Rocklin Truck Accident Lawyer

trucks

Getting involved in an accident with a large commercial truck accident can be a harrowing experience that leaves you severely damaged physically, emotionally, and financially. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that many 18-wheelers weigh in the range of 80,000 pounds, and this means the weight of a big rig can be up to forty times that of a commuter car or SUV.

Commercial truck accidents are so different from your typical car accident. Wrecks involving big rigs often cause severe injuries and are more complex. If you are involved in a truck accident, you need the services of an attorney who is well versed in truck accident cases.

Most Common Reasons for Trucking Collisions

Due to the increased destructive force of trucks, truck drivers need to be vigilant and alert when operating these vehicles on public roads and highways. Unfortunately, some truck drivers throw caution to the wind and operate their rigs, completely disregarding others' safety. Common examples of how collisions occur between big rigs and smaller vehicles include:

  • Fatigue: A study concluded that a common cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration creates regulations that limit the number of hours truck drivers can work. Truck drivers also have a personal responsibility not to drive when fatigued.
  • Substance Abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse are becoming a frequent cause of accidents. Trucking companies are expected to carry out tests before hiring a driver, and they also have to monitor the driver afterward for signs of substance abuse.
  • Speeding: An 18-wheeler moving at 70 miles per hour has double the force of a truck moving at 50 miles per hour. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one-quarter of fatal accidents involved a truck driver's prior speeding conviction.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Collision

If you are still conscious after a truck accident, thinking clearly may be overwhelming. However, if possible, you should try to take some crucial steps to strengthen your potential personal injury claim after the accident.

  • Preserve Evidence from the Accident Site: Immediately after a truck accident, you must try to preserve some critical information about what happened. If you are physically able, take some pictures of the accident scene with your phone camera.
  • Get Medical Attention: After a truck accident, you and your passengers might have suffered severe injuries. At this stage, even if you don't see any visible signs of an injury, you should still get medical attention. Some injuries like brain damage may go undetected with future disastrous consequences. If you don't immediately seek medical care, your attorney might find it difficult to connect later manifestations of your injury to the accident.
  • Get the Contact Information of the Truck Driver and Any Witnesses: Collecting the full name, phone number, and name of the employer of the truck operator is extremely important because this information will be needed to get claim documents filed with the driver's insurance company. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the collision, and they could wind up testifying in court or being deposed.
Types of Compensation in a Bodily Injury Claim

If your truck accident was fully or partially caused by the negligence of the truck operator, you should pursue a truck accident injury claim against the driver and their employer. You could be compensated for your harms and losses, including:

  • Medical bills for past, future and present medical treatment result from the truck accident.
  • Compensation for the wages you lost as a result of the accident. This involves the time you were away from work receiving treatment. Or the times you had to see a therapist, go for tests, etc.
  • You also get damages for impairments to your earning capacity due to your injuries.
  • You get compensation for the pain and suffering you have to endure due to the crash.
  • Compensation for the changes in lifestyle due to the accident. An example of this is your injuries prevent you from engaging in a favorite sporting activity like running, swimming, etc.
  • Punitive damages if the truck operator caused the accident's truly shocking or egregious conduct (e.g., the truck operator was high on illegal narcotics and speeding on Interstate 80).
Analyzing Liability Issues in a Truck Accident Case

Multiple parties in a truck accident may be held liable for your harms and losses. They include:

  • The truck driver
  • Manufacturers and retailers of the truck
  • The trucking company that employed the driver
  • Repair facilities maintaining the truck

You should also make sure you bring your claim as soon as possible. In California, the limitation period for personal injury claims is only two years. So, if you file a claim after this period, the court likely will not hear your case. Contact the best truck accident attorney in Rocklin as soon as possible.

Importance of Working with an Experienced Trucking Accident Lawyer   

Do not take on the truck company alone. Many large commercial truck companies have large teams of investigators, claim adjusters and attorneys who spend their days reducing or denying the truck company's liability in injury cases.

Rocklin Truck Accident FAQ

Who can file a claim in a truck accident injury case?

Anyone injured in a truck accident can file a claim against the at-fault party for damages. This would include adults, minors, and even the truck drivers if an entity or another person was at fault for the accident.


Who is liable for damages in a truck accident claim?

The person or entity that caused the accident can be liable. This includes the trucker, the trucking company, and any other driver who may have contributed to the accident. Other responsible parties could include the truck manufacturer, the manufacturer of a tire that caused the crash, or the property owner whose negligence contributed to the accident.


Call a Rocklin Truck Accident Attorney Today

Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping Rocklin residents recover the compensation they rightfully deserve. To learn more about how we can help you after a commercial truck accident in Placer County, call our Rocklin truck accident lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free friendly case advice.

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

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

Editor's Note: updated [cha 5.18.23] Image by Schwoaze from Pixabay sb rey [cs 1088]

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.
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★★★★★
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