Can an accident reconstructionist impact damage compensation in San Diego?

California – March 1, 2022

A multi-vehicle accident involving a van and a semi-tractor trailer occurred in San Diego in the Mountain View neighborhood, resulting in life-threatening injuries to a driver who was transported to the hospital.  The big rig was parked facing west while a driver made a delivery and the van driver veered into the eastbound lanes causing him to crash into the back of the semi-trailer according to reporting law enforcement.  When larger vehicles make impact, the damages are potentially higher due to size and weight components of the vehicles.

Case building.

An experienced attorney will research specific case facts and interpret the law to support an accident case’s best outcome toward compensation for damages and injuries caused by the truck accident. Determining the percentage of fault is a matter for those who have reviewed police reports, witness reports, car damages, roadway marks and other factors present at the time of the accident.

Value of an accident reconstructionist.

The scientific process of collecting objective evidence to prove the cause of an accident is referred to as accident reconstruction.  There are times when the services of an experienced professional accident reconstructionist is preferred due to their specialized training in science, engineering and law enforcement and ability to objectively review evidence at an accident scene.  The professional testimony given, utilizing compelling scientific evidence to demonstrate how the accident occurred, may be the difference in building a winning case for negligence that will impact damage compensation.  Accident victims should talk to a truck accident attorney about their case and the value of hiring a reconstructionist.

Loss calculation.

Economic and non-economic losses, such as lost wages, medical bills, legal fees, property replacement and pain and suffering are addressed in loss valuations with punitive damages in some cases.  Expenses for medical bills and lost wages from work are simply calculated in a claim for damages, but estimates for pain, scarring, emotional harm, or short and long term psychological and physical limitations are not as easy to calculate.  Valuations are determined with input  from lawyers, insurance companies and juries who must consider what is a fair and reasonable amount of money to cover the loss, based on a compilation of evidence provided to the court.

Insurance.

California offers personal injury protection Med Pay coverages as an option to address injuries caused in a truck accident, but it is always best to speak with a lawyer who understands California insurance laws toward collection of funds to pay for harmful losses and property replacement. Commercial motor operators that drive big trucks are mandated by the United States Department of Transportation, 49 C.F.R. part 387, subpart A, regarding minimum levels of financial responsibility to address accident losses. There is a two year time period to file legal action after an accident in California.  Experienced truck accident lawyers will build a case against negligent parties on behalf of injured parties, or their loved ones in cases of fatal injury.

Hire an attorney.

Legal counsel should be contacted shortly after a truck accident so victims do not miss the ability to file a civil case in accordance with the California statute of limitations for accidents.  Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates for guidance toward comprehensive damages after a truck accident results in property damage and/or bodily injury in San Diego.

Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates, a Professional Law Corporation

501 West Broadway, Suite 1650

San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: 619-233-8021

Fax: 619-233-3730

Sources:

1. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2022-03-01/man-crashes-van-into-big-rig-suffers-life-threatening-injuries-in-mountain-view
2. https://www.courts.ca.gov/9618.htm?rdeLocaleAttr=en
3. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=20001