Two Injured in Stockton PG&E Truck Accident
Two people were injured in a Stockton PG&E truck accident on September 7, 2019. The crash occurred in the area of Eight Mile Road and Mokelumne Road in Stockton. An unidentified vehicle was involved in an accident with a PG&E truck. The impact of the collision allegedly propelled both vehicles into a pole. The PG&E truck driver was reported to be okay after the accident, according to the Stockton Police Department. Sadly, the other motorist suffered serious injuries. No further details have been released yet regarding the conditions of those injured.
What to Do After a Stockton PG&E Truck Accident
Knowing what to do after a truck accident may be challenging. You may be overwhelmed with stress and adrenaline. Here are some steps you should take after a truck crash in Stockton:
- Report the Accident: Any car accident that involves injuries or high property damage must be reported to the police immediately. If a police officer responds to the scene, ask for a traffic collision report to be taken. It may take one to two weeks to be processed. When it is ready, request a copy and submit it to your insurer.
- Seek Medical Care: If you are not transported by ambulance to the hospital after an auto accident, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Failing to seek medical treatment after a crash may affect your case. Insurance claims adjusters may dispute the nature of your injuries and find ways to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether.
- Exchange Information: All relevant information should be exchanged with other parties involved in the crash. This includes names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance policy information. This is required by California law. Conversely, do not discuss liability or apologize for the crash. This may be misconstrued as you admitting guilt for the collision.
- Collect Witness Accounts: If anyone witnessed the crash, be sure to take down their statement and contact information. Witness accounts will prove invaluable in your personal injury claim.
- Gather Evidence: Take clear photos of the vehicles involved in the crash at different angles. These pictures should also help identify any road obstructions and weather conditions. Having such evidence is critical in proving liability on the part of the other driver.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: You will want to call your insurer and let them know you were involved in an accident immediately. Your insurance company will review the facts and circumstances of your claim to determine who is at fault and the extent of your damages. You may have additional coverage available, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the driver does not have enough insurance or none at all. You may also have med-pay available to have your medical expenses covered until your claim is resolved. Keep in mind that if you fail to notify your insurance carrier promptly, they may deny your claim.
- File a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance: A third-party claim should be filed with the other motorist’s insurance carrier if they were responsible for the crash. Do not agree to any recorded statements or sign any documents without speaking to a Stockton personal injury lawyer first.
Proving negligence in a car accident may be challenging, especially if it involves a private company such as PG&E. To learn how this is done, watch this video.
Is It Worth Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
There may be issues regarding the resolution of personal injury claims against PG&E due to the pending Northern California wildfire cases. This is why it is critical to contact an experienced Stockton personal injury attorney. An attorney with years of experience knows the best way to proceed in your case to ensure you receive a full recovery, despite PG&E’s bankruptcy filing.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. A collision with a truck, even at low speeds, has the potential to cause serious injuries for those involved. If this has happened to you or a loved one, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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Picture Credit: By “Elastic Compute Farm” via Pixabay
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