Highway 17 is a common route for many people in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, it’s also a dangerous stretch of road, and when you add 18-wheelers to that mix, it can become even deadlier.
Unfortunately, you might have been a victim of one of these accidents, and you are likely suffering severe injuries from an accident you didn’t cause. When this happens, you may need help getting back on your feet. A Highway 17 truck accident lawyer can help you manage your injuries and your claim for compensation.
If your injuries after a semi-truck crash are severe, you may need help getting the full compensation you deserve. Truck accidents are complicated, and acting alone might mean getting a reduced award or no compensation at all.
Determining Fault
Semi-truck accidents are more complicated than car accidents. Not only are they more dangerous—the blind curves and narrow shoulders of SR 17 don’t help—but they also follow different rules for fault because of the involved employers’ liability.
When a person is injured or injures someone while doing his or her job, the employer is responsible for the employee’s actions. For the same reason your employer is responsible for your actions when you’re injured and need workers compensation, the truck driver’s employer is also responsible for the trucker’s negligence while on the clock.
Tuckers are on the clock when they’re behind the wheel, and your claim should take this into account. As such, you need to investigate who is the real cause for your accident. You will need the name of the employer—not just the person who caused your accident. Your lawyer can help you find the person who should be named in your claim.
Calculating Damages
When preparing your claim, you’ll also need to consider your damages before you file. Knowing how much your damages are worth means you can begin your claim confident in what you should expect for your full compensation.
When dealing with a truck accident, you can expect relatively serious injuries and damages. Roads like Highway 17 are especially busy, so certain areas like bridges may cause more damage than you might have expected.
When you’re preparing your claim, be sure to consider every area of your life that your accident might have affected, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Permanent disability and lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Household services because of your injuries
Speak with a Highway 17 Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
An 18-wheeler is an especially dangerous vehicle, and when you encounter one on a dangerous road, you have a recipe for catastrophic injuries and damages. Getting full compensation after these crashes can make a massive difference in your quality of life, but you may need to fight for it.
If you’re struggling to calculate your damages or pinpoint who to list as the defendant and your time to file is already running out, consider calling a Highway 17 truck accident lawyer from Golden State Lawyers, APC. We can help you through this difficult time to get you the compensation you need. For a free consultation, call us at 408-279-4222 or fill out our online contact form below.