Northern California is an important part of the agricultural distribution chain in the U.S., so the city sees significantly more commercial trucking traffic than many other parts of the country. Accident attorneys in Sacramento have developed local experience in handling truck and 18-wheeler accidents, guiding victims through legal processes and pursuing compensation in the Sacramento area. Tiemann Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with over 50 years of combined experience in Sacramento and is familiar with local corridors. Unfortunately, with more trucks on the roads, that means more trucking accidents — for a number of reasons, including no-zone issues, cargo issues, mechanical failure, poor performance, and improper training. An accident involving a large truck or semi-trailer is a uniquely frightening experience. These vehicles’ sheer size and weight mean that anything in their path can be demolished instantly. Whether it’s a big rig accident, a collision with a large commercial truck, or a semi truck crash, the severity and complexity of these incidents are significant. The injuries from these accidents can be life-changing, many times even fatal. Truck accidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, and victims may face overwhelming medical bills and lost wages. At Tiemann Law Firm, a Northern California truck accident attorney can understand the physical and mental trauma you may be experiencing after a serious accident with a large truck.
Your first instinct may be to accept whatever the trucking company’s insurance carrier will provide so you can move on from the experience and rebuild your life. However, the money they offer will rarely cover all of the current and future medical expenses you may accumulate. The trucking and insurance companies are looking out for themselves, not for you. This is why it is important to seek the help of Northern California truck accident attorneys who can advocate for your maximum compensation. Hiring a Sacramento truck accident lawyer with experience in FMCSA regulations, as well as knowledge of federal safety regulations and local California laws, can help you address the demands of your case and pursue fair compensation. Compensation for truck accident injuries can include economic damages for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Truck accident claims are often more complex than typical car accident claims due to the involvement of commercial vehicles and multiple potentially liable parties. Victims of truck accidents often experience significant emotional distress and trauma, which can also be claimed as part of their overall damages in some cases.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, get someone on your side who will work to protect you. Contact the team of Northern California truck accident lawyers at Tiemann Law Firm for assistance. We offer a free initial consultation to help you get started with your personal injury claim and explore your legal options. Schedule your consultation today by calling our office at (916) 999-9000.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
It’s a fact, the trucking company is looking out for their bottom line, not your health or financial well-being. From almost the very moment a collision takes place, the company responsible for the truck and driver already has its team of lawyers and insurance adjusters on the phone making arrangements to protect itself. They will send their own team to the site of the crash to investigate, and those investigators aren’t being paid to make sure you are safe and taken care of. They are there to mitigate the damage to the trucking company. This is why having strong legal representation can be important in truck accident cases, as it helps protect your interests from the start.
Why hire a truck accident attorney? Truck accident attorneys play a critical role in protecting your legal rights and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney with knowledge of personal injury law understands the demands of trucking accident claims and can guide you through the legal process. Most Sacramento truck accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if they obtain a recovery in your case. You are a liability. A settlement means cutting into the insurance company’s profits, and a lawsuit can mean damaging the trucking company’s reputation. Keeping the incident cheap and quiet is in everyone’s best interest, but is it in yours? Hiring an attorney means you have experience and resources working in your favor to help make sure you aren’t being taken advantage of or given a lowball offer for compensation. An experienced lawyer will identify potentially liable parties, including trucking companies and maintenance providers, not just the driver. To file a truck accident lawsuit, you must generally prove negligence by showing that the truck driver or another party acted unlawfully or unsafely. It is also important to hire a truck accident lawyer with a record of handling significant settlements and verdicts in commercial vehicle cases. At Tiemann Law Firm, we think you deserve the maximum compensation for your injuries. They can also negotiate with an insurance adjuster for you.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Truck accidents are some of the most serious and devastating accidents that can happen on roads in Northern California. If you are involved in a serious truck accident case, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and others who may have been involved. There are also important procedures that you must follow according to California state law. If you or a loved one is hurt in an accident with a truck, these are the next steps you should take:
- Call 911: An accident with a large truck rarely leaves people unscathed. Contact emergency services immediately for medical help and to get law enforcement on the scene. This ensures that those who need immediate medical attention get it. It also means that law enforcement will create a report of the accident, which may provide crucial evidence in your case.
- Report the accident: California law dictates that all drivers involved in an injury accident must report the incident within 24 hours and make a written report to the California Highway Patrol.
- Collect evidence: If your condition allows it, try to collect as much information as possible at the scene. Take down the truck drivers’ information and get the names and numbers of people who witnessed the accident. Be sure to secure critical, perishable evidence such as black box data and driver logbooks, as well as gather photos and witness statements from the accident scene.
- Document everything: Again, if you are physically able, take pictures of the accident, skid marks, debris, and injuries. Document what happened right before the accident, weather conditions, if you noticed aggressive or unusual behavior from the truck driver beforehand, and other important information about the scene of the accident. Keep and organize all medical records and document every medical treatment you receive related to the accident.
- Keep a detailed record: Maintain a thorough record of your injuries, all medical treatments, and any related expenses after the truck accident. This documentation can be important for both your recovery and any claim you may pursue.
- Contact your insurance provider: You may want to contact your insurance provider to let them know that you have been involved in an accident with a truck. Only give them the facts related to the accident.
- Contact the California DMV: California law mandates that drivers involved in an accident that results in injuries, a death, or property damage of more than $1,000 have to report the accident to the California DMV. Drivers have ten days from the date of the accident to complete the Traffic Accident Report.
- Do not go on social media: You may want to share information about your accident on social media, but resist the urge to take to social media to talk about your accident or injuries. The trucking company, their lawyers, and insurance adjusters may monitor your social media accounts to try to use what you say about the accident against you.
- Contact an attorney: Do not try to go up against a trucking company’s team of lawyers and insurers alone. Get a skilled attorney on your side as soon as possible and get a consultation. When you contact a truck accident lawyer, clarify who your primary point of contact will be at the law firm and how often you will receive updates about your case.
What Does a Truck Accident Investigation Look Like?
Truck accident cases can be extremely complex. This is one of the most important reasons to get an experienced accident attorney on your side immediately after an accident takes place. Why? The attorneys and insurers working on behalf of the trucking company are already working behind the scenes to mitigate their financial losses. They will find ways to assign blame elsewhere in order to lessen their liability and the amount of money they’d be forced to pay out to victims.
Even having a police report that points toward the truck driver being at fault isn’t always enough. A lawyer working for the trucking company can argue that a law enforcement officer isn’t a qualified accident expert, and therefore their opinion on who is at fault is just that — an opinion that should not be taken at face value.
Hiring your own attorney means you have someone conducting a fair and complete investigation into the circumstances of your accident. It also means you have someone with the power of the law on their side who can request crucial evidence and information that can help strengthen your case before it is ultimately lost or even destroyed. Proving negligence in a truck accident case may require demonstrating that the truck driver or another party violated federal laws and regulations, which can be important in establishing liability.
Following are some of the steps an experienced lawyer may take to investigate the truck accident:
- Requesting access to and the preservation of all evidence related to the truck accident. This may require an attorney to file a spoliation letter. This document will notify all parties involved in the accident that evidence must not be destroyed, altered, or concealed in any way. Violating this order can mean severe legal penalties.
- Obtaining law enforcement reports
- Gathering witness statements from the accident scene
- Investigating the scene of the accident
- Requesting and obtaining all digital evidence, such as the Electronic Control Module (a truck’s black box), video surveillance, dashboard camera footage, GPS data, and cellular phone data
- Obtaining the driving records, training records, and driver qualification information of the person operating the truck at the time of the accident
- Obtaining employer records and information on their hiring practices
- Gathering the safety inspection records of the vehicle
- Gathering the cargo loading information on the vehicle
- Securing an accident reconstruction analyst
- Collecting and analyzing available evidence such as black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements, which can be essential in establishing liability in truck accident cases
- Reviewing and applying relevant federal laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry, as violations of these may play a significant role in truck accident investigations and claims
What Are the Damages Available for My Truck Accident Injuries?
Truck accident victims should be aware that all truck accident injury cases are unique and have their own mitigating factors that can impact what damages will be available. In general, California law allows victims who are injured due to the actions of a negligent driver the ability to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are related to tangible and calculable costs, such as:
- Future medical expenses related to the accident
Non-economic damages are much harder to tabulate. Non-economic damages typically include:
California is one of the few states that has not yet imposed a cap on non-economic damages. In essence, that means there is no statutory limit to the amount of money that a victim may receive as compensation for pain and suffering following a truck accident. It is important to note, however, that California generally does not allow uninsured drivers to claim non-economic damages, subject to limited exceptions. An uninsured driver will typically only be able to try and recover financial compensation for things like property damage or medical expenses.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
California is a vast and vibrant state. From seaports to agricultural fields, there is no shortage of goods that need to be transported across the state and across the country. While that is good for the economy, it makes California roads all the more dangerous. According to data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 437 fatal accidents involving large trucks or buses on California roads in 2021, making California one of the most dangerous states for truck accidents, just behind Texas.
Operating a large commercial truck requires a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and violations of CDL requirements can impact liability in truck accident cases. The risk of fatal crashes is higher with large trucks, making compliance with safety regulations and weight limits especially important to protect all road users. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration finds that the overwhelming majority of accidents are associated with driver error, mostly due to distracted driving and drowsy driving. Tight deadlines and pressure from employers can force truck drivers to operate vehicles for long stretches of time without proper rest or nutrition. Combine this with a constant need to be connected or entertained through phone or text, and the results can be deadly.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that if a victim is found partially at fault for a truck accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Some of the common causes of large truck accidents include:
Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck crashes occur for a variety of different reasons. While all accidents involving a large truck are serious, some accidents, including rollover and jackknife accidents, are particularly dangerous for the surrounding passenger vehicles and other vehicles on the road. Big rig accidents, semi truck accidents, and truck crashes are among the more severe and legally complex types of collisions due to the size and weight of these trucks. The number of vehicles involved in such accidents can be high, increasing the risk and complexity of injury claims and legal liability.
These are some of the most common types of truck accidents:
Other Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
18-wheelers are not the only type of large vehicle on the road that can cause serious damage. Tiemann Law Firm can help you no matter the type of large commercial vehicle that causes your accident. These types of vehicles include:
- Garbage Trucks
- Buses
- Emergency Vehicles
- Construction Vehicles
- Delivery Vans
- Moving Trucks/Vans
- Tanker Trucks
- Tow Trucks
A car accident involving a large commercial vehicle can result in more severe injuries and legal considerations than accidents involving only passenger vehicles, due to the size and weight of these vehicles and the regulations that govern them. There are many different types of large vehicles on the road. Tiemann Law Firm can help you with many types of accidents if you have been injured by negligence. Contact us today to discuss your case.
There are many different types of large vehicles on the road. Tiemann Law Firm can help you with any type of accident if you have been injured by negligence. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Common Injuries Suffered from Truck Accidents
When 80,000 pounds of metal and cargo come barreling down on a 3,000-pound passenger car, the results can be catastrophic. Truck accidents are serious, and they often result in life-altering injuries that can take months or even years to heal. The physical and mental toll can be enormous and may require a person to completely change their way of life.
After a truck accident, it is important to seek prompt and ongoing medical treatment for your injuries. Keeping detailed records of all medical treatments is essential, as this documentation can significantly impact your recovery and support your compensation claim.
Unfortunately, the damage doesn’t just stop at physical and mental injuries, either. Medical bills related to truck accident injuries can be substantial when you calculate hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and possible orthopedic aids that may be required. Some of the more common injuries that can result from a large truck accident may include:
What Is the Cost Of A Truck Accident Attorney?
As a personal injury law firm, Tiemann Law Firm works on a contingency-fee-basis. This means that many truck accident lawyers, including our team, only get paid if you win your case. If we take on your case, we will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until you receive the compensation you’re owed. We’ll take a percentage of the settlement, verdict, or jury award we obtain for you, so you never have to pay an out-of-pocket attorney’s fee. That way, you can focus on what matters and feel confident that we are doing everything we reasonably can to help you seek the money you deserve. We also offer a free initial consultation to review your case and your legal options.
Truck Accident Statistics
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents
Not only is it important to get a lawyer on your side early before evidence is lost or destroyed, but it is also important because you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in California. State law generally dictates that most personal injury legal claims must be made within two years from the date of the accident. There are only very rare exceptions to this rule. Typically, if you fail to bring a lawsuit within the two-year time frame, lawyers for the trucking company will ask that the case be dismissed. The court will usually grant this request, and you may be unable to recover compensation through the court system.
Truck Accident Claims Process
The truck accident injury claims process can be lengthy and involve an in-depth investigation. The duration of a truck accident claim depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the case and the willingness of the trucking company’s insurance carrier to reach a settlement. In general, if you are filing an injury claim against a trucking company, you want to make sure you sign with an experienced and skilled attorney. During the initial consultation, an attorney will review your case and lay out your legal options. If you are comfortable moving forward, you will typically be asked to sign an agreement with your attorney.
Once you retain legal counsel, it is important that any communication between you and the trucking company or their insurers goes through your attorney. The trucking company’s insurer plays a significant role in the claims process, and their primary goal is to protect the company’s interests, often offering quick or inadequate settlements. Do not ever talk with them alone over the phone or sign any paperwork they give you. Always direct them to your legal counsel, as experienced legal representation can be important in helping you pursue fair compensation for your truck accident claim.
Your injury accident attorney will help you in the following ways:
- Investigating accidents and collecting evidence
- Filing a claim with the insurance company and meeting all deadlines
- Negotiating assertively with insurance adjusters for full compensation
- Reviewing the settlement offers
- Preparing to take your case to court to ensure your case is taken seriously
Truck Accident Lawsuits in Northern California
A truck accident lawyer can help you decide whether or not it makes sense for you to pursue a lawsuit. Understanding how truck accident lawsuits work is important: these legal proceedings involve filing a complaint, following regulations, and potentially going to trial or securing a settlement with the help of your attorney. Attorneys are also prepared to address common defense strategies, such as attempts to blame the victim under California’s comparative negligence laws. In the event of a fatal truck accident, a wrongful death claim may be filed, and having legal representation is important to protect your rights. A lawsuit carries some risk, as the verdict will be up to a judge or jury, but if an insurance company refuses to offer you a settlement you believe is fair in the claims process, filing a lawsuit may make sense for your case.
These are the steps involved in a truck accident lawsuit that you should be aware of:
- Filing a complaint: Filing a complaint officially begins the litigation process by notifying the defendant and the court that a lawsuit is being filed, and the plaintiff will be seeking compensation for damages. Once the defendant receives the complaint, they will have 30 days to respond to it.
- Discovery process: During this phase of the process, the plaintiff’s and defendant’s attorneys will gather evidence, question witnesses, and question the other party in a deposition.
- Settlement phase: Approximately 95% of cases are settled in the phase, before going to trial. The plaintiff may decide to accept a fair settlement offer and drop the case.
- Trial: If a settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to trial. Your experienced trial attorneys will fight for your case in court and present a compelling argument as to why you deserve full compensation.
Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Establishing liability in a truck accident case can be a complex and demanding process, but it is important for securing fair compensation for victims. A dedicated truck accident attorney will typically investigate the accident scene, collect available evidence, and interview witnesses to help determine how the truck accident occurred and who may be responsible. Liability may rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or third parties involved in maintenance or cargo loading. In Sacramento, CA, truck accident lawsuits require a legal team that understands both state and federal regulations, as well as the tactics sometimes used by trucking companies and insurers to minimize their responsibility. By working with an attorney, you can help make sure that all potentially liable parties are identified and that you have a well-supported case for fair compensation.
Trucking Accidents and the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry operates under federal and state regulations designed to promote safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Despite these rules, trucking accidents remain a significant problem, often leading to severe injuries and property damage. Sacramento truck accident lawyers are familiar with the trucking industry, including the regulations that govern truck drivers and trucking companies. Whether you are a truck driver, a passenger car occupant, or a pedestrian, being involved in a trucking accident can have life-altering consequences. Legal professionals who understand the trucking industry can help you with the claims process, protecting your rights and helping you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Car Accident Comparison
While both car accidents and truck accidents can result in serious injuries, collisions involving large commercial trucks are often more severe. The mass and force of a truck can cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities — outcomes that may be less common in many typical car accidents. However, even less severe injuries from car accidents, like whiplash or broken bones, can still have a significant impact on your life. Regardless of the type of accident, it is important to work with an accident lawyer who can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. Having the right legal support can be important to your ability to move forward after both severe injuries and catastrophic injuries.
Sacramento CA Truck Accidents
As a major transportation hub, Sacramento, CA, sees a high volume of commercial truck traffic on its roads, which can increase the risk of truck accidents in the area. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Sacramento, it is important to seek the assistance of a Sacramento truck accident attorney who understands the local laws, regulations, and court systems. A knowledgeable accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Rather than trying to handle the aftermath of an accident in Sacramento alone, consider contacting a Sacramento truck accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options for seeking compensation.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Tiemann Law Firm, we know that moving forward after a serious truck accident can be difficult. You may be facing new mental and physical challenges each day. You may be constantly bombarded with medical bills, to the point where you may be afraid to walk to your own mailbox. You may also be getting calls at all hours of the day, demanding you sign over your legal rights to the trucking company today, just so you can get a little money in your pocket tomorrow.
Don’t fall for these intimidation and bullying tactics. Call a truck accident attorney in Northern California who can work to pursue the maximum amount of compensation available to you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer for assistance with your case. Call Tiemann Law Firm to schedule your free initial consultation. Let a Northern California truck accident lawyer review the circumstances of your case and help you figure out what your next move should be. Hold negligent drivers and their employers responsible. Call (916) 999-9000 to pursue compensation you may be entitled to under the law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Being involved in a truck accident is an overwhelming experience, and you likely have a number of questions about your accident injury claim and next steps. We answered some of the common questions we receive below, and we’re ready to answer all of your questions at a free consultation.
That really depends on the nature and severity of the accident. Accidents involving large trucks can be very complex, and it takes time to investigate the crash properly and thoroughly. Rushing the process can mean valuable evidence crucial to your case could be missed. An experienced attorney will be able to review the circumstances of your accident and give you a general timeframe for how long your case may be expected to take.
If the negligent driver was behind the wheel of a government-issued large truck, you may be able to file a suit against the government. However, these cases can be extremely complicated, and the government will have a wealth of legal resources to draw from in an attempt to limit your claim. If you are in an accident with a government truck, like a city-run+ garbage truck, contact an experienced attorney right away.
It depends on the circumstances of the accident and who is at fault. In some cases, the trucking company, truck owner, maintenance company, or even the cargo loaders may be liable for an accident. If a defective part played a role in the accident, then a truck or parts manufacturer may be liable. A skilled truck accident lawyer in Northern California will be able to review your case and determine which parties can be legally held responsible for your accident.
