If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Fresno, you’re likely facing many challenges. You may be dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills while trying to recover. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Fresno truck accident attorneys understand what you’re going through and are here to help.
Below, we’ll look at the common injuries suffered in truck accidents, steps to take after an accident, determining liability, potential compensation available for victims, and how our Fresno personal injury lawyers can help you navigate this process.
If you’re ready to speak to someone from our firm, fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to move forward or for speaking to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee.
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Fresno
A truck accident can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. On Fresno’s busy roads and highways, crashes involving large commercial trucks are often severe and life-altering, and the moments afterward can feel like a blur. You may be dealing with injuries, damage to your vehicle, and pressure from the insurance company, all at once. Taking the right steps early can make a real difference for your health and your future. Here’s what you should do after a truck accident in Fresno to regain a sense of control and start moving forward.
1: Call 911 and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Alert the authorities and get medical care even if you don’t feel injured. It creates an official record and ensures timely treatment.
2: Document the Accident Scene
Take photos or videos of the vehicles, injuries, and surroundings. This helps establish liability.
3: Gather Witness Statements and Other Records
Collect names, contact details, and statements from witnesses. Also, save police reports, medical records, and insurance information.
4: Speak to an Attorney
Trucking companies act fast. You need your own legal counsel to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.
Berg Wins 60x
Insurance Company’s Offer in Auto Accident Case
Berg Injury Lawyers obtained a recovery worth SIXTY TIMES the insurance company’s original settlement offer in an auto accident case.
Our client suffered a significant neck injury in a crash caused by another driver who made an illegal U-turn in front of him. He required two cervical fusions because the hardware used in the first procedure failed. Our client was offered a settlement by the insurance company prior to hiring Berg Injury Lawyers, which he did not accept. The representation by Berg Injury Lawyers helped him settle for 60x what he was offered prior to hiring our law firm.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not giving it away—which means they will offer you as little compensation as they think they can get away with, even when you have a rock-solid claim with the other party obviously at fault. When you hire a lawyer, you are protecting your rights and knowing your own value.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Fresno?
When a truck accident happens, it’s easy to assume it was unavoidable or just “one of those things.” But in reality, most truck crashes are preventable. They usually happen because someone made a choice or failed to do their job safely. In a city like Fresno, where commercial trucks are a constant presence on highways and local roads, those mistakes can have serious, even life-changing, consequences.
Driver Error
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver error. Truck drivers often work long, demanding shifts, and fatigue is a real problem. When a driver is exhausted, distracted, or under pressure to meet a deadline, reaction times slow and judgment suffers. Speeding, aggressive driving, texting behind the wheel, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and even inclement weather conditions only increase the risk. With a vehicle this large, even a brief lapse in attention can lead to devastating results.
FMCSA Regulation Violations
In many cases, the problem goes beyond the driver. Trucking companies themselves often play a role. Some companies rush the hiring process, bringing on drivers who lack experience or proper training. Others fail to conduct background checks or don’t provide ongoing safety education. There are also situations where companies quietly encourage drivers to stay on the road longer than federal regulations allow, pushing them to violate hours-of-service rules in order to meet delivery demands. These shortcuts may boost profits, but they put everyone else on the road in danger.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures are another serious issue. Poor maintenance or defective parts can cause brakes to fail, tires to blow out, or steering systems to malfunction without warning. Commercial trucks require frequent inspections and upkeep, and when maintenance is delayed or ignored, the consequences can be catastrophic. Sometimes the fault lies with a manufacturer, other times with the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle—but either way, these failures are rarely unavoidable.
Third-party Errors
There are also situations where third parties contribute to the crash, particularly cargo-loading companies. Trucks that are overloaded or improperly loaded can become unstable, making them more likely to tip over, jackknife, or lose control. Even a small mistake in how freight is secured can have serious consequences at highway speeds.
While 18-wheelers are the most familiar type of commercial truck, they’re not the only ones involved in serious crashes. Delivery trucks, construction vehicles, and other large commercial vehicles can be just as dangerous when safety rules are ignored.
Understanding what caused a truck accident matters—not just for accountability, but for preventing it from happening again. These cases are rarely simple, and they often involve multiple parties whose actions contributed to the crash.
Why Choose Berg Injury Lawyers For Your Fresno Truck Accident Case?
Our Fresno truck accident lawyers have the experience and skills to tackle the unique challenges and complexities of these cases. California has specific regulations surrounding commercial vehicles, so it’s crucial to work with a legal team that is well-versed in these rules. Our attorneys possess a deep understanding of truck accident laws in California, allowing us to offer top-notch legal representation.
We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients involved in truck accidents. Our team works hard to gather evidence, build a compelling case, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Determining Liability In Fresno Truck Accidents
Establishing liability is an important step in seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Fresno is a region where agricultural and commercial trucking intersect on routes like Highway 99 as well as rural farm routes. This is where liability gets tricky. From the truck driver or their employer to agricultural haulers, farmworkers, and other third-party companies, proving liability requires a solid investigation by an experienced Fresno truck accident lawyer. Here’s what to consider:
Investigating Driver Negligence: Check if the truck driver was negligent. Common examples:
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Fatigued Driving
- Violating Other Traffic Laws
Witness statements, police reports, and footage can help prove negligence.
Examining Trucking Company Liability: Trucking companies may be liable if they failed to train drivers, perform vehicle maintenance, or violated FMCSA regulations.
Exploring Potential Third-Party Liability: Other liable parties may include truck part manufacturers, cargo loaders, or government entities responsible for road conditions.
Common Injuries From Truck Accidents In Fresno
Truck accidents along the dangerous corridors in Fresno often result in life-altering injuries. Victims of these injuries endure enormous physical pain, emotional distress, and medical expenses. Some of the most common injuries from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Broken Bones
- Internal Organ Damage
- Whiplash
- Soft-Tissue Damage
- Wrongful Death
These injuries can leave long-term effects and often require extensive medical treatment. In many cases, injured victims face lifelong consequences.
Where Big Truck Accidents Happen Most in Fresno
Big truck accidents in Fresno don’t happen randomly; they tend to cluster in certain areas where heavy commercial traffic mixes with commuter vehicles, complicated intersections, and high speeds. Some of the areas in Fresno that see the most big truck accidents include:
- Highway 99
- Highway 41
- Highway 180
- Intersections along Avenue 12
Awareness of these common crash locations can help drivers stay alert and better protect themselves on Fresno’s busy roads.
Where to Seek Medical Attention in Fresno After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a serious truck accident in Fresno, knowing where to go for medical care can make a real difference in your recovery. Fresno has several well-respected hospitals with emergency and trauma care, from the most critical services to reliable options for less life-threatening injuries.
At the top of the list is Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in downtown Fresno. This hospital is a major hub for emergency care in Central California and is the only Level I trauma center between Los Angeles and Sacramento, meaning it’s equipped to handle the most severe injuries around the clock.
Another trusted local facility is Saint Agnes Medical Center on East Herndon Avenue. Saint Agnes is regularly recognized as one of the best regional hospitals in the state and offers full emergency services, advanced diagnostics, and specialty care for a wide range of injury types. It’s also known locally for strong orthopedic and surgical support—important when injuries involve broken bones or joint damage.
No matter where you go, serious injuries should always be evaluated by trained medical professionals as soon as possible. Even if you feel okay at first, symptoms from internal injuries, head trauma, or other serious conditions sometimes appear hours or even days after the accident. Getting thorough medical attention not only protects your health but also ensures there’s an accurate record of your injuries—something that will be important if you later pursue compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Compensation Available For Fresno Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents can have serious financial and personal consequences. You may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses: Covers emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and long-term treatment.
Lost Income: Reimburses you for missed work and reduced future earning capacity due to injury.
Pain And Suffering: Compensates for physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the crash.
An experienced lawyer will identify all eligible damages and seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Let Our Fresno Truck Accident Attorneys Help
If you’ve been involved in a Fresno truck accident, our team is here to help. We understand that dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
We offer personalized attention, compassionate support, and relentless advocacy for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
