Why Truck Accidents are Expected to Go Up in California This Year and Why You Need to Call a Truck Accident Lawyer Before Making Any Statements
Last year we saw a significant decrease in the number of big rig trucks out on California’s highways and freeways. COVID caused massive interruptions in manufacturing, and with goods being held up at ports, very little product was being loaded onto trucks. While COVID is still causing international freight challenges, we are seeing more trucks back on the roads as manufacturers have had to adapt to the times and find other solutions. But with new procedures being introduced to manufacturing and shipping, what do the safety standards look like in the world of trucking as we continue to move through 2022?
First of all, one of the most accident=prone cohorts of motorists are now able to drive big rig trucks. The Federal Government introduced the Pilot Program–a new program addressing industry complaints that there aren’t enough qualified long-haul truck drivers in the country to meet demands. This means the required age for long-haul truckers dropped from 21 to 18 years of age. And with most teen drivers getting their license at age 17, this means young people with only one year’s experience in operating a motor vehicle will be tasked with driving some of the most complex and challenging vehicles on very little sleep. This, in of itself, creates the perfect environment for a chaotic year of truck accidents across the roads of California.
What did the Frequency of Truck Accidents Look Like Before Teen Take the Big Wheel?
In 2021, people were either killed or received catastrophic injuries due to a truck accident every 15 minutes. According to the NTSB, around 500,000 trucking accidents occur in America every year, and now that inexperienced drivers are taking the wheel, we can only expect this number to rise.
The head of the American Trucking Associations stated that 80,000 additional drivers are needed to ensure the industry’s good health and effectiveness. However, numerous safety advocates objected, stating that this change would put inexperienced, dangerous drivers at the controls of some heavy vehicles that are notoriously known for causing major injuries and death when tangled with a class C vehicle. That said, we are all warned to take precaution when approaching big rigs, and it is critical to give them the space they need. However, we can’t always avoid truck accidents when negligent drivers cross lanes and plow into motorists.
Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Before Making a Statement to the Police
It is critical that you speak to a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles before you give any details of the accident or the conditions leading to it, to the police. If you get injured in a truck accident, there is a good chance that you may encounter the police before paramedics arrive at the scene to take you to the hospital. Their first duty will be to attend to your physical needs and safety while the ambulance is en route, and they will also ask you to state what happened if you are able to communicate. When you go to retell the incident leading to the truck accident, the police will include this in their report, so everything that you say can be used in court against your claim. When you are injured in a truck accident your adrenaline will be surging; you will likely be in shock, pain, and be clouded with fear. When we are in such states our recollection of recent events can be shaky. This is why you should wait to make any statement to the police until you have already had a consultation with your truck accident lawyer.
If You Can Call a Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Way to the Hospital, By All Means Do It
After people are injured in a truck accident, they are taken to the ER and examined by doctors. Based on the nature of one’s injuries a person may have additional tests such as x rays, ultrasounds, or they may even go into emergency surgery. If the person is able to communicate, a physician will likely ask the person to identify areas of pain, pain levels, and they may ask you to recall the details of the accident. Allow doctors to treat you and perform tests, but before you talk about your pain levels and recall the accident, ask to speak to a truck accident attorney before you go on record. Trucking companies have a team of attorneys who are trained to dissect medical reports, and they strive to manipulate these records and twist the wrong narrative in order to pay you as little as possible. A truck accident lawyer will be able to guide you through making a statement that accurately recalls the events, and that testifies to your injuries, in a manner that won’t create a loophole for insurance companies to argue against the claim amount you are entitled to.
Call The Ryan Law Group for the Best Truck Accident Lawyer Los Angeles Offers, Today!
Whether a teen truck driver violates truck lane restrictions causing a big rig accident in which your vehicle becomes involved in a terrible accident, or a loved one is injured in a truck accident and you are searching for a lawyer in Los Angeles specializing in truck accidents, the personal injury lawyers at The Ryan Law Group can assist you right away. Your wellness will be our first priority; our truck accident lawyer will make sure you are getting the right medical care, and we will be collecting all of the necessary evidence to ensure you don’t pay a single cent for your medical bills. We will also get ahold of any expert witnesses, if necessary, and protect you from the predatory insurance companies that set out to take advantage of you in your time of need. Andrew Ryan is a compassionate, highly successful personal injury attorney that has protected the legal rights of scores of people throughout California, and he has helped them collect multi-million dollar claims in their truck accident lawsuit. Call for a free consultation today, and learn how the Ryan Law Group can help you pick up the pieces and live the best possible life.