If a truck driver caused your injuries in a rear-end accident, you need the help of an experienced Northern California truck accident lawyer from Tiemann Law Firm to seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
Rear-end collisions occur if drivers aren’t paying attention to what they’re doing and can’t stop in time to avoid hitting the car ahead. Severe injuries and fatalities to the occupants of small vehicles typically result from accidents involving a commercial truck.
Many truck drivers have demanding schedules and must deliver the products they’re transporting by specific deadlines. They might engage in reckless behavior, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic to accomplish their deliveries. If traffic suddenly comes to a standstill, there isn’t much they can do to avoid a rear-end collision with another vehicle.
The Northern California rear-end truck collision attorneys of Tiemann Law Firm advocate for the rights of accident victims. We’ve been representing individuals suffering from other’s wrongdoings since 1998. Our legal team will fight for the maximum available compensation to cover your medical bills and other expenses when you hire us. Call us today for a free consultation at (916) 999-9000.
Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents in Northern California
Tailgating is a common reason for rear-end collisions involving all types of vehicles. When a trucker follows a car too closely, there’s inadequate stopping distance between the vehicles. The trucker won’t have enough time to react and slam on their brakes to avoid crashing into the back of another vehicle.
Many experts recommend that all drivers follow the three-second rule to determine if there’s enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. It’s simple to implement. Pick out a stationary object, such as a traffic sign or lamp post, and count how many seconds it takes you to pass it after the car ahead passes it. If it’s three seconds or more, you should have enough stopping distance to prevent a rear-end accident.
Tailgating isn’t the only cause of rear-end collisions. Other common causes include:
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Speeding
- Engaging in acts of road rage
- Fatigued driving
- Driver distractions
- Lack of experience operating a commercial truck
- Improper braking
- Driving under the influence
- Damaged or malfunctioning headlights limiting visibility
- Faulty braking system
The legal team of Tiemann Law Firm can review your case to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault. Truck drivers aren’t the only potentially liable parties in rear-end collisions. The manufacturer of a defective brake pad could be responsible for the crash if they knowingly sold a dangerous product. The trucking company could be to blame if they negligently hired an unqualified driver. We can explore all possible options and seek the compensation you need to cover your losses.
What You Should Do if a Rear-End Collision Caused Your Injuries
The steps you take after a truck accident could affect whether you recover compensation from the at-fault party or not. Your primary focus should be on your medical treatment. You don’t need to concern yourself with confusing paperwork, filing deadlines, or evidence. Hire an experienced Northern California rear-end truck collision attorney from Tiemann Law Firm immediately after the crash, and let us handle the legal aspects of your case.
Your initial emergency room visit or doctor’s appointment should be after you leave the accident scene. Don’t wait days or weeks before seeking treatment. Insurance companies often look for ways to shift blame away from their policyholder so they don’t have to accept liability. They want to avoid a payout whenever possible to save money. If medical records show that your first appointment wasn’t until three weeks after the collision, they could claim that your injury isn’t serious enough to justify a significant settlement amount. Or, they could choose to deny your claim.
Common Injuries Caused by Rear-End Truck Accidents
The impact of a collision between a passenger car and a large truck can be violent. The occupants of the smaller vehicle usually end up with much worse injuries than the truck driver. While it’s possible to recover fully, some people don’t. Loss of mobility, chronic pain, and permanent disability can result from an accident with a commercial truck.
The most common injuries rear-end truck collisions cause are:
- Bone fractures
- Concussion
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Crush injuries
You deserve compensation not only for the expenses you’ve incurred until now but also for the cost of medical treatment you might need in the future. If the accident left you with a disability, you shouldn’t be financially responsible for ongoing medical care or household assistance. The at-fault party should be the one to compensate you for those losses.
Compensation You Might Be Entitled To Following a Rear-End Collision
California is considered a fault state when it comes to car insurance. That means the responsible party becomes financially responsible for the victim’s injuries, medical expenses, suffering, and other losses. When you file a claim with the trucking company’s insurance company, you can seek compensation to cover the losses you suffered, such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Property damage
Trucking companies must insure all vehicles in their fleet to cover the costs of an accident caused by their drivers. Federal law requires minimum liability limits for this coverage. They are:
- $300,000 for trucks less than 10,001 pounds containing non-hazardous cargo
- $750,000 for vehicles over 10,000 pounds and carrying non-hazardous materials
- $1 million to $5 million for trucks hauling oil and hazardous freight
If the insurance company denies your claim, you might be able to pursue a civil lawsuit to compensate you for your losses. You must follow a strict deadline if you want to sue the truck driver or trucking company. California has a two-year statute of limitations. If you’re going to seek a financial award, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the rear-end collision.
Contact Us
If you were hurt in a rear-end truck accident, the Northern California rear-end truck collision attorneys of Tiemann Law Firm could help you in the fight for justice. When you hire us, you’ll have a dedicated and aggressive legal team in your corner to protect your rights and hold the truck driver accountable for their carelessness. Call us for a free consultation at (916) 999-9000.
