Tracy Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Attorney in Tracy, California
What This Page Covers
- Severity: Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the size and mass of trucks.
- Common Causes: Speeding, distracted driving, reckless behavior, and fatigue are frequent causes.
- Liability: Liability may extend to the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, maintenance providers, other motorists, and government entities.
- Setareh Law: With many years of experience, we conduct thorough investigations and collaborate with experts to build strong claims for our clients.
No matter how safe or experienced a driver you may be, a truck accident may occur at any time when a negligent party is involved. It has been reported that there are over 500,000 truck accidents that occur across the United States each year. Due to the sheer size and mass of trucks, these types of motor vehicle accidents are often catastrophic in nature. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent party, it is crucial that you contact a Tracy trucking accident attorney as soon as possible to get help with your claim.
At Setareh Law, our trusted lawyers for truck accidents have over 14 years of experience assisting clients specifically in Tracy, California. After being injured in a trucking accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed as you try to decide what your next steps should be. When you work with our team of knowledgeable attorneys, we will help you through every step of the California claims process.
Common Causes of Tracy Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for many different reasons, leaving the victims involved with severe physical and emotional injuries and losses as a result. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Speeding
When commercial truck drivers do not obey the legal speed limit in a particular area, they put themselves and those around them at risk. When a truck driver speeds, they may lose control of the big rig more easily or have more difficulty making a quick stop when necessary.
Distracted Driving
As smartphones become more popular, the risk of distracted drivers seems to continue to increase. It is imperative that drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times when behind the wheel. When a driver looks away for even a moment to answer a test or change a song, they risk causing an accident.
Reckless Driving
When a truck driver is acting recklessly or is displaying road rage, they may not be as alert or focused on the road, which can cause a damaging accident to occur.
Fatigued Driving
Truck drivers often drive for extended periods of time or late at night, making them susceptible to fatigue. It is crucial that truck drivers find a safe rest stop where they can take some time to get their energy back before getting behind the wheel again.
Driving Under the Influence
When a truck driver gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not only are they committing a criminal act, but they are also putting themselves and all others around them at serious risk.
Inexperience
Truck drivers who drive 18-wheelers must obtain a separate license and training in order to operate a commercial vehicle. If a truck driver has not had the proper training or is inexperienced, they may cause a severe accident.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
After being injured in a truck accident, you may be looking at a long road to recovery as you heal. Some of the most common truck accident injuries suffered by victims include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Broken or fractured bones
- Crushed limbs
- Loss of limbs
- Cuts and bruises
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a truck accident, you deserve to receive fair compensation for your losses. Our team of skilled truck accident lawyers may be able to help you build a strong truck accident injury claim as you pursue justice.
Can You Collect Damages After a Truck Accident in Tracy?
When a truck accident occurs, the victims are often left with significant losses. If you have been injured in a Tracy truck accident, you may be eligible to receive damages for the losses you have suffered. The damages you may receive include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium
If you are unsure what damages you may be eligible for, our legal team may be able to help by going over the details of your claim.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Tracy, California?
Determining liability in truck accidents is essential to securing fair compensation for the victims. Often, multiple parties share fault in truck accidents. Therefore, all potentially liable parties must be explored. Without accurately determining liability, victims may struggle to receive the total compensation they need to recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives.
Liable parties may include the following:
Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the first person scrutinized in a truck accident. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, reckless behavior, fatigue, and driving under the influence can all contribute to an accident. Drivers who violate traffic laws or fail to follow safety protocols could be liable for damages.
Trucking Company
The trucking company may also be responsible for the accident. Companies are required to enforce strict safety standards, ensure proper fleet maintenance, and hire qualified, experienced drivers. If the company fails in any of these duties, such as not conducting adequate background checks or pushing drivers to exceed legal driving hours, it may be held responsible for a crash.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a truck to become unstable and lead to an accident. If the cargo loaders failed to follow safety guidelines and regulations, causing the truck to shift or the load to spill, they might owe victims compensation for damages in an accident.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective truck parts or equipment, such as brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms, can cause accidents and injuries. If a manufacturing defect or a failure to recall and repair known issues contributed to a wreck, the vehicle or parts manufacturer could be liable.
Maintenance Providers
Like all motor vehicles, trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. If the accident was caused by poor maintenance or a failure to repair critical components, the maintenance company responsible for servicing the truck could be responsible for any resulting damages.
Other Motorists
In some cases, other motorists on the road may contribute to or cause a truck accident. For example, a car cutting off a truck or engaging in reckless driving could force the truck driver to make sudden maneuvers, leading to an accident.
Government Entities
Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic signals can also contribute to truck accidents. If a government entity responsible for maintaining the roadways failed, it could bear some responsibility for a crash.
How Setareh Law Helps Victims Injured in Truck Accidents
At Setareh Law, we fight for you by meticulously investigating your case to uncover all potential sources of liability, ensuring your interests are protected and you have the strongest possible claim.
Conducting Thorough Investigations
Our team starts by conducting a detailed investigation into your accident. This includes collecting evidence from the scene, such as photographs, witness statements, police reports, and any available video footage. We also examine the truck’s maintenance records, the driver’s logbooks, and any relevant company records to identify potential violations of safety regulations.
Working with Experts
We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, forensic specialists, and other professionals to build a comprehensive understanding of how the accident occurred. These experts can provide critical insights and testify on your behalf to establish fault and liability.
Gathering and Analyzing Evidence
Setareh Law attorneys meticulously gather and analyze all available evidence, including electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems, GPS data, and communications between the driver and the trucking company. This evidence can help demonstrate negligence or misconduct by the driver or other parties involved.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We identify and pursue claims against all responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, and other entities that may have contributed to the accident. This comprehensive approach helps us maximize your potential compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Our experienced negotiators handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Providing Ongoing Support
We provide continuous support and updates to our clients throughout the legal process. We understand the emotional and physical toll that a truck accident can take, and we strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Get Help From a Tracy Truck Accident Lawyer
Being involved in a truck accident can leave you feeling helpless as you try to understand how you can get compensation for the immense losses you have suffered. To get help building a strong truck accident injury claim, contact a California truck accident lawyer today.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a truck accident, Setareh Law is here to help. We speak both English and Spanish and can help you navigate the legal procedures of a personal injury claim in whatever language you feel most comfortable. You can schedule a consultation at (310) 659-1826 or by filling out our contact form.