Our Pasadena Box Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries
A box truck crash can cause significant damage to vehicles and serious bodily injury to those affected. Box trucks, commonly used to transport cargo across the country, are larger than the average car but smaller than traditional big rigs. Despite their size difference from 18-wheelers, box trucks are still capable of causing severe harm in an accident. Understanding your rights and the steps you need to take after such an accident is crucial. We explain what to do after an accident, how to protect your rights, and how our Pasadena box truck accident lawyers at SJ Injury Attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Box Truck?
A box truck, also known as a cube truck or straight truck, is a type of commercial vehicle characterized by a rectangular cargo area attached to the front cab. These trucks typically have two axles and a separate cab where the driver sits, designed for optimal visibility and maneuverability. Box trucks are widely utilized for a variety of purposes, including local and regional deliveries, moving services, and transportation of equipment or merchandise. They offer ample storage space while being more compact and easier to operate than larger semi-trailers. Despite their versatility, box trucks require special attention due to their size, weight, and potential blind spots, making them a potential hazard on the road if not operated with caution and proper training.
Common Types of Box Truck Accidents
Box truck accidents can occur in various ways, including:
Rollover Accidents
In a rollover accident, the box truck tips onto its side or roof. This often happens when drivers lack sufficient experience handling the truck, such as when renting a U-Haul box truck for moving. Taking a turn too quickly can cause the truck to become unbalanced and roll over. Box trucks' height and weight distribution make them particularly prone to rollovers, especially during sudden maneuvers or high-speed turns.
Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
A blind spot is the area the driver cannot see while inside a vehicle. For box truck drivers, these blind spots are significant, especially in the rear quarter behind the truck. Drivers often change lanes without realizing they are coming close to other vehicles. This can result in collisions, side-swiping incidents, and other serious accidents. Understanding the extent of these blind spots is crucial for both truck drivers and other road users.
What to Do After a Box Truck Crash
If you are involved in a box truck accident, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the necessary medical and legal support:
- Seek medical attention. Your health and safety are the top priorities. Even if you feel fine, getting checked by a medical professional is important, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the police. Report the accident to the authorities and obtain a copy of the crash (or police) report. This document can be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and other parties involved in the accident.
- Avoid admitting fault. Be careful with your words and avoid admitting fault or apologizing at the scene. Statements made immediately after an accident can be used against you later. Be careful posting details about the accident on social media since what you post online can be used against you.
- Contact a lawyer. Call a Pasadena box truck accident lawyer at SJ Injury Attorneys to discuss your case. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation.
Proving Liability and Recovering Damages
In order to recover damages after a box truck accident, you must be able to determine what party or parties to hold liable. Possible defendants can include:
- Truck driver. The driver was engaging in negligent behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
- Trucking company. The company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, did not provide adequate training, or pushed drivers to exceed safe driving hours.
- Manufacturers. If a mechanical failure or defect contributed to the accident, the truck's manufacturer or its parts might be held liable.
To prove liability, evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies may be required. A Pasadena box truck accident lawyer can help gather this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Possible Damages in a Box Truck Accident
If you were injured in a box truck accident due to another party’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage.
Review our client testimonials to learn more about how we have helped our truck accident clients recover compensation and secure fair settlements. For example, we helped our Houston client recover $750,000 after being rear-ended by a box truck on U.S. Highway 59, resulting in an injury to his lower back and neck that required a series of three epidural steroid injections. Let us help you, too.