With the second highest number of roadway miles in the U.S. and with by far the most registered vehicles (nearly 30 million in 2013), California's roads carry their fair share of traffic. Being close to the Pacific Ocean and two neighboring countries, also makes California a major gateway for international trade, adding thousands of trucks to its roadways every day.
This large scale movement of goods can create additional hazards on the road. Unlike regular car crashes, accidents involving heavy freight-bearing trucks can prove disastrous, like when a big rig jackknifed on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, spilling gallons of fuel. It's important to know what to do after a truck accident in California, especially if you need compensation for your losses.
Immediate Actions on the Scene
California law reflects the initial instincts of many drivers after an accident -- to help the injured. Specifically, state law requires the rendering of "reasonable assistance" to anyone injured in an accident which may require help getting them to medical providers. In the midst of the chaos that can follow a serious accident, California law also requires motorists to provide information such as:
Reporting the Accident and Preserving Evidence
Depending on whether there were any injuries California law may also require motorists to report truck accidents to law enforcement. However, since these accidents usually involve injuries and significant property damage, you're probably better off just calling law enforcement at the scene, after which the officers involved will file a report. The police are interested in preparing a report because California law also holds drivers liable for damage to roads or bridges.
An accident report could prove invaluable in helping to establish the liability of drivers or their employers. You might also seek to recover from trucking companies if they were negligent in hiring their drivers or failed to follow the many federal and state regulations that apply to commercial trucking.