Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers

Sacramento County’s bustling highways, including the Capital City Freeway (I-80) and State Route 99, are vital arteries for large trucks. These massive vehicles are essential for commerce but also pose significant risks on the road. While any vehicular accident can have devastating consequences, trucks’ weight and size mean that accidents involving them are often particularly catastrophic.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatal truck accidents have steadily increased in recent years. From 2020 to 2021 alone, there was an 18% increase. Also, the National Safety Council reports that in 2022, 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes. That was a 2% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase over the past decade. 

In the unfortunate event that you or your loved ones are involved in a truck accident, especially with a tractor-trailer, it’s crucial to have knowledgeable support on your side. Sacramento truck accident lawyers are well-versed in navigating these complex situations, offering crucial assistance in such challenging times.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are truck accidents more dangerous than other vehicle accidents?

Commercial truck accidents are often far more deadly than incidents involving smaller cars. This is because trucks are big and heavy, leading to more severe injuries and even death. Unfortunately, in collisions between passenger vehicles and large trucks, most fatalities occur among passenger vehicle occupants.

How do I know whether the truck driver was at fault?

Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex and often requires an in-depth investigation. Factors such as the truck driver’s adherence to driving regulations, their driving history, and the condition of the truck at the time of the accident can all play a role. A thorough examination of the accident scene, witness statements, and possibly expert testimony can help establish fault. It’s advisable to consult with a truck accident lawyer to assess the specifics of your case.

Who else can be held liable for a truck accident?

Apart from the truck driver, several other parties might be liable in a truck accident. This can include the trucking company, the vehicle’s manufacturer, cargo loaders, or truck maintenance providers if their negligence contributed to the accident. A lawyer can help identify all potentially liable parties to ensure that you pursue compensation from the right sources.

What happens if I reject an insurance company’s settlement offer?

If you reject an insurance company’s settlement offer, negotiations can continue. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer might recommend filing a lawsuit. This is often the next step to seek adequate compensation, especially if the offer is insufficient to cover your damages and losses.

Should I sue if my loved one was killed in a truck accident?

While deciding to sue can feel like a deeply personal decision, a lawsuit can provide financial compensation for your terrible loss and hold the responsible parties accountable. Discuss your case with a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal options and what a lawsuit would entail in your specific circumstances.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Sacramento?

Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or award. It’s important to discuss fee structures and any additional costs upfront with your lawyer to understand the financial aspects of your representation.

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF SACRAMENTO TRUCK ACCIDENTS

These are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Sacramento:

MOST COMMON TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Here are the most frequent types of truck accidents and their causes. Contact us for a legal consultation if you are involved in a truck accident in Sacramento.

Head-On Collisions

Some drivers are irresponsible, while others completely lose control of their vehicles and drift out of their lane and into oncoming traffic. A head-on collision occurs when truck drivers ram oncoming cars. These accidents may also happen when drivers fail to obey the correct right-of-way at red lights, signs, or other intersections.

Truck Rollover Accidents

Truck rollover accidents are among the most devastating and horrifying accidents. This is because the center of gravity of tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks is substantially higher than that of typical passenger cars. Truck drivers should exercise extreme caution when navigating sharp corners or making unexpected swerves.

A truck may roll over if the driver makes abrupt bends or drives faster than a truck can handle. The truck can turn and roll the entire vehicle onto any side, posing a dangerous hazard to those around the area.

Overloaded Trailers

Overloaded or inadequately laden trailers can also roll over when drivers make turns without caution. Truck rollover accidents mainly occur because of tire blowouts, which faulty tire care, design, or manufacturing flaws can cause.

Rear-End Collisions

The size and weight difference between large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles easily lead to the crushing of passenger vehicles on impact in rear-end truck accidents. In addition, truck drivers require substantial time and distance to slow down, avoid road hazards, or come to a safe halt behind other cars because tractor-trailers are heavy and sluggish to manage.

Rear-end collisions may occur when truck drivers become fatigued, distracted, or speed or race with other cars. Additionally, some inexperienced or hurried truck drivers fail to obey the recommended FMCSA following distances, thus posing a risk to themselves and other road users.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents are particularly hazardous because a skidding trailer is unpredictable and can collide with nearby vehicles, dragging them along through traffic. Improper braking by drivers is the most common cause of jackknife incidents. Truck drivers should avoid braking too quickly or hard in bad weather. This is because it causes a fishtail, making the truck’s backend roll, resulting in a jackknife.

Wide Turn Accidents

Truck drivers must be careful when making turns since right-hand turns are tighter than left-hand turns. As a result, drivers often veer from the right turn to the left and then circle through a right-hand turn. This can have a dangerous impact on vehicles in the opposite lane since they may collide with the truck and be trapped below it during a left swing. Therefore, traffic regulations recommend proper turning strategies to reduce wide turn accidents.

Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe truck accident is like a T-bone accident, only that in sideswipe accidents, the cars involved are usually moving in the same direction during a collision. Sideswipe collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles, which commercial drivers cause when they fail to thoroughly inspect any blind zones before joining traffic or switching lanes, are common.

Truck drivers may also lose control of the truck due to tire blowouts, adverse weather, road impediments, fatigue, or other reasons leading to a sideswipe truck collision. In addition, these collisions are very dangerous since a sideswiped car may be pushed sideways into other parallel traffic lanes, causing more damage in these lanes.

T-Bone Accidents

T-bone collisions (broadside or side-impact collisions) are most common near junctions. Tractor-trailers and other heavy trucks driving through intersections at parallel sides may run red lights, disregard stop signs, or disobey the recommended right-of-way, resulting in a “T” shape collision with other cars.

Such accidents pose dangerous threats to nearby drivers and passengers. Speeding, inattentive, tired, or drunk truck drivers may dash through intersections unlawfully, resulting in T-bone collisions. A T-bone collision can also occur when a truck driver takes a wrong turn over one or more traffic lanes, resulting in a crash.

THE MOST DANGEROUS ROADS IN SACRAMENTO

In Sacramento, driving on some roads is more dangerous than on others. Although it is impossible to avoid using dangerous roads, it is better to understand the risks involved when using them. So which routes are the most dangerous in Sacramento, and why are these roads more dangerous than others?

Highway 99

Truck accidents mainly occur along highways. For example, U.S. Route 99 became popular after being dubbed the “Highway to Hell.” The nickname was because this road, also known as the Golden State Highway, is considered the most dangerous road in Sacramento. It is considered dangerous for reasons such as poor design, inefficient lighting, continuous speeding by drivers, and other reasons that result in fatal accidents.

Highway sections that ran from Calexico to Blaine, Washington, between 1926 and 1972 were renamed and remain part of California State Route 99. Overall, Highway 99 has had the most serious accidents per 100 miles in the country.

Interstate 80

Interstate 80 is a cross-country roadway from San Francisco to New Jersey. The road passes through the Sacramento Valley, with a speed limit of about 65 mph. This road was a replacement for U.S. Route 40. It is a very busy road that many drivers use daily, resulting in numerous accidents every year. Commuter time accidents are the most common on I-80 Business in particular.

Interstate 5

Interstate 5 passes through Sacramento while stretching north and south from the coast of San Diego to the Canadian border. This road is the fourth most dangerous in the United States. Around 680 deaths occurred through accidents on this road between 2010 and 2016.

One of the main causes of collisions on Interstate 5 is traffic congestion since the road serves as the main truck route in and out of Sacramento. This increases traffic congestion, leading to many accidents.

Interstate 505

This road was a truck route to prevent trucks from connecting with I-80 through Sacramento. The highway connects I-80 in Vacaville. It is a double-sided rural road highly used by large trucks, making it prone to accidents.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF INJURIES TRUCK ACCIDENTS CAUSE

So many truck accidents have fatalities, so when hiring a truck accident lawyer, Sacramento survivors need professional help in their legal battles. The major injuries truck accidents cause include:

Fractured Bones

Due to the force of a truck crash, broken or crushed bones and fractures are common injuries. In addition, the muscles and nerves around the shattered bone can be damaged in some circumstances.

Head and Neck Trauma

Head and neck trauma are common when you are involved in a truck accident. Any slight head trauma, even a concussion, can cause a traumatic brain injury, while neck injuries can cause extreme conditions such as dislocations and spinal fractures. Victims of such injuries may experience terrible pain and spend large amounts on medical treatment.

Lacerations, Burns, and Cuts

A fire can erupt during a truck accident due to ruptured gasoline lines, resulting in serious burns and other injuries. Accident fires can also cause limb loss, scarring, nerve damage, and other ailments, which are expensive to treat.

Internal Hemorrhage

You can experience internal bleeding due to blunt force trauma during the accident. Internal bleeding can cause permanent damage to ribs and organs, cardiac arrest, or death.

Injuries to the Spinal Cord

It is advisable to undergo intense medical review after an accident because some injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, may not be visible immediately. These injuries occur mainly in the lower back and neck area. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or death.

STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT

Taking the following steps after a truck accident can protect your health and legal rights:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be obvious right away. A quick medical evaluation ensures proper treatment and official documentation.
  2. Call 911: A police report provides an official record of the accident and can be critical evidence for your claim.
  3. Gather Evidence: If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Collect witness contact information and exchange details with the truck driver.
  4. Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not discuss fault or give statements to insurance representatives before consulting an attorney.
  5. Preserve Documentation: Keep medical records, repair estimates, and any correspondence from insurers.
  6. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Trucking companies have aggressive legal teams with limitless resources. An experienced lawyer can investigate the accident, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

These steps can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as possible. Our team is ready to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.

FEDERAL TRUCKING REGULATIONS

Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal and state regulations to ensure safety. Violations of these rules can directly impact liability in a truck accident case.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit driving hours to prevent one of the major causes of truck accidents: fatigue. If a driver is pressured to exceed these limits by a trucking company, both the driver and the employer may be liable

There are also maintenance regulations that require regular inspections and repairs to ensure that brakes, tires, and other critical components are in safe working condition. Failure to comply can lead to serious accidents, making maintenance logs and inspection records vital evidence.

Other regulations control truck weight limits, cargo securement, and hazardous material transport. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift, causing rollovers or loss of control. Violating these regulations can significantly strengthen a victim’s case.

WHAT PARTIES ARE LIABLE IN A SACRAMENTO TRUCK ACCIDENT?

If a truck accident causes harm to you or your loved one in any way, it is your right to seek compensation and justice. You can use the following methods to prove that fault or negligence caused the accident.

  • Dashcam security video
  • Accident or police reports
  • Any credible data from mobile devices
  • A black box recording
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Statements from other affected drivers and passengers
  • Images obtained at the crash site
  • Security camera footage captured by adjacent cameras

WHAT TYPES OF PAPERWORK ARE NECESSARY TO SUPPORT A TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIM?

You need the following documents for your truck accident claims:

  • Police report
  • Your medical history
  • Relevant diagnostic images such as x-rays and MRI
  • Images of visible injuries
  • Bills for hospitalization/ambulance services
  • Receipts from pharmacies
  • Invoices for home care services
  • Names and contacts of eyewitnesses
  • Pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documentation to assess lost income
  • Automobile repair invoices or quotes
  • Alternative transportation receipts
  • Name, phone number, and employment information of the trucker
  • Driver’s details (biodata)

One of the major benefits of working with a Sacramento truck accident lawyer is the amount of paperwork you don’t have to worry about. Your legal team will help you collect and stay on top of all the documents you need to provide during your case.

WHAT KINDS OF COMPENSATION ARE AVAILABLE IN A SACRAMENTO TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE?

Our Sacramento truck accident lawyers work with diligence to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve. They can help you to get some of the following types of compensation in a truck accident case:

  • Direct costs and expenses, mainly to pay for treatment and recovery needs
  • Long-term damages compensation, if the accident incapacitated you for a while or life
  • Compensation for reduction of earning capacity when the accident has affected your means of earning a living
  • Lost wages compensation, if the accident made it impossible for you to work normally
  • Punitive damages for wrongdoing
  • Life care and lifestyle damages to help you pick up from the accident and move on

DEALING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT CASE

Like other companies, insurance companies are for-profit, and you must deal with them calmly and intelligently during a truck accident case. Sacramento truck accident lawyers advise you not to admit any fault in an accident. Your statement denying responsibility should remain firm and unchanged throughout the process. You must also hire a professional attorney to help you protect your rights and avoid having recorded statements used against you.

Insurance Company Tactics

After a truck accident, victims often expect insurance companies to provide fair compensation. However, insurers are focused on one thing: minimizing payouts. Big trucking companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and investigators to protect their interests, often sending representatives to the crash scene immediately to gather evidence in their favor.

Another common tactic is offering quick, lowball settlements. Insurance companies prey upon desperate victims and know that any offer may seem appealing. These offers are especially appealing when you’re facing mounting medical bills, but they rarely reflect the full extent of a victim’s losses.

Insurers may also dispute liability by taking advantage of the complexity of truck accident cases. They often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, and they’ll use that as leverage against you. Also, they may delay claims in the hopes that victims become desperate enough to accept a lower payout. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know all about these tactics and won’t stand for it.

HOW BERG INJURY LAWYERS CAN HELP AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT

Having a lawyer by your side after a truck accident not only provides you with legal expertise but also personal support and care. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our commitment is to help you navigate the aftermath of the accident, from legal battles to physical recovery, ensuring that your rights and well-being are prioritized. Here’s how a lawyer can assist:

Navigating Insurance Company Interactions

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be daunting and confusing. Lawyers experienced in truck accidents understand the intricacies of insurance policies and claims. We act as a buffer between you and the insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that is less than what you deserve.

Building a Strong Case

A lawyer will meticulously gather all necessary evidence to build a robust case. This includes acquiring accident reports, speaking to witnesses, obtaining camera footage if available, and documenting all aspects of the accident. We understand the legal nuances and can construct a case that accurately represents the incident and its impact on your life.

Consulting Experts

In many truck accident cases, it’s important to consult with experts. Our truck accident lawyers have access to a network of professionals, including:

  • Accident Reconstruction Experts: These specialists analyze evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and electronic logging data to determine how the crash happened and who was at fault. Their findings can counter misleading claims from insurance companies.
  • Medical Professionals: Medical experts provide crucial testimony about the severity of injuries, necessary treatments, and long-term impacts. Their assessments help ensure victims receive compensation that accounts for ongoing care and potential disabilities.
  • Other Industry Experts: Economists and vocational experts may evaluate lost wages and reduced earning capacity, helping establish the true financial toll of the accident. This type of consultation goes a long way to help us establish just how much a victim will need now and in the future.

Personalized Attention and Care

Beyond legal representation, we also care about your well-being. Understanding the trauma and stress of truck accidents, we aim to alleviate any additional burdens, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

CONTACT A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER in SACRAMENTO TODAY

Truck accidents can be fatal, and taking up a legal battle requires a professional attorney. Don’t hesitate to contact Berg Injury Lawyers for a free case assessment and the best offer of compensation for your case.