An SUV was involved in a truck collision in Richmond on Monday night, October 16, 2023.
According to the authorities, the rear-end collision occurred on westbound Interstate 80 before Hilltop Drive.
An SUV rear-ended a big rig, and reports indicate that both vehicles were in the right lane when the crash happened. Injuries have not been reported at this time.
The authorities have not released further information about the collision.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in Contra Costa County
The legal process can be challenging if you have been injured in a truck accident or lost a loved one. Hiring a truck accident lawyer with extensive experience dealing with such cases may benefit the injured.
A truck accident lawyer may better handle your case if you wish to speak with one. The following steps and the settlement value can be determined in a free consultation with one of our legal experts.
Obtain legal advice from our most experienced Contra Costa County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., if you need assistance with your insurance claim or legal representation in court. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million in settlements and verdicts for our California clients.
Set up a free consultation with one of our reputable attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391 or filling out our “Do I Have a Case?” form.
What to Do After A Truck Accident in California
After a truck accident, it is essential to remain on the scene and wait for the authorities and medical personnel to arrive. Move the vehicle off the road if possible. Then, after gathering evidence to support filing a truck accident claim, make sure to inform your insurance provider and contact one of our award-winning California truck accident lawyers.
- Do not leave the scene and call the police right away.
The police’s duties at the scene of an accident include directing traffic, clearing the scene of debris, and assisting any injured parties. As a neutral party, their investigation reports add credibility to your case and will prove negligence.
The California Vehicle Code also requires drivers to report accidents involving death or injury within 24 hours. Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate fully with law enforcement. Lastly, stay at the scene until instructed otherwise to avoid legal repercussions.
- Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention.
Even if you think you were uninjured after a truck accident, let the emergency personnel examine you. You may be unable to assess the full extent of your injuries due to the adrenaline rush and shock. Some injuries may even appear days later. Only a medical examination can detect health issues before they become noticeable.
Records of medical visits, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenses are valuable for building a strong case. Insurance companies and courts could assume the victims weren’t really harmed if they didn’t seek medical attention. This leads to inadequate compensation. So make sure you keep all of them.
- Move vehicles to the shoulder of the road if possible.
Truck accidents almost always cause obstructions on the road, leading to traffic congestion. If possible and safe, preferably after documenting the scene by taking pictures and videos, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists. Further accidents can be prevented with this.
In some cases, including severe damages, injuries, or when instructed otherwise by law enforcement, moving the vehicles may not be possible or safe. Follow the instructions of emergency responders in these situations.
- Talk to our truck accident lawyers in California.
We offer free consultations so you can discuss your truck crash without risk or obligation.
We can determine whether your case has merit, help you talk to insurance companies, and assist you in filing a personal injury claim if necessary.
Big Rig Accident Statistics
It has been found that people who drive small vehicles are more likely to suffer severe injuries or even die in a collision, particularly when the collision involves large trucks and big rigs, due to the fact that they are less likely to withstand the impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavy vehicles caused 4,965 deaths in 2020. Despite reaching a record 5,032 fatalities in 2019, the number dropped by 5% in the following year.
According to the 2020 OTS ranking of the California Office of Traffic and Safety, Richmond had 379 fatalities and injuries in different collisions. Safe driving should be a priority, with an average population of 114,643 in the same year.