Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
Whether it is a semi-truck, a big rig, a tractor-trailer, or any other type of commercial truck accident in Sacramento, California, the Law Offices of J.G. Winter assists individuals involved in truck-related incidents. Our truck accident lawyers help people understand their options and navigate the claims process based on the facts of their situation. We provide an initial no-obligation consultation for free.
Trucking companies and their insurance carriers often have their own interests when handling accident claims. For this reason, some individuals choose to seek legal guidance from a lawyer who focuses on truck accident matters, is familiar with the Sacramento area, and is a member of the State Bar of California, such as Jeremy G. Winter.
Truck accident cases are often more complex than car accident cases due to federal regulations, multiple potential defendants, and the nature of commercial trucking operations. Legal representation can help you clarify responsibilities and explain available legal options to recover compensation. We have represented individuals in truck accident matters and understand the challenges these cases can present. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your accident and explain applicable legal rights.
If you or a loved one has questions following a truck accident in Sacramento, you may request a free case review by calling (844) 734-2626.
You do not have to navigate the process alone. Information and guidance are available to help you understand the next steps. Hear what attorney Jeremy has to say about trucking accidents.
Never face a legal battle alone. We’re here to join forces with you. Hear what attorney Jeremy has to say about trucking accidents.
Importance of hiring proven truck accident lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in a truck accident in California, it is vital that you contact an attorney who has experience handling these intricate cases. At the Law Offices of JG Winter, we will deal with the insurance companies for you and answer all your questions so that you can concentrate on your recovery. With resources that include industry experts, investigators, and medical professionals, we will fight for full and fair compensation for all damages you sustained, including:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering
What are the most common truck accidents?
Trucks often cause unique accidents that many drivers do not know about. 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 to prevent different types of truck accidents.
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 the compensation that law allows. Below are listed some common causes of truck accidents in California.
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 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.
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?
Pinpointing liability in a truck accident is not always straightforward because these crashes do not just involve the truck driver. For example, the driver may work for a larger trucking company. Conversely, there might be instances where the truck driver is an independent contractor.
1. The truck driver
A truck driver may be at fault if they were engaging in negligent conduct such as speeding, driving while fatigued, or driving while distracted. Drivers are also responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following applicable safety regulations. If maintenance issues or improperly secured cargo contributed to the crash, the driver may share responsibility, depending on the circumstances.
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 (FMCSA) regulates driver work-hour limits, and violations of these rules may be relevant when assessing potential liability.
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
Truck accidents are a significant roadway safety concern in California. According to publicly available Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, California ranks among the top 10 states for the highest average number of fatal truck accidents.
California truck accident statistics indicate that approximately 3,000 truck accidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) occur annually, resulting in an estimated 200 to 300 fatalities. In Sacramento specifically, fatal and injury-involved truck accidents have shown increases over recent years. These trends highlight ongoing safety concerns related to commercial trucking on California roadways, emphasizing 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 may share responsibility for a truck accident. For example, depending on the circumstances, the driver, the trucking company, or a vehicle manufacturer may be involved when assessing potential liability.
California enforces strict regulations on trucking companies and drivers, including laws on maximum driving time and necessary rest breaks. Alleged violations of these regulations may be considered when evaluating whether negligence occurred, based on the specific facts involved.
What compensation can I receive after a truck accident?
Truck accident victims may seek two main types of damages: economic and non-economic damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also be considered, depending on the circumstances.
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses related to a truck accident, including:
- Medical bills: These may include past, current, and reasonably anticipated medical expenses such as hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages: If an individual misses work due to injuries, they may claim income loss. If injuries affect the ability to return to work, loss of future earning capacity may also be evaluated, depending on the facts involved.
- 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, you may consider requesting a case review. Attorney Jeremy Winter is familiar with the complexities involved in truck accident matters.
Being a qualified Sacramento personal injury attorney, he can explain the process and discuss available options based on the facts of your situation.
You generally have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. Timing may affect your options, so learning about applicable deadlines early can be helpful.
To request a free case review, call (844) 517-0586 or complete our online contact form. The review begins with an intake screening, and if your matter appears qualified, an attorney may contact you to schedule a consultation.
JC Gabrintina
- Verified Client
Thank you so much to Jeremy and his entire team for their support and getting me through a troubling time in my life. They were able to negotiate a fair settlement for me and my family and I sincerely appreciate everything they’ve done. After 2 years, I have the justice I deserve. Please consider them for all your personal injury cases, near or far (I live in LA!), they’ve got your back.
Lucy Velásquez
- Verified Client
I want to thank Attorney Jeremy and his team at J.G. Winter Injury Lawyers for how much they have done for me. I can’t imagine going through this process alone. Having them in my corner was like having a guardian Angel on my shoulder; I felt like I was part of their family. They are so kind, and caring, yet aggressive and ready to fight for you when it comes to dealing with the insurance companies and greedy corporations. They really know their stuff, and won’t back down from anyone. I hope you never go through what I went through but if you ever find yourself badly injured and needing help, look no further than J.G. Winter Injury Lawyers…you won’t regret it.
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Sacramento truck accident FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for Sacramento, California truck accidents?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is generally up to two years from the date of the accident. Exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, including cases involving minors or claims against government entities.
What should I do if an insurance company calls me?
If an insurance provider contacts you, it’s important to be cautious about providing detailed statements before understanding your options. Insurance companies often focus on limiting claim exposure. Requesting a case review can help explain how truck accident claims are typically handled.
What If the accident was partly my fault?
California follows a comparative negligence system. You may still be able to seek compensation depending on the circumstances, although any recovery may be adjusted based on each party’s share of responsibility.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim in Sacramento, CA?
Truck accident claims often involve complex regulations, multiple parties, and extensive documentation. Legal assistance may help explain the process and outline available options based on the facts involved.
What evidence do you need to support your claim?
Evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and any other documentation related to the accident can support your claim. A qualified personal injury attorney in Sacramento can guide you on the specific evidence needed for your case.
How can fault or negligence be evaluated in a Sacramento truck accident?
Evaluating fault in a truck accident often involves reviewing evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and video footage. Additional materials such as electronic logging data, maintenance records, or cargo documentation may also be considered, depending on the circumstances.
What to do after truck accident in Sacramento?
You must follow the steps below after a 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?
Truck accident cases at our firm are handled on a contingency fee basis. Attorney’s fees are paid only if there is a recovery, and the written fee agreement explains the specific terms and any cost responsibilities.
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
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.
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- 102 Natoma St, Folsom, CA 95630
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- 1540 River Park Dr, Suite 114A, Sacramento, CA 95815
- 844-734-2626
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Jeremy G. Winter is licensed in California. For matters outside California, representation depends on jurisdiction and applicable rules.