Roseville Truck Accident Attorney

Recovering Millions for Injury Victims Throughout Northern California

Due to the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck, the consequences of an accident can be devastating. Large trucks, like tractor-trailers, big rigs, or eighteen-wheelers, weigh up to 20 times more than a passenger car, almost guaranteeing the destruction of smaller vehicles involved in a crash. Medical expenses and psychological injuries from a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to enlist legal guidance as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our truck accident attorneys in Roseville can help you navigate the personal injury settlement process and get you the money you deserve.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery truck. These accidents can vary in severity and can occur for numerous reasons, often resulting in significant damage to vehicles, injuries, or even fatalities.

Here are some common types of truck accidents:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of the truck swings out to the side at a severe angle, resembling the folding of a jackknife. This often occurs due to sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or improper cargo loading.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require a wide turning radius, and sometimes other vehicles underestimate the space needed for a truck to make a turn. This can result in the truck colliding with other vehicles or objects while attempting to turn.
• Underride Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, usually during a rear-end collision. Underride accidents can be extremely dangerous and often result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve the truck tipping over onto its side or roof. These accidents can happen due to factors such as speeding, taking a curve too quickly, or improper cargo distribution.
• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck strikes the vehicle in front of it from behind. This can happen due to the truck driver's following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden braking.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, particularly on the sides and rear. Accidents can occur when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in their blind spot and makes a lane change or turn, resulting in a collision.
• Tire Blowouts: When a truck's tire suddenly bursts while in motion, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially leading to an accident. Tire blowouts can happen due to factors such as overloading, poor maintenance, or road hazards.
• Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can fall off the truck, causing hazards for other vehicles on the road and potentially leading to accidents.

Truck Accident Causes

Despite strict federal trucking regulations, truck accidents may be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Speeding: Excessive speed is a leading cause of truck accidents. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to hazards, increasing the risk of accidents. Speeding can also make it harder for trucks to stop safely, leading to rear-end collisions or loss of control.
• Fatigue: Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road, leading to fatigue. Fatigue can impair a driver's reaction time, decision-making abilities, and overall alertness, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Hours-of-Service regulations aim to mitigate this risk by limiting the number of consecutive driving hours and mandating rest periods.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, and road rage can escalate the risk of accidents involving trucks. Aggressive driving by truck drivers or other motorists can lead to collisions, especially on busy highways or in congested traffic conditions.
• Mechanical Failure: Malfunctions in truck components such as brakes, tires, steering systems, and suspension can contribute to accidents. Poor maintenance, worn-out parts, or manufacturing defects can increase the likelihood of mechanical failures. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for ensuring the safe operation of commercial trucks.
• Drugs or Alcohol: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a significant risk factor for truck accidents. Substance impairment can impair a driver's judgment, coordination, and ability to operate the vehicle safely. Strict regulations prohibit truck drivers from operating commercial vehicles while under the influence, but violations still occur.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as using a cellphone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with onboard technology can divert a driver's attention from the road and increase the risk of accidents. Distracted driving is a growing concern in the trucking industry, prompting efforts to raise awareness and enforce regulations against distracted behavior.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or high winds can create hazardous driving conditions for trucks. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and decreased traction increase the risk of accidents, especially if drivers fail to adjust their speed and driving behavior accordingly.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck's stability and handling. Overloaded trucks or improperly distributed cargo can cause rollovers, tire blowouts, or loss of control. Proper cargo loading and securement procedures are essential for preventing accidents related to cargo shifts.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigue is a leading cause of commercial truck accidents, making up 13%. Unrealistic expectations and packed schedules force workers to bypass regulations, because truck drivers may feel at risk of losing their job. Unfortunately, driver fatigue can lead to slower reaction times, trouble focusing, and poor judgment.

Commercial Truck Accident Liability

In a commercial truck accident that was the result of negligence or misconduct, you may be able to pursue compensation from the following parties:

• The truck driver: Drivers sometimes drive recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, both of which can place blame on them.
• The trucking company: If the owner of the truck forces a driver to engage in dangerous behavior, they can be held liable for an accident
• The cargo company: A cargo company, which is in charge of loading goods onto a truck, can be held liable for an accident if they improperly load or overload cargo.
• The truck manufacturer: A driver can operate their vehicle as safe as possible and still get in an accident if the truck malfunctions. A defective truck may be the fault of the truck manufacturer.
• The maintenance and repair company: Trucking companies sometimes hire third parties to check on their trucks. If they fail to properly inspect the vehicles, they may be held accountable.

Truck Accident FAQ

Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley Today

If you have been injured in a crash, contact our Roseville truck accident attorneys to discuss your case. We can help you determine the maximum value of your case and get you every dollar you need.

Contact our firm as soon as you can after being in a crash to see if we can get your case moving well in advance of this statute of limitations.