Sacramento Trucking Accident Attorneys
Over $1 Billion Recovered for the Injured
Often in a vehicle collision, the at-fault party or parties are held liable
for injuries or losses occurring as a result of negligent or intentional
conduct. When the at-fault party is a commercial truck- big rig, tractor-trailer
or semi-trailer truck- the driver and truck company may both be liable
for injuries and fatalities.
Trucks involved in auto accidents can cause considerable property damage, serious injuries, and death. This is not surprising considering the weight and size of trucks compared to standard passenger vehicles.
Why Call Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Sacramento?
- Over $1 Billion Recovered
- No Legal Fees Unless We Win
- 100+ Years of Combined Experience
- Award-Winning Representation
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truckers and other large vehicle drivers should have the utmost caution when driving over-sized vehicles. There are many reasons for truck crashes including:
- Distracted driving
- Sleep-deprived and drowsy driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Over-capacity trailers
- Equipment malfunction
- Substandard truck maintenance
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
According to the latest report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 104,000 people were injured and 3,921 were killed in truck accidents in 2012. Of the 104,000 injuries, 76,000 (73%) were occupants of other vehicles. And of the 3,921 fatalities, 2,843 (73%) were occupants of other vehicles.
If the driver or trucking company is found at-fault, the injured victims can seek compensation for damages including:
- Hospitalization
- Medical treatment and expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injury
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Death
Hours of Service REgulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates how long truckers can be on the road and when they must rest, this is referred to as hours of service regulation. The FMCSA allows drivers to work up to 14-hour days however in this 14-hour window a driver is only allowed to drive for 11 hours. The remaining three hours in the workday must be spent resting or on meal breaks.
Once a trucker has reached their 14-hour limit they are required to take at least 10 hours off before starting their next workday. The FMCSA also regulates how many days a driver can work before they must take a take off work, this is often called the 60/70 rule. If a trucking company is open seven days a week a driver may only work up to 70 hours in an eight-day period before they must take at least 34 consecutive hours off. If a trucking company is open five to six days a week then a driver cannot work more than 60 hours in a seven-day period before taking 34 hours off.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents are unlike other accidents in that they frequently result in catastrophic injuries or death. To further complicate matters, truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles, which means more than one party might be liable. To improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve, it is crucial to hire an attorney with experience in truck accident liability.
Below are some of the parties who might be held liable for damages caused by a truck accident:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The manufacturer of the truck’s parts
- Cargo loaders
- The owner of the truck
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, one or more of these parties might be held liable for injuries or death caused by a truck accident. If you were harmed in a truck accident, your case may require an investigation to obtain all the facts, which can result in a challenging negotiation process. At Kershaw, Cook & Talley, our Sacramento-based truck accident attorneys will effectively navigate the complexities of your case to ensure the parties responsible for your injuries are held liable for the suffering they’ve caused.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
As mentioned above, truck accidents tend to involve more severe injuries than other types of motor vehicle accidents. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and some carry multiple long trailers, which means they can create extensive damage in a crash. When these types of accidents occur, catastrophic injuries aren’t uncommon.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Crushed or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Death
Wrongful Death from a Truck Accident
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of your family member’s passing, so you must act quickly. Do not let time run out on the statute of limitations for your wrongful death lawsuit, or you will miss out on your chance to seek justice for your loved one and recover compensation. Damages available for a wrongful death case can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, expenses related to the decedent’s medical care before death, and loss of companionship, among other things. To learn more about the details of your potential wrongful death claim, discuss your case with our experienced truck accident attorneys.
Get Started on Your Case Today
Victims of a trucking accident are advised to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in Sacramento who will focus on their case and protect their legal rights. Our team of highly experienced attorneys is ready to fight for your rights! If you or a loved one has been injured, don't hesitate to get help.
Contact an attorney at Kershaw, Cook & Talley for a free and confidential case evaluation. Call us toll-free at (916) 520-6639.
