What To Do After a Truck Accident in Orange County, CA? 2024

Large vehicles such as buses and commercial trucks pose the biggest potential danger on the road, particularly on the highways. Being in a truck accident can be one of the most devastating events of your life. Due to its sheer size and power, a commercial truck has the potential to cause catastrophic damage to every other vehicle and pedestrian in the area where the accident happens. Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Orange County, CA, can be a big help.

A Truck Accident in Orange County, CA

You should always keep in mind that a truck accident can come out of nowhere and cause serious damage to your vehicle and your physical and mental health. A truck accident can be a traumatic event that can be difficult to fully move on from. Seeking legal action against the truck driver or trucking company responsible for the accident can be a good way to start your healing process. You can reach out to a truck accident lawyer to start that journey.

If you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party that caused the accident and your injuries, it is important that you adhere to the state of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accident claims. In most cases, the state will give you two years to put together your claim, fully develop your case, gather the evidence you need, consult with a truck accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

If you are not able to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a good chance that your claim will be completely dismissed, and you will no longer be able to seek compensation. Building a strong case can take a significant amount of time, so it is recommended that you start as soon as possible. If you are concerned that your case isn’t strong enough, you can bring it to a lawyer who can assess the details and offer any necessary advice.

What To Do After a Truck Accident

Being in a truck accident or even just witnessing one can be a traumatic event you may never fully get over. You could suffer severe injuries that might be chronic and, in some cases, permanent. You should remember that the actions you take after an accident are going to be reflected in the accident report and your accident claim. Keeping a level head and making informed decisions can make a difference.

Here are some steps you can take to preserve your right to a claim:

• Stay Calm: It may seem impossible to keep yourself calm after a truck accident. Your natural instinct may be to panic. Panicking won’t help your case and could make things worse for you. Try to take a few moments to breathe, get yourself under control, and take action if you can.
• Don’t Flee: Whatever you do, do not attempt to flee the scene of the accident. Fleeing the scene could result in severe legal penalties for you. Under California law, any driver who is involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage is required to immediately stop and report the accident. Otherwise, you could face severe consequences.
• Call 911: Failing to report a significant accident could result in serious legal penalties. You need to call 911 as soon as you can and report everything to the police. Make sure you get EMTs to the scene as well. When the police arrive, they will fill out a report that you can later access for your own records.
• Check for Injuries: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could be looking at severe injuries. You may not even be aware of these injuries due to the sudden shock of the accident. Make sure to check yourself and others for any injuries. Look for wet areas, bloody spots, bruising, protrusions, sprains, and broken bones. If you’re in pain but don’t find any visible injuries, mention it to the EMTs.
• Gather Evidence: When the police and EMTs have cleared you, you can start documenting the accident scene for your own records. Take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. Speak to any witnesses who may be willing to help. Exchange insurance information with the truck driver and make sure you get the name of the company they work for.
• See a Lawyer: When you are ready to move forward with legal action, you should reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer and start building your case.

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to Report a Truck Accident to Insurance in California?

The amount of time you have to report a truck accident to your insurance in California is entirely dependent on your policy and the requirements set by your insurance carrier. Most companies want you to report an accident as soon as you possibly can, while others have a specific deadline. Take a look at your policy to learn more.

Do I Have to Report a Truck Accident to the DMV in California?

Yes, you need to report any vehicular accident to the DMV in California. If the accident resulted in an injury, a death, or significant property damage, you need to report it using an SR-1 report within a certain period of time following the accident. You may be able to request that your insurance agent or lawyer contact the DMV on your behalf, but the accident must be reported.

What Happens With My Insurance if I’m at Fault for a Truck Accident in California?

If you are found to be at fault for the truck accident in California and you have insurance, your insurance company may be responsible for paying for all the damages the other driver sustained as a result of the accident. They will reimburse the driver up to your policy limit, and any remaining balance may be sought directly from you.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim in California?

Settling a truck accident claim in California could take anywhere between a few months and a year or longer. Every car accident case is different, and each case has its own details that are unique to the situation and will determine how long it might take to reach a settlement. The more complex a case is, the longer it will likely take to settle.

Contact Us Today

At the Corrales Law Group, we can help you handle the finer details of your truck accident claim. Reach out to speak with a valued team member about a consultation.