Northern California Truck Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims

At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we focus on truck accident cases. Our truck accident lawyers, working from offices in Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, and throughout Northern California, handle truck accident lawsuits statewide in State and Federal Court. We understand that such an event can cause significant harm and leave a lasting impact on the victim and their family.

This emphasis has allowed us to achieve numerous successful outcomes on behalf of our clients and provides us with invaluable experience in truck accident litigation.

If you have been injured due to 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.

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, from the truck driver to the trucking company and sometimes even vehicle manufacturers. Understanding the complex nature of these accidents is critical in evaluating liability and pursuing compensation. Our office ensures that every potential party is rightly considered, holding them accountable for their part in an accident.

Injured in a truck accident? Call the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Northern California truck accident lawyers!

Why Choose the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley for Your Truck Accident Claim?

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Northern California, it's essential 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 attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.

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

• Thoroughly investigate your claim 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 claim to trial if necessary to fight for your rights

Additionally, our office can answer questions and provide insights throughout the process. We make it a priority to keep our clients informed about the progress of their claims. Communication and transparency are central to our practice, ensuring that our clients feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Don't let the complexities of a truck accident claim 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.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Many truck accidents occur because drivers knowingly violate State and Federal laws to meet deadlines or increase their payload, putting everyone on the road at risk. These actions can lead to unsafe vehicles or fatigued drivers, which can have catastrophic consequences. Some of the key causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers may push themselves beyond safe limits to meet deadlines, leading to fatigue. Fatigue impairs a driver's judgment, reaction times, and decision-making, resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
• Unsafe Vehicles: To increase efficiency or carry more cargo, some truck drivers or trucking companies may neglect proper vehicle maintenance, resulting in mechanical failures that lead to accidents.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Drivers may exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving to make up time, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Using mobile phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab distractions can take a truck driver's focus off the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

In addition to these causes, weather conditions and road design can significantly affect accidents. Poorly maintained roads, insufficient signage, or unexpected weather changes can exacerbate the risk factors already present in trucking. Considering these external factors when assessing an accident's cause and liability is crucial.

Federal Hours of Service Regulations

Federal law governs how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles within 24 hours and how much rest they must take. These regulations prevent fatigue-related accidents by ensuring drivers get adequate rest. When truck drivers violate these laws to meet schedules or increase their payload, they endanger their safety and that of others on the road. Violating these hours of service regulations can result in severe civil and criminal penalties.

Truck drivers are held to a higher duty standard than everyday motorists due to the potential for severe damage in the event of an accident. Our truck accident attorneys uphold these safety standards and ensure that negligent drivers and companies are held accountable. These regulations are designed to keep everyone on the road safe, and violations should be addressed promptly and efficiently.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents frequently lead to severe and life-changing injuries due to the size and force involved in collisions. Victims of these accidents often experience physical, emotional, and financial challenges as a result. Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Back and Neck Injuries: These include whiplash, herniated discs, and muscle strains, which can result in chronic pain and limited movement.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in limbs, ribs, or other bones caused by the impact of the crash.
• Burn Injuries: Injuries from fires or explosions resulting from truck accidents, often leading to severe, life-threatening damage.
• Head and Brain Injuries: From concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), these injuries can have lasting cognitive and physical effects.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that may lead to partial or total paralysis, with profound impacts on mobility and daily life.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, which can be life-threatening and require urgent treatment.
• Seat Belt Injuries: Injuries caused by the force of a seat belt during a crash, including bruising, internal trauma, and sometimes organ damage.

These injuries not only affect the physical health of victims but also their mental and emotional well-being. The trauma from an accident can lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which require psychological assistance. Early intervention and comprehensive care plans can substantially improve recovery outcomes for truck accident victims.

Establishing Liability in Truck Accidents

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 a truck accident, our truck crash attorneys can determine which party was at fault and if the truck driver failed in his or her professional duties. 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 biomechanical engineering, physics, accident investigation, forensic science, and psychology.

By analyzing the case's factual circumstances, we can determine liability and file suits 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 that will bear all their resources to defend their interests. If you hope to protect your rights in a truck accident case, you’ll want to ensure you have the necessary tools and resources. Let our team at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley advocate for you. Moreover, understanding the specific chain of events and the multiple forms of evidence required, from black box data to driver logs, is vital for building a robust claim and improving chances for a successful outcome.

Types of Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover in a Truck Accident Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a commercial truck accident, you may be entitled to recover damages from the responsible party. Our law firm is dedicated to securing the maximum recovery possible for our clients, protecting their rights throughout the process. While every claim is unique, potential damages in a truck accident claim may include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering current and future treatment costs resulting from the accident.
• Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to inability to work during recovery.
• Damage to Property: Financial reimbursement for repairing or replacing damaged property.
• Emotional Distress and Pain: Compensation for the physical suffering, mental anguish, and diminished lifestyle caused by the injury.

In some instances, punitive damages—intended to punish the defendant for particularly reckless behavior—may also be available.

For wrongful death cases, the damages may vary and are influenced by factors such as:

• Loss of Future Wages: If the deceased was a primary income earner, the surviving family members may recover damages for future income loss.
• Other Economic Losses: These can include loss of household services or financial support.

The types of damages recoverable can be complex and require thorough documentation and substantiation. Working with an experienced attorney ensures that no potential claim for compensation is overlooked, enhancing the likelihood of a comprehensive financial recovery. Professional guidance is crucial in navigating the intricacies of claim submission, negotiation, and, if necessary, litigation.

The Role of Local Laws in Truck Accident Claims

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in Northern California involves understanding specific state laws that influence how claims are handled. California is known for its robust set of regulations regarding commercial trucking operations. These include stringent emission standards, weight limits, and specific requirements for vehicle maintenance checks. Understanding these unique local regulations is pivotal as they can significantly impact the determination of liability in a truck accident.

Lawyers familiar with Northern California’s legal landscape can leverage these details to strengthen your claim. For instance, if a truck driver or company is found to have violated state-specific regulations, such as exceeding weight limits on local highways, this can directly contribute to establishing negligence. Additionally, consideration of local weather patterns, which may affect road conditions and, consequently, accident dynamics, is crucial. Factoring in such region-specific details helps create a compelling narrative for compensation claims.

Furthermore, California maintains a comparative negligence rule, where multiple parties can distribute fault. This means even if you hold partial responsibility, you may still recover proportions of damages relative to your degree of fault. Skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley are adept at navigating these challenges and identifying local legislative nuances that can influence the outcome of your claim. Working with our team gives you legal representation and a strategic advantage built on comprehensive knowledge of Northern California laws.

Understanding Insurance Policies & Truck Accidents

One of the most intricate aspects of dealing with truck accidents is the interplay of insurance policies. Trucking companies typically carry higher insurance limits than standard personal vehicles, and understanding how to navigate these policies effectively is key to achieving a successful outcome. This complexity arises because multiple insurance policies might be involved, including policies held by the truck driver, the trucking company, and the cargo owner. Each of these can intersect in claims, requiring detailed scrutiny to determine the full extent of available coverage.

Comprehending the scope of these policies is essential as it dictates the compensation attainable for victims. Insurance companies often employ adjusters whose primary objective is to minimize payouts, using the intricacies of policy language to deny or reduce claims. This is where the expertise of a qualified truck accident attorney becomes invaluable. They can decipher the fine print, negotiate with insurance providers, and ensure you obtain the compensation you're entitled to.

Moreover, uninsured or underinsured scenarios can add another layer of complexity, especially if an involved party lacks adequate coverage. This can be particularly challenging in truck accidents where damages are substantial. Hiring a legal representative familiar with these issues can ensure that alternative routes, such as pursuing the personal assets of negligent parties, are explored. This holistic approach maximizes potential recovery by examining all possible avenues, significantly alleviating the financial burden often associated with serious truck accident injuries.

Contact Our Northern California Truck Accident Attorneys Today

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

If you’ve been in a truck accident, contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley for a FREE consultation!

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 also be liable. Furthermore, if the crash was partly caused 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, contact and insurance information should be exchanged with everyone involved. Be sure to mark the trucking company as paying the truck driver when the crash happens. 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. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific rules for commercial trucks and trucking companies. When a truck driver or employer violates these rules, determining liability can be different than usual, too.

Understanding the nuances of FMCSA regulations is crucial when involved in a truck accident claim. These include specific mandates on driver qualifications, vehicle standards, and operational practices, which can be complex and challenging to interpret without professional assistance. Adequate compliance checks and adherence records can play a significant role in determining liability under these specialized rules.

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

If you've been involved in a truck accident in Northern California, you must act quickly to protect your legal rights; the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim related to a truck accident is generally two years from the collision date. 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 to gather evidence, develop a solid claim, negotiate a fair settlement, or pursue a successful trial outcome.

Can I still recover damages if I am 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 essential to seek the assistance of a truck accident attorney in Northern California who can help assess the facts of your claim and guide you through the legal process.