Visalia Truck Accident Lawyers

Causes of Truck Accidents

Although truck drivers are expected to operate their vehicles responsibly, many factors may come into play when it comes to truck accidents. Our experienced Visalia truck accident lawyers have identified some of the most common causes of truck accidents:

Distracted Driving

Drivers who engage in other activities while driving, put other motorists and themselves at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 individuals passed away in motor vehicle accidents due to distracted driving. 

Speeding & Aggressive Driving

Speeding is generally an unsafe practice when driving. Speeding can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, especially when making turns. Due to the weight of commercial trucks, it is much easier for a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Attempting to make a complete stop is also more unsafe due to its size.

Tailgating

It takes much longer for trucks to reach a full stop in comparison to other vehicles. Therefore it is advised to keep a safe distance from a truck, whether in front or behind you.

Driver Fatigue

Despite there being laws that restrict a driver from exceeding the number of working hours, in an effort to earn more, truck drivers will drive more hours. This act can lead to driver fatigue. Tired drivers may have impaired vision, slowed reaction time, coordination, and judgment. 

Driving Under the Influence

Due to the stress and difficult working hours, some truck drivers have been found to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In a study conducted by the University of Central Arkansas, 250 of 310 truck drivers failed a urine and hair drug test 99% of the time. 

Improperly Loaded Trailers

Improperly loaded cargo can lead to a number of safety hazards, including tire blowouts and rollovers. The risk for these accidents increases when you have overweight trucks that are not properly secured or whose weight causes them to sway back and forth.

Poor Maintenance and Equipment Failure

Proper maintenance is a must when operating any vehicle. If the truck accident was caused by faulty equipment, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for your injuries and damages.

Natural Disasters

Bad weather can cause hazardous road conditions, such as slippery roads and may impair a driver’s vision. These factors may result in catastrophic traffic accidents. 

Most Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

The injuries a truck accident victim may sustain can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. But oftentimes these can be devastating injuries. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries/Whiplash
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones
• Partial or total paralysis
• Amputations

If the truck accident led to the wrongful death of a loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Although no amount of compensation is enough to make up for the loss of a loved one, these compensatory damages are meant to help the victim’s family through financial stress. The financial compensation may help with some out-of-pocket costs, such as burial expenses. 

You must obtain legal representation from an experienced commercial trucking accident attorney to ensure that you recover the maximum compensation for your accident injuries and damages. 

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident?

Several parties may be held liable in the case of a truck accident. Determining the party liable for a truck accident can be difficult and may require the guidance of a Visalia truck accident lawyer. 

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, these parties may be held liable for the accident:

Truck Company

The trucking company can be held liable if they hire negligent drivers or fail to maintain their vehicles properly. These companies are also subject to federal regulations that have been set in place by law, so it is important that they follow these guidelines at all times. 

Truck Manufacturer

Truck defects that result in faulty steering systems, brake failure, or defective hitches can cause catastrophic accidents. In cases like these, if an accident was the result of a faulty truck part, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages. 

Truck Driver

If a truck driver’s negligent actions are the reason for an accident, you may file a personal injury claim against him and recover fair compensation. 

Cargo Loaders

As previously mentioned, improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. The cargo company may be held liable for an accident if the improperly loaded cargo caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle or if the cargo itself caused an injury. 

Truck Owner

A truck owner is responsible for keeping the truck maintained and ensuring that all the parts are functional and safe for use. If the owner neglects these responsibilities, they may be a liable party. 

City or County Government

If the truck accident was the result of poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, and traffic signs, the local government may be held liable for the incident. A skilled attorney will ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. 

Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Visalia Truck Accident

It is vital to know what steps to take if you find yourself the victim of a truck accident. Our Visalia truck accident lawyers have compiled a list of some steps to take after a truck accident.

1. Seek Medical Attention – After conducting a quick check on yourself and any other passengers that may be in the vehicle, you must seek medical attention immediately. Even if you assume your injuries may only be minor, it is best to be examined by a medical professional to ensure that you sustained no dangerous internal injuries. 
2. Call the Police – A police officer must be present at the accident scene to file a police report. Remember to obtain the police report number, as this may be used as evidence by your personal injury lawyer in your insurance claim. 
3. Take Photographs – If possible, take as many photos of the accident scene as you can. Take these photos from different angles, and make sure to include any information you may think will be important to your case, such as skid marks. Remember to document your injuries as well. 
4. Take Note of the Truck’s Details – Note down important information about the truck driver and the vehicle, such as name, phone number, insurance company, truck license plate, and trucking company. 
5. Collect Witness Information – Collect information from any witness at the scene, such as name, phone number, and any other pertinent information. The statements of these witnesses may be crucial for your case. 
6. Contact a Visalia Truck Accident Lawyer – You must hire a personal injury attorney who is well versed in truck accident cases to help guide you through the process of your accident claim. 

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover From a Visalia Truck Accident?

As the injured party, it is within your right to take legal action against those responsible for your accident-related damages. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Non-economic damages
• Other economic expenses resulting from the accident
• And more

Expert Visalia Truck Accident Lawyers

As the personal injury victim, it is within your right to take legal action against the at-fault party and recover financial compensation for your injuries and damages. At Farahi Law Firm, we know how complicated this can be to handle a personal injury claim on one’s own especially while recovering. 

In some cases, insurance adjusters may take advantage of this difficult time and try to trick you into lowering the value of your claim in order to avoid offering you a fair settlement amount.

Our Visalia truck accident lawyers will ensure that your rights are protected from these insurance companies who wish to lowball you. Not only will we handle the complexities of your case, but will also see to it that you receive the best medical care possible. 

We offer a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t have to pay us a single cent unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident due to the negligent actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation today!