Santa Barbara Truck Accident Lawyer
Highway 101 is a main transportation corridor that extends through the state and provides important access to Santa Barbara County. Due to the fact that Santa Barbara is such a busy thoroughfare, it is not uncommon to see transport-trailers and other commercial trucks on the road. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can be involved in an accident just like any others. The difference is, crashes involving large commercial trucks result in much more serious injuries.
The injuries sustained in truck accidents are often life-changing. Paralysis, amputations, severe burns, and traumatic head injuries are just a few of the serious injuries accident victims suffer. You deserve compensation for these and other losses and our Santa Barbara truck accident lawyer can help you obtain it.
Determining Liability in Santa Barbara Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are much more complicated than other auto collision claims for many reasons. The fact that there are so many potentially liable parties is one of these. Unlike most crashes involving two passenger vehicles, the liable party may not even be at the scene of the accident. After a truck accident, liability may lie with any of the following:
- The truck driver: Just like other motorists on the road, truck drivers may act negligently and cause a crash. They may drive while impaired, fatigued, distracted, or engage in other negligent behaviors.
- The trucking company: As large businesses, trucking companies often prioritize their profits over safety. They may take shortcuts in their hiring and training practices, encourage drivers to stay on the road longer than they should, or fail to properly maintain their vehicles.
- Truck manufacturers: Manufacturers must make sure the products they create are safe to use. This includes manufacturers of commercial trucks and their parts. If part of a truck’s system was defective and contributed to the crash, the manufacturer can be held liable.
- Other drivers: Other motorists on the road can also be liable for a truck accident. For example, another motorist may cut off a truck driver, causing the truck to swerve to avoid hitting them. Instead, however, the trucker hits you.
The Time Limit on Truck Accident Claims in Santa Barbara
You deserve compensation for your injuries after a truck accident, but you do have a limited amount of time to file your claim. The statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of your crash. If you do not file within this time, you lose the legal right to claim compensation at all. Two years sounds like a long time to many people, but it is not. Before you file, a full investigation must be conducted, evidence must be collected, and you must fully understand how your injuries affect you now, and how they will impact your life in the future.
Do Not Wait to Call Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Santa Barbara
If you have been hurt in a crash, do not hesitate to obtain sound legal advice. At Zavala Law, our Santa Barbara truck accident lawyer can provide it and make sure your claim is filed on time so you obtain the full compensation you deserve. Call us now at 805-429-4292 or fill out our online form to schedule a free review of your case.
