Big Rig Accidents and Your Rights
Commercial truck driving is big business throughout the United States. Indeed, with almost 3.5 million commercial truck drivers on the road, there's a good chance that you may (quite literally) run into one the next time you're on the 10 heading through West Covina.
Even though federal law closely regulates who can drive a commercial truck, it does not mean that some drivers (even qualified ones) don't get tired, distracted, or use their cell phone when driving and cause an accident. Unfortunately for all involved, when a big rig causes an auto accident, the results are often catastrophic. If you or a loved one are injured in a trucking accident that was not your fault, contact an experienced accident lawyer immediately. California law is on your side.
When Unsafe Truckers Hit the Road
While the hiring process for drivers of commercial trucks is quote thorough, it does not guarantee that all drivers will drive their best at all times. Indeed, many of the journeys these truckers make are days long and the drivers are under pressure to arrive at a specific location by a certain date. This may mean "cutting corners" like not pulling over to sleep when tired or taking "uppers" to help stay awake behind the wheel. Statistically speaking, truckers with drug or alcohol problems are more likely to break traffic laws and react more slowly to road hazards.
Injuries Caused by Big Rig Accidents
As we noted above, commercial trucks generally cause a lot of damage when they crash. Think multi-car pile ups, rollovers, totaled cars, and more. The injuries trucking accident victims suffer can be severe, including:
- broken bones
- traumatic brain injuries
- paralysis
- spinal injuries
And even death. If you or a loved one is injured in a big rig accident near West Covina that was not your fault, know that you have legal rights and can seek financial compensation for your injuries. Serious injuries, like the ones listed above, can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in ongoing medical bills. The at-fault party (i.e. the driver or the driver's employer) should be held financially responsible for these costs and do everything it can to help you restore your life. Without the assistance of an experienced accident attorney, it is unlikely that you will receive all of the monetary compensation that you deserve. Insurance companies, even your own, are usually not on your side as their end goal is to save money, not spend it on you.
For a free, no obligation consultation about what to do after you have been injured in a trucking accident near West Covina, contact the skilled accident attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today.
