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Salinas Truck Accident Lawyers
With interstate commerce increasing, it’s not surprising to see so many large trucks on the road. However, this also makes the road increasingly dangerous for drivers of smaller vehicles who are more susceptible to severe injuries in an accident with an 18-wheeler. If you or a loved one sustains injuries due to a negligent truck driver or motor carrier, our Salinas truck accident attorneys are here to help.
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California 18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
The overall share of truck accidents in Salinas is somewhat lower than in other metro areas. For example, Los Angeles County accounted for about one out of five injuries or deaths in statewide truck accidents. In contrast, Monterey County reported only 117 injuries and five fatalities. However, the number of crashes increased in Monterey County from 2013 to 2017, just like the state overall.
Who’s Liable in a Trucking Accident?
Unlike regular auto accidents, the liable party in truck accidents isn’t always clear-cut. In many situations, the liability falls on the trucking company itself. This usually happens if the accident occurs due to poor maintenance, federal regulation violations, or truck driver inexperience. Typically, the motor carrier is liable if an operational or employment oversight leads to the crash.
However, there are some situations where other parties may have some share of fault. For example, if the truck driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may have liability as well. If the third-party company responsible for repairing the trucking company’s fleet does a poor repair, they may be responsible instead. In rare cases, maybe the truck has a manufacturing defect that the motor carrier is unaware of, making the manufacturer liable.
Ultimately, it depends on the unique circumstances of your case and the evidence available from the accident. At Silva Injury Law, our Salinas truck accident lawyers understand this and always look for any evidence that shows the other party’s liability.
Possible Damages
Since big rigs carry massive weight in their trailers, accidents are more dangerous than with other vehicle types. Many victims sustain catastrophic injuries that reduce their quality of life and have long-lasting consequences. In California, victims may seek compensation in the form of two types of damages.
The first type, economic damages, refers to the tangible financial losses the victim incurs. This includes both past and future expenses related to the accident, such as:
- Medical treatment costs,
- Lost wages during recovery,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Vehicle repair or replacement, and
- Transportation to medical facilities.
Typically, these damages are easy to calculate since they involve adding receipts, bills, or quotes for your losses. However, with more serious injuries, future costs may be more difficult to determine without the help of a medical professional.
The second type of loss, non-economic damages, is very different. That’s because they are the intangible losses you experience after an accident. In other words, these are the physical and emotional costs of the incident that don’t have an economic value. This includes things like:
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish,
- Disability,
- Disfigurement, and
- Loss of life’s enjoyment.
Salinas truck accident lawyers have different ways of calculating these damages. Some simply multiply the total economic losses, while others calculate a per-day cost for the victim. However, it depends on the specifics of the case.
What Is the Average Settlement for Truck Accidents?
While researching settlements for truck accidents online, you may encounter different averages. Unfortunately, these estimates are usually misleading because many case settlements remain confidential. This means that an average you find is solely based on published information, which greatly skews the result. To know the actual value of your case, we encourage you to reach out to one of our Salinas truck accident attorneys.
Our Salinas Truck Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help You Heal
Most truck accidents result in horrific, life-changing injuries. At Silva Injury Law, we know how difficult this is for victims and their families. Nobody should have to go through such trauma. From day one, we treat our clients like family and fight tirelessly for the justice they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, send us a message or call us today.
Our experienced legal team handles other types of injury cases as well, including:
Promoting Healing Through Compassionate Advocacy
We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights, but to solve problems.