Santa Maria Truck Accident Attorneys

Any motor-vehicle collision can result in serious injuries, but when a big rig is involved, it’s unlikely that anyone will walk away from the scene unscathed. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck crash, you might have grounds for a claim against the at-fault driver, the motor carrier, or another party. Our Santa Maria truck accident attorneys can review the facts of your case for free, answer your questions, and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. We have many years of experience taking on some of the largest trucking companies and insurance carriers in California. If the opposing party refuses to pay a fair settlement, our skilled trial lawyers won’t be afraid to take your case to court. For a free consultation, call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Truck Accident Claims We Handle in Santa Maria

There are tens of thousands of commercial truck wrecks every year in the United States. The vast majority of these collisions are caused by negligence, but negligence takes many forms. Below are just a few kinds of truck accident cases we handle in Santa Maria:

• Tire blowout truck accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Spilled or shifting cargo accidents
• Fatigue-related truck accidents
• Blindspot accidents
• Wrongful death truck accidents
• Other truck accidents

Do I Have Grounds for a Claim Against the Trucking Company?

Possibly. If you were injured in a truck accident that was caused by a negligent truck driver, you may have grounds for a claim against his or her employer. California courts recognize the doctrine of respondeat superior, so employers can be held vicariously liable for the negligence of employees who are acting within the scope of their employment. Under certain circumstances, however, truck drivers are independent contractors—not employees—in which case the doctrine of respondeat superior would not apply. There are other scenarios when a motor carrier might be liable for damages after a truck crash. For example, if the company lacked adequate hiring, training, or operating procedures, its drivers might pose an unreasonably high risk to other people on the road. The motor carrier may also be liable for an accident that occurs because a driver was pressured into violating the Hours of Service regulations or another traffic law. Our Santa Maria truck accident lawyers always take the time to identify every potentially liable party. We will perform an in-depth investigation to determine what contributed to the crash and which parties can be named in your claim. Because of California’s joint and several liability law, identifying multiple liable parties may increase the chances of recovering compensation for 100 percent of the economic damages incurred. These include healthcare costs, lost income, property damage, and other objectively verifiable losses. If one defendant lacks the insurance coverage to pay for their share of your economic damages, you have a right to seek the difference from another defendant.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help with My Case?

No matter how confident you are in your ability to navigate the claims process alone, this is almost never a good idea. If you’ve incurred significant medical bills and lost income, you can expect the insurer to resist your claim at every turn. The insurance adjuster might try to coerce you into providing a recorded statement that can be used to challenge liability or damages. The adjuster might say that you were partially or entirely to blame for the crash, or that you’ve failed to mitigate your damages. Even if the initial settlement offer covers your medical bills and lost income, it might not include non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A skilled truck accident attorney can make sure you’re treated fairly by the insurance company. Your lawyer can also help you avoid critical mistakes you may not have considered such as discussing your injuries on social media or postponing doctor’s appointments. A well-credentialed attorney can account for all the damages you’ve incurred and determine the most strategic time to enter settlement negotiations, which might not be until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. In the meantime, your lawyer can help you explore the options for covering your medical costs and other bills while your claim is pending. Perhaps most important, having a seasoned trial attorney by your side tells the insurance company that you have the means to go to court if they refuse to cooperate. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a track record of success litigating personal injury and wrongful death cases of varying complexity, which has earned us the respect of some of the largest insurance companies in California.

Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Santa Maria

During your free case review, we will answer your questions, explain the potential strengths and weaknesses of your claim, and help you plot the way forward. Call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message to speak with a member of our team.