Auburn Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Auburn Truck Accident Lawyers Are Ready To Answer Your Legal Questions
More often than not, traffic accidents involving trucks result in catastrophic consequences and significant losses. If a negligent trucker causes your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses through a personal injury claim. Reach out to our Auburn truck accident lawyers so we can assist you in navigating the claims process and help you hold the negligent parties accountable. Call (888) 488-1391, and let’s discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
Auburn is a city in Placer County that displays a spectacular fusion of history and modernity. It is famous for hosting a challenging endurance sports event called the 100-mile Western States trail-running race. The city is also known for maintaining an organized street system. Currently, Auburn has mostly two-lane road networks except for its primary highways, which have four or more travel lanes. These include Interstate 80, Highway 49, Elm Avenue, and Auburn Folsom Road.
With its open freeways, various types of vehicles conveniently visit and leave Auburn. The city is frequented not just by light vehicles, but also by large trucks delivering goods to various destinations. Considering this, the place is no stranger to road collisions involving them.
If you are a victim of a truck crash, contact our truck accident attorneys in Auburn. We can assist you in establishing liability and pursuing compensation for your losses in accordance with the law.
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Hire Our Auburn Truck Accident Lawyers For Your Case
Working with our truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process. We understand the legal consequences of truck accidents and how they can impact your life. Our goal is to provide clear legal guidance and support as you navigate the path forward.
Here’s what our truck accident lawyers in Auburn can do:
- Our personal injury attorneys have worked on various truck accident cases for decades. We have developed an in-depth understanding of the specific laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. Our truck accident attorneys will clarify these for you, including local regulations in Auburn. We’ll assist you in understanding how the laws apply to your case and the options available to you.
- Arash Law works on a contingency fee basis. The payment for our lawyers will only be deducted from the compensation you will get. This way, you can have access to legal support without the burden of upfront costs. You won’t pay us any legal fees if we don’t recover compensation for you. Case-specific costs may still apply, but these will be discussed by our lawyers in detail.
- Our attorneys at our Auburn injury law firm anticipate situations that might prevent you from visiting us, such as being unable to travel due to serious injuries. Therefore, we’re prepared to meet you at any location that is convenient for you.
What Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Do
Our Auburn truck accident lawyers offer strategic legal support. Here’s how we approach your case:
- Thorough Investigation — Our law firm will lead an independent investigation to go through the details of the incident. We can also work with industry professionals to gather expert opinions that can support your claim.
- Establish Liability — Our lawyers handling truck accidents in Auburn will identify potentially liable parties and work to prove their negligence.
- Negotiate with Insurers — Our legal team can deal with insurance providers. Our truck accident attorneys in Auburn recognize tactics that can devalue your claim, and they can guide you as you file a claim.
- Represent You In Court — When out-of-court negotiations don’t work, our trial attorneys are prepared to initiate a litigation process where we can advocate for your rights further. Depending on the proof we gather, we will present it to demonstrate the negligence of the liable parties and the value of your damages.
Common Kinds Of Trucks
Large trucks have different classifications according to their specific use and industry. Some of them are:
- Tractor-Trailers — These enormous vehicles are also known by other names, like 18-wheelers, big rigs, and semi-trucks (or semis). Their trailers have their own set of classifications, depending on the cargo they’re carrying, such as:
- Flatbed Trailers — Truck companies use these open trailers with no roofs or sides to carry bulky cargo, using straps and chains to secure them.
- Tanker Trailers — These are used to deliver liquid products such as water and fuel. These vehicles often contain flammable and hazardous substances.
- Livestock Haulers — The agricultural industry uses livestock haulers to transport live animals and other farm yields.
- Refrigerated Trailers — Popularly called reefers, these containers contain perishable items like food, medicines, cosmetics, and more.
- Delivery Trucks — Shipping companies, such as U-Haul, Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service, rely on these vehicles to deliver products door-to-door. They often have to squeeze into tight roads to complete deliveries.
- Working Trucks — Companies often use massive vehicles, such as dump trucks, cement trucks, and furniture trucks, to complete various tasks.
Our truck accident lawyers in Auburn will have to consider the type of vehicle and the cargo it’s carrying to determine which specific laws and regulations may apply.
The Dangers Of Trucks On The Road
The dynamics of trucks make them different from regular cars. These large vehicles can have a maximum height of 14 feet and a weight of 20,000 to 80,000 pounds. Apart from the higher center of gravity that frequently causes rollovers and other accidents, here are some other dangers and hazards associated with the massive size and mass of trucks:
- Limited Maneuverability — Big rigs need more space to navigate turns and curves. When truck drivers are not careful, they increase the risk of accidents.
- Longer Stopping Distance — The sheer mass of trucks means they need more time and distance to come to a complete stop than regular passenger cars.
- Bigger Blind Spots — Truck trailers limit drivers’ visibility on the sides and at the back. They might not notice smaller vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians in these “no-zones” while maneuvering, leading to an accident.
- Greater Force of Impact — Trucks gain more momentum as they go. When they suddenly stop, their momentum translates into greater force upon impact. As a result, collisions involving these vehicles could cause extensive damage and more severe injuries. The force might even propel cars into other vehicles or roadways, creating a chain reaction.
Because of these circumstances, victims often experience significant losses. Some may have permanently reduced mobility and a lowered quality of life. Additionally, losing a limb can impact their ability to work, greatly limiting their employment opportunities.
Your medical bills aren’t the only damages you may be able to pursue. Our car accident lawyers, who also handle truck accident cases, will consider the full impact of your injuries and help you seek compensation for them.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Our Auburn truck accident lawyers have handled various injury cases, including:
Jackknife Accidents
When a semi-truck skids and folds onto itself, it can result in a jackknife accident. In this type of incident, the trailer swings out to one side, forming an L or V shape that resembles a folding pocket knife. They can be extremely dangerous, as they can cause the truck to completely lose control and potentially collide with other vehicles on the road.
These are the most common causes of the jackknifing cases our truck accident lawyers have seen:
- Excessive braking
- Oversteering
- Overspeeding
- Carrying unsecured loads
- Driving over road hazards
- Driving in adverse weather conditions
Jackknifing accidents can happen anywhere, but they are more rampant in wet, slippery, or downhill areas. In these conditions, the tractor-trailer’s tires might lose traction and cause the vehicle to lose control.
Rollover Accidents
When fully loaded, trucks can easily reach 80,000 pounds. Their weight increases the risk of rollover accidents, especially when truckers drive at high speeds or on uneven terrain. Also, trucks have a high center of gravity, which makes them more likely to tip over if the cargo is piled high or if the weight is heavier at the top. This factor makes them more challenging to steer and easier to tip over when turning or navigating sharp curves.
Rollover accidents are categorized into two types:
- Tripped Rollovers — when the tires come into contact with large road obstacles that cause the truck to lose balance.
- Untripped Rollovers — when the trucks lose balance on their own, likely due to the driver’s actions.
Truck rollover accidents, as well as other collisions involving big rigs, can lead to multiple-vehicle pileups. They can also crush smaller vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
Our truck accident lawyers in Auburn can help you determine the cause of the rollover. Truckers may be liable if incidents result from their negligence. These include driving too fast, braking excessively, or failing to shift gears in time when going uphill or downhill. If the rollover was caused by road hazards, the government agency responsible for maintaining the streets could be found negligent.
Head-On Collisions
Massive trucks can cause devastating consequences, especially when they crash directly into smaller cars head-on. These collisions usually occur when they cross the other lane and collide with other vehicles traveling in opposite directions, for the following reasons:
- Avoiding obstructions.
- Distracted driving.
- Fatigued driving.
- Driving under the influence.
- Losing control on slippery surfaces.
- Encountering mechanical failures, like malfunctioning braking systems and tire blowouts.
Head-on accidents put car occupants in danger, as they sometimes get ejected from their seats. If you or a loved one got harmed in these incidents, don’t hesitate to contact our Auburn truck accident lawyers. We can assist with the legal process, allowing you to focus on your healing.
Rear-End Collisions
A vehicle sometimes strikes the bumper of the car in front of it, leading to rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, these accidents are tragic when they involve large trucks. The size and weight of these vehicles increase the stopping distance, so truckers must have accurate judgment when applying their brakes. They must also avoid tailgating, follow the speed limit, consider the weather conditions, and check their braking system regularly to avoid rear-ending other road users.
Imagine a scenario where you’re driving in heavy traffic, and a massive vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds crashes into the back of your car. Depending on the force, you could get thrown out of your car, collide with other automobiles, tip over, or hit external objects on the road.
Even for minor injuries, compensation may be available depending on the circumstances and the extent of the negligence involved. Talk to our Auburn truck accident lawyers to learn about your legal options.
Sideswipe Accidents
Trucks might also collide with cars traveling parallel to them. These sideswipe accidents usually happen due to driver errors. Negligent drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on either side or change lanes without signaling are likely to cause collisions. Similarly, they may hit the vehicles around them when they overlook blind spots or don’t check their side mirror.
Considering trucks’ massive size and weight, sideswipe accidents can have severe consequences. These incidents may cause property damage, physical injuries, and even fatalities. If you have a valid claim, our truck accident lawyers in Auburn can help you pursue compensation for the costs associated with these damages, including pain and suffering, car repairs, and more.
Underride Accidents
In a catastrophic traffic accident with a semi-truck, a small vehicle might slide beneath it. This unfortunate event can happen when a trucker abruptly applies the brake, leaving the small vehicle behind or beside it with insufficient time to stop. The smaller car might then go underneath the truck. Accordingly, failing to notice blind spots, recklessly changing lanes, and running red lights can all result in this type of incident.
Regardless of the type of crash, they can lead to injuries and losses. If you’re a victim of such accidents, you can contact our truck accident attorneys. Our attorneys are available to discuss your case and explore the options available to you for seeking damages.
Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can occur due to various reasons. Among the most common causes encountered by our Auburn truck accident lawyers are:
- Traffic Violations — Some drivers may overlook traffic rules and regulations. They may ignore traffic signs and lights, overspeed, or fail to yield the right of way.
- Disobedience of Federal Laws — In some cases, federal trucking regulations may not be properly followed due to scheduling pressures or oversight. These rules include cargo safety requirements, weight and height limits, and hours-of-service restrictions.
- Distracted Driving — Distracted driving can involve anything from using gadgets while driving to talking on the phone. These activities divert a driver’s attention from the road, preventing them from noticing hazards and sudden changes in traffic.
- DUI — Our personal injury attorneys have dealt with many cases where alcohol or drugs were involved. Motorists intoxicated by these substances can’t drive safely and tend to cause accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions — Roads with potholes, damaged guardrails, and pale line markings make driving challenging. Drivers who lose control under these conditions can crash into other vehicles or external obstacles like trees, traffic signs, or boulders.
- Driving During Inclement Weather — Road visibility is limited during rain, foggy conditions, or storms. Some truck drivers might fail to notice vehicles around them, especially since they have larger blind spots.
- Poor Maintenance — Some truck parts might malfunction due to poor maintenance. This negligence can lead to faulty braking systems and accelerators, broken mirrors, tire blowouts, and depleted batteries.
You can’t instantly tell why truck incidents occur. However, consulting with an Auburn truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. They can help identify the actual cause of the incident that resulted in your injuries and damages.
Typical Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
Our truck accident lawyers have helped clients pursue compensation for the following injuries:
- Head & Brain Injuries — Victims might hit their heads on hard surfaces upon impact. They might incur damage to the skulls and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These conditions can cause long-term issues, so victims should seek medical intervention as soon as they can.
- Back Injuries — The strong force of truck crashes can jolt the backs and necks of victims. During these incidents, the muscles and spine can twist unnaturally, causing sprains and strains. Victims could also experience spinal cord injuries, which may lead to paralysis.
- Neck Injuries — In a collision, the neck can move vigorously in one direction, resulting in whiplash and other neck injuries. These conditions can cause long-lasting nerve damage if left untreated.
- Broken Bones — Collisions may crush the bones of victims in different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, and torso. These injuries often require casts or surgery to heal.
- Burns — Road collisions might lead to an explosion, especially if tanker trucks carrying flammable substances are involved. Victims might then incur burns ranging from the first to the fifth degree. These injuries are prone to infections and cause permanent scarring, so affected individuals must receive appropriate treatments.
If you or a loved one suffers from these injuries, consult with our Auburn truck accident lawyers. We can connect you to doctors who can support your recovery.
Parties Responsible For Truck Accidents
In many cases, truck drivers are held responsible for traffic accidents. They have a heavy obligation to exercise reasonable care when driving to avoid harming others. When they breach this duty, such as by driving recklessly, they exhibit negligence. This breach would make them liable for the injuries and other damages sustained by victims.
However, truck drivers may not be the only ones responsible for a single incident or even at all. Some parties may also share the blame. For instance, trucking companies may be liable for accidents if they force their truckers to violate the law to meet unreasonable deadlines. The same is true if they don’t conduct meticulous screening and instead allow reckless and inexperienced drivers to operate on the road.
Our truck accident lawyers have also dealt with other liable parties, including:
- Shipping companies
- Vehicle or truck parts manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair service providers
- Government agencies
- Other careless motorists
Identifying the accountable parties is often tricky. If you sustained damage in a truck crash, our Auburn truck accident lawyers can help you establish liability. Our attorneys will review the details of the incident to assist you in identifying the parties potentially responsible for your injuries and losses. We can also help you gather proof demonstrating their negligence.
Federal And California Laws For Truckers
Our truck accident attorneys in Auburn are well-versed in specific local, state, and federal laws governing the truck industry, including:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) mandates that truck drivers keep a CDL. This license proves that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate large vehicles safely, including proficiency in changing gears, regulating speed, managing space, and regularly inspecting their trucks.
- Medical Examination — Truckers must undergo medical tests every two years. This requirement ensures they’re physically fit to operate large vehicles and manage the physically demanding responsibilities of truck driving.
- Hours of Service Regulations — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also enforces hours of service rules. Property-carrying truck drivers are restricted to an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour window after ten hours off duty.
- Safety Loading Procedures — California law requires truckers to follow cargo security rules to ensure the load doesn’t shift or fall when transported. Even if the driver doesn’t load the cargo themselves, they are still required to inspect it before, during, and after trips.
More trucking laws are in place to regulate speed limits, routes, and kinds of cargo. Our Auburn truck accident lawyers can help you navigate these complex legalities and use our knowledge to demonstrate the liabilities of negligent parties.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What Damages Can You Pursue After A Truck Accident?
Traffic collisions involving trucks take a huge physical and emotional toll on victims. To cope with these challenges, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to cover your expenses and other losses. Our attorneys in Auburn have assisted numerous truck accident victims in pursuing compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Laboratory expenses
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Follow-up medical consultations
- Missed wages
- Lost future earnings
- Repair costs for damaged properties
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Permanent or temporary disabilities
- Disfigurements
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
To learn more about the damages you can pursue, you may talk to our Auburn truck accident lawyers. We can estimate the value of your case, taking into account all the losses you incurred and the potential effects of your injuries in the future.
Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim, as per California’s statute of limitations. The deadline might also be tolled or paused under certain circumstances, including the delayed discovery of injuries.
The deadline also changes if the victim is a minor or the negligent party is a government agency. It can be shortened or extended, depending on specific situations.
If you fail to file a claim within the legal deadline, your case may be dismissed. You can seek help from our truck accident attorneys in Auburn. They can assess your case and explain the deadlines that may apply to your case.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
Anyone will normally feel shocked and confused after a car crash. After a truck accident, staying calm, prioritizing safety, and understanding your legal rights can be important. Here are some common steps you can take in these situations:
- Prioritize Your Safety and Health Above All Else — If you have any injuries, call 911 so that you can receive medical treatment as soon as possible. A follow-up checkup is also necessary, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent after an incident.
- Keep a Safe Distance from the Area, But Don’t Flee the Scene — If your car is also involved, steer it to the side of the road if possible.
- Report the Accident to the Police — The authorities can manage traffic and help mediate between the involved parties. Additionally, they will create an incident report that you can use later for your claim.
- Document the Scene — You should preserve proof of the accident by taking photos and videos of the location, the injuries you suffered, the truck and other vehicles involved, and any damaged property.
- Gather Information — If there are witnesses, ask them politely to provide testimony to law enforcement. It’s also crucial to keep a record of important information, such as the names and contact details of all parties involved, their employers, and their insurance companies.
- Inform Your Insurance Company — Describe the accident accurately, but avoid oversharing or admitting fault. Be mindful of your words because the opposing parties can use them against you.
- Seek Legal Guidance From a Lawyer — Our truck accident lawyers in Auburn can assist you in filing your claim. We can help you explore your legal options for pursuing compensation related to your losses.
Statistics About Truck Accidents
Trucks play a significant role in the development of Auburn and the entire country. Unfortunately, they are also one of the top causes of traffic accidents. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes nationwide in 2021.
Out of the 5,788 fatalities, 4,149 were occupants of other vehicles, 631 people were non-occupants, and 1,008 were truck drivers or passengers.
Meanwhile, 117,312 of these vehicles were involved in accidents that injured 154,993 individuals. Around 109,981 were occupants of other vehicles, 2,848 were non-occupants, and 42,164 were truck drivers or passengers. Moreover, 400,784 trucks got into collisions that led to property damage.
With these alarming statistics, our Auburn truck accident lawyers remain determined to participate in campaigns that help reduce the rate of injuries and fatalities. At the same time, we are committed to advocating for the legal rights of injured clients and those who have lost their loved ones due to these traffic incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What Evidence Can Help Prove Negligence In A Truck Accident?
To build a compelling claim, your truck accident lawyer may use the following evidence:
- Medical reports.
- Police records.
- Affidavits from witnesses.
- Photos and videos of the incident.
- Truck driver logbooks.
- Truck maintenance records.
- A journal where you wrote down the names and details of involved parties, their employers, and insurance companies.
Apart from showing proof of the recklessness of concerned parties, you can also provide documents that establish the damages and losses you incurred. Some examples are:
- Medical bills, including hospitalization and other treatment costs.
- Documents of lost earnings, like payrolls and pay slips.
- Statement of account from the car repair centers.
Our Auburn truck accident lawyers can use these documents and other pieces of evidence to investigate your case and help outline your next course of action.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation Even If I’m Found Partly At Fault For A Truck Accident?
Even if you’re found partly responsible for a truck accident, you may still be able to seek payment for damages. California is a pure comparative negligence state, which allows for a proportionate distribution of liability. Under this rule, each liable party will be held accountable for their contribution to the accident. If the victim shares fault, the payment they’ll receive will be less than their total damages.
For example, if you have 20% liability for the accident, you may still recover 80% of the total damages from the other responsible parties.
What makes this part of the process complicated is the fact that the other parties may try to reduce their responsibility or push all the blame onto you. Our Auburn truck accident lawyers can assist in building your claim by gathering evidence and handling communications with the at-fault parties, aiming to pursue just compensation on your behalf.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of your damages and losses will depend on the details of the incident, the nature of the crash, the severity of your injuries, and more. To get an estimate of how much your claim may be worth, speak to our Auburn truck accident lawyers.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Truck Accident Claim?
Reaching a resolution with all parties can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. It all depends on how fast your truck accident attorneys investigate and how long negotiations take. If the other party disputes liability, negotiations might take more time and could even go to court. In that case, your claim may take longer to resolve.
Hiring experienced Auburn truck accident lawyers can help you approach your case with more confidence. While many of the personal injury claims are resolved through settlement, our attorneys are fully prepared to represent clients in court when necessary.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support
Truck crashes can cause significant damage, leaving victims to face various challenges. However, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” our Auburn truck accident lawyers are available to help you understand your legal options. We can review your case and explain your possible legal options.
If you have questions about your truck accident claim, call us at (888) 488-1391. You can discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
Aside from Auburn, Arash Law also offers legal services in nearby cities and locations, such as North Auburn, Rocklin, Lincoln, Roseville, Folsom, Cameron Park, Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Placerville, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, North Highlands, Grass Valley, Carmichael, and Rancho Cordova.
