Siskiyou County Truck Accident Lawyer

Siskiyou County Truck Accident Attorney

Any vehicle collision can lead to injuries and property damage, but when a large truck or big rig is involved, the consequences can be catastrophic. Due to their size and weight, trucks can inflict significant damage on a smaller automobile in a crash. Unfortunately, insurance may not always cover all the expenses of a crash. If you are dealing with a serious injury as a result of an accident with a large truck, you may need to seek legal help from a Siskiyou County truck accident lawyer.

Barr and Mudford has been representing personal injury victims local to Northern California for more than 50 years. Our legal team’s focus is on fighting for the rights of injury victims and securing appropriate damages in court. We approach each case and each client with care to help them through this challenging time and get them the compensation they need to recover. If you have been involved in a truck accident, one of our dedicated lawyers can guide you through the next steps.

How Trucks Are Different from Passenger Vehicles and Cars

Big rigs are an essential part of shipping and commerce in California, but their size, as well as other considerations like hazardous materials and heavy cargo, makes them even more dangerous, especially on local roads. Because of this, there are more regulations trucking companies and drivers must adhere to, even if they are not California residents.

Large trucks are required to have additional inspections. There are also weight and size limits in place to regulate trucks. Truck drivers may be required to follow strict requirements over how many hours they can spend driving before taking a mandatory resting break. Violations of any of these regulations can lead to a greater risk of injury for car drivers.

Large Trucks on the Road

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are about 11 million single-unit trucks and 4 million tractor-trailers on the road, which accounts for about 4% of the total number of registered vehicles. However, trucks drive considerably more miles than the average passenger vehicle and account for about 10% of the total miles driven in the US. Most of these trucks cross state lines and are for-hire carriers.

Long working hours, heavy cargo, and size are all factors that can enhance the risk of a dangerous accident on the road.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

When an 18-wheeler or other large truck is involved in a collision, the truck driver is often assigned fault. The most common reasons fall into the following categories:

• The driver was physically impaired in some way, such as a medical event or inebriation.
• The driver did not observe the situation adequately due to a distraction or inattention.
• The driver misjudged a decision, such as driving too fast for road conditions.
• The driver reacted to the situation in a negligent or unsafe manner.

In addition, there may be other factors associated with the crash, including:

• Equipment issues like brake failure
• Traffic congestion
• Speed
• Prescription or over-the-counter drug use
• Driver fatigue
• Unfamiliarity with roads

Complications of Truck Accidents

Car accidents often only involve two drivers, who are both driving their personal vehicles. Accidents involving a passenger vehicle and a big rig may involve the drivers and several other companies like the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the maintenance providers, or even the California Department of Transportation.

Who Investigates Truck Accidents

There are a number of agencies that might be involved in investigating truck accidents in California, including local law enforcement, California Highway Patrol, the National Transportation Safety Board, or other government agencies. Insurance companies conduct their own investigation as part of determining how much money they have to pay.

It’s important to advocate for yourself as these investigations proceed after the crash. Each of the parties investigating has its own goals, and it is easy for your legal rights to get lost in the mix, especially when dealing with multiple parties.

How an Attorney Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be challenging, especially when the injured party isn’t familiar with all the complications. A skillful truck accident lawyer can gather all the information about your case, identify all responsible parties, and negotiate on your behalf to make sure they are all held accountable for your injuries and damages.

FAQs

Q: How Common Are Truck Accidents?

A: The most recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 536,424 large trucks were involved in accidents in one year. Of those, 160,608 people were injured, and another 5,936 were killed. About 7% of those fatal crashes happened in California. Large trucks are also more likely to be involved in multi-car accidents, which results in more injuries—and more severe—injuries.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Truck Accident in California?

A: In general, the statute of limitations on a truck accident in California is two years from the date of the crash. However, there are some exceptions that might change the time you have to file a claim. For example, if the plaintiff is incapacitated and so unable to file, that may extend the deadline.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in California?

A: Settlements for truck accidents in California vary widely from hundreds of dollars to millions. The amount depends on many factors, including how many parties are involved, whether any regulations were violated, how much, if any, work was missed, and the severity of any injuries. Victims of truck accidents often receive larger settlements than more common car accidents.

Q: How Long Do Truck Accident Settlements Take in California?

A: It can take from a few months to several years to settle a truck accident claim. The largest factor in how long a claim takes to get settled is whether the case goes to trial. When multiple parties are involved, determining liability can take time and necessitate a thorough investigation. An attorney can ensure that your case is backed with sufficient evidence proving the other party’s liability.

Your Siskiyou County Truck Accident Lawyers

At Barr and Mudford, we know truck accidents are often stressful and more severe than crashes involving only passenger vehicles. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can negotiate with all parties involved, navigate complex state and federal regulations, and if necessary, represent you in court to make sure your rights are being protected and you receive adequate compensation. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options.