California Truck Accident Attorneys
California truck accidents are far too common on our roads and can carry severe consequences for those involved. Those who are injured are often shocked at how fast insurance companies will contact them and demand answers to questions many are not prepared to give.
Those who are injured do not want questions — they want answers. That’s where Oaken Injury Law comes in.
Before founding Oaken Injury Law, partner Matthew Bradley represented defendants as the lead trial attorney on many trucking accident cases. This experience gives Matthew firsthand insight into how insurance carriers will often build their defenses and investigate claims. The familiarity gained from years as a defense trial attorney helps our firm to anticipate common defense strategies and focus early on gathering the critical evidence that often decides these cases.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents are different from regular car accidents because commercial carriers operate under federal safety rules, are required to maintain more insurance coverage, and often run their operations through multiple related companies. An experienced attorney will work on your behalf to protect your rights and keep you informed on what steps need to be taken to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Below are 5 reasons why hiring an attorney to handle your case is a smart decision:
- Liability from multiple parties: Liability can come from more than just one party, like the truck driver. The truck manufacturers, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers could potentially all be held accountable for a severe truck accident.
- Complicated laws: Laws surrounding truck accidents are extremely detailed and can be more complicated than those of regular car accidents. Federal regulations, DOT log books, trucking company policies, and multiple insurance carriers all need to be reviewed.
- Severity of injuries: Because trucks are larger and heavier than normal vehicles, injuries can be more severe. Severe injuries can result in high treatment costs, medical bills, and longer recovery times.
- Large insurance claims: Trucking companies are often required to have bigger insurance policies than single drivers because of higher risk. This can make negotiating with insurance companies difficult.
- Preservation of evidence: Photos, video footage, truck data, and logbooks in truck accidents can be extremely important for building a case. Getting an attorney involved to collect the evidence before it’s lost is crucial.
Truck accident cases often turn on evidence that must be preserved quickly, before records are lost, overwritten, or controlled entirely by the trucking company.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents Across California
As California personal injury attorneys, we work with clients across the state and guide them through the legal process after a truck accident.
Here are some of the most common types and causes of truck accidents we see at our firm:
Distracted driving: Drivers not paying attention to the road can have serious consequences.
Driver fatigue: If truck drivers don’t get proper rest and stay on the road longer than they are supposed to, this can cause delayed reaction and even the potential of falling asleep at the wheel.
Reckless driving and speeding: Trucks are large vehicles that need extra time to slow down and more space to change lanes and turn. Driving too fast or too close to vehicles can result in an accident.
Impaired driving: Truck drivers should not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating their vehicles.
Improper load: If trucks aren’t loaded properly or are too heavy, it can result in debris on the road or the truck tipping over.
Equipment failure: Truck drivers have a responsibility to ensure their trucks are operating properly. Tires, brakes, and steering are all examples of critical equipment that need to be checked and regularly maintained.
Lack of training or experience: Truck drivers should have the proper driver’s license and experience to feel confident driving larger rigs.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident in California
Unlike many passenger vehicle collisions, truck accident cases can involve multiple companies, which can create complex layers of responsibility. Commercial trucks are often operated within a broader business structure that may include:
The truck driver, the trucking company, the entity that owns or leases the tractor or trailer, a maintenance provider responsible for inspections and repairs, a cargo-loading company or shipper, a truck or parts manufacturer, and other maintenance providers.
Compensation After a Truck Accident
A truck accident can create immediate financial strain and long-term consequences for the injured party. An injured person may seek compensation from the at-fault party for both economic losses and the broader impact an injury has on health and daily life.
Compensation for an accident is commonly referred to as damages. Potential damages for a commercial vehicle accident may include:
Medical expenses and future medical care
Potential damages may include medical expenses and future medical care needed after the accident.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Potential damages may include lost wages or income and diminished earning capacity if the injuries affect the person’s ability to work.
Pain and emotional distress
Potential damages may include pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and the injuries that followed.
Disruption to normal life
Potential damages may include disruption to normal life when an injury affects daily routines, responsibilities, and activities.
Long-term care
Potential damages may include long-term care when the injury creates ongoing medical or personal-care needs.
Speaking With a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases can involve complex investigations, multiple potentially responsible parties, and significant injuries.
The team at Oaken Injury Law will help walk you through the process, answer your questions, assess the full impact of your injury, carefully review the accident details, identify responsible parties, and ensure those who are responsible for your injuries are held accountable.
