San Joaquin Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our San Joaquin Truck Accident Lawyers Help Injury Victims Take Informed Legal Action.
Dealing with severe truck accident injuries in San Joaquin? Our San Joaquin truck accident lawyers can help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your injuries and other damages. We’ll handle the legal matters on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Imagine getting into an accident with a massive truck on the busy highways of San Joaquin. Truck accidents can be terrifying and tragically fatal. Coping with the consequences of accidents can be overwhelming. But don’t lose hope. There are legal options when pursuing compensation for both physical and emotional losses, which you can claim with the help of San Joaquin truck accident lawyers.
At Arash Law, our truck accident attorneys in California are available to review your case and offer legal guidance. If you believe you may have a case, feel free to discuss your situation with us. We can explain your rights and assist you in seeking compensation.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Why Hire Our San Joaquin Truck Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
Accidents involving commercial trucks are usually more complicated. The trucking company has a team of attorneys and its own insurance, which can make the process of pursuing compensation difficult.
If your case meets any of the following criteria, it is generally advisable to consult with San Joaquin truck accident lawyers.
- The accident involved other vehicles.
- There’s a dispute regarding liability.
- You’ve sustained injuries.
- Your ability to work has been compromised, or you’re unable to work as you did before.
- You’re burdened with expensive medical expenses.
- You’re pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Truck accident claims can be challenging, often involving multiple parties, federal regulations, and significant damages. If you’ve been in a severe truck collision, a lawyer can help you understand your legal choices for pursuing compensation under the law.
Why Work With Our San Joaquin Truck Accident Lawyers?
Getting by after a truck accident is already stressful. The last thing you need is the added burden of worrying about finding the right attorney. If you’re looking for legal guidance, our San Joaquin injury law firm is available to help you understand your options.
At Arash Law, our legal team has experience handling complex truck accident cases throughout California. We focus on providing thoughtful and informed support tailored to the specific needs of each case. If you’re unsure about your next steps, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation.
Federal And State Trucking Industry Regulations
The trucking industry’s commercial sector is a crucial pillar of the economy, as it facilitates the smooth transportation of materials and goods for businesses nationwide. That being so, large trucks inevitably share the roads with other motorists. Due to their size, however, they carry certain risks. This is why they’re subject to regulations enforced by federal and state governments. These rules are put in place to prioritize public safety above all else.
Besides the strict federal laws, California has also implemented common laws to regulate various aspects. These include: Qualifications
- Truck Driver — To legally drive a commercial truck in the state, drivers must meet specific qualifications. For example, they must be at least 18 to operate commercial motor vehicles transporting goods within the state.
- Truck Driver Logs — Truck drivers are required to maintain logs of their activities in accordance with FMCSA regulations.
- Inspection Requirements — Truck drivers must regularly inspect their vehicles for damaged or worn parts to prevent safety problems, as federal and California laws require.
- Size and Weight Limits for Trucks — California also imposes size and weight restrictions.
- Hours of Service Laws for California Truck Drivers — California truck drivers must adhere to hours of service laws that require regular breaks to help maintain alertness and promote safe driving.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In San Joaquin, CA
As reported by the National Safety Council (NSC), California is among the states with the most deaths resulting from large truck accidents in 2021. This proves that accidents can still happen despite efforts by federal and state laws to regulate the trucking industry.
Here are some common causes of truck accidents:
- Driver Error — Truck drivers driving too fast or while fatigued often lead to tragic truck accidents. Other common types of driver error include:
- Poor training.
- Failing to obey traffic signals.
- Distracted driving.
- Failing to check blind spots.
- Driving while or after drinking alcohol.
- Driving while under the influence of controlled or illegal substances.
- Vehicle Issues — Trucks frequently have safety concerns. For example, a completely loaded truck requires a distance equivalent to the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop, according to the FMCSA. This, combined with the challenge of handling blind spots, makes trucks naturally hazardous to other cars on the road. Additionally, there are various typical maintenance problems that trucks encounter, such as:
- Overweight trucks.
- Problems with brakes.
- Loads not properly secured.
- Tire issues.
- Improperly secured loads.
- Brake issues.
- Tire problems.
- Disregarding the maintenance schedule.
- Weather — Severe weather conditions, like rain, snow, or strong winds, can significantly contribute to a truck collision.
No matter the reason behind the truck accident that resulted in your injury, our truck accident attorneys in San Joaquin will help you. We work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable for the damages you suffered.
Common Injuries Truck Accident Victims May Sustain
A truck’s massive size and weight make even a minor collision capable of inflicting severe and, at times, life-threatening injuries. Those who manage to survive such accidents may sustain injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Nerve injuries and damage.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine injuries.
- Broken bones/fractures.
- Whiplash injuries.
- Back injuries.
- Scarring and burns.
- Cuts and lacerations.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident In San Joaquin, CA
After a truck accident, the actions you take can help protect your rights and claim. Here are recommended actions you can take following an incident:
- Find a secure place to go for safety.
- Dial 911 right away.
- If you or anyone else at the accident site has suffered severe injuries, ask for an ambulance.
- Capture pictures of the accident site, the damage to all vehicles involved, your injuries, and other relevant things that might be helpful if you file a lawsuit.
- Get the contact details of any person who saw the accident.
- Avoid talking with anyone who represents the trucking company or their insurance provider.
- Refrain from apologizing to anyone under any circumstances. Apologies can be used as evidence of fault, even if the accident was not your fault.
- Consider reaching out to a truck accident attorney near you. Filing a claim can be challenging to do on your own. Consulting with a knowledgeable San Joaquin truck accident lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and available options for pursuing compensation.
Compensation Available For Truck Accident Victims In San Joaquin
The consequences of large truck accidents can be terrifying and unjust. It could lead to months without work, expensive medical bills, or worse consequences. Fortunately, legal options are available to seek compensation for both physical and emotional losses.
Based on the details of your case, you might receive compensation for various losses and damages, such as:
- Previous and future medical expenses.
- Income loss.
- Loss of future earning capacity.
- Physical and emotional pain.
- Psychological distress.
- Loss of companionship.
- Any accident-related expenses you paid out of pocket.
Our San Joaquin truck accident lawyers can help you evaluate your claim, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation based on the facts of your case.
Determining Liability In Truck Accident Cases
Determining who is legally responsible for a truck accident can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. These cases often require detailed investigations, which is why working with a truck accident lawyer in San Joaquin who has access to the appropriate resources and experience can be valuable.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:
- A truck driver who operated their vehicle while under the influence or acted negligently while driving.
- A trucking company that failed to comply with state and federal regulations, such as not properly securing cargo, testing drivers, or addressing hazards.
- An automaker or parts manufacturer that produced faulty tires, brakes, or other auto parts.
- A subcontractor (not an employer) who was responsible for an accident at a worksite involving a truck.
- A third-party company that was negligent in maintaining the truck or loading the cargo.
- A careless driver contributed to the accident involving a commercial truck.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Preserving Evidence After A Truck Accident In San Joaquin, CA
In truck accident cases, the quality and availability of evidence are important considerations. Because these accidents typically involve multiple parties, gathering and preserving key evidence can be more complex than in standard car collisions.
Preserving evidence early on is crucial. Logbooks, vehicle maintenance records, black box data, and GPS information can all play a significant role in determining what happened and who may be liable. For example, truck drivers are required to maintain Hours of Service (HOS) logs to track their driving hours and help prevent fatigue-related accidents. However, there have been instances where these logs are inaccurate or manipulated.
In some cases, attorneys may send a spoliation letter, also known as a preservation of evidence notice, to the trucking company. This notice is intended to formally request that specific evidence, such as the truck itself or its electronic data (e.g., black box information), be preserved for potential legal proceedings. The letter serves to inform the commercial carrier that altering or destroying this evidence may lead to legal consequences.
To verify HOS records and uncover inconsistencies, legal teams may review supporting documentation such as:
- The truck driver’s employment and training records.
- The truck’s daily inspection reports.
- The vehicle’s regular inspection and maintenance records.
- The truck’s repair and testing documentation.
- Previous accidents involving the truck driver.
Truck Accident Statistics
Based on the data presented by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), California is one of the country’s largest transportation networks, spanning hundreds of thousands of miles of roads. With busy port cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach, California is crucial in transporting consumer goods throughout the United States.
Generally, the state’s economy benefits from this. However, it also means regular drivers must share the road with commercial trucks. The bad news is that whenever cars and trucks share the road, there is a chance for truck accidents to happen.
Here are some facts and statistics related to truck accidents that occurred in 2021, based on the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- In 2021, approximately 5,601 large trucks were tragically involved in fatal crashes.
- A total of 5,788 people lost their lives in large truck crashes.
- The majority of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles (72%), followed by truck occupants (16%) and non-occupants like pedestrians and bicyclists (11%).
- There were 114,552 large truck crashes that resulted in injuries.
- More than half of the fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on rural roads, while about a quarter took place on interstates.
- Federal data also reveals that 63% of truck accidents happened during daylight hours, with 6% occurring in construction zones.
- Safety data further shows that fatal truck crashes tend to peak in August and October, whereas February typically experiences fewer incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Is It Possible For Me To File A Claim Even If I Was Partly At Fault?
You can still file a claim even if you’re partly to blame for the truck crash. However, whether you can do so will depend on the details of your case. An experienced truck accident attorney can review the available evidence and present arguments aimed at clarifying the circumstances.
Should I Talk To The Insurance Provider Of The Trucking Company?
If the defendant or their insurance company contacts you following a truck accident, you’re not obligated to respond. It’s advisable to inform them that you have legal representation and allow your attorney to handle communications on your behalf. Legal guidance can be helpful before engaging in detailed discussions, especially because insurance companies may:
- Request recorded statements about the accident.
- Ask questions that could later influence how liability is assessed.
- Extend settlement offers that may not fully reflect the extent of your losses.
Call Our Skilled San Joaquin Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash caused by another person’s negligence, our legal team is ready to help. Our San Joaquin lawyers handle truck accident cases and will work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable for the losses you suffered. We can help you pursue compensation for your physical injuries, emotional and mental suffering, and other losses you experienced after the accident.
We also serve truck accident victims in the following nearby areas: Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Sonora, Fremont, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Madera, Sacramento, and Santa Rosa.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our San Joaquin truck accident lawyers. We’re available to answer any questions regarding your case.
