In California, a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence may qualify injured victims for compensation. However, seeking compensation in these types of cases can be complex and come with disputes over liability, overlapping federal and state laws, and disagreements over what constitutes a fair payout. An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Sacramento can help you tackle these obstacles.
The legal team at Demas Law Group proudly represents accident victims seeking justice and fair compensation in Sacramento and the neighboring communities. With over 30 years of experience and more than $200 million recovered for injured clients, our law firm brings dedication and compassion to every case.
Our case results illustrate the hard work we put into trucking accident claims, including a $5 million settlement for a family who lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer crash in San Joaquin County — just one example of our commitment to justice for injury victims. We are honored by the positive feedback we get from past clients, including Chetney S., who writes:
“Demas Law Group takes care of their clients. I would recommend Demas’ group to anyone who needs to be heard and represented. They go above and beyond to make sure their clients have peace of mind with their case.”
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident in Sacramento, contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Any personal injury lawyer can tell you that truck accident claims are among the most complex of all motor vehicle accident cases. With numerous potentially liable parties, various types of unique evidence, and the likelihood of severe injuries, there are many factors to consider when pursuing these cases.
Seeking maximum compensation for your injuries requires an understanding of what makes a commercial vehicle accident claim unique, what to do after you’ve been involved in an accident, and the legal help you have available.
Types of Commercial Vehicles
Truck traffic is high in Sacramento, particularly on roads such as I-80, Highway 50, and US-99. The most common types of commercial trucks include:
- Big rigs and tractor-trailers
- Box trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Flatbed trucks
- Delivery vans, like Amazon and FedEx
- Construction vehicles
- Utility vehicles
- Cement mixers
- Passenger buses
- Airport shuttles
One distracted, impaired, drowsy, or reckless truck driver can turn your commute into a catastrophe. When it does, a Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Demas Law Group will fight to protect your rights.
How Do Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases Differ from Car Accident Claims?
Commercial vehicle crashes are distinct from standard car accidents in many ways. Some of the most notable differences include:
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
In addition to the truck driver, a Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyer may investigate the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck’s manufacturer, the maintenance company, and other drivers to determine who was liable for the accident. In some instances, more than one party is liable at the same time.
Commercial Vehicle Regulations
Every driver on the road must obey local traffic laws, but commercial vehicle drivers are also governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. FMCSA lays out strict rules regarding how long a driver can work without resting, truck maintenance requirements, and record-keeping. A commercial vehicle accident attorney in Sacramento can determine whether FMCSA violations were a factor in your case.
Larger Insurance Policies
Commercial truck insurance policies typically have higher limits and are more complex. Depending on the facts of your case, there could be multiple policies and insurance companies for your attorney to manage. While this might raise the average settlement for a commercial vehicle accident, it makes recovering compensation a more complicated matter.
Unique Evidence
Commercial vehicles may be tracked through GPS systems, black boxes, and digital logs. These can all provide valuable evidence for your commercial vehicle accident case. However, your lawyer must first acquire this data from the defendant, who may attempt to hide or destroy it. Time is of the essence when it comes to evidence collection, so consult an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Common Injuries in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Whether you were involved in an underride collision on I-5 or rear-ended by a delivery van around town, truck accident injuries can be serious and life-altering.
Common injuries include:
- Soft-tissue injuries and whiplash
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Crush injuries and amputation
- Psychological trauma, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The legal team at Demas Law Group can connect you with medical specialists, allowing you to receive the care you need while we work on your case and fight for full and fair compensation.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Compensation in a successful commercial motor vehicle accident claim can include money for:
- Medical expenses
- Medical bills for home caregiving, nursing services, and medical equipment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Your actions in the days and weeks following a truck accident can protect your health and preserve your right to seek compensation.
Right After the Truck Accident
- Medical treatment comes first. Call 911 and allow paramedics to assess you. If they recommend going to the hospital, follow their advice.
What to Do at the Scene (If You Can)
Once you’ve sought medical attention, be sure to:
- Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, accident debris, traffic signals and signs, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries. This will offer essential visual confirmation of your claim.
- Gather witness details. If there were any eyewitnesses, gather their names and contact information. They may provide key details and credible third-party testimony to support your version of events.
- Keep careful records. Your truck accident claim must have proof of an injury and its impact on your life. Retain all crash-related medical records, invoices, bills, receipts, and other relevant documents.
- Don’t speak with the insurance company. The liable party’s insurers may attempt to negotiate with you or ask for a recorded statement before you have consulted an attorney. Decline to speak to an adjuster until you seek legal help.
- Contact a California commercial vehicle accident lawyer: A skilled attorney can offer personalized guidance, determine liability, gather evidence, and represent you during talks with the insurance company.
Contact a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Sacramento Today
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a Sacramento commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Get the team at Demas Law Group on your side. Contact us today for your free consultation.
