What You Should Know About Truck Accident Litigation

They are everywhere on California’s highways. Trucks are the largest vehicles on the road. They also tend to cause the most serious motor vehicle accidents. Consider these alarming statistics. The average 18-wheel semi-truck weighs close to 80,000 pounds. When these huge vehicles are traveling at high speeds, they can deliver devastating force that can often result in catastrophic injuries. If an accident is the result of negligence, it is important for surviving victims to seek representation from a Ventura county truck accident attorney immediately.

Truck Accidents Are Different

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is contacting the wrong attorney. Many Ventura county personal injury attorneys represent car and truck accident victims. But it is important to make a distinction. Most truck accidents involve commercial vehicles. In many cases, the truck driver is not at fault. Poor maintenance and shoddy repair work by the trucking company can often result in disaster on the road. The types of injuries in truck accidents are often far more serious. Paralysis and catastrophic injuries are more likely to occur.

Get Your Case Admitted to Federal Court

Because truck accidents often involve national commercial trucking companies, there is far more money at stake. It is important to get your case admitted into federal court. Many commercial trucks cross state lines and conduct business far outside Ventura County. Due to the diversity of jurisdiction, federal court is often the more appropriate setting for a commercial truck accident. This means at least one of the defendants is from a different state than the accident victim. The value of the case must also exceed $75,000 to admitted to federal court.

Focus on the Trucking Company, Not the Driver

Another major difference between car and truck accidents in Ventura county are who is responsible for the accident. Most car accidents involve regular drivers who are just trying to get from Point A to Point B. Truck accidents generally involve commercial trucking companies. The company is not only responsible for properly maintaining its vehicles, it is also responsible for properly training drivers for their road duties.

Be Prepared for a Fight!

Trucking companies have a team of defense attorneys that will aggressively defend their client. In addition to attorneys, trucking companies also have a team of adjusters and collision investigators whose focus is to protect the interest of the company and minimize liability. It is vital for your Ventura county truck accident attorney to gather and organize evidence as quickly as possible. Any lost evidence can severely affect an accident victim’s case.

Contact Ventura County Truck Accident Attorney J. Jeffrey Herman For a Consultation

When a person is injured in a truck accident, it can bring devastating results. Catastrophic injuries along with medical bills, damages and lost wages can place accident victims in a huge financial burden. Ventura county truck accident attorney J. Jeffrey Herman understands the obstacles and challenges his client face. For more than 30 years, he has helped countless men and women recover the the compensation needed to pay their bills, receive the best possible medical and move on with their lives. To learn more, contact his Ventura county personal injury law office today and schedule a consultation to discuss your case.