Are you struggling to pay your bills and rebuild your life after a truck crash in Arden-Arcade? Commercial truck accidents often result in more severe injuries than typical collisions, and determining responsibility for the crash can be a complex task. Not only that, but insurance companies are more aggressive when handling truck accident claims because they know they’re facing an expensive payout. The insurers may try to blame you or minimize your truck accident injuries, keeping you from recovering fair compensation.
The Arden-Arcade truck accident lawyers at Demas Law Group understand the strain that truck accident victims experience as they recover from their injuries. Compensation can provide much-needed financial relief, and having a proven legal team on your side can make all the difference. Call now or fill out our contact form for a free initial consultation.
Why You Need Our Lawyers After a Truck Accident
Demas Law Group has fought for injured Californians for over 30 years. During that time, our experienced personal injury attorneys have recovered over $200 million in compensation for deserving people like you.
Our law firm has extensive experience representing victims of commercial motor vehicle collisions. Some of our notable case results include:
- $3.3 million for the victim of a box truck accident who required back surgery
- $3 million for a client who sustained a brain injury after being hit by a commercial vehicle
- $2.5 million for the family who lost a loved one in a collision with a tractor-trailer
- $1.875 million for a bicyclist hit by a garbage truck
While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, our in-depth experience with truck accident claims helps us see the complete picture in these cases and counter attempts by insurers to reduce compensation for accident victims.
Results matter, but so does your relationship with the firm you choose. You need a team you can trust and that will treat you with respect and courtesy. Demas Law Group has a 4.9-star rating on Google based on 800+ reviews, a testament to our commitment to quality client service and pursuing a positive outcome for every client. From the initial accident investigation to settlement talks or a trial, Demas Law Group fights for your interests at every stage.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Common causes of truck wrecks in Arden-Arcade include:
- Driver fatigue: Truckers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to exhaustion. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers who check their cell phones, use navigation devices, handle paperwork, or engage in other distractions while driving increase the risk of serious accidents and severe injuries.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Large trucks need more time and space to come to a complete stop. Excessive speed or tailgating increases the likelihood of collisions in traffic.
- Impaired driving: Some truck crashes result from alcohol, drug use, or prescription medications that affect a driver’s alertness and judgment.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires, faulty lights, and other defects or mechanical failures create dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic.
- Improper loading: Trucks can tip over, jackknife, or spill their loads if they are overloaded or their cargo is not properly secured.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, and slick roads require extra caution, but truck drivers who fail to adjust their speed or distance in bad weather can cause catastrophic accidents.
California Trucking Laws & Regulations
State and federal laws apply to truck drivers and trucking companies operating in California. Key rules to know include:
- Hours-of-service rules: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits the amount of time truck drivers can stay on the road to reduce fatigue-related accidents. Most commercial drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. While these rules are mandatory, some drivers or trucking companies violate them to shorten trip times, increasing the risk of truck crashes.
- Weight restrictions: California enforces strict limits on truck weight to protect public safety and preserve road conditions. A single axle cannot exceed 20,000 pounds, and the maximum gross vehicle weight is typically 80,000 pounds unless the truck has a special permit.
- Vehicle maintenance standards: Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. Brakes, tires, lights, and other essential systems must remain in safe working order. Poor maintenance can lead to liability if equipment failure causes a crash.
- Alcohol and drug regulations: Federal and California law place a lower legal blood alcohol limit on commercial truck drivers: 0.04 percent vs. 0.08 percent for other drivers. Random drug and alcohol testing is also mandatory under federal law.
- Load securement rules: Truck drivers and trucking companies must secure a truck’s cargo properly to prevent shifting or falling loads during transit.
- Statute of limitations: Generally, victims have two years from the date of a crash to file a truck accident lawsuit in California.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Your actions after an Arden-Arcade truck accident can significantly impact your compensation and the case’s timeline. Once you’ve reported the crash to the police and sought medical attention, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Avoid discussing the crash with insurance adjusters. Don’t consent to give a recorded statement about the collision or any injuries without talking to a lawyer first.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Save your medical records to connect your injuries to the crash.
- Gather proof of your lost income, such as your pay stubs, tax records, etc.
- Don’t discuss your accident or injuries on social media.
- Consult a commercial truck accident attorney in Arden-Arcade to discuss your legal options.
Types of Compensation Available
Truck accidents tend to result in serious injuries that leave victims with high medical bills, extended time off work, and a painful road to recovery. Obtaining the medical treatment you need without financial hardship can be challenging. California law allows injury victims to seek compensation for a broad range of losses, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs, like physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
An Arden-Arcade truck accident lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation after a thorough review and investigation of your case.
Challenges in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases involve many hurdles you don’t see in the average car accident claim. Since the trucking industry is made up of multiple players, your case could involve more than one liable party. Recovering full compensation may mean filing claims against several insurers or entities.
Examples of potentially liable parties include:
- Truck driver
- Truck company
- Truck owner
- Third-party maintenance providers
- Cargo loading company
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Other motorists
Each liable party may deny fault and shift blame, complicating your truck crash case.
Furthermore, the insurance companies that cover these businesses fight hard to limit payouts. Strong evidence is essential to prove these complex cases, and truck companies are not required to keep records indefinitely. Federal and state trucking rules also add extra layers of detail that can complicate your case if not handled correctly. Experienced truck accident lawyers know how to handle these situations, and your attorney can push back against any attempts to reduce your compensation.
Contact Our Arden-Arcade Truck Accident Attorneys
A skilled attorney is your best ally after an Arden-Arcade commercial vehicle collision. Contact Demas Law Group today for a free consultation.
