speak with one of our attorneys and learn how we can help you. You deserve to be properly compensated for the pain you’ve suffered. Let us be the ones to fight on your behalf while you focus on recovery.