If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a truck accident in Alameda, you are likely facing serious challenges. Between dealing with your injuries, the potential loss of income, and negotiating with insurance companies, your plate is more than full. That’s why you need the experienced Alameda truck accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers.
By choosing our firm, you can expect individualized attention, empathetic support, and aggressive representation. We will fight for your rights and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Contact us today 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 hire, simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
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Rules & Regulations for California Truck Drivers
The commercial trucking industry is subject to many rules and regulations from both the states they operate in and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to keep truck drivers and other motorists safe on the road.
For example, drivers must maintain strict schedules depending on the type of truck they operate:
Passenger-Carrying Commercial Vehicles
- 10-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 10 hours per day after eight consecutive hours of rest.
- 15-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive after 15 hours on-duty (including both driving hours and non-driving work tasks) in a day after eight consecutive hours of rest.
- 60/70-hour on-duty limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours on-duty over seven consecutive days or 70 hours on-duty over eight consecutive days.
Property-Carrying Commercial Trucks
- 11-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive after 14 hours on-duty (including both driving hours and non-driving work tasks) after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 60/70-hour on-duty limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours on-duty over seven consecutive days or 70 hours on-duty over eight consecutive days.
However, those rules are often broken to keep deliveries ahead of schedule and maximize profits. If you suspect illegal and negligent behavior on behalf of the trucking company caused your crash, contact our team today.
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.
Steps To Take Following A Truck Accident In Alameda
Knowing what to do after a crash can protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim. Follow these steps:
- Call 911: Report the accident to establish an official police report.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get evaluated even if injuries seem minor—some symptoms may be delayed.
- Document The Scene: Take photos, gather driver/witness info, and record visible injuries or vehicle damage.
- Contact A Truck Accident Attorney: A personal injury lawyer can handle negotiations, legal filings, and help you secure compensation.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Alameda
Most crashes are caused by driver error or, in other words, negligence. In truck accident cases, there are even more potentially liable parties, including trucking companies, truck part manufacturers, and the parties responsible for truck maintenance.
Here are just a few examples of how truck accidents happen:
- Distracted Driving: With the rise in smartphone usage, many truck drivers are tempted to use their devices while driving. Activities such as texting, making phone calls, or using GPS can divert drivers’ attention from the road and lead to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours to meet strict deadlines, leading to fatigue that impairs their ability to focus and react quickly. In some cases, drivers may violate hours-of-service regulations, pushing themselves beyond legal limits and increasing the risk of accidents.
- Improperly Loaded Vehicles: When a truck is not loaded in a balanced way or exceeds its weight limits, it can become unstable and difficult to control, leading to potentially dangerous situations on the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions reduces a driver’s reaction time to unexpected obstacles and increases the severity of crashes. The higher momentum of a speeding commercial vehicle makes stopping in emergencies more challenging, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and disregarding traffic signals pose significant risks. This type of driving can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially with large trucks due to their size and weight.
- Trucking Company Error: Negligence by trucking companies may include failing to conduct proper background checks, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines that lead to hours-of-service violations.Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their operations comply with safety regulations, and their failure to do so can result in preventable accidents.
- Improperly Maintained Vehicles: Mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering issues often stem from poor maintenance. Regular inspections and service are critical for road safety.Through personal injury claims, you can hold negligent parties accountable. Truck accident cases are often more complex than other types of vehicle claims, so having an experienced attorney is crucial.
These injuries can range from mild to life-altering, and they often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents
The size and weight of commercial vehicles mean that accidents often result in severe injuries for victims in Alameda.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: The force of impact can cause brain trauma, with lasting effects on cognitive abilities, motor skills, and quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Sudden impact may damage the spinal cord, causing paralysis, muscle weakness, or loss of function below the injury site.
Broken Bones: Crashes can break or shatter bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, requiring extensive treatment and recovery time.
Internal Injuries: Often life-threatening and not immediately visible, these injuries demand urgent medical care to prevent serious complications.
Truck accidents are among the deadliest crash types, which is why many wrongful death claims stem from them.
Establishing Liability In Truck Accident Cases
Liability must be proven to claim compensation. Multiple parties may be responsible, including:
Truck Driver Negligence: Distraction, speeding, reckless behavior, or intoxication often contribute to commercial vehicle accidents. Our team investigates thoroughly to prove fault.
Trucking Company Liability: Failing to maintain vehicles or hire competent drivers can lead to accidents. We review company records for negligence or noncompliance.
Third-Party Liability: Manufacturers of faulty parts, cargo loaders, or other motorists may also bear responsibility. We pursue all liable parties to maximize your compensation.
Compensation For Alameda Truck Accident Victims
Accidents involving trucks can cause major financial and personal hardship. Available compensation may include:
Medical Expenses And Future Care: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, medication, and long-term treatment needs.
Lost Wages And Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work and any permanent impact on your ability to earn in the future.
Pain And Suffering: Covers the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, including trauma and diminished quality of life.
Contact Our Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you were in a crash with a large truck, you need trusted legal guidance. An experienced Alameda truck accident
