Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
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Table of Contents
Importance of hiring proven truck accident lawyers
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
Common causes of truck accidents
Driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is a widespread issue in the trucking industry. This is partly due to the long hours that truck drivers have to keep. Federal regulations allow commercial truck drivers to work up to 14 hours daily, with a maximum of 11 hours behind the wheel. The result? Tired drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and others on the road.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving ranks high among the causes of truck accidents. The distraction could be caused by using mobile phones, eating, or daydreaming. Whatever the reason, the effect remains the same – a decreased attention span that can result in fatal accidents.
Speeding and reckless driving
Speeding and reckless driving, often linked to meeting tight deadlines, are other prevalent causes of truck accidents. When a truck moves faster than the traffic flow, the odds of an accident happening increase significantly.
Improper cargo loading
If cargo is not correctly loaded onto a commercial truck, it can cause the truck to jackknife or roll over, leading to severe accidents. Improper loading can also lead to overloaded truck accidents, another common cause of truck-related incidents.
Poor truck maintenance
Poor maintenance is another significant cause of truck accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering component failures can all lead to severe accidents. The truck companies are responsible for ensuring their fleet is in good condition. Failure to do so can make them a negligent trucking company.
Substance abuse
Sadly, substance abuse is another common cause of truck accidents. This could involve alcohol, prescription medication, or illegal drugs. Truck drivers under the influence are dangerous to themselves and everyone else on the road.
Negligent hiring
Sometimes, the fault lies with the trucking company for negligently hiring an unfit driver. This could be a driver with a history of DUIs or a driver without the proper licensing.
What are the most common truck accidents?
Commercial trucks often cause unique accidents that many drivers do not know. While they can cause a head-on crash or rear-end collision, trucks are more likely to cause one of the following accidents:
Jackknife accidents
Jackknifing occurs when a commercial vehicle folds in on itself, forming a 90-degree angle. These crashes usually occur when a truck driver brakes suddenly, or the brakes lock up, causing the trailer to swing out. Additionally, a jackknifing truck can easily overturn or roll over, causing damage to several vehicles.
Truck bent rims
Understanding the basics is crucial when discussing truck bent-rim accidents. A bent rim in a truck refers to a deformity or damage to the wheel rim, often caused by potholes, curbs, or collisions. This damage can lead to several issues, such as tire blowouts, air pressure loss, and impaired vehicle control.
Wide turn crashes
Truck drivers often swing left to make a right turn, but they may not account for the vehicle’s length nor the traffic behind them. As a result, cars and pedestrians may get hit.
Blindspot collisions
Trucks have more prominent blind spots than a vehicle does. If a truck driver cannot see you, it may result in you being hit, crushed, or forced off the road. In general, avoid driving on both sides of the trailer and directly behind and in front of the vehicle.
Truck rollovers
When a driver loses control of their truck, it may roll over onto its side and endanger other vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers may lose control from high speeds, steep inclines, or wet surfaces.
Lost load accidents
When truckers or cargo loaders improperly load freight, cargo can fall off the vehicle, endangering other motorists.
Truck tire blowouts
You can see evidence of tire blowouts all over California highways. When a Truck’s tire blows out , it can cause the vehicle to lose control and crash into other drivers.
Head-on collisions
A head-on collision involving a commercial truck and a smaller vehicle often results in severe injuries or even death.
Rear-end collisions
Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, rear-end collisions involving trucks are usually devastating. They commonly result from a truck driver’s inability to stop quickly due to high speed or distraction.
Underride accidents
This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a large truck.
T-bone accidents
Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another.
Truck crashes are more common than you might think because of their size, length, and inability to maneuver as easily as other vehicles. When approaching a truck in Sacramento, always be alert and avoid driving next to one for long distances.
Most common injuries from truck accidents
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong care and leading to significant changes in a person’s quality of life.
Broken bones
Truck accidents can lead to broken bones, which can take weeks or months to heal. In severe cases, victims might require surgery and physical therapy.
Internal injuries:
These injuries can affect various organs in the body and often require immediate medical attention. They can lead to significant complications if left untreated.
Burns
Victims could suffer severe burns if a truck accident leads to a fire. These can lead to significant pain, disfigurement, and long-term psychological trauma.
Lacerations and abrasions
Though they might seem minor compared to other injuries, cuts and abrasions can still lead to significant pain and suffering. They also pose a risk of infection.
Wrongful death
In the most tragic circumstances, a truck accident can result in the wrongful death of a loved one. This loss has both emotional and financial consequences for the surviving family members.
Who is liable for a trucking accident in Sacramento?
1. The truck driver
A truck driver might be at fault for the crash if they were engaging in negligent behavior, such as speeding, driving fatigued, or driving distracted. Truckers are also responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is free of any maintenance issues and that all cargo is secured correctly. If a maintenance issue or cargo contributed to the crash, the driver might share some fault.
2. The trucking company
Commercial truck companies are responsible for the trucks and drivers they employ. If a company does not provide adequate training, they might be responsible for a crash a driver causes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how many hours truck drivers can work before needing a break. If a company forces drivers to work over these hours, they could be liable for a crash.
3. Cargo loaders
In some cases, a cargo loader may be responsible for a truck accident. For example, the loader may not have adequately inspected cargo before loading it onto the truck. Similarly, they may not have properly secured freight to the truck.
4. Truck manufacturers
Some truck accidents may result from a defective part, such as brake failures or steering wheel problems. While this could be a maintenance issue, the manufacturer might be liable if they knew of the defect and did not notify trucking companies and truck drivers.
California truck accident facts and statistics
California truck accident laws
What compensation can I receive after a truck accident?
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses related to a truck accident, including:
- Medical bills: All current and future medical costs related to the accident are covered. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, etc.
- Lost wages: If the victim misses work due to their injuries, they can recover lost wages. If the injuries are severe enough to prevent the victim from returning to work, they can also recover lost earning capacity.
- Property damage: Economic damages can also cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages aim to compensate for the intangible losses from a truck accident. These include:
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the victim’s quality of life diminishes due to the accident, they can be compensated for this loss.
- Emotional distress: Victims can receive compensation for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD that result from the accident.
Punitive damages
In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Speak to a Sacramento truck accident attorney today
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Sacramento truck accident FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for California truck accidents?
What should I do if an insurance company calls me?
What If the accident was partly my fault?
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim in Sacramento?
What evidence do you need to support your claim?
How can you prove fault/negligence in a truck accident in California?
What to do after truck accident in Sacramento?
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Exchange information with the other parties involved.
- Document the scene and gather contact information of the witnesses.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Contact a top-rated Sacramento truck accident lawyer.
How much does a Sacramento truck accident attorney cost?
About Sacramento, California
Dangerous roads in Sacramento
- Arena Bl & Truxel Rd
- Los Robles Bl & Marysville Bl
- 12Th St & I St
- Franklin Bl. & Mack Rd
- 56th St. & J St
- 9Th St & X St
- Gateway Park Bl & Truxel Rd
- 19Th St & X St
- Florin Rd & Freeport Bl
- Fruitridge Rd & Power Inn Rd
What makes a dangerous intersection?
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
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