Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto represents anyone that’s been injured in an accident with a big rig or any other type of truck. One of the most common carriers you’ll come across in Modesto is Amazon, and our team can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to learn more about your options with a free consultation.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
Not every truck accident requires a lawyer, and there’s no legal requirement for one in California injury claims. However, if you’re seriously injured or the accident involves an Amazon truck, having our team can be very helpful. Here’s how we can help you:
- Figuring out liability – Amazon truck drivers are often independent contractors, not direct Amazon employees. This can complicate things. Our team can figure out who is legally responsible and who you need to file against.
- Gathering evidence – A strong claim needs solid evidence. We help you collect medical records, photos, videos, and other crucial evidence to build your case.
- Dealing with insurance companies – Insurance companies, including Amazon’s, may try to devalue your claim. We have experience dealing with their tactics, making demands, and reviewing settlement offers to ensure you get fair compensation.
- Supporting you – We make the process easier by providing support at every step, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects.
No matter what causes the accident, we can support you in a claim. Our overall goal is to make the process as easy as possible while you focus on your injuries and getting better.
Who’s Liable in an Amazon Truck Accident?
Probably the most confusing part of an Amazon truck accident involves liability–the legal responsibility for causing the accident and your injuries. It’s not complicated to see why: Amazon uses trucks and vans to transport its vast array of products and orders, but the actual driver usually doesn’t work for Amazon directly.
This means that the driver carries the responsibility for an accident, but like any claim, the ultimate determining factor is negligence. In these accidents, negligence has four elements:
- The driver must drive safely.
- The driver failed to uphold this duty.
- This breach caused the accident.
- The accident caused your injuries and other losses.
While this covers most Amazon truck accidents, there’s numerous others that could potentially be involved:
- Amazon itself, if the driver worked for them directly or Amazon’s policies played a role in the accident.
- Other drivers that were being negligent and caused the accident, but weren’t directly involved.
- Truck or parts manufacturer, if a malfunction caused the accident.
- City or county government if road conditions or lack of signage or lights caused the accident.
Obviously, your case could be more complicated if there’s more people involved. That said, there’s steps you need to take to protect yourself and your claim.
How Can You Protect Yourself in an Amazon Truck Accident?
Even with liability somewhat established, there’s still certain things you need to do to protect yourself and your claim after an Amazon truck accident. As the person bringing the claim, you have the responsibility of showing your damages and other losses. YOu do that by getting certain information and evidence after the accident happens, and you do that by doing the following:
- Getting medical care – Your health is the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention at the scene by calling an ambulance. Even if you don’t feel injured, visit urgent care or an emergency room since some injuries may not be apparent immediately due to adrenaline.
- Reporting the accident to police – Contact the Modesto Police Department or Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department to report the accident. An official accident report will be valuable for your insurance claim, and will allow you to get help at the scene.
- Gathering information and evidence – Collect contact details from the Amazon truck driver and any witnesses. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries you can see.
- Documenting the scene and keeping your evidence – Keep detailed records of medical treatments, accident-related expenses, and any communication with insurance companies or other parties. This will be crucial for supporting your claim.
- Watching what you say – Avoid making statements or signing documents without consulting us first. Insurance companies may try to minimize their liability by getting you to admit fault or accept a low settlement offer.
Accidents with Amazon trucks are unfortunately common in Modesto, but that doesn’t mean you automatically get the damages that are available to you. Taking these steps forms the foundation of a strong claim.
What Are Your Legal Options After an Amazon Truck Accident?
After an Amazon truck accident, you generally have two ways to begin the legal process:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
The best option depends on your specific circumstances. Amazon truck accidents often cause significant damage due to their size and weight, affecting both your vehicle and personal well-being. More to the point, these accidents cause injuries and other negative impacts on your life. The law takes this into account when figuring your “damages.” So, in a claim, you can potentially recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses (if fatal)
- Punitive damages (in certain cases)
It’s important to remember that in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim due to the statute of limitations. Also, under California’s comparative negligence rule, your damages can be reduced by the percentage of fault you have in the accident. Acting within these time limits and rules is vital to your case, but so too is having the right guidance and support. Our team can give you that.
Experienced Legal Help from Modesto Amazon Truck Accident Lawyers
Dealing with a truck accident, especially involving an Amazon delivery truck, can be incredibly challenging in Modesto. These large vehicles are common on our roads, increasing the likelihood of such accidents. If you find yourself in this situation, our Modesto Amazon truck accident lawyers are here to provide you with strong and effective legal guidance and support. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.