Sacramento YRC Freight Truck Accident Lawyer
Never face a legal battle alone. We’re here to join forces with you. Hear what attorney Jeremy has to say about trucking accidents.
Unfortunately, accidents involving YRC Freight trucks are common in Sacramento. A Sacramento YRC freight truck accident lawyer provides essential guidance for compensation. We offer expert support and representation as your partner in seeking justice.
Table of Contents
Importance of hiring proven truck accident lawyer
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
We stand behind the principle that financial cost should not hinder your ability to attain experienced legal advocacy. It is our promise that you will not pay anything unless we win your case for you.
Understanding YRC Freight
Trucking laws in Sacramento
- Weight restrictions: Trucks must not exceed the state’s weight limits, which vary based on the vehicle type and road.
- Driver qualifications: Drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and meet specific training requirements.
- Hours of service: Regulations limit the hours a driver can operate without rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents. The driving limit is 11 hours a day and 70 hours weekly. They must rest at least 10 minutes after every 4 hours of driving.
- Vehicle maintenance: All commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections and adhere to maintenance standards.
- Cargo securement: Ensures that all cargo is properly secured to prevent shifts or spills during transit.
- Alcohol and drug testing: Mandatory testing for drivers to ensure they are not under the influence while operating.
- Insurance requirements: Trucks must have a minimum amount of liability coverage based on their size and cargo type.
- Truck emissions: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has a Truck and Bus Regulation that has been in effect since December 2008. The regulation requires heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses to reduce emissions.
YRC Freight crash statistics in California
- There has been a series of YRC Freight truck accidents over the past few years.
- YRC Freight has reported a recordable accident rate of 0.38 accidents per million miles in 2012.
- YRC Freight had a vehicle out-of-service rate of 18.1%, with a national average of 20.7%. The driver out-of-service rate for YRC Freight was 1.6% compared to the national average of 5.5%.
- In recent years, YRC Freight has undergone 6,698 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) inspections. YRC Freight reportedly made 655 driver safety violations, 209 hours of service violations, 1,929 maintenance violations, 2 DUI violations, and 85 driver fitness violations.
- In the past two years, YRC Freight was involved in 608 total accidents, of which 18 were fatal.
Causes of accidents of YRC Freight Truck
Driver fatigue
One of the most common causes of driver fatigue is long hours on the road without adequate breaks. Such weariness can slow reaction times and hinder decision-making, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes.
Distracted driving
Distractions like texting, calls, or GPS systems can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Given the size and momentum of freight trucks, even a few seconds of inattention can result in severe accidents.
Poor vehicle maintenance
Trucks that aren’t adequately maintained pose significant risks. Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning signals can all contribute to accidents. Companies must ensure regular checks and maintenance to avert such hazards.
Weather conditions
Harsh weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. YRC Freight truck drivers, like all others, must be adequately trained to navigate such challenges safely.
Inadequate training
Inadequate training can lead to misjudgments, especially in challenging terrains or heavy traffic areas.
Reckless driving
Speeding, overtaking in risky spots, or not adhering to traffic rules can all be classified under reckless driving. Such behaviors, especially in large vehicles like freight trucks, increase the probability of accidents.
Cargo-related issues
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause balance issues for the truck. In some cases, cargo might fall onto the road, creating hazards for other vehicles. Proper loading and securing techniques are crucial to prevent such incidents.
Injuries from a YRC Freight Truck accident
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
A sudden collision can cause the head to jolt or hit a hard surface, leading to traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms might range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive functions and memory.
Spinal cord injuries
Direct trauma to the spine or forceful jerks can cause spinal cord injuries. Such injuries might result in partial or complete paralysis, forever altering a person’s mobility and quality of life.
Broken bones
Given the force of impact in truck accidents, broken bones are joint. Fractures can occur in arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, requiring extended recovery times and potential surgeries.
Internal injuries
The blunt force trauma from a truck collision can lead to internal injuries, damaging organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys. Such injuries are especially dangerous as they might not manifest immediate symptoms.
Lacerations and abrasions
Glass shards, metal fragments, or even the impact against the road can cause deep cuts and abrasions. While they might seem less severe than other injuries, they carry infections and significant scarring risks.
Burn injuries
Victims can sustain burn injuries if a truck accident results in a fire or explosion. These injuries are painful and can lead to long-term complications and disfigurement.
Psychological trauma
Beyond the physical injuries, survivors of YRC Freight truck accidents might grapple with psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The mental scars can sometimes be even more challenging to heal than the physical ones.
Who do I sue in a YRC Freight Truck accident?
Determining liability in a YRC Freight truck accident can be intricate. Multiple parties could share responsibility for the incident, and identifying the right one to pursue for compensation is paramount. Often, it’s not just the truck driver at fault; entities behind the scenes may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the collision.
- YRC Freight as the trucking company: Corporations are often held accountable for the actions of their employees, mainly if negligent practices, poor training, or non-compliance with safety regulations contributed to the accident.
- The truck driver: If a YRC Freight driver was driving under the influence, exceeded allowable driving hours, or engaged in reckless driving, they could be held directly responsible. Gathering evidence, such as logbooks and toxicology reports, is essential.
- Truck manufacturer or maintenance company: Sometimes, the cause of the accident can be due to faulty truck parts or poor maintenance. In such cases, the manufacturer or the maintenance company might be at fault.
- Cargo loaders or third-party logistic providers: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control. If a third party was responsible for cargo loading, they might share the liability.
- Other negligent motorists on the road: Other drivers’ actions can occasionally lead to accidents involving YRC Freight trucks. In such scenarios, those drivers can be pursued for damages.
Can I sue YRC Freight?
Building a case for a commercial (YRC Freight) Truck accident
Building a robust case requires meticulous collection and presentation of evidence. Follow the steps below to build a strong case for your personal injury lawsuit.
- Gather evidence: It includes photographs of the accident scene, witness testimonies, and available video footage.
- Document medical records: Keep detailed records of injuries, medical treatments, and recovery progress.
- Obtain the truck’s black box: Modern trucks come equipped with electronic logging devices that can provide data on the truck’s speed, brake usage, and more.
- Driver’s logs and employment records: These can offer insights into the driver’s hours on the road and their history with the company.
- Legal documentation: Any previous lawsuits against YRC Freight or the driver can strengthen your case.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: Each case is unique. A skilled YRC freight truck accident lawyer in Sacramento can guide you with every possible avenue of compensation.
Who can be compensated for a YRC Freight Truck accident?
At fault party
If the YRC Freight driver or company is deemed at fault, their liability insurance usually covers the damages. However, if the fault is shared, the at-fault party might be entitled to reduced compensation. California follows a “comparative negligence” rule and if a driver is found 30% at fault, they can still recover 70% of the damages. However, being the at-fault party may result in increased insurance premiums or potential legal consequences.
Not at fault party
The not-at-fault party, often the accident victim, can seek total compensation for their injuries, property damage, and other related losses. It can encompass medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Your claim can be directed against YRC Freight, the truck driver, or any other responsible party. Consulting with a Sacramento YRC freight truck accident lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and receiving rightful compensation.
Contact JG Winter Law for a truck accident case in Sacramento
Our Testimonials
Shyra Aranda
- Verified Client
I had the pleasure of working with Jeremy, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my case. From the very beginning, Jeremy was compassionate and understanding of my situation. He took the time to listen to my concerns and explain the legal process in a way that was easy for me to understand.
Erik Oh
- Verified Client
Jeremy’s knowledge and expertise quickly resolved all stress and pressure and concluded with the result we were looking for. He knows the law and knew my rights - I felt extremely confident in every step because he forecasted every potential scenario and the desired outcome with the steps to get there. He was phenomenal!
About Sacramento, California
Local Courthouse – Truck Accident Lawyer Near Sacramento, CA
Sacramento local resources
Hospitals
Law enforcements
Fire department
Landmarks
Chiropractors
Motor vehicle administration
Community event centers
Top rated body shops
$19,000,000
Construction Accident
$5,500,000
Personal Injury
$1,000,000
Car Accidents
$250,000
Brain Injury
Types of Truck Accidents
- 102 Natoma St, Folsom, CA 95630
- 916-702-7870
- Mon – Fr: 9:00 – 18:00
- 1540 River Park Dr, Suite 114A, Sacramento, CA 95815
- 844-734-2626
- Mon – Sat: 9:00 – 18:00
- 304 W Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204
- 209-502-2586
- Open 24 hours
