Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers CA

Most Common Causes for Truck Accidents

Truck accidents may include semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, or any other large commercial vehicle. When these vehicles are involved in a traffic accident, there are several factors that may contribute to these incidents.

Common causes of truck accidents may include:

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Trucks are more difficult to control than smaller vehicles, especially at high speeds. Truck drivers may have difficulty stopping their trucks when necessary due to the truck’s large size. Truck accidents can occur when drivers lose control of their trucks or are unable to stop in time.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers working long hours often become sleep deprived and exhausted, leading to driver errors that may cause accidents. The law restricts the number of hours truckers can work, but some truckers may still push their limits in order to earn a better paycheck.

Distracted Driving

Activities such as mobile phone usage and eating may be distractions that could lead drivers to make mistakes while on the road. Even a short distraction can have major consequences and lead to catastrophic injuries.

Tailgating

Driving closely behind a truck can be dangerous, as they often take longer to stop when braking. On the other hand, if you see a truck driving closely behind you, it is advisable to let it pass in order to avoid a rear-end collision.

Drug and Alcohol Use

A report by the American Addiction Centers shares that a prior study indicated that 27.6% of the study’s truck-driving respondents consumed drugs. The physical injuries resulting from a drunk-driving truck accident may be severe.

Poor Maintenance and Equipment Failure

Truck accidents can often be the result of mechanical failure. Commercial truck drivers are urged to conduct regular maintenance checks on their vehicles. If a faulty truck part is the cause of the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for the incident.

Natural Disasters

Low visibility, slippery roads, and poor weather conditions can make it difficult for truck drivers to see other vehicles on the road, which can lead to accidents.

Improperly Loaded Trailers

If cargo is improperly loaded, this could cause tire blowouts, cargo flying off, and the chances of striking other vehicles or loss of vehicle control are heightened. Improperly loaded trucks may cause rollover accidents and jackknifes.

Liability in a Truck Accident

Several parties could be held liable in a truck accident case. It can be difficult to determine which party is liable for the accident, and you may need the legal advice of a Sacramento truck accident lawyer.

The following parties may be held liable for the accident:

Truck Driver

If a negligent truck driver causes an accident, the injured party may file a claim against the driver in order to recover compensation for their accident injuries and damages.

Truck Company

When a trucking company is found to be at fault for an accident, it can be held liable. They may be the responsible party for hiring careless or inexperienced drivers or for failing to maintain their vehicles properly. Trucking companies are also subject to federal regulations, so it is important that they follow these guidelines at all times.

Truck Owner

Truck owners are responsible for ensuring their truck is safe and in good working condition. If an owner does not take care of their truck or keep it safe, they may be the liable party if an accident or injury occurs.

Cargo Loaders

As previously mentioned, improperly loaded cargo may cause grave trucking accidents. If the cargo company did not load the cargo properly, or if an excess of cargo was loaded, cargo loaders may be liable for an accident. This is because improperly loaded cargo can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, or the cargo itself could injure someone.

Truck Manufacturer

Truck accidents that are caused by defective steering systems, brakes, or hitches can be catastrophic. In these cases the truck manufacturer may be liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.

City or County Government

If the truck accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, or traffic signs, the local government may be responsible for the accident.

Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident

Truck accident victims can experience a range of different injuries, from minor to severe. The severity of the injury often depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Some common truck accident injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries – A severe injury such as a spinal injury may result from a truck accident. In more grave cases, a spinal injury may cause paralysis in victims of truck accidents. Which greatly affects their quality of life.
• Traumatic brain injury – Truck accidents can cause serious brain injuries, even if the impact is relatively minor. If your head is struck, it can cause the brain to move around violently inside the skull and lead to bleeding or swelling. Treatment for a brain injury can be very costly and long-lasting.
• Broken bones – The impact of a truck accident can cause bone fractures or to even crushed. These injuries may result from passengers colliding with their dashboards, windshields, car seats, doors, and more.
• Back injuries – Truck accidents often result in more severe back, neck, and spinal injuries than other types of collisions. This is because the size and weight of semi-trucks can cause serious damage to the spine if the collision is head-on or from the side. Spinal dislocations can lead to chronic neck and back pain, this can make it difficult to return to normal activity after an accident.
• Whiplash – Whiplash is a common injury in motor vehicle accidents. These often result from a rear-end collision and can cause pain and stiffness, hindering accident victims from their daily tasks.
• Internal injuries – The impact of a truck can cause injuries such as rib fractures, internal bleeding, or damage to organs which may require immediate medical attention.
• Cuts & lacerations – Lacerations and cuts can happen when a sharp object pierces the skin. These injuries are very common in truck accidents because of shattered glass and exposed metal.
• Wrongful death – Due to their weight and size, in some worst-case scenarios, some victims of trucking accidents may die on the spot or may pass during medical care. If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, our experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim and obtain fair compensation from the at-fault party.

Steps To Take After a Sacramento Truck Accident

As the injured party, you are at liberty to file a personal injury claim for your injuries and damages. To ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages, there are some steps you can take to solidify the validity of your claim.

1. Call the police – You must contact the police immediately after the accident. A police officer must be present at the accident scene to file a police report of the incident. Be sure to get the report number from the officer, as this may be used as evidence by your truck accident attorney to help strengthen the validity of your claim.
2. Seek medical attention – Once you have ensured that everyone in the vehicle is okay, your next step should be to seek medical attention. Even if you think that your injuries are minor, it is always best to be seen by a doctor to ensure that there are no serious problems or internal injuries.
3. Take Photographs – Make sure to take plenty of photos of the accident scene from different angles. Be sure to take photos of anything you think might be relevant to your cases, such as skid marks or signages. And don’t forget to document your injuries.
4. Collect the truck driver’s information – You must obtain the truck driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, truck license plate, and trucking company information after a truck accident. This information will be helpful to you and your personal injury lawyer once you file a claim.
5. Collect Witness Information – If there were any witnesses to the truck accident, it is important to obtain their information, such as their name, phone number, and other relevant details. These witnesses could provide key information for your case.
6. Contact a Sacramento truck accident lawyer – It is in your best interest to obtain legal counsel from an experienced truck accident lawyer to help guide you through the insurance claims process. At Farahi Law Firm, our team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need and deserve.

What Type of Compensation Can You Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?

Recovering from injuries sustained in a truck accident is no simple task. As previously mentioned, truck accidents may result in extensive injuries and major property damage. This may interfere with the accident victim’s daily life and cause them to miss days of work and incur costly medical expenses. The negligent party may be held responsible for these financial losses. Victims of trucking accidents may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of wages
• Physical therapy
• Property damage repair
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment
• Other economic and non-economic damages
• And more

Contact Our Expert Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers Today!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident due to the negligent actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensatory damages.

At Farahi Law Firm, our Sacramento truck accident lawyers will make sure that your rights are protected from any insurance companies or negligent parties who may try to give you a lowball settlement. Our legal team will manage all the complexities of your case, and ensure that you get the best possible medical care.

We work on a contingency fee basis and offer a No Fee Guarantee policy, this means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.

Contact us at (916) 471-4797 for a free case consultation.