Redding Truck Accident Lawyer

Advocating for the Rights of Truck Accident Victims in Northern California

Truck accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries and even death. If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, you may benefit from a lawyer who can help you pursue fair compensation. At Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Redding truck accident attorney has more than two decades of legal experience. We understand how truck accidents differ from other motor vehicle accidents, and we know how to build strong cases for our clients. 

An 18-wheeler, big rig, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, delivery truck, or other commercial motor vehicle can present different evidence and liability questions after a collision. These terms do not create separate types of legal claims, but the relevant facts can vary based on the vehicle, cargo, driver relationship, motor carrier, and location of the crash.

Call Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online for a free case assessment with our truck accident attorney in Redding!

How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents?

Truck accident claims are often more complex than typical car accident cases. Due to the size of commercial trucks, crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries, greater financial losses, and additional legal considerations. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and trucking companies must comply with extensive state and federal regulations.

Key differences between truck and car accident cases include:

• More serious injuries: The size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to catastrophic injuries, long-term medical care, and significant lost income.
• Greater property damage: Truck collisions frequently cause extensive vehicle damage and may involve losses related to cargo or other property.
• Multiple liable parties: Unlike many car accidents, truck accident claims may involve the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or other parties whose actions contributed to the crash.
• More complex evidence: Investigating a truck accident often requires reviewing electronic logging device (ELD) records, black box data, driver qualification files, maintenance records, drug and alcohol test results, and other industry-specific evidence.

Commercial insurance coverage can also be more complicated, as multiple policies or insurers may be involved depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Some of the parties that may be liable for a truck accident include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck manufacturer
• The company that loaded the truck’s cargo
• The truck’s mechanic
• The truck owner
• The truck’s employer
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the traffic lights or signs near the accident

When you choose our firm, we can thoroughly investigate who may be liable for your injuries and other damages. We can also work to gather available evidence and use this information to develop a case on your behalf.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The negligence of the truck driver or trucking company often causes truck accidents. However, many factors can contribute to a truck accident. For example, if a truck driver is not adequately trained or does not have the required experience, they are more likely to cause an accident. Additionally, if a trucking company fails to properly maintain its fleet or does not follow the many state and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry, it can also contribute to an accident.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours on the road. Unfortunately, some trucking companies pressure drivers to work more hours than they can legally drive in a day or a week. This can lead to driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents. When a truck driver is fatigued, they may fall asleep behind the wheel or have a slower reaction time, which can cause an accident.
• Speeding: Truck drivers are often pressured to deliver their cargo as quickly as possible. This can lead to speeding, a common cause of truck accidents. When a truck is speeding, it is more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Driving under the influence: Truck drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, some truck drivers may use drugs or consume alcohol to stay awake during long shifts. This can impair their ability to drive safely and cause an accident.
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers are often on the road for long periods and may become bored. Unfortunately, some truck drivers may turn to their phones or other electronic devices to pass the time. This is illegal and can lead to distracted driving, which is a leading cause of truck accidents.
• Improper loading: When a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced or the cargo to fall off it. This can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
• Improper truck maintenance: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles properly. This includes regularly inspecting the truck, conducting necessary maintenance, and keeping records of all maintenance and inspections. A trucking company failing to maintain its fleet correctly can cause a truck accident.
• Defective truck parts: A truck accident may be caused by a defective truck part. If the truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or another party in the supply chain knows the defect but fails to correct the problem, they may be held liable for the accident and the victim’s injuries and damages.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries are common in truck accidents, especially during high-impact collisions. Victims may experience concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries that affect memory, concentration, speech, and motor skills. Severe TBIs could lead to permanent cognitive impairment or disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Truck accidents can place tremendous force on the neck and back, leading to spinal cord injuries. These injuries could result in chronic pain, limited mobility, partial paralysis, or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the damage.
• Broken Bones: Fractures frequently occur in truck crashes because of the intense impact involved. Victims may suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, hips, or facial bones. Some fractures require surgery, rehabilitation, and months of recovery.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries are common after truck accidents. Even injuries that initially seem minor can develop into long-term pain and mobility issues that interfere with daily activities.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of a truck collision could damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding. Injuries to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or spleen may not always show immediate symptoms, making prompt medical evaluation critical after an accident.
• Burns and Lacerations: Truck accidents involving fuel spills, fires, or explosions can cause severe burns. Victims may also suffer deep cuts and lacerations from shattered glass or twisted metal, sometimes resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Crush Injuries: Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, occupants of smaller vehicles may become trapped or crushed during a collision. Crush injuries can damage muscles, nerves, and organs and may require multiple surgeries or amputations.
• Psychological and Emotional Trauma: Truck accident victims often experience emotional injuries in addition to physical harm. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after serious collisions and may require ongoing therapy or counseling.

Recoverable Damages in Truck Accident Cases

Victims of truck accidents may pursue various forms of compensation for their losses.

The primary categories of damages include:

• Economic Damages: These represent quantifiable financial losses that arise from the accident. They typically encompass medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income due to the inability to work. This category may also include future lost earnings resulting from long-term injuries.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages cover intangible losses that cannot be easily measured in monetary terms. They typically encompass compensation for pain and suffering, emotional turmoil, and reduced ability to engage in everyday activities or enjoy life.
• Punitive Damages: When the truck driver or the trucking company has exhibited egregious misconduct or gross negligence, the court may impose punitive damages. These damages aim to hold the wrongdoer accountable and discourage such conduct in the future.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Truck Accident Claims in California

In California, individuals looking to file a personal injury claim following a truck accident typically have two years from the incident date to take legal action. However, when a claim involves a public entity, such as a government agency responsible for road maintenance, the California Government Claims Act generally requires that a written claim be presented to that entity within six months after the claim accrues.

Exceptions, claim procedures, accrual questions, and defendant-specific rules can affect the applicable deadline. Victims should consult an attorney promptly to help ensure compliance with these deadlines and protect their right to seek compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Truck Accident Case?

When you are recovering from serious injuries, the last thing you need is to try to navigate the complex legal system on your own. Additionally, the trucking company and its insurance company will likely have a team of lawyers, and you may benefit from a lawyer to help you fight for your rights.

When you choose our firm, we can help with your truck accident case in the following ways:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: We can work to gather available evidence, including the truck driver’s hours of service logs, the truck’s black box data, the truck driver’s drug and alcohol testing results, and more. We can also work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, to help us understand how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
• Determining liability: We can work to determine who may be liable for your injuries and other damages. We know how to handle even the most complex truck accident cases and can help you pursue fair compensation.
• Negotiating with the insurance company: If you were involved in a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurance company will likely reach out to you soon after the accident. They may offer to settle your claim for a small amount, which may seem like a good deal. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. They are trying to get you to settle your claim for as little as possible. When you choose our firm, we can handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf. We can negotiate aggressively to help you pursue fair compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary: In some cases, the insurance company may refuse a fair settlement offer. We may take your case to court if this happens. Our Redding truck accident lawyer has extensive litigation experience and knows how to build strong cases for our clients in the courtroom. We can guide you throughout the process and help you pursue compensation.

Our Redding truck accident lawyer knows how to handle even the most complex truck accident cases. When you choose our firm, we can put our experience to work for you.

Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

After a truck accident, the first priority is safety. Ensure that you and others are out of immediate danger and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. If possible, gather evidence at the scene, such as photos of vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, but avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer first.

How long does it take to settle a truck accident case?

The time it takes to resolve a truck accident case varies depending on the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability, and the cooperation of insurance companies. Some minor cases may settle within a few months, while major accidents can take a year or more, especially if litigation becomes necessary.

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident case?

A lawyer can provide case-specific guidance when trucking companies and insurers are evaluating the claim.

What evidence is important for a truck accident case?

Important evidence may include scene documentation, witness information, medical records, and available commercial trucking records.

Contact Our Redding Truck Accident Attorney in Northern California Today

Recovering from a truck accident can be a daunting challenge, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley is here to support truck accident victims throughout Northern California. With our wealth of experience and a solid commitment to protecting your rights, we can work to pursue compensation that may aid in your recovery. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your situation and the potential legal avenues available.

Contact Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley or call (530) 491-4727 today to meet with our Redding truck accident attorney!