Item: Edward A Smith Law Offices
Rating: 5
Author: Alex & Dinah M.

Modesto Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-trucks are an essential part of California’s economy and often travel Highway 99, State Route 108, and SR-132 daily to transport equipment, materials, and products to communities throughout Stanislaus County. A collision with a large commercial truck can result in catastrophic injury or death to those involved. According to statistics by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of big rigs involved in injury collisions increased from 107,000 in 2017 to 112,000 in 2018, accounting for an overall increase of five percent.

If you were injured in a big rig crash and need a Modesto truck accident lawyer for personal injury case representation, contact our law firm at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our attorneys are available anytime to review your case and provide free, friendly advice.

The Modesto truck accident attorneys at our law firm are aware of the challenges involved in cases involving commercial semi-trucks. Our legal team has handled cases like yours since 1982 and has the experience, skills, and resources you need to hold at-fault parties financially accountable for your injuries or your loss of your loved one. We are available anytime to discuss your case, so you always have access to an experienced trucking accident attorney when you need one the most.

Driving in Modesto

While commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are important for transporting goods from one part of the country to the other, these large vehicles also pose a risk for drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles. A crash between a passenger car and a large commercial truck can leave the occupants of the smaller vehicle with serious injuries and even death. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer crash in Modesto or elsewhere in Stanislaus County, contact our truck accident attorneys to receive free, friendly advice on how to bring a case for justice and financial compensation today.

Top Causes of Big Rig Crashes

Some of the most common causes of large truck accidents include:

Inadequate training regarding safe driving
Violations of federal laws and regulations regarding hours of service (HOS) and rest periods
Unrealistic expectations of trucking companies regarding expected delivery times
Fatigue or distracted driving
Failure to keep a proper lookout
Improper turning maneuvers
Following too closely
Unsafe cargo loading

How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case

There is no doubt that searching for a top-rated truck accident attorney is overwhelming. Sure, there are plenty to choose from. That isn’t a problem. The problem is that there are so many truck accident law firms in Modesto to choose from, and they all make such similar-sounding promises, it is challenging to differentiate one from the other.

Remember that you only get one chance at winning your case. Whether you settle with the insurance agency or you take your case to court, you will just have one shot to get the compensation that you are entitled to. If you settle with the insurance company, understand that you will sign paperwork that states in great detail that you will never be able to sue the insurance company for future damages. Make sure you are completely satisfied with the amount you settle on.

If the insurance company does not offer you an amount that you can be satisfied with the rest of your life, then you will need an injury attorney who has a substantial amount of experience in the personal injury trial arena, so to speak. You will want someone who knows the ups and downs and the ins and outs of personal injury trial law if you have to battle an insurance company and its defense lawyers in the courtroom.

For a brief breakdown on how to find the best truck accident attorney in Modesto to handle your case, watch the video below.

Modesto Truck Accident FAQ

What should I do if I've been in an accident with a large truck?

The first thing you should do is stay calm, turn on your hazard lights, and remain in your car. If you or your passengers have been injured, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. Get contact information and insurance details from everyone involved in the semi-truck accident. Take pictures of your damages and injuries. Write down the name and badge number of the police officer at the scene. Do not admit fault, and do not discuss the tractor-trailer accident with anyone except your insurance company and the police.

The other party's insurance company may call you to get a statement, but you are not required to give them a statement.

How do I get compensated for my injuries in a truck accident?

You deserve compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To get compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim. The lawsuit will be filed against the truck driver's insurance company, the trucking company, or both. Once a winning settlement is reached in your case, you will be compensated for your damages. Reach out to the best Modesto truck accident lawyer for legal assistance with filing.

How can I protect my legal rights after a truck accident in Modesto?

If you've sustained injuries in an accident involving a large truck, you have the legal rights to compensation. However, tractor-trailer accidents involve multiple responsible parties and insurance companies.

Getting compensation for your injuries can be challenging. If you do not have a Modesto truck accident attorney on your side, the other party's insurance company will likely bully you into settling for less than you deserve. Truck companies have unlimited resources to fight against any personal injury lawsuit you may file.

If you have been seriously injured in a big rig crash, the best way to protect your rights is to reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer who will defend your rights and get you a fair personal injury settlement.

How a Modesto Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

As with any commercial truck accident case in California, our legal team devotes extensive time and effort to conducting an independent investigation of the incident to determine liability and damages incurred. Our Modesto truck accident attorneys work with expert witnesses such as crash reconstruction experts to determine the sequence of events leading up to the semi-truck collision.

Importance of Preservation of Evidence in Big Rig Crash Cases

We will also investigate the trucker and their employer to ensure all safety precautions and regulations were followed. To do so, our law firm will send a letter of preservation of evidence to the trucking company for:

Truck driver drug testing, licensing, and endorsements
Commercial truck size, markings, warnings, weight restrictions, and safety standards
Compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations
Inspection and maintenance records of the commercial truck

Our truck accident lawyers in Modesto will ensure the success of your personal injury case or wrongful death claim for a big rig crash through our extensive research.

Our legal team takes steps to collect and preserve a wide array of evidence, including CHP traffic accident reports, photos, video surveillance, eyewitness statements, expert opinions, data stored in the big rig’s black box, and more. Any evidence of negligence can be used to establish your case and seek financial compensation.

Call a Modesto Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a big rig crash involving a commercial truck, contact our Modesto truck accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Call our law firm at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to receive free, friendly legal advice from our lawyers on your case today.

Proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See our client reviews on Google, Yelp, and Avvo and case history of verdicts and settlements.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 4.5.21]

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★★★★★

"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.

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