Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer

Common causes of truck accidents

Truck accidents are a serious problem on Sacramento highways, often resulting in catastrophic damage. Understanding the various causes of truck accidents is crucial to figuring out who’s liable and how you can secure maximum compensation. Below are listed some common causes of truck accidents in California.

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:

Most common injuries from truck accidents

Truck accidents often lead to severe, life-altering injuries. They can lead to permanent cognitive and physical impairment, affecting every aspect of a person’s life. The following are some 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.

You must see a doctor after being in an accident with a truck. Remember, not all injuries show symptoms immediately, but a doctor may diagnose and begin treatments early.

Who is liable for a trucking accident in Sacramento?

Additionally, more than one party may be responsible. Knowing who may be liable for the crash is vital to your claim’s success. Liable parties for a Sacramento truck accident may include:

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.

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.

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.

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 statistics show that about 3,000 truck accidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) annually. These accidents result in 200 to 300 deaths. In Sacramento specifically, fatal and injury-involved truck accidents have steadily increased over recent years. It has further emphasized the need for experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyers.

California truck accident laws

California laws surrounding truck accidents are complex. Under the comparative negligence principle, more than one party can be held responsible for a truck accident. For example, the driver, the trucking company, or even the truck manufacturer could be found liable.

California enforces strict regulations on trucking companies and drivers, including laws on maximum driving time and necessary rest breaks. Violating these laws could play a significant role in establishing negligence in a truck accident case.

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

If you were recently in a truck accident in Sacramento, consult with Attorney Jeremy Winter. As a Sacramento truck accident lawyer, he understands the complexities. He will guide you through the claims process. You can be confident that he will do everything possible to reach a favorable outcome.

Remember, you only have two years from the accident date to file a claim in California, so the sooner you contact a Sacramento personal injury attorney, the more help they can provide. To schedule a free consultation with a skilled truck accident attorney in Sacramento, call (844) 517-0586 or complete our online contact form.

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Sacramento truck accident FAQs

About Sacramento, California

Dangerous roads in Sacramento

Between 2013 and 2017, there were more than 5,500 crashes at intersections in Sacramento, leading to 6,695 injuries and 46 fatalities. According to a recent survey, these are Sacramento’s 10 most dangerous intersections. This information could be crucial for residents and visitors to avoid potential accidents.

• 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?

An intersection becomes dangerous when certain features or conditions increase the likelihood of vehicular accidents, pedestrian injuries, and other mishaps. Many factors, both environmental and human, can contribute to making an intersection hazardous:

High traffic volume: Intersections with significant vehicular traffic, especially during rush hours, can increase collision risks.

Pedestrian activity: Intersections frequented by pedestrians, especially without proper crosswalks or pedestrian signals, can be hazardous.

Limited visibility: If buildings, trees, or other obstructions limit visibility at an intersection, it can make it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

Complex traffic patterns: Intersections with multiple lanes merging or splitting can confuse drivers, leading to accidents.

Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, or lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.

Difficult turns: Some intersections might have sharp turns or require drivers to merge quickly, leading to potential collisions.

​​Poorly designed infrastructure: Some intersections might have design flaws, like sharp turns, blind spots, or short merge lanes.

Inadequate lighting: Poor lighting during nighttime or during low-light conditions can hinder visibility and judgment.

Local courthouse – Truck accident lawyer near Sacramento, CA

If you or your loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Sacramento, California, we know you are going through a tough time. Hiring the right truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference when dealing with such a difficult time. You will spend hours and hours at your local Sacramento Courthouse trying to figure out what to do on your own. If you don’t hire a lawyer, you might waste countless hours and likely receive less settlement than you could have gotten with professional help. That’s why hiring the right lawyer can help to resolve your case and settle it faster. Most importantly, you’re more likely to receive a larger settlement.

At J.G. Winter Law, we’re here to help, and it won’t cost you anything to consult with us. If you have any questions or want to know how much you might be owed, contact us for a free consultation. In California, you have up to 2 years to file a claim and sue for compensation. If you decide to go to the court by yourself, you can find Sacramento County Courthouse at 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. But, if you want professional help, our truck accident lawyer in Sacramento would gladly assist you.

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