Sacramento Penske Logistics 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.
When a commercial vehicle like a Penske Logistics truck is involved in an accident in Sacramento, the implications are often serious with legal complexities. Our Sacramento Penske Logistics truck accident lawyer specializes in truck accident cases and works diligently to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
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
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.
About Penske Logistics, Inc.
Penske Logistics Truck Accident Statistics in California
- California records nearly 113 fatal truck accidents every year. It is one of the top 10 states in the United States for truck accidents.
- Nearly 3,000 truck crashes in the state result in injuries each year.
- Each year, between 200-300 drivers die from truck accidents in California.
- From 2013 to 2017, the number of truck collisions resulting in deaths increased by more than 32%.
- In 2017, truck accidents accounted for 3.6% of all vehicle crashes that resulted in injury or death. It was a 0.3% increase from 2013.
- In 2019, about 52% of truck accidents occurred on major roads, 32% were on interstates and highways, and 15% took place on minor roads.
- In 2019, 11% of fatal accidents involved large trucks, and a total of 4,119 people died in large truck crashes.
Trucking Laws in California
- Driver Qualifications: Commercial truck drivers must meet certain qualifications, including holding a valid commercial driver’s license and passing a drug and alcohol screening.
- Driver Age Requirements: If you’re only driving in California, you have to be at least 18 years old. But if you want to drive a commercial truck, you must be 21 or older.
- Transportation Permits: If your truck is big or heavy, you need a special permit to drive it. It costs $16 for a one-time drive and $90 for a year.
- Vehicle Safety: Large commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance, and truck owners must handle any necessary repairs.
Penske Logistics Driver Regulations in Sacramento
- Speed Limits: Speed limits are lower for trucks and buses than for cars. It can vary as much as 15 mph. Drivers should use extra caution when changing lanes or passing on these roadways.
- Cargo Securement: Drivers of trucks and truck tractors transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or every 3 hours after (whichever comes first).
- Weight Limitations: A single set of wheels can hold up to 20,000 pounds, and two sets of wheels together can hold up to 34,000 pounds. But if you get special permission, your truck can weigh up to 150,000 pounds.
- Hours of Service Restrictions: Truck drivers have to take breaks. After driving for 4 hours, they need a 10-minute rest. And they have to stop for a 30-minute meal break every 5 hours. If they don’t follow these rules, they could cause a serious accident in Sacramento.
Causes of Accidents of a Penske Logistics Truck
Accidents involving Penske Logistics trucks can happen for various reasons. Understanding the cause of truck accidents can help avoid future incidents. Below are listed some of the most common causes of Penske Logistics truck accidents in Sacramento.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of Penske Logistics truck accidents. Long hours on the road can lead to decreased alertness, slower reaction times, and poor decision-making. It’s a common issue that one should never underestimate. A Penske Logistics truck accident attorney can highlight this factor to strengthen your case.
Speeding
Speeding is another major cause. Trucks, due to their size and weight, need more time to stop. When a Penske Logistics truck is speeding, the driver might not have enough distance to stop safely, leading to severe accidents. High speeds can also make the truck more difficult to control, especially around curves or in challenging road conditions. Speeding increases the risk factors for devastating accidents, making it a vital aspect to consider in any legal case.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is increasingly becoming a cause for concern in trucking accidents. Whether it’s texting, making a phone call, or even fiddling with the radio, any moment a driver takes their eyes off the road is a moment when an accident can happen. Trucks already have massive blind spots and require complete attention to operate safely. If a Penske Logistics truck driver is distracted, even for a few seconds, it can have catastrophic consequences. A Sacramento truck accident attorney can use evidence of distracted driving to strengthen your case.
Poor Vehicle Maintainence
Trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. When Penske Logistics fails to maintain their vehicles properly, it can lead to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine issues. These mechanical problems can result in severe accidents, sometimes causing more damage than collisions due to driver error. Personal injury lawyers in Sacramento investigate the truck’s maintenance records as part of building a strong case.
Inadequate Training
Sometimes, drivers aren’t adequately trained to handle the challenges of operating a large commercial vehicle. Inadequate training can result in errors like improper loading, failure to observe safety protocols, and poor vehicle control. If a Penske Logistics truck is involved in an accident due to a driver’s lack of training, your Sacramento Penske Logistics truck accident attorney can make this a focal point in your case.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather can exacerbate already risky driving situations. Whether it’s rain, fog, snow, or icy roads, inclement weather can make it more challenging for Penske Logistics truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, leading to accidents. While weather conditions are out of a driver’s control, driving safely according to these conditions is not, making it another area to explore in your legal case.
Equipment Failure
Sometimes, accidents occur due to no fault of the driver but because a critical piece of equipment failed. It can include brake failure, steering system malfunctions, or tire blowouts. While equipment failure may initially seem like an “act of God,” the responsibility often lies with the company for not maintaining their vehicles or the manufacturer for producing faulty parts.
Reckless Driving
Some drivers take unnecessary risks on the road. It can include aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling or cutting off other drivers. Reckless driving is especially dangerous when it involves large trucks, as the consequences of an accident can be far more severe.
Overloading
Trucks have specific weight limits for a reason. An overloaded truck is harder to control and requires longer distances to stop. If an accident occurs because a Penske Logistics truck was overloaded, it can be a significant factor in determining fault. A Penske Logistics truck accident lawyer in Sacramento performs a detailed investigation to pinpoint the cause and determine the liability.
Injuries from a Penske Logistics Truck Accident
Whiplash
Whiplash injuries are often underestimated. Typically resulting from the forceful back-and-forth motion of the neck, these injuries can cause a range of problems, from chronic neck pain to headaches and difficulty in moving the head. The symptoms might not appear right away but can have long-lasting effects, disrupting daily activities and requiring extended periods of physical therapy.
Broken Bones
The sudden impact of a collision with a large truck can easily result in broken bones. Depending on the severity, it can mean anything from wearing a cast for a few weeks to undergoing multiple surgeries. Moreover, broken bones often necessitate a long period of physical rehabilitation and can result in permanent physical limitations, affecting one’s ability to work and leading to significant medical expenses.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are often the most severe and life-altering. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries that affect cognitive functions, motor skills, and emotional well-being. These injuries often require long-term treatment, including physical and cognitive therapy, and may result in permanent disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are especially devastating as they can lead to lifelong disabilities like paralysis. Beyond the immediate medical costs, victims may face the need for specialized medical equipment, home and vehicle modifications, and ongoing nursing care. The financial and emotional toll on both the victim and their family can be overwhelming.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations may seem minor compared to other injuries, but they should not be overlooked. They often require immediate medical treatment to prevent infection and may leave permanent scars. In cases where cuts are deep or large, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damage.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are particularly dangerous because they are not always immediately apparent. These types of injuries require quick diagnosis and treatment, often involving emergency surgery, and can lead to complications like sepsis if not promptly addressed.
Burns
Burn injuries often require specialized medical treatment, including skin grafts and long-term wound care. They are not only painful but can also result in severe scarring and disfigurement, impacting the victim’s self-esteem and mental health.
Amputations
In the most tragic cases, the force of an accident with a Penske Logistics truck can result in the loss of a limb. Amputations have a profound impact on a victim’s life, requiring long-term medical care, prosthetics, and extensive physical therapy. They can affect the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities, causing both emotional and financial strain.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, the psychological trauma after a severe truck accident can be debilitating. Issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression often require long-term mental health treatment and can significantly affect one’s quality of life and ability to work or maintain relationships.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains may appear minor but can lead to ongoing pain and mobility issues. Treatment often involves physical therapy, and if left untreated, these injuries can turn into chronic issues that affect daily living.
Who Do I Sue in a Penske Logistics Truck Accident?
- Penske Logistics, Inc.: The company may be liable for poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver training, or systemic negligence.
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, under the influence, or otherwise at fault, they could be personally liable.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or one of its components caused the accident, the manufacturer might be liable.
- Third-Party Contractors: Sometimes, companies hire third-party contractors for vehicle maintenance or cargo loading, who could also be liable if their actions led to the accident.
- Other Drivers: In some instances, another motorist’s negligence might have contributed to the accident, making them partially or fully liable.
Can I Sue Penske Logistics, Inc.?
Building a Case for a Penske Logistics Truck Accident
- Collect Evidence: It includes photographs, eyewitness accounts, and medical records, which can strengthen your case.
- Consult an Attorney: Consult a Sacramento Penske Logistics truck accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process.
- Investigate the Accident: It often involves your personal injury lawyer reconstructing the accident scene. It may require the input of expert witnesses.
- File Legal Documents: Includes filing an initial complaint and other legal documents outlining your case.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Prior to court, both parties may attempt to negotiate a settlement to avoid a lengthy trial.
Who can be Compensated for a Penske Logistics Truck Accident?
At Fault Party
Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, California’s comparative negligence laws allow you to recover some damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault in the accident. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the total damages. Truck accident lawyers in Sacramento are essential to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
Not At Fault Party
If you’re not at fault in the accident, you have the right to full compensation for your injuries, emotional trauma, lost wages, and other related expenses. The key to securing this lies in establishing the other party’s fault convincingly. With strong evidence and legal representation, you can claim damages that cover medical bills, property loss, emotional suffering, and even future medical costs.
Contact JG Winter Law for a Truck Accident Case in Sacramento
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Shyra Aranda
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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
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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!
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