Northern California Truck Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Big Rig Crash? We'll Review Your Case for Free

At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we place special emphasis on trucking accidents. Our truck accident lawyers, working from offices in Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, and greater Northern California, handle truck accident cases in both State and Federal Court, statewide. We do so because we appreciate that such an event can cause significant harm and leave a lasting impact on not just the victim, but his or her family as well.

This focus has allowed us to recover numerous successful outcomes on behalf of our clients, and provides us with invaluable experience in the field of truck accident litigation.

If you have been injured as a result of a trucker’s negligence, or someone you love has been killed and you need help filing a wrongful death claim, please allow us to help. We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional representation and honest, informative counsel and would be honored to work on your behalf.

Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Northern California, it's important to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Northern California truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.

When you choose our firm to represent you, we will:

• Thoroughly investigate your case to establish liability
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to gather evidence
• Consult with medical professionals to determine the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
• Take your case to trial if necessary to fight for your rights

Don't let the complexities of a truck accident case overwhelm you. Contact our truck accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Available Damages for Truck Accident Victims

If you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, or someone you love has been injured or killed by the actions of a trucker, you may be eligible to recover damages from the liable party.

At our law firm, we are committed to obtaining the best recovery possible on behalf of our clients and work tirelessly to protect their rights. Though each case is different, the plaintiff in a personal injury case may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

In rare cases, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages, which are monies rewarded to punish the defendant. In wrongful death cases, damages will vary and depend on multiple factors.

For example, if the plaintiff was a dependent of the decedent, he or she may be able to recover damages for loss of future wages, as well as other economic losses directly resulting from the loss of income in a household. To determine your eligibility for recovery of damages, we will first have to establish liability, however.

Establishing Liability: Who Was at Fault for the Crash?

Truck drivers have a legal and professional duty to abide by State and Federal traffic laws, commercial regulations, and a standard of reasonable behavior. In the event of a truck accident, our truck crash attorneys can determine not only which party was at fault in the accident, but if the truck driver failed in his or her professional duties as well. This will prove crucial in obtaining the best possible recovery for you and your family.

To establish liability, we work with only the top experts in the fields of biomechanical engineering, physics, accident investigation, forensic science, and psychology.

By analyzing the factual circumstances of the case, we can definitely determine liability and file suit against the negligent party or parties to hold them accountable for their actions. Trucking accidents are unique not only because of the pain and trauma they can cause, but also because of the peculiarities inherent in truck accident claims.

Trucking companies are large entities who will bring all of their resources to bear to defend their interests; if you have any hope of protecting your rights in a truck accident case, you’ll want to ensure that you have the tools and resources that you need as well. Let our team at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley advocate for you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

• Distracted driving
• Fatigue
• Impaired driving
• Speeding
• Lack of experiences

Many truck accidents result from truck drivers purposefully violating State and Federal law in an effort to arrive to a destination early or increase their payload. Such actions can result in a motor vehicle that is unsafe for the road or a driver that is fatigued and unable to drive safely. Regardless, either circumstance can have potentially deadly consequences.

There are Federal laws governing how many hours a truck driver can operate his or her vehicle and how many hours he or she must rest in a 24-hour period. If a driver violates any of these laws, there can be severe civil and criminal penalties.

Driver fatigue can significantly impair a driver’s judgment and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Because of a commercial truck’s potential to cause damage in the event of an accident, truck drivers have a higher standard of duty than everyday motorists. Our truck accident lawyers will make sure that they are held to this standard.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

• Back and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Seat belt injuries

Truck Accident FAQ

Who is liable for a truck accident?

Liability in a truck accident case can take surprising turns. The truck driver who hit you might not be the only person liable for your damages. Due to the legal rule of respondeat superior, the trucking company that employed that truck driver could be liable as well. Furthermore, if the crash was caused in part by a cargo issue or a part defect, then a third-party cargo load crew or a truck part manufacturer could be liable, respectively.

What should you do after a truck accident?

After a truck accident, you should call 911 and get emergency responders to the scene as soon as possible. Next, exchange contact and insurance information with everyone involved. Be sure to mark the trucking company that was paying the truck driver when the crash happened. Also, take photographs of the scene using your smartphone. Lastly, go to the doctor for a check-up the same day as the crash if you aren’t taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Many people make the mistake of thinking they are fine, only for their injuries to worsen shortly after.

Do different laws apply to truck accidents?

Yes, truck accidents can be regulated and handled through a different set of laws than a typical car accident. This is because the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a specific set of rules that apply to commercial trucks and trucking companies. When these rules are violated by a truck driver or employer, determining liability can be different than normal, too.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?

If you've been involved in a truck accident in Northern California, it's important to act quickly to ensure your legal rights are protected. Under California law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim related to a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the collision. However, it's always wise to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an 18-wheeler accident. This will give you the best chance of gathering evidence, developing a strong case, and negotiating a fair settlement or pursuing a successful trial outcome.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

In California, it is possible to recover damages in a truck accident case even if you were partially at fault. This is because California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that fault is determined based on the percentage of responsibility each party bears for the accident. As long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you may still be able to recover damages. It is important to seek the assistance of a truck accident attorney in Northern California who can help assess the facts of your case and guide you through the legal process.

You Don't Pay Unless We Win Your Case

A consultation with our office is always free and we advance all legal costs in our clients’ cases. We accept no fee for our services unless we are able to recover on your behalf. Our truck accident lawyers can help you. Home-based in the Chico, Roseville, and Sacramento area, we have offices located throughout Northern California for our clients’ convenience.