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Accidents involving commercial trucks are a different category than a typical car accident. The size of these vehicles can result in devastating consequences, leaving victims with irreparable injuries, large medical bills, and a future filled with uncertainty.
If you're a victim of a commercial truck accident, you're probably grappling with the situation's complexity and wondering how to prove fault. Dealing with insurers, trucking companies, and legal hurdles can feel like an uphill battle.
But you don't have to face this alone. At The Sevey Law Firm, we have a proven track record in handling commercial truck accidents. With over 25 years of experience and more than 3,000 successful cases under our belt, our commercial truck accident lawyers understand the ins and outs of complex personal injury cases. We know how to determine liability and insurance risks. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be financially devastating. That is why we believe in fighting for what's right . Our personal injury attorneys strive to secure compensation for all damages you've suffered from the accident. This includes:
Medical expenses: This covers medical bills from emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care costs related to the accident.
Lost wages: If your injuries have kept you from working, temporarily or permanently, you're entitled to compensation for your lost income.
Pain and suffering: In addition to medical costs, accident victims might also recover damages for the pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. While it's difficult to put a price on these non-economic damages, they are often a significant part of the compensation.
One limit applies under California law: a driver who was uninsured at the time of the crash generally can't recover these non-economic damages, even if someone else was at fault.
Remember, every case is unique, and determining the value of your claim involves a detailed analysis of your situation. We have the experience and knowledge to ensure no stone is left unturned when securing the compensation you deserve.
“Commercial vehicle” covers far more than tractor-trailers and big rigs. Any vehicle used for business counts, and Roseville roads are full of them. A crash with one is rarely just about the driver, because when a company owns the vehicle or employs the person behind the wheel, that business may share responsibility. Some of the commercial vehicles we handle claims for:
Delivery vans: Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and food delivery drivers working under tight quotas and route deadlines.
Box trucks and moving trucks: heavier than a passenger car and often driven by workers with little formal training.
Buses: city, school, shuttle, and charter buses. As common carriers, bus companies owe passengers a higher “utmost care” standard than an ordinary driver, so an injured passenger's claim may be measured against that stricter duty.
Company and utility vehicles: service vans, work trucks, and fleet cars driven on the job.
In a commercial truck accident, more than one party may be held liable, making the process of determining fault complex. Here are the probable parties who could be liable:
The Driver: The first point of investigation is usually the driver. Were they under the influence? Were they adhering to the regulations on driving hours? Did fatigue play a role in the accident? These are some of the questions that need to be answered.
Commercial Trucking Company: Trucking companies can often be held liable for accidents. This could be due to negligent hiring policies, inadequate training, or failure to run regular vehicle inspections.
Vehicle Manufacturer: The manufacturer could be held accountable if a defective truck contributed to the crash. This could include faulty brakes or malfunctioning steering equipment.
Cargo Loading Company: Incorrectly loaded or overloaded cargo can lead to disastrous accidents. The cargo-loading company may be held responsible if this is a contributing factor.
Claiming insurance after a commercial truck accident can be frustrating. These cases often involve multiple policies, and insurers are notorious for trying to minimize payouts.
The truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and the cargo loading company all likely have separate insurance policies. Each one could potentially provide coverage for your injuries and damages.
However, each insurer will likely try to shift blame to avoid paying out. Federal rules also require commercial carriers to carry far more coverage than a typical driver, so there's often more insurance available for serious injuries, as long as your attorney tracks down every policy involved.
Both state and federal laws govern commercial trucking regulations and compliance in California. Federal oversight starts once a vehicle weighs 10,001 pounds or more.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards. Rules stipulate that drivers can drive 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Commercial truck accidents can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Commercial vehicles are much heavier than standard cars. A fully loaded big rig can weigh 25 times more than a standard automobile. Common injuries include:
For truck accident claims in California, you must file your claim within two years to pursue compensation. If a government-owned vehicle is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a formal claim with the responsible agency before you can go to court. Missing that window can end a case before it starts.
Whether you were in a passenger car that collided with a commercial truck or you were hurt as a pedestrian, you need a personal injury firm on your side. Our team of experienced truck accident attorneys is committed to providing victims with the full legal support so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
After a truck accident in Roseville, it's important to contact the authorities, seek medical attention, and consult a Roseville truck accident attorney to preserve evidence and initiate the claims process promptly.
Victims of commercial truck accidents may recover compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and wrongful death in fatal cases.
Victims have two years to file a personal injury claim in California after the accident, with exceptions for minors and incapacitated individuals. Make sure to take action within this time frame to protect your rights.