Clovis Truck Accident Lawyer

There are a lot of things to love about California, but frequent auto accidents aren’t one of them. Due to its massive population and many roadways, California drivers are likely to experience an auto accident during their residency. Some of the worst auto accidents you can experience involve commercial trucks.

Every year, thousands of people are injured in California traffic accidents. Some of these accidents result in fatalities, with more than 100 people killed in truck accidents each year. Truck accidents are known to cause significant losses. Accident victims should consider consulting a truck accident lawyer from Setareh Law to discuss the maximum compensation they can recover by filing a claim.

What Sets Truck Accidents Apart From Other Auto Accidents?

There are many similarities between truck accidents and other auto accidents. However, the results of truck accidents are typically more complex and more intense. Because commercial trucks are so much larger than other vehicles on the road, they are far more likely to severely injure accident victims and cause fatalities.

Also, commercial truck accidents are more complex when assessing liability. Typically in a collision with only passenger cars, the fault is assigned to either you or the other driver. However, commercial vehicle collisions tend to involve multiple parties who could be given the blame.

After a thorough investigation, any of the following parties may be found liable for a truck accident: 

• The truck driver
• The truck driver’s employer
• The trucking company 
• Whoever owns or leases the truck
• Whoever performs the truck’s maintenance
• Whoever loaded the truck’s cargo

With so many parties involved, determining liability in these cases can be tricky. As the plaintiff, you would have to prove details, such as the driver’s actions directly led to the collision or that the employer failed to follow safety regulations. Contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer may be the best first step in identifying a liable party to pursue compensation from. 

What Types of Truck Accidents Are Most Common in Clovis?

It’s not always easy to anticipate every possible thing that could go wrong while you’re driving. There are numerous factors at play with a commercial vehicle on the road. A truck accident could occur due to various hazards and driving practices.

Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Wide turn accidents: The driver swings left to make a right turn and trap nearby vehicles.
• Rollover accidents: The truck’s high center of gravity makes it easy to tip over in a collision.
• Drunk driving accidents: Truck drivers must adhere to stricter drinking regulations than regular drivers.
• Improperly loaded cargo: Excessive cargo might weigh down the truck causing it to roll over, and cargo that isn’t properly secured can be a serious hazard to nearby vehicles.
• Improper maintenance: Maintenance teams must inspect and repair trucks satisfactorily so they are in good condition to be operated safely.

Accidents like these can occur because of various reasons. For example, in accidents where the truck driver is at fault, the driver may have been operating their vehicle recklessly because of inexperience, fatigue, or carelessness. It’s essential to determine what caused the accident to understand how egregious the negligence was. Extreme cases of negligence can significantly impact the outcome of your case. 

What Laws Regulate Trucks and Truck Operations in Clovis?

Commercial trucks and truck operations are regulated separately from the average passenger car. Typically truck regulations are stricter and penalties harsher. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes federal rules for trucks and trucking companies (FMCSA). The FMCSA regulates a wide range of trucking operations, from operator training and certifications to vehicle maintenance and truck driver working-driving-resting hours.

Among the many requirements made by the FMCSA to ensure commercial vehicle safety are:

• Title 49 CFR 395.3: Drivers are limited in the number of hours they can be in service.
• Title 49 CFR 393.102: Commercial vehicles must adhere to cargo securement standards To protect against shifting and falling cargo.
• Title 49 CFR 396.11: Drivers must prepare a written report on each vehicle operated that day at the end of each day’s work. 

A lot of work and training is supposed to go into the operation of a commercial vehicle. When a driver, trucking company, maintenance team, or other party fails to meet the standards set by regulating bodies, they act negligently. Since their negligence can put someone’s safety and life at risk, they should be held accountable to deter negligence from occurring in the future.

What Legal Action Can I Take After a Truck Accident in Clovis?

One of the first things on your mind following a commercial truck accident is likely what you can do next. You have likely incurred numerous medical bills, lost multiple days of wages due to your injuries, and maybe even suffered extensive losses in other areas of your life. It’s natural to have concerns about what steps you can take to obtain justice and compensation. 

The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in California is two years from the date of the accident. Filing a claim may be your best option for securing compensation for your losses from the accident. With a dedicated truck accident lawyer by your side, you may be able to recover compensation for all of your losses.

Call on a Trusted Clovis Truck Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Case

The negligence that leads to a truck accident can have steep consequences. Negligent parties risk causing people long-term, potentially permanent pain and suffering. Truck accident victims are well within their rights to pursue compensation for all they have suffered due to their accident. For your case to succeed, you will need the help and guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer. 

Daniel Setareh is a dependable and experienced attorney. Attorney Setareh is committed to providing you with the exceptional service you deserve and has no trouble conversing with Spanish-speaking clients. Over the years, Setareh Law has helped clients obtain settlements for millions of dollars, proving they can be a great asset to whoever they serve. Call us at 310-659-1826 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.