California is a major international trade route, with thousands of trucks on the state’s highways each day. There are some particularly dangerous stretches of highway in the state, including the heavily traveled Highway 101. The span of this road in Los Angeles County alone saw 65 serious trucking accidents in 2023. California strictly enforces laws regarding traffic accidents. The law requires anyone involved in a truck accident to offer “reasonable assistance” to anyone involved in the accident, including getting medical assistance, if necessary. The law in California also requires motorists to provide personal information that includes:
- The name and address of the other driver
- Names and addresses of vehicle occupants
- Registration and insurance information of the driver
- Driver’s license
If there are any injuries, the incident should be reported to local law enforcement. Truck accidents often involve injuries and damage to property. Damage to a highway or street may include traffic signals, guardrails, snow poles, and signs. A negligent party could be responsible for the removal of debris from the road if a detour is involved.
If a bridge or highway is damaged due to the illegal operation of a vehicle. If the driver isn’t the owner of the truck, the driver and the owner are jointly responsible for the damage and clean-up of the area.
Liability in California Truck Accidents
It’s usually best to contact the local police department to report the accident. Under California law, employers or commercial drivers may be liable for bridge or road damage. Filing an accident report may help recover damages from trucking companies if negligence was involved. Not stopping or leaving the scene of an accident. If the driver isn’t the owner of the vehicle but has the authority to operate it, both the driver and the owner are liable.
California’s accident laws involving trucks are very specific. Owners of vehicles are responsible for damage, whether they or another party is driving their vehicle. Negligent drivers are responsible for damage to bridges, roads, and ensuing clean-up. A negligent driver may face additional penalties if they don’t stop following an accident.
Reporting an Accident
Accident reports must be filed. The owner or owners of a vehicle are responsible for injury or death if the driver is negligent. Drivers of commercial trucks must have the necessary permits to operate the vehicle. It’s essential to preserve any evidence at the scene of the accident, especially if negligence is involved. California has statutes of limitations regarding personal injury and damage to property. The statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date the accident occurred and three years for property damage.
If a truck accident results in a death and there isn’t a law enforcement officer at the scene, the accident should be reported immediately to the nearest local police department or the California Highway Patrol.