Lincoln Truck Accident Lawyers
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Lincoln Truck Accident Lawyers Your Legal Support for Truck Accident Victims
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck collision, contact our Lincoln truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. You may be able to pursue legal action against the responsible party. Our team can help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Liability can be complicated in truck accidents, as it often involves multiple parties, including companies. It is important to gather crucial evidence to support your claim. Our team can assist you through this process.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Lincoln
Truck accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases. Given the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, victims often suffer serious injuries or even fatalities. Adding to the complexity, multiple parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers, may share liability.
Our Lincoln truck accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and have the experience, resources, and determination to handle challenging truck accident cases. Here are some considerations for choosing us:
- Experience — Our years of combined experience in personal injury law have enabled us to provide comprehensive legal services to our clients, particularly those affected by truck accidents.
- Customer Service — Our team is dedicated to providing responsive communication and personalized support to each client throughout their case.
- No Upfront Lawyer Fees — We believe everyone deserves access to legal representation, no matter their financial situation. Under our contingency fee arrangement, you pay no attorney fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Nevertheless, certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. We can clarify this arrangement during your consultation.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash with a large truck, our truck accident lawyers can help. An experienced attorney can identify potentially liable parties and help you pursue the compensation available under the law. Contact us for a free initial case review.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
How Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Working with skilled injury lawyers provides valuable legal guidance throughout your claim and can help you pursue compensation from liable parties. It can be difficult to figure out what to do after a truck collision, but with skilled legal representation, you have someone who can support you in managing your case. Additionally, having a lawyer may help you better understand your options and the legal process.
Our truck accident lawyers in Lincoln can do the following:
- Gather police reports, medical records, and other crucial pieces of evidence.
- Calculate the extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to review data and establish faults.
- Subpoena important trucking company documents, including the driver’s logbook, GPS information, and delivery schedules, if necessary.
- Draft a compelling demand letter for the insurance company.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- File a lawsuit in civil court if the parties did not find a common resolution during negotiations.
- Issue letters of protection to help facilitate your medical care.
- Provide answers to your truck accident questions, guiding you through every step of the process.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Commercial truck drivers play an essential role in California’s economy, and the city of Lincoln depends on them daily. Unfortunately, while most drivers share the road with large trucks without incident, others experience devastating accidents. Because truck drivers operate massive commercial vehicles, they must observe a higher standard of care on the road. Despite that, however, truck accidents continue to result in countless injuries and fatalities every year.
Our attorneys have experience handling truck accident cases. While most accidents result from human error, other elements can also play a role. Regardless of the cause of your truck accident in Lincoln or elsewhere in Placer County, our lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation to identify potentially liable parties and pursue compensation for your losses.
Driver Errors
Several factors contribute to truck accidents, though driver errors are more common than others. Our Lincoln truck accident lawyers can conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case to determine the cause, which could be one or more of the following:
- Driving Under the Influence — Trucks are larger and more difficult to maneuver than passenger cars, making alcohol- or drug-impaired driving even more dangerous and increasing the chances of accidents and severe injuries.
- Reckless Driving — Willful disregard for other road users, such as speeding, unsafe passing, ignoring traffic signs, and erratic lane changes, is hazardous. In particular, tailgating or following too closely behind another vehicle can lead to rear-end crashes. Trucks are heavier and require more distance to stop, so tailgating increases the risk of an accident significantly.
- Fatigued Driving — Federally mandated hours of service (HOS) rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can work to prevent fatigue and maintain safety. Despite this, demanding schedules and long-distance travel routes may lead to drowsy driving, impairing judgment and reaction times.
- Distracted Driving — Activities like texting, eating, or any action that diverts attention from safely operating an 80,000-pound truck pose serious public safety risks.
- Inadequate Training — Truck drivers can cause accidents due to insufficient training or a lack of proper licensing. Given the size and complexity of trucks and their heavy trailers, operating them requires proper training and experience. Drivers without sufficient experience or certification may pose serious dangers on the road.
Other Contributing Factors
Aside from truck drivers’ negligent behaviors, other common factors contribute to truck accidents, including the following:
- Poor Maintenance — Faulty brakes, bald tires, and other safety system failures raise the risk of crashes. If a trucking company neglects to inspect or is aware that a vehicle needs repairs but fails to address the issue, it may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
- Improper Loading — Cargo that is unevenly distributed or exceeds weight limits can impact a truck’s handling and control. It can affect the vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more likely for drivers to lose control.
- External Factor — Other external factors that can contribute to truck crashes include poor road conditions and inclement weather.
Understanding the potential causes of your accident is crucial for determining who’s responsible for your damages. Consult our truck accident lawyers in Lincoln to thoroughly investigate your case and identify potentially liable parties.
Truck Accident?
How Our Attorneys Establish Negligence In A Truck Accident
To pursue a truck accident case, it is important to demonstrate that the driver or trucking company caused your injuries. In certain cases, negligence is a key factor in determining liability. Establishing negligence involves proving four essential elements. Handling this process on your own can be challenging, but our Lincoln truck accident lawyers can guide you.
- Duty of Care — The first step is proving that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care. This process is usually straightforward, as all drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. Since truck drivers hold commercial driver’s licenses, they must adhere to higher standards.
- Breach of Duty — Show that the responsible party violated their duty of care. A truck driver might have been texting, driving under the influence, or speeding. Similarly, a trucking company may be liable if it fails to do proper background checks or provide adequate safety training.
- Causation — Then, connect the at-fault party’s negligence to your injuries. You must show that the defendant’s reckless actions directly caused your damages. A truck accident lawyer can help you establish causation.
- Damages — To seek compensation, provide proof of damages. Medical records, vehicle repair bills, lost wages, and other forms of documentation serve as evidence of your financial and intangible losses.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning each party is responsible for their percentage of fault. If you were in an accident and were found by the court to be 20% at fault, you would be eligible to pursue only 80% of your damages. Our truck accident attorneys in Lincoln can help our clients pursue appropriate compensation.
Potential Liable Parties In A Truck Accident
Our truck accident attorneys in Lincoln, California, can help identify potentially responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the following parties may be liable:
- The truck driver or another negligent driver may be liable if their careless or reckless actions caused the crash.
- Trucking companies are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising their drivers. If their internal hiring and training practices are not properly carried out, and an accident occurs as a direct result, they may be responsible for the resulting damages.
- A truck maintenance or repair company may be liable if substandard mechanical work contributed to the accident.
- A cargo-loading company or cargo owner may be responsible if improper loading, shifting cargo, or spills caused or contributed to the crash.
- Truck and parts manufacturers or retailers may also be liable if a defective brake system, tire, coupler, or other component led to the accident.
- Federal, state, or local government agencies responsible for road design and maintenance may be liable if poor infrastructure plays a role. Accidents can happen due to poorly designed or constructed work zones that fail to provide warning or space for trucks to slow down.
Compensation For Injuries And Damages In A Truck Accident Claim
Our Lincoln truck accident lawyers can assess the extent of your losses. Depending on the details of your case, we can assist you in pursuing damages for the following:
- Medical Costs — Truck accidents often result in severe and costly injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Depending on your case, your claim may include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, therapy, and chiropractic care.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity — Severe injuries can lead to significant financial consequences, including lost wages and decreased earning capacity. If an accident results in lost income, you may be able to seek compensation for both past and future earnings. If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work, compensation may cover your past earnings and the extent of your impairment.
- Property Damage — You can seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering — Damages from a truck accident extend beyond financial losses. You may experience significant physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life. While these hardships are difficult to quantify, you may still be able to seek damages for your suffering. This includes not only the immediate pain and suffering but also any long-term emotional and psychological effects of the accident.
Sometimes, the court may find that the defendant acted willfully or with gross negligence. In rare cases like this, the plaintiff may get punitive damages in addition to the ones listed above. Examples include accidents involving a drunk truck driver or instances where logbooks or the driver or trucking company falsify inspection records. These aim to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future instead of directly compensating the victim.
Wrongful Death Damages
Losing a loved one in a tragic truck accident is an unimaginable loss, leaving families not only grieving but also facing sudden financial and emotional burdens. Wrongful death damages aim to ease some of these hardships by allowing eligible family members to pursue compensation for their losses. These damages may cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, medical costs incurred before death, and the loss of household contributions the deceased would have provided.
Our Lincoln truck accident lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll of such a loss. We provide dedicated legal support to families. We are committed to advocating for your rights, representing your interests, and supporting you throughout the legal process.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
Anyone who has suffered physical and emotional harm in a truck accident should contact our Lincoln trucking accident lawyers as soon as possible and consider the following steps:
- Move to a Safe Location — If the truck is carrying hazardous materials, immediately call 911. If your car is operational, drive to a safe location nearby. If you must exit your vehicle, do so cautiously.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention — Injuries aren’t always obvious right away. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation is crucial, both for your health and as documented evidence for any legal claims.
- Report the Accident to the Police — Notify the authorities right away, especially if the truck driver was intoxicated or committed other violations. Police reports play a critical role in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Gather Witness and Driver Information — Anyone who saw the accident could provide valuable testimony, so politely ask for the contact details. Also, gather names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved.
- Take Photos — While police will document the scene, your own photos can be valuable evidence. Capture multiple angles of the vehicles, skid marks, damaged lights, debris, and any other relevant details.
- Limit Discussions — While it’s fine to check on others involved in the accident, avoid detailed conversations. Refraining from unnecessary remarks helps prevent statements that could be used against you in a legal case.
- Contact Your Insurer and a Lawyer — Truck accident lawyers in Lincoln can investigate whether negligence played a role and determine if you have a valid claim. Your attorney can also speak with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident on your behalf.
Verdict for a client who was sideswiped by a commercial truck– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Safety Council, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2022. This figure marked a 1.8% rise from 2021 and 49% over the past decade. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled increased by 3% from 2021 and 24% over the last 10 years. Large trucks also accounted for 6% of all vehicles in fatal crashes and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
A total of 5,936 people lost their lives in large-truck crashes that same year, reflecting a 2% increase from 2021 and a 49% rise over the past decade. The majority of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (19%) and non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (11%).
Around 120,200 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injuries in 2022, a 2.5% rise from the previous year. Since 2016, the number of trucks involved in injury crashes has risen by 18%, while the involvement rate per 100 million large truck miles driven has grown by 5.7% to 37.
These statistics highlight the dangers of truck collisions and the consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck crash, legal representation can help navigate the complexities of these claims. Our Lincoln truck accident lawyers are well-versed in federal and state trucking regulations, insurance processes, and the strategies needed to help you pursue compensation.
Questions Truck Accident Victims Frequently Ask
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about truck accidents. If you have specific concerns about your claim, contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case evaluation.
How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge In Lincoln, California?
You might be thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer, but can I afford one?” There is no specific set cost for truck accident lawyers in Lincoln, California, as fees are typically based on a contingency arrangement and may vary depending on the case. Truck accident lawyers in Lincoln, California, typically charge a contingency fee, meaning they collect fees only if compensation is recovered. Though clients may still be responsible for certain costs regardless of the outcome.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing A Trucking Accident Claim In California?
It is advisable to promptly hire Lincoln truck accident attorneys and file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit after being injured in a trucking accident. California law imposes strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit, called the statute of limitations.
Under Section 335.1 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, a plaintiff generally has two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury case. Failing to do so within this timeframe may result in losing your right to pursue legal action and seek damages. Nevertheless, certain exceptions may adjust this time limit, particularly with victims who are minors and in cases with delayed discovery of injuries.
How Much Compensation Can I Pursue In A Truck Accident Injury Claim?
In addition to causing severe injuries, truck accidents often put victims and their families in a difficult financial position, preventing them from working for an extended period. The total value of your claim depends on the extent of the economic damages. However, in California, you can also seek compensation for pain and suffering.
While there is no exact average for truck accident settlements, the amount often depends on several key factors, such as the following:
- Severity of Injury — More severe injuries usually lead to higher compensation.
- Long-Term Impact — Future medical expenses and earning capacity are also crucial factors.
- Quality of Life — The injury’s impact on your daily life and future affects your claim’s value.
- Comparative Negligence — Your compensation may be reduced if the court finds you partially responsible.
How Long Do Most Truck Accident Settlements Take To Resolve?
If liability is clear and you have Lincoln attorneys, your truck accident case may get resolved quickly through a settlement. However, in case liability is disputed, the defendant challenges the damages, or the plaintiff shares partial fault, the case may need to go through litigation. This can take significantly longer to resolve, from several months to even a few years.
Why Do I Need An Attorney If The Insurance Company Offers A Settlement?
While you can accept an insurance company’s settlement offer without consulting a lawyer, you may not be aware of certain damages that apply to your case. Settlement offers may not fully address your losses if you were not able to assess them properly. Hiring Lincoln truck accident lawyers can help you assess the fairness of the offer. They can negotiate on your behalf and assist you in seeking fair compensation.
Consult Our Lincoln Truck Accident Lawyers To Get Started
As an injury law firm in California, our team at Arash Law has experience handling different types of claims and is committed to helping clients pursue appropriate compensation.
Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our injury law firm will respond to your call or online inquiry. We will review the details of your accident, assess your injuries and losses, and provide our legal recommendations.
The truck accident attorneys in Lincoln also serve nearby cities and communities, including Whitney, Roseville, Rocklin, Loomis, Penryn, Granite Bay, Newcastle, Ophir, Gold Hill, Virginiatown, Sheridan, Wheatland, Kilaga Springs, Pleasant Grove, Counsman, Auburn, and North Auburn.