Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in California

Were you hit by a commercial truck, big rig, semi, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler? No matter what you call large transportation trucks that frequent California’s highways, you know how dangerous they can be when driven by a negligent or reckless trucker. The damages and injuries that you can suffer in even a low-speed truck accident can be catastrophic and leave you wondering what to do next.

Call Us Now | Message Us | Blog

Our team from the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley in Sacramento is here to provide reliable guidance & compassionate legal counsel in such a confusing time. We know that you are probably going through enough right now without adding legal complexities on top of everything. If you prefer, we can manage all aspects of your truck accident claim on your behalf, giving you the time and opportunities needed to focus on yourself and your health. Our commitment extends beyond just legal advice; we aim to support you through the entire recovery process, coordinating with medical professionals to ensure you receive the necessary care.

Dial (916) 297-4468 or fill out a contact form online to start your case with our Sacramento truck accident lawyer.

What Caused Your Truck Accident?

Narrowing in on the definitive cause of your truck accident helps our attorneys determine liability. It is our objective to minimize your liability and maximize the compensation you are paid at the end of your case, either through a settlement or verdict. We can work with crash investigation experts when necessary to get a clearer picture of your accident, why it happened, and how that places liability on the truck driver, not you. 

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver Fatigue: Did you know that many truck drivers can be scheduled for up to 14 hours in a single day and 70 hours in a week? The result is that most truckers you see on the road are exhausted, especially in the later hours of their shifts. Feeling fatigued while driving can be just as problematic as being drunk, many safety research organizations and studies agree.
• Aggressive Driving: The majority of truck drivers are paid per mile driven, not hourly. To try to complete a route as fast as possible and avoid a 14-hour day, some truckers may resort to irresponsible driving behaviors, such as speeding and sudden lane changes.
• Intoxication: It is unlawful for a truck driver to drive their commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.04 or greater. Despite this limitation, far too many truck accidents involve a truck driver who is dangerously intoxicated at the time of the crash.
• Part Failure: The many parts that work together to make a big rig operational all need to be in tip-top condition. When maintenance is neglected or a part is poorly manufactured, it can cause a truck accident later, putting the trucker and other motorists in danger.
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving occurs when a truck driver’s attention is diverted from the road, often due to using electronic devices or other in-cab distractions. This lapse in focus can lead to dangerous situations and collisions.
• Speeding: Speeding is common among truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Driving at high speeds reduces the driver’s ability to stop quickly, especially on slippery or wet roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Inadequate Training: Inadequate training leaves truck drivers without the necessary skills to handle large vehicles in challenging conditions. This lack of experience can result in improper vehicle handling, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Poor maintenance of trucks can lead to mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. These issues can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in serious accidents.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can make a truck unstable, particularly during turns. This instability can lead to tipping over or loss of control, causing accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. These factors increase the risk of trucks skidding, jackknifing, or colliding with other vehicles.
• Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, like potholes or construction zones, can make it difficult for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. These hazards often lead to accidents, especially if the driver is not prepared.
• Other Drivers’ Actions: The actions of other drivers, such as cutting off a truck or tailgating, can force truck drivers into sudden maneuvers that may lead to accidents. Trucks require more time and space to stop, making these situations particularly dangerous.
• Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles. If a car is in one of these blind spots, the truck driver may unknowingly cause a collision when changing lanes or turning.

Pinpointing Liability After a Truck Accident

Who can ultimately be deemed liable for your truck accident? The answer might not be as clear-cut as you would expect. It is common for there to be more than one defendant in a truck accident claim.

We might need to bring a claim against the following parties on your behalf:

• Trucker: Individual truck drivers are usually at least partially liable for the truck accidents they are in, especially if they are an independent contractor and not an employee.
• Trucking Company: If a trucking company does not regulate its fleet or pushes truckers to work unreasonably long schedules, then it could become liable for any truck accidents their drivers get in.
• Third-Party Cargo Crew: Third-party companies and their employees often load tractor-trailers at different depots. Truck accidents caused by cargo issues, like being overloaded or misbalanced, can be placed at the feet of these companies.
• Maintenance Company: When a truck accident is caused by a sudden part failure, like brakes that stop working without warning, the root cause could be a maintenance team’s or mechanic’s failure.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?

The average trucking accident is not exactly straightforward. With so many different parties who could be liable & an insurance company that is sure to want to stop your claim from progressing, you will be up for an uphill legal battle. There are also issues of finding & using evidence correctly. In some cases, evidence must be subpoenaed before the trucking company will openly share it with the claimant or plaintiff. For example, some commercial trucks have internal “black boxes” that record speed and brake times, but the data saved on those devices is not usually something that can be obtained easily.

For any trucking accident case involving serious injuries, it makes sense to choose a lawyer to represent you from the beginning. Your Sacramento truck accident attorney can handle all aspects of your case, including evidence gathering, damage calculations, claim filings, responding to challenges, preparing for litigation, and more. While you technically do not need a truck accident injury lawyer to work on your case, you can see how and why it is so beneficial.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Accident with a Commercial Truck?

After being in an accident with a commercial truck, you need to start by checking on everyone’s health and safety. If anyone has been injured or a vehicle has been badly damaged – which are both highly likely after a commercial trucking accident – then the authorities need to be contacted immediately. Next, you need to collect evidence from around the crash site if you can without endangering your wellbeing. Photographs & eyewitness testimonies are often the most convincing pieces of evidence, so don’t be shy about taking plenty of pictures and talking to anyone who has stopped to lend a hand. Importantly, you also need identifying information about the commercial truck and the trucker, such as the truck number, parent company, route, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

What Are My Rights After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident in Sacramento, understanding your legal rights is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve. California law allows accident victims to seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Engaging with a knowledgeable attorney from Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley early in the process can ensure that all applicable state and federal laws are considered in your claim, enhancing your ability to receive a fair settlement. Moreover, you have the right to refuse initial settlement offers from insurance companies, which are often considerably lower than what you are entitled to.

Additionally, you have the right to have an attorney present during any negotiations or proceedings related to your case, which helps protect your interests at every stage. In Sacramento, the court system is there to ensure justice, and understanding how to navigate it effectively is vital. Knowing these rights empowers you when working with insurance companies and in negotiations, ensuring your claim is handled with the seriousness it deserves. Engaging with an attorney can also prevent common pitfalls such as missing critical deadlines or failing to gather necessary evidence promptly. Remember, your rights are your power in the aftermath of a trucking accident, and understanding them fully is the foundation of receiving rightful compensation.

How Does Weather Affect Truck Accidents in Sacramento?

Sacramento's diverse weather conditions, ranging from heavy rain during winter to the fog that often blankets the Central Valley, can significantly impact road safety, contributing to truck accidents. Wet and foggy conditions reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing stopping distances and the risk of skidding. Drivers of large commercial vehicles must navigate these challenges with heightened awareness and precision, as any miscalculation can result in an accident.

Understanding how weather impacts driving conditions is crucial when investigating a truck accident. It necessitates a comprehensive approach that considers weather data, vehicle speed, and driver actions at the time of the accident. This is especially pertinent in Sacramento, where certain highways are known for having challenging weather conditions during specific seasons. At Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our legal team takes these factors into account to ensure your case is thoroughly investigated, potentially using them to demonstrate negligence or a breach of safe driving practices by the truck driver involved.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This timeframe highlights the urgency in taking prompt legal action; failing to do so can result in the loss of your right to pursue a claim. At Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we emphasize the importance of promptly consulting our team after a truck accident, as initiating a claim early can aid in preserving crucial evidence and eyewitness accounts, which may weaken or be forgotten over time.

The intricacies of the statute also involve understanding exceptions that may alter the typical timeframe, such as a delayed discovery of an injury or if a government entity is involved. Our team can provide detailed advice tailored to these unique circumstances. It is our priority to navigate these processes efficiently to prevent the statute of limitations from becoming a barrier to securing deserved compensation.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Sacramento Today

Our Sacramento truck accident lawyers are standing by to help you if you or a family member are injured by a negligent truck driver. We are ready to pursue every penny you need in compensation to help pay for your medical bills, vehicle replacement, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Since we offer contingency fee agreements, you can start your case without paying any attorney fees upfront. You don’t even owe us any fees unless we end your case with a successful settlement or verdict!

Start your case with confidence. Contact our firm today to get started with our Sacramento truck accident attorney.