Distracted drivers are dangerous in any situation, but this is particularly true when they are behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. These large trucks can lead to devastating injuries when they crash into passenger cars or pedestrians, potentially altering the lives of multiple people in an instant.
If you have been hurt in a distracted driving truck accident in Ventura, now is the time to explore your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation, and a discussion with a dedicated injury attorney could help you get the outcome you deserve.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the Ventura area. Whenever these vehicles collide with a passenger car, the resulting crash can have catastrophic consequences. If you have been hurt in a collision, it may be helpful to understand the types of distractions that commercial operators face. If any of these factors were present at the time of your wreck, you could have a viable case for compensation.
Physical distractions occur when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel. This can be for any reason, from reaching for a drink to adjusting the radio dial. With one or both hands off the wheel, a commercial driver is less likely to respond to changing road conditions in time to avoid a crash.
Visual distractions are anything that draws a driver’s eyes away from the road. Some of the most common examples include reading a text message or looking at delivery paperwork. Just a few seconds of lost focus can lead to a devastating accident, especially when the truck driver is traveling at a high speed.
Mental distractions take the driver’s mind away from the task of driving, even if their eyes are focused squarely on the road ahead. This type of distraction could involve something as simple as daydreaming or having a conversation on the phone.
If you have been injured by a distracted commercial truck driver in Ventura, it is vital to understand you have a limited time to act. Regardless of how strong your compensation case might be, you can only recover an award if you comply with the statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that exists in every jurisdiction. The amount of time you have to file suit varies from one state to another, and in some cases, there can be multiple time limits based on the type of lawsuit. For personal injury claims filed in California, you generally have two years from the date the injury occurs to file suit.
If you wait too long to act, it can have a devastating effect on your chances of recovering compensation. The judge overseeing your case may have no choice but to dismiss your lawsuit if you file after the time limit expires. What’s more, the other side has no obligation to negotiate a settlement with you if the statute has passed. This can mean missing out on any opportunity to recover compensation. One of the primary benefits of working with a lawyer is that they can ensure you file your case on time.
If you are dealing with an injury following a distracted driving truck accident in Ventura, it is crucial that you understand how much time you have to act. The statute of limitations can upend your case if you wait too long to file. Thankfully, the right attorney can not only build a viable claim for compensation but also file it on time. Reach out today to learn more.
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