Truck accidents often result in unprecedented outcomes. Commercial trucks are often overloaded to capacity, and because these vehicles outweigh all passenger cars, even a light impact can trigger a series of consequences. If you were injured in a truck accident in Stockton, you need to be aware of your rights and act to recover compensation from the party at fault. however, this could be the trickiest part as such accidents tend to be different. You should consult an experienced Stockton truck accident attorney at the earliest. Here are some key things worth knowing.
Truck accidents are unique
When one passenger vehicle hits the others, the outcome is usually simple – One party is at fault, and therefore, they are liable for the losses endured by others. In many ways, truck accidents are different. Firstly, you cannot always blame the driver. While negligent driving is often one of the many common causes of such mishaps, more often than not, there are other things at play. The trucking company may have had lapses on its part, or the loading company may have overloaded the vehicle. Even the vehicle maintenance company or the manufacturer could have a role. You must hire an attorney because finding who is responsible for your injuries and consequential losses is often the hardest part.
You have limited time
As far as the statute of limitations is concerned, you just have two years to file a truck accident lawsuit in California. This also means that you cannot expect the court to accept your case after the deadline has passed. To add to the woes, all critical evidence may disappear soon after the accident, and you may have a hard time proving that the other party was negligent or reckless.
Lawyers don’t take an hourly rate
Hiring a truck accident lawyer doesn’t have to be expensive. Most law firms in Stockton don’t ask for a fee to review truck accident claims, and you can always meet an attorney and discuss whether your case is strong enough. If the lawyer agrees that your case deserves attention, they will still not ask for an hourly rate or an upfront fee, which is the norm with most other types of cases. The arrangement is a contingency basis – If you win, the lawyer takes the discussed share, and if you don’t, they don’t get their fee.
Call a lawyer now if you are unsure how to start with your truck accident claim or deal with the insurance company.