Determining who is liable for the losses suffered in a truck accident in California requires careful consideration of the evidence available. Commercial truck accidents are a bit different from other types of vehicle accidents because there are often more parties involved, including not only the truck driver but also the driver’s employer. More so, there are also concerns over who owns the vehicle and the underlying cause. Talk to a Santa Monica truck accident lawyer from Borna Houman Law today.
Consider the Parties Partially Responsible in a California Truck Accident
For victims of truck accidents, one of the first steps the police officer and the insurance company will take is determining fault. Your attorney will also work to uncover insight into what occurred. There are numerous parties that could be held liable, such as:
- The truck driver
- The truck driver’s employer
- The owner of the truck, if that differs
- The truck manufacturer
- The truck’s cargo-loading company
- A local government or contractor responsible for highway maintenance
- Vendors providing services to the truck
As a victim of a truck accident in California, it is critical to identify all parties involved by looking at all evidence that shows the cause and effect of those injuries.
Evidence to Provide Liability in a Truck Accident in California
When a truck accident occurs, there are many types of evidence available that may help to provide insight into who is liable for the accident. Your attorney will uncover any available evidence that the police have not, but do not expect the commercial truck driver to be open and forthcoming with such information. Some examples of evidence that may help determine liability in a truck accident include:
- Witness statements: From the scene of the accident, witness statements are a core component in proving liability if they should see the driver swerving or running a red light
- Navigational systems: Commercial trucks often have navigational systems and onboard cameras that can provide some information if the attorney can obtain that information
- Medical records of the driver: These records may indicate that the driver was intoxicated or otherwise ill
- Maintenance logs and reports: These reports can show if the truck was properly serviced, which can ultimately provide insight into if that caused the accident
- Driving service hours: Since there are specific rules on how many hours drivers can work without a break, any deviation from this could show that the trucking company is responsible
- Cargo shifting: In situations where the truck accident was due to cargo moving on the truck or falling off the truck, this could indicate the cargo company was at fault
In each situation, the more evidence available, the clearer liability becomes. Under California’s liability laws, this information can prove critical in helping the victim get the legal support they need to recover damages.
Get the Legal Guidance You Need Now
Determining liability in a California truck accident may be complex, but with the help of an experienced truck accident attorney, you can get the information you need. Contact Borna Houman Law now for a free consultation.