California Personal Injury Lawyer Helping Accident Victims in Santa Paula
Located amidst the Santa Clara River Valley’s lush orchards in Southern California is the city of Santa Paula, commonly referred to as the “Citrus Capital of the World.”
Santa Paula, which is part of Ventura County, is situated to the northwest of Los Angeles, near the rolling hills of Simi Valley. The community is also a close proximity to some of Ventura County’s other prominent communities, including Oxnard, Malibu, Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks.
Located along the 126 Freeway, Santa Paula is less than an hour from the urban sprawl of L.A. and Hollywood and maintains a rich agriculture industry. The city’s citrus groves are known throughout the country, and have become a popular tourist attraction over the years.
The city, which was once inhabited by Native American Chumash people, like much of Southern California, was originally founded in 1872. However, it was not officially incorporated until the spring of 1902. Unlike some of its area counterparts, Santa Paula is a relatively small community, measuring roughly 4.7 square miles with a population of less than 30,000 people.
Southern California’s roadways can be dangerous, especially if drivers are negligent or unaware of their surroundings. That includes fellow drivers. Since the greater Los Angeles area is home to a number of industrial and manufacturing companies, the region’s roadways are populated by a number of drivers, including those operating commercial trucks.
TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
When truck accidents occur, regardless of locale, it typically comes down to one of two causes. The first is quite simple – truck drivers get tired. Commercial trucks can travel long distances, with drivers remaining on the roadways for particularly long stretches of time. And while drivers are meant to keep sleep schedules for safety, slip-ups do occur.
The second most common cause of these types of accidents is something that plagues all drivers – blind spots. Since commercial trucks are large vehicles, with roughly 50 to 60-foot trailers attached, blind spots can be an issue. It is not uncommon for a truck driver to have an obstructed or blind view when pulling into a lane, whether they are on residential streets or one of the state’s fast-pace freeways.
When an incident involving a commercial truck arises, it is important to note the demeanor of the driver – are they behaving out of the ordinary? Because it is not uncommon for drivers to turn to drugs to stay awake, it is important to observe driver behavior, and contact police if you believe that a driver is under the influence of any substance.
It is also important to exchange information, as you would in any other vehicle accident, including getting the driver’s commercial license and medical insurance information. Because drivers are required to undergo regular testing to ensure they are competent to operate commercial vehicles, it is important to have proof that their medical card is indeed valid.
In Southern California, MCIS Lawyers are personal injury attorneys who specialize in representing victims of vehicular accidents, including those involving commercial trucks. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney, especially if you believe the driver was neither capable nor competent to operate the vehicle.
The California Civil Code allows a person seeking to recover damages for injuries sustained in truck accidents up to two years from the incident to file a claim for injury.
Our attorneys specialize in representing victims of personal injury and vehicular negligence. For close to 50 years, our legal team has successfully negotiated injury claims stemming from a number of automobile accidents, and has extensive experience in cases involving commercial trucks. We understand that your injury can be life changing, and we are committed to helping you and the people you love achieve a favorable outcome.
To schedule an initial consultation to discuss your personal injury claim with one of our attorneys, call us today at (818) 999-1184.