Orangevale Truck Accident Lawyer

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Orangevale, located in Sacramento County, is probably best known for its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. But it is also a bustling city with congested roads like Greenback Lane, Hazel Avenue, and Madison Avenue. Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and large commercial tractor-trailers these major roadways are routinely traversed. As a result, there is a risk of serious collisions occurring between smaller commuter vehicles and large commercial big rigs.

The Department of Transportation reports that the average tractor-trailer traveling on Orangevale roads weighs more than 75,000 pounds and can be 75 feet long. In contrast, the average sedan weighs less than 5,000 pounds. If a tractor-trailer hits a car, the occupant inside the vehicle will likely bear the brunt of the damage.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 141,000 accidents involved big rigs in 2015. More than 4,000 people died in those collisions, while more than 70,000 suffered severe bodily injuries.

How Commercial Truck Collisions Occur

In many incidents, the primary cause of a collision between a sedan, pickup truck, or SUV and a large commercial tractor-trailer is the careless or reckless actions of the commercial truck operator. For example, some of the commonly reported causes of these severe collisions include:

Holding the Truck Driver and Their Employer Accountable

If you or a family member were seriously injured in a collision with a semi-truck, you could pursue financial restitution for your harm and losses. You can seek monetary compensation through a truck accident injury lawsuit. When a truck operator causes a severe accident where bodily injuries are suffered, the operator (and their employer) can be liable for your damages.

You may ask yourself, "how can an employer be held responsible for an employee's actions?" An established legal doctrine known as respondeat superior creates vicarious liability. When an employee engages in negligent conduct while acting in the course and scope, the employer can also be held responsible in a civil claim. 

How to Establish Negligence in a Truck Accident Injury Case

To establish liability, you (through your Orangevale truck accident attorney) must present sufficient evidence to substantiate the claim that the truck driver was negligent.

This means you need to show that the truck operator breached a legal duty to use due care and that breach proximately caused your bodily injuries. All motorists must adhere to specific duties and responsibilities on Orangevale roads and highways. For example, a tractor-trailer operator owes a duty of care to operate their rig safely. So, when a truck operator fails to comply with this duty, and you suffer a severe bodily injury, the truck operator can be deemed negligent and liable for your harm and losses.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Truck Accident Lawsuit

An injured plaintiff can pursue monetary damages for the following types of harm and losses:

  • Medical expenses (both the costs associated with your immediate care after the wreck and long-term medical expenses)
  • Lost wages (and potentially future income if you are left disabled as a result of the crash)
  • Pain, suffering, mental anguish
  • Punitive damages (depending on the specific facts of your case)

Watch the YouTube video below for safe driving tips on sharing the road with commercial trucks.

Truck Accident Lawyers in Orangevale

When a semi-truck is involved in an accident with a smaller vehicle or pedestrian, the consequences are often devastatingly catastrophic. If you or your loved one has been injured or even killed in such an accident, please do not hesitate to contact me immediately- your recovery could depend on prompt action. We can be reached by telephone at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 and online for free and friendly advice.

We have served the Orangevale and Greater Sacramento communities since 1982, advocating for the rights of injured parties and their families. 

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

See our client reviews on AvvoGoogle, and Yelp and our past cases on our Verdicts and Settlements page.

Editor's Note: updated [cha 2.23.22] Photo by falco on Pixabay sd rey [cs 730]

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.