Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont advocate on behalf of step truck accident victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a produce truck accident in Fremont, our team of truck accident attorneys will exercise every legal avenue to get you the compensation you need. Contact your Fremont accident attorneys today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Step Van Accident in Fremont?
Step vans, also known as step trucks, walk-in vans, or delivery vans are commercial vehicles used to transport goods and services. They differ from semi-trucks as they make multiple stops along their routes, whereas big-rig trucks usually deliver products to a single destination. An example of step vans include Amazon trucks, laundry trucks, or UPS trucks. Even though they are smaller than big rigs, an accident with a step van is still far more devastating than your typical vehicle accident. Step van accidents usually involve multiple liable parties and victims, making accident claims a complex affair for the average person.
Due to the legal complexities of step van accidents, it is advised to discuss the details of your accident with a reputable step van accident attorney. An attorney will speak to the insurance company on your behalf, as well as to other attorneys who may attempt to place blame for the accident on you. An attorney is there to protect you from undeserved liability and your right to compensation. With legal representation, your compensation will most likely include the following:
- Medical expenses, including medical procedures, medical equipment, ambulance rides, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering, which covers the mental stress and trauma you’ve endured as a result of the accident
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
What to do After Getting in an Accident With a Step Van in Fremont
Let’s say you’re driving one Saturday morning, going northbound on Interstate 880 and you change lanes, getting on the off-ramp to Fremont Boulevard. A step van attempts to make a quick exit by getting in front of you, but hits the side of your vehicle, sending you spinning into the guardrails. Your simple morning drive has turned into an accident scene in a matter of seconds. Your airbags are deployed, and smoke is coming from the hood of your car. What do you do?
It can be tough to think straight in the heat of the moment. That’s okay because it is not uncommon to be unsure of what to do after you’re in a major accident. The key things to remember are to remain calm and seek medical treatment. Nothing is more important than your health and safety. The next steps are recommended to protect your rights and begin building your case. After an accident, you should:
- Call the Police: With minor accidents, some people would rather keep the police out of it and handle it themselves. This would not help your case, especially if the case comes down to your word over the step van driver. A police officer will file an accident report, and may even assign blame based on their collision assessment. A police report is critical evidence in any claim and will play a key role in ensuring you are fully compensated.
- Gather Evidence: You should document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the damage to your car, to the step van, other vehicles, your injuries, skid marks on the road, and street signs or landmarks. Take a video of yourself recounting the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. And if there are any eyewitnesses, be sure to get their names and numbers as they can testify on your behalf, or provide a statement to corroborate your story.
- Collect Information: Exchange insurance information with the driver and be sure to get their name, phone number, and contact information.
Common Causes of Step Van Accidents in Fremont
Accidents involving step vans can occur for several reasons. While a typical car-on-car accident only involves two parties’ insurance, step vans can involve multiple liable parties such as the van company, the van manufacturer, or a van repair shop. The cause of your accident will most likely reveal the liable party. Common causes for step van accidents in Fremont include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Improper loading
- Defective parts
- Equipment failure
- Weather conditions
- Intoxication or substance abuse
- Poor road conditions
What is the Typical Settlement for a Step Van Accident in California?
No two vehicular accidents are the same, so there is a wide range of settlement amounts for step van accident cases. However, there are common factors for every case, which can indicate the amount of compensation you could receive. These factors include:
- Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
- General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, mental trauma
- Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
- Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the driver engaged in reckless driving with the intention of hurting you, then you could sue for punitive damages
In most cases, the more severe your injuries and the longer they impact your life, the greater your compensation will be. A reputable personal injury lawyer can help you understand the value of your case and will protect your right to fair compensation.
FAQs
Q: Do step van companies have to carry insurance for personal injuries?
A: Yes, federal regulations in California require step van companies to carry liability insurance.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a step van accident?
A: Two years. The statute of limitations in California allows victims to file a personal injury claim within two years of the date of the accident.
Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
A: At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont, there is no upfront fee for our services. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Contact a Step Van Accident Attorney in Fremont
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to the carelessness of a step van driver, the Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont can help you obtain the compensation you need to get your life back. We know how traumatic and overwhelming a step van accident can be, but our team of experienced personal injury lawyers will be here to support you every step of the way. Contact Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Fremont today for a free consultation and case evaluation today.