Redding Truck Accident Lawyer

Advocating for the Rights of Truck Accident Victims in Northern California

Truck accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries and even death. If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, you need a lawyer to help you recover the full, fair compensation you are owed. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Redding truck accident attorney has more than two decades of legal experience. We understand how truck accidents differ from other motor vehicle accidents, and we know how to build strong cases for our clients. 

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

How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases are different from car accident cases for several reasons. Truck accidents are often much more severe, causing catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage. Additionally, truck accident cases are typically much more complex due to the various parties that may be involved and the many state and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.

Some of the key differences between truck and car accident cases include:

• Greater likelihood of severe injuries: Trucks can cause severe damage to other vehicles and occupants in a crash due to their size and weight. As a result, truck accidents are often much more severe than car accidents, causing catastrophic injuries and death. This means that truck accident victims often require more extensive medical treatment and are typically unable to work for a more extended period. These factors will affect the value of their claim.
• More extensive property damage: Because of the severe impact of a truck accident, the property damage is often much more extensive than in a car accident. In many cases, the victim’s vehicle is completely totaled and unable to be repaired. This means that the victim will be entitled to the full value of their vehicle in a truck accident claim. Additionally, there may be other types of property damage unique to truck accident cases, such as damage to cargo.
• More complex liability: In a car accident case, the at-fault driver is typically the only liable party. However, in a truck accident case, several parties may be at least partially liable for the accident and the victim’s damages. This is because both state and federal laws heavily regulate the trucking industry, and there are many rules and regulations that truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties must follow. When these parties fail to meet these obligations, they can be held responsible for the victim’s damages.
• More extensive evidence: In a car accident case, the evidence is often limited to the police report, the victim’s medical records, and any photos or videos of the accident scene. In a truck accident case, however, there is often much more extensive evidence that must be collected and analyzed. For example, we may need to collect the truck driver’s hours of service logs, the truck’s black box data, the truck driver’s drug and alcohol testing results, the truck driver’s employment records, and much more. We may also need to work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, to help us understand how the accident occurred and who was at fault.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident cases are often much more complex than car accident cases due to the various parties that may be involved. In a car accident, the at-fault driver is the only party typically liable for the accident and the victim’s damages. However, in a truck accident case, several parties may be at least partially liable for the accident and the victim’s damages.

Some of the parties that may be liable for a truck accident include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck manufacturer
• The company that loaded the truck’s cargo
• The truck’s mechanic
• The truck owner
• The truck’s employer
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the traffic lights or signs near the accident

When you choose our firm, we will thoroughly investigate who is liable for your injuries and other damages. We will also work to gather all available evidence and use this information to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The negligence of the truck driver or trucking company often causes truck accidents. However, many factors can contribute to a truck accident. For example, if a truck driver is not adequately trained or does not have the required experience, they are more likely to cause an accident. Additionally, if a trucking company fails to properly maintain its fleet or does not follow the many state and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry, it can also contribute to an accident.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours on the road. Unfortunately, many trucking companies incentivize drivers to work more hours than they can legally drive in a day or a week. This can lead to driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents. When a truck driver is fatigued, they may fall asleep behind the wheel or have a slower reaction time, which can cause an accident.
• Speeding: Truck drivers are often pressured to deliver their cargo as quickly as possible. This can lead to speeding, a common cause of truck accidents. When a truck is speeding, it is more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Driving under the influence: Truck drivers are prohibited from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, some truck drivers may use drugs or consume alcohol to stay awake during long shifts. This can impair their ability to drive safely and cause an accident.
• Distracted driving: Truck drivers are often on the road for long periods and may become bored. Unfortunately, some truck drivers may turn to their phones or other electronic devices to pass the time. This is illegal and can lead to distracted driving, which is a leading cause of truck accidents.
• Improper loading: When a truck is not loaded properly, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced or the cargo to fall off it. This can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
• Improper truck maintenance: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles properly. This includes regularly inspecting the truck, conducting necessary maintenance, and keeping records of all maintenance and inspections. A trucking company failing to maintain its fleet correctly can cause a truck accident.
• Defective truck parts: A truck accident may be caused by a defective truck part. If the truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or another party in the supply chain knows the defect but fails to correct the problem, they can be held liable for the accident and the victim’s injuries and damages.

Recoverable Damages in Truck Accident Cases

Victims of truck accidents may pursue various forms of compensation for their losses. The primary categories of damages include:

• Economic Damages: These represent quantifiable financial losses that arise from the accident. They typically encompass medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income due to the inability to work. This category may also include future lost earnings resulting from long-term injuries.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages cover intangible losses that cannot be easily measured in monetary terms. They typically encompass compensation for pain and suffering, emotional turmoil, and reduced ability to engage in everyday activities or enjoy life.
• Punitive Damages: When the truck driver or the trucking company has exhibited egregious misconduct or gross negligence, the court may impose punitive damages. These damages aim to hold the wrongdoer accountable and discourage such conduct in the future.

Statute of Limitations for Filing Truck Accident Claims in California

In California, individuals looking to file a personal injury claim following a truck accident typically have two years from the incident date to take legal action. However, if the claim involves a government agency, a shorter time frame applies, typically requiring filing a notice of claim within six months. Victims must consult an attorney promptly to ensure compliance with these deadlines and protect their right to seek compensation.

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How Can a Lawyer Help with My Truck Accident Case?

If you were involved in a truck accident, you may wonder whether you need to hire a lawyer. After all, truck accident cases are typically much more complex than car accident cases, and you may be tempted to try to handle your claim on your own. However, this is not a good idea.

When you are recovering from serious injuries, the last thing you need is to try to navigate the complex legal system on your own. Additionally, the trucking company and its insurance company will likely have a team of lawyers, and you need a lawyer to help you fight for your rights.

When you choose our firm, we will help with your truck accident case in the following ways:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: We will work to gather all available evidence, including the truck driver’s hours of service logs, the truck’s black box data, the truck driver’s drug and alcohol testing results, and more. We will also work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionist, to help us understand how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
• Determining liability: We will work to determine who is liable for your injuries and other damages. We know how to handle even the most complex truck accident cases and will help you fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed.
• Negotiating with the insurance company: If you were involved in a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurance company will likely reach out to you soon after the accident. They may offer to settle your claim for a small amount, which may seem like a good deal. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. They are trying to get you to settle your claim for as little as possible. When you choose our firm, we will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. We will negotiate aggressively to help you recover the full, fair compensation you are owed.
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary: In some cases, the insurance company may refuse a fair settlement offer. We will not hesitate to take your case to court if this happens. Our Redding truck accident lawyer has extensive litigation experience and knows how to build strong cases for our clients in the courtroom. We will be by your side throughout the process and help you fight for your deserved compensation.

Our Redding truck accident lawyer knows how to handle even the most complex truck accident cases. When you choose our firm, you can trust that we will put our experience to work for you.

Contact Our Redding Truck Accident Attorney Today

Recovering from a truck accident can be a daunting challenge, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley are here to support truck accident victims throughout Northern California. With our wealth of experience and a solid commitment to protecting your rights, we will diligently pursue the compensation you need to aid in your recovery. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation to discuss your situation and the potential legal avenues available.

Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today to meet with our truck accident lawyer in Redding!