Carmichael Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucks

Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck poses significant dangers due to its larger size and weight, resulting in high-impact forces that can cause severe damage and injuries. Commercial trucks have limited maneuverability, longer braking distances, and larger blind spots, increasing the risk of collisions. Driver fatigue and error, as well as cargo issues, contribute to the potential dangers. Non-compliance with regulations by some trucking companies further escalates the risks associated with commercial truck accidents.

To mitigate these dangers, drivers should maintain a safe distance, avoid blind spots, and adhere to traffic rules when sharing the road with commercial trucks.

Accidents Between a Large Truck and Passenger Cars

According to the Federal Highway Administration, commercial tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers are large vehicles weighing an average of 80,000 pounds. This means the damage is devastating when a freight truck collides with another car, like a sedan, an SUV, or a limo. 

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA), over 5,000 large trucks and buses were involved in deadly accidents in 2018. On the national level, approximately 1-in-10 fatal traffic accidents involve a large semi-truck. Even more startling, of deaths arising from collisions with large trucks, the individuals occupying the smaller vehicle died or suffered catastrophic injuries in almost all of the wrecks.

These statistics tell us two things: first, significant tractor-trailer accidents happen more often than most think. Second, accidents with 18-wheelers and semi-trucks routinely involve untimely deaths or serious injuries.

How Large Trucking Accidents Can Occur

The truck accident involving Tracy Morgan is also an instructive example of how collisions with these large vehicles often occur. Like most truck drivers, the commercial truck driver that injured Tracy Morgan was overworked and held to a strict schedule. According to ABC News, the National Transportation Safety Board reported that the negligent truck driver was awake for more than 28 hours when the crash occurred and was driving over 20 miles above the posted speed limit.

Negligent Truck Driver Behavior

You may be surprised to discover that many truck drivers engage in similar behavior and push themselves to be on the road for long hours to make timely deliveries. This causes large trucks to be hazardous to drive near because the truck driver may be less alert than they should be.

Unrealistic Truck Driver Delivery Schedules

The nature of a truck driver's delivery schedule also makes it likely that the truck driver will exceed the recommended speed limit for large trucks. Many trucks drive at or slightly below the speed limit, but drivers on a schedule may believe that speeding is necessary to deliver timely. In effect, speeding truck drivers turn their vehicles into high-speed missiles, barreling down the highway just waiting for an accident to occur.

Improper Truck Maintenance and Cross-Country Trucking

The nature of cross-country trucking also results in regular vehicle maintenance problems. Trucks are designed to be sturdy and reliable, but accidents happen. Improper truck maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake failures, and engine trouble, and these maintenance defects create a hazardous roadway hazard.

The YouTube video below provides ten safety tips for sharing the road with truck drivers.

Carmichael Truck Accident FAQ

Why do I need a truck accident lawyer to handle my claim?

If a freight truck collided with your vehicle due to the truck operator's negligence, you have the right to seek financial restitution for the bodily injuries you suffered due to the collision. You can claim monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A truck accident injury claim could be filed against the truck driver, the trucker's employer, and other third parties. Because of many potential defendants, including insurance companies, lawsuits involving trucking accidents tend to be complex. That is why it makes sense to have an experienced Carmichael truck accident attorney on your side.


Is there a deadline to file an injury claim for my truck accident?

There is no benefit to delaying taking legal action against the negligent truck driver and their employer. In fact, waiting only hinders your claim. Why? Because California law requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within two years from the accident date. If you try to file suit after two years, your case will probably get thrown out of court.


Truck Accident Lawyers in Carmichael, CA

If you have been injured or someone you love has been injured or killed in a truck accident, please contact our Carmichael truck accident lawyers for free, friendly, and compassionate legal advice. We can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

We have been practicing personal injury and wrongful death law since 1982.

Visit our website for more informative topics relating to truck accidents and personal injuries on www.autoaccident.com.

See our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 6.22.23] Photos by depositphotos.com sb bw [cs 890]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.