{"id":371904,"date":"2016-12-09T11:59:35","date_gmt":"2016-12-09T16:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident-in-california.html"},"modified":"2024-12-20T20:51:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T01:51:37","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident-in-california","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident-in-california.html","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Truck Accident in California"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in California<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

With the second highest number of roadway miles<\/a> 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<\/a> for international trade, adding thousands of trucks to its roadways every day.<\/p>\r\n

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.<\/p>\r\n

Immediate Actions on the Scene<\/h2>\r\n

California law reflects the initial instincts of many drivers after an accident<\/a> — 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:<\/p>\r\n