Knowing what you should do after an accicent with a commercial vehicle in or nearby San Bernadino can make the difference between ensuring that you have the best chance at obtaining a fair settlement, or not! First of all, if anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Accidents involving commercial vehicles can have devastating and life-altering consequences. In 2022 alone, California reported 436 deaths from large truck crashes, highlighting the severe risks associated with these incidents, according to the National Safety Council Injury Facts. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that in 2023, there were 12,757 non-fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles, resulting in 5,932 injuries. These statistics highlight the danger of collisions with large commercial trucks, where the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles can cause significant harm to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences for those involved.
At The Gold Firm, we understand just how serious an accident with a commercial vehicle in San Bernardino can be. Even if you walk away without visible injuries, these accidents can be incredibly overwhelming and confusing. It’s crucial to know what steps to take to protect your rights and ensure your safety. The aftermath of a crash with a large truck can involve complex legal and insurance issues, and hidden injuries might not show up right away, as they are often masked by adrenaline. That’s why we are here to guide you through the process, providing the support you need to secure the compensation you deserve and to protect your well-being.
Can I Get Compensation if a Commercial Vehicle Hit My Car?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if a commercial vehicle hit your car, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in your jurisdiction. Here’s what you need to know:
Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- If the driver of the commercial vehicle was at fault (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws), their employer or their insurance company may be responsible for compensating you.
- In many cases, the company that owns the commercial vehicle is liable for the actions of their employees under a legal doctrine called “vicarious liability.”
Types of Compensation
You may be eligible for the following types of compensation:
- Property Damage: To repair or replace your vehicle and any damaged belongings.
- Medical Expenses: For injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Other Expenses: Such as car rental fees or transportation costs while your car is being repaired.
Insurance Considerations for Commercial Vehicles
- The commercial vehicle may have higher insurance coverage limits than standard vehicles, which could make it easier to recover compensation for serious damages.
- However, commercial insurance companies may aggressively defend against claims, so legal representation is often helpful.
It’s important to talk to an attorney first and ensure you have the best chance at obtaining a fair settlement. An experienced commercial vehicle attorney can collect crucial evidence, such as the police crash report, to establish the commercial truck driver’s negligence and strengthen your claim for appropriate compensation.
What Should I Do After An Accident If I Was Hit By A Commercial Vehicle?
Our truck accident lawyers at The Gold Firm understand how stressful and chaotic the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident in San Bernardino can be. The shock and confusion that follow such a traumatic event can make it difficult to think clearly, especially if you’re injured, yet the actions you take in those moments are essential to protecting your safety and ensuring your right to fair compensation. We know that every step after being in a large truck accident matters, from gathering key information at the scene to dealing with the complexities of insurance and continuing medical care later on. Our team is here to guide you through this challenging time, so you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
1. Move To Safety & Help Others
Here’s the absolute first thing you should do: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If you are able, your first step after a commercial vehicle accident in San Bernardino should be to assess the scene for anyone who may be injured or in need of assistance. If it is safe to do so, move yourself and others to a safer location, away from the flow of traffic. Staying in the middle of the road can be extremely dangerous, so if possible, move your vehicle to a safer spot too. If the vehicle can’t be moved, use reflective triangles or flares to alert oncoming traffic.
However, if you or others are severely injured, avoid moving to prevent worsening any injuries that may be present. Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help if there are injuries, even if they seem minor or inconsequential. Remember that injuries may not be immediately obvious, so checking for other individuals who might be hurt is essential to ensure everyone gets the medical attention they need.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After being involved in a commercial vehicle accident in San Bernardino, your priority should be seeking medical attention after making sure you are safe at the scene of the accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor right away. Some injuries, such as internal bruising or bleeding, or whiplash, may not show immediate symptoms but can become serious if left untreated. A medical professional can thoroughly assess your condition and identify any hidden injuries, ensuring you receive the care you need and creating a record of your injuries, which can be important for any future claims. By seeking medical attention right away, you are documenting your injuries and proving their severity. Prioritizing your health and safety immediately after an accident is the best way to protect your health and rights to compensation in the long run.
3. Gather As Much Evidence As Possible
After an accident with a commercial vehicle in San Bernardino, it’s important to collect as much information as possible to build a clear picture of what happened. Every detail at the accident scene is an important part of determining liability and how the accident occurred. Once you’ve checked that everyone is safe, use your smartphone to document the scene. This includes evidence such as:
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- Skid Marks On The Roadway – The skid marks can indicate the speed of the vehicles involved in the accident
- Road Signs – Road signs might reveal if someone violated traffic laws, either deliberately or not Photographic Evidence – Take photos of everything, including:
- Commercial trucks overturned
- Shattered glass scattered across the road
- Any other visible evidence
These images can serve as valuable evidence later. It’s also wise to cooperate fully with law enforcement, as police officers are skilled at bringing order to the chaos of an accident scene. San Bernardino police accident reports are critical when dealing with insurance companies, so provide the responding officer with all the details you can, including:
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- The truck’s registration number
- Truck carrier company
- Driver’s license information for everyone involved
- Insurance policy information for the commercial vehicle
- Witness contact information
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
This thorough approach can make a significant difference when seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a San Bernardino truck accident.
4. Do Not Admit Fault In Any Way
Another important step to take after being involved in a large truck accident in San Bernardino is to avoid admitting fault. Even if you feel you might share some responsibility, it’s essential not to make statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt by police officers or insurance companies.
Instead, focus on sticking to the facts when speaking with law enforcement or the other driver, and describe what happened without making assumptions or apologies. For example, rather than saying, “I didn’t see you coming,” you can say, “The commercial truck hit my vehicle as I was driving straight.” Let the police conduct their investigation and determine who was at fault, which is the most unbiased way to determine liability. Any early admission of fault on your behalf, even a casual comment, could be used against you by insurance companies to reduce or deny your claim for compensation. Always be cautious with your words and consider consulting with a truck accident lawyer in San Bernardino before providing detailed statements to insurance companies.
5. Seek Help From A San Bernardino Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near You
Another important step after a large truck accident is to contact our team at The Gold Firm. A dedicated San Bernardino truck accident lawyer from our team will be by your side every step of the way, guiding you through the legal process. This allows you to focus on what matters most, healing from your injuries. We will handle all the complexities of your case, from dealing with insurance company negotiations to gathering evidence, so you don’t have to worry about the legal details. We know how tricky and deceiving insurance companies for commercial vehicle companies can be, and will use our knowledge and previous experiences to make sure they do not violate any of your rights. Our goal is to secure the compensation and justice you deserve, holding the responsible parties accountable while you concentrate on your recovery.
A Commercial Vehicle Hit My Car – Should I Speak With An Experienced California Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer?
If a commercial vehicle hits your car and you sustain injuries or significant property damage, we at The Gold Firm are here to support you every step of the way. Our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers are skilled investigators, communicators, and advocates, dedicated to making sure you have the legal representation you need to pursue fair compensation for your losses. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. To build a strong case, our team will help to gather and review critical evidence, including:
- San Bernardino police reports
- Medical records
- Other important documents
We handle all communications with insurance companies and negotiate directly with adjusters to secure the best possible settlement. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Throughout this process, we meticulously calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Our experience allows us to determine whether you have a valid claim and to fight tirelessly to prove that your injuries were caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of the other party. Contact us online today or give us a call at (909) 308-1118 to schedule your free consultation.
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