Fatal Truck Accident on Guard Road
The California Highway Patrol reported that one party suffered fatal injuries in an accident involving a large truck and a sedan on State Route 12 and Guard Road in Lodi. The incident occurred on August 24, 2023, shortly after 10:40 a.m.
Details on the Fatal Truck Accident on Guard Road in Lodi
According to the California Highway Patrol, a collision involving a Nissan sedan and a big rig tanker occurred on Highway 12 in the vicinity of Guard Road. After the accident, both vehicles were engulfed in flames, CHP traffic officials said. The truck driver was able to exit the big rig. Sadly, the Nissan driver was declared deceased at the crash site. Additional information has not yet been released.
Things to Know About Commercial Truck Accident Cases
The loss of a family member is challenging enough. Learning that a loved one has suffered fatal injuries in an accident through the carelessness or negligence of another party or entity is painful and devastating. California law recognizes immense tragedies such as these and allows survivors to seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death action. In the context of a commercial truck accident, there may be multiple defendants. As such, an independent investigation into the big rig crash is necessary to identify all negligent parties.
In addition to truckers, several others may be held liable for a commercial truck accident. This may include the trucking company hiring an unqualified or inexperienced truck driver, encouraging unsafe practices to meet strict delivery deadlines, failing to maintain trucks in the fleet, etc. A third-party cargo loading company may also be held accountable for a big rig crash if there is clear and compelling evidence demonstrating that the improperly secured cargo caused the collision. The tractor-trailer manufacturer may also be held liable if a crash occurred due to faulty truck parts and equipment.
Insurers are in the business of protecting profit margins, and it is not uncommon for insurance carriers to make quick settlement offers to injured parties and surviving family members. The issue with that is that an initial settlement offer does not always consider the full scope of the involved losses. Moreover, insurance companies may also find ways of disputing or denying liability for crashes, and this is particularly the case in commercial truck accidents. That is why it is recommended that injured parties and survivors retain legal counsel when affected by a big rig crash caused by someone else’s negligence.
Is There a Deadline on Wrongful Death Cases?
When filing a claim of wrongful death, the statute of limitations must be considered. In most cases, there is a time limit of two years for filing a case of wrongful death in California. Filing priority is granted to the decedent’s surviving children, domestic partner, or spouse. If these relationships are non-existent, others who meet the criteria set forth in CCP 377.60 may be eligible to file a claim for damages. To determine your eligibility, it is recommended to reach out to an experienced attorney immediately. Here at AutoAccident.com, we are available to provide free case evaluations when you need one.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Lodi
Our legal team at AutoAccident.com can be your voice in your wrongful death or personal injury case for a commercial truck crash or another type of accident. Give us a call at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to tell your story and receive free, friendly advice on your potential case. Our team of experienced and compassionate Lodi personal injury lawyers are available anytime to take your call. We work on contingency, meaning we will only get paid if we obtain a favorable resolution in your case. This works to ensure that our clients have quality representation when they need it most.
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