Fresno Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucks are used to transport goods across the country, but their size and weight make them a safety concern on the road. Accidents can range from blind spots to rollovers and underride collisions. Federal trucking regulations are enforced to reduce such risks, imposing:

• Rules on driver hours
• Proper vehicle maintenance
• Cargo securement

Despite these measures, a truck crash is still bound to occur due to human error or mechanical failures. Affected victims are eligible to pursue compensation by filing a claim against the at fault party. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we possess the knowledge and expertise needed to handle your truck accident claim and ensure you get fair compensation for the losses you incurred.

With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases and more than $1.7 billion in settlements recovered on behalf of our clients, we are equipped to effectively represent you and get you the best outcome possible.

We run under a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we successfully win your case. To schedule a FREE consultation with a Fresno truck accident lawyer, you are welcome to reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our convenient online contact form.

Fresno Truck Accident Statistics

Although Fresno is our main focal point in evaluating truck accidents, it is important to observe this matter on a larger scale. By taking a look at nationwide data, we can retrieve valuable insight on how truck accidents can occur and understand what preventative methods can be used to reduce the number of collisions that take place each year.

According to the most recent data shared by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,714 fatal large truck accidents were reported in 2022. About 73 percent of these deaths involved tractor-trailers and 28 percent included single-unit trucks. 

Below are additional findings presented by the organization:

• 61 percent of truck occupant fatalities in multi-vehicle collisions involved another large truck
• 49 percent of deaths took place on major roads other than interstates and freeways, 35 percent happened on interstates and freeways, and 16 percent were on minor roads
• 50 percent of deadly large truck occupant fatalities occurred due to rollover crashes
• 56 percent of fatal large truck occupant deaths involved single-vehicle accidents

Thirty-one percent of passenger vehicle occupants passed away after getting into a head-on collision with a truck, 24 percent were side-impact accidents, and 23 percent were rear-end crashes.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents come in many shapes and forms, each with its own unique causes and consequences. Let’s further discuss the most common types in the sections below.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots, specifically on the sides and rear. Vehicle operators who are attempting to merge or change lanes can get into an accident if other drivers are in these hidden zones.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a semi truck swings out in a 90-degree angle to the cab, forming a “V” shape. This is often caused by sudden braking or loss of control. It becomes especially dangerous if it takes place on busy or congested roads, as it can result in a semi truck accident involving multiple parties.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping to its side or roof. This is mostly common with top-heavy trucks that make sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. When a truck rolls over, it can block multiple lanes and cause traffic accidents.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when a truck strikes the front of another vehicle. This can be devastating particularly due to the intense force involved.

Side-Impact Accident

A side-impact accident happens when a truck hits the side of another vehicle. This usually takes place at intersections or during lane changes.

Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end crashes involve a truck hitting the back of another vehicle. Such a case can be caused by sudden braking or driver inattention. Given a truck’s size, the outcome can lead to substantial damage and serious injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents

It is common for trucks to make wide turns due to its size. Drivers may not understand the amount of space they may need to do this, and will potentially crash into other road users if they estimate the distance incorrectly.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents happen when small vehicles crash into the rear or side of a truck and slide underneath it. This can be deadly as such impact can crush a car. Most trucks have underride guards to prevent this type of accident from occurring.

Cargo Spillage Accidents

If a truck’s cargo is not secured, it can spill onto the road. This can create dangerous conditions for other drivers. In some cases, it could block lanes, triggering vehicles to swerve or crash into the objects laid out on the road. This can be especially harmful if drivers make direct contact with hazardous materials or fuel, as it can potentially ignite fires.

Common Causes of Truck Collisions

Truck accidents occur due to various reasons, including negligent driving, vehicle malfunctions, and poor road conditions. Let’s take a closer look at some of these common causes below.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers have demanding schedules that require them to work for a lengthy period of time. Traveling on the road for consecutive hours without getting enough rest can progressively trigger physical and mental exhaustion. As a result, the truck driver will start to lose awareness of the road and fall asleep behind the wheel. This is dangerous, and can harm multiple parties, especially if it happens on a busy road.

Distracted Driving

Accidents involving distracted driving are dangerous when it comes to large commercial trucks due to size, weight, and longer stopping distances. If a truck driver is focused on other factors, like texting or eating, it will affect their ability to navigate safely on the road. Even a few seconds can prevent a truck driver from noticing unsafe conditions.

Reduced reaction time and poor judgement make it more likely for a truck to drift between lanes or miss traffic signals. Since trucks can trigger catastrophic damage in a collision, even a moment of distraction can lead to multi-vehicle pile ups or fatal accidents with smaller vehicles.

Driving While Under the Influence

Driving while under the influence is a major risk factor for truck accidents as it can severely impair physical and mental capabilities. When a truck driver consumes harmful substances, they cannot safely operate a vehicle since the following symptoms will create challenging conditions:

• Impaired judgement
• Reduced reaction time
• Loss of coordination

With a truck’s massive size and weight, an accident triggered by a DUI can result in serious injuries, or even death.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions, like rain, snow, and ice, can affect the way a truck travels. It can cause drivers to lose control and may reduce visibility, making it difficult to detect other vehicles or follow traffic signals. Either of these circumstances can ultimately contribute to an accident.

Road Hazards

Potholes, debris, and uneven pavements can pose a significant risk to truck drivers. These hazards can result in loss of control or vehicle damage. Inadequate signages may also contribute to harmful conditions as it can influence truck drivers to make wrong or sudden decisions that can ultimately lead to a collision.

Manufacturing Defect

A manufacturing defect can cause a truck to break down while on the road, leaving the vehicle operator in a vulnerable position. Certain factors that can lead to this type of accident include the following:

• Tire blowouts
• Unresponsive brakes
• Faulty steering system

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can trigger several types of bodily damage due to size, weight, and power. The outcome may involve minor to fatal injuries depending on the intensity of the impact. Some common issues that may arise shortly after the incident include the following:

• Broken bones
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Regardless of whether you sustained severe injuries, you should get evaluated by a medical professional, just to be on the safe side.

Liable Parties in a Truck Accident

In a truck accident, multiple individuals or entities can be held liable depending on what specific circumstances are surrounding the event. Let’s take a look at the potential at fault parties in the sections below.

Truck Drivers

If the truck driver was negligent, whether it be through speeding or driving while under the influence, they can be held liable for damages. Since their actions directly affected the safety of other road users, they will face legal repercussions for failing to follow traffic laws. 

Trucking Companies

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer may be held accountable for an employee’s actions if it was done within the scope of their employment. This means that if the truck driver was fulfilling work-related duties and crashed into another vehicle during the process, the company may face legal consequences, as well. Furthermore, trucking companies that fail to properly screen, train, or supervise drivers can be punished for allowing unqualified individuals to operate large commercial trucks.

Truck Manufacturer

If a mechanical failure or defect is present, the truck manufacturer could be at fault for the accident. A problem that compromises the truck’s ability to move safely, whether it be from poor design or faulty manufacturing, can be grounds for a product liability claim.

Government Entities

If poor road conditions were present at the time of the crash, a government agency may be responsible if they failed to provide adequate warning signs around the area or resolve the issue within a reasonable time frame. Suing a government entity often involves additional legal hurdles, like filing within a specific period or following special procedures for claims.

In California, you will need to submit a written claim within six months of the incident. The government entity has 45 days to respond. If they deny your claim, you will be given six months from the date of the rejection to file a lawsuit.

What to Do After a Truck Accident 

After a truck accident, it is important to implement the following steps to protect your safety and legal rights.

Contact Law Enforcement

If you notice any injuries or damages after the collision, you should contact your local law enforcement. Once they arrive, they will conduct a police report. Emergency personnel will also show up to administer immediate medical attention to the injured parties. 

Seek Medical Attention

You should get medical care soon after a truck accident, even if you endured minor injuries. The physician will examine the wounded area and determine a potential diagnosis. If they notice something that needs to be taken care of, they will create a tailored treatment plan to help with your recovery. Your visits, prescriptions, and/or surgical procedures will be saved on file and can be used as evidence in your truck accident case.

Exchange Information

Be sure to exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved.

Gather Evidence

If possible, try to gather the following evidence:

• Photographs of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Hire a Fresno Truck Accident Attorney

Hiring a truck accident attorney is essential if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident. This type of case is often more complex than a typical car crash due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, along with the number of parties involved and the strict regulations enforced by the trucking industry. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team can navigate you through the complexities of these types of cases. We offer insight and experience, meaning we are fully equipped to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Fresno?

You will be given two years from the date of when the truck accident occurred to file a claim. Although it may seem like enough time to pursue legal action, you should act quickly to ensure you do not fall behind. Try to gather as much evidence as you can and have an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer on your side to ensure you have a better likelihood of acquiring full and fair compensation.

If you delay the process, you may be at risk of exceeding the statute of limitations. And if that does happen, you will no longer be entitled to sue the at fault party for the damages you sustained.

How Much Compensation Can I Get in a Fresno Truck Accident?

Each truck accident case has unique challenges that may affect the settlement amount. Below are some factors that may be considered when determining and distributing compensation:

• The severity of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity

To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by inputting the losses you sustained as a result of the truck accident. Generally speaking, economic damages and non-economic damages are awarded in personal injury claims.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial expenses you suffered as a result of the truck accident, like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible expenses that are not easily determined in monetary terms, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for their egregious behavior and to prevent similar practices in the future. It is rarely granted in personal injury cases. To prove punitive damages, you will need to have evidence of the defendant showing acts of malice, fraud, or intentional harm.

Our Fresno Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Fresno truck accident victims are entitled to file a personal injury claim against the at fault party to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Fresno team will assess your case and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure you get maximum compensation to cover the damages you incurred.

Our law firm is located across several cities in California, including Fresno. To get started on the filing process alongside an experienced truck accident attorney, you can schedule a FREE consultation by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Fresno Truck Accident FAQ

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Truck Accident?

In the aftermath of a fatal truck collision, certain people or entities can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss. Under California Civil Code of Procedure 377.60, eligible individuals include the following:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents
• Other parties financially dependent on the decedent
• Personal representative

You will be given two years from the date of the victim’s death to pursue legal action. In such a case, you may be granted:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of financial support

How Can I Prove Fault in a Truck Accident Case?

To prove fault in a Fresno truck accident claim, you will need to demonstrate the elements of negligence, which include the following:

• The defendant had a duty to operate the vehicle safely
• The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care
• The defendant’s reckless behavior caused you to sustain an injury
• You endured losses, like hospital fees or pain or suffering, as a result of the truck accident

Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can acquire compensation even if you partially contributed to the collision. For instance, if total damages accumulated to $80,000 and you were 20 percent liable, you may be given an estimate of $64,000.

Can a Truck Accident Case Settle Outside of Court?

A truck accident case can be settled outside of court. The opposing side’s insurance company may try to resolve the claim through negotiations. In most cases, they will offer a settlement before the case reaches court to avoid undergoing an expensive and unpredictable process.

The initial settlement offer is determined based on the damages they believe you should be awarded. However, insurance companies are known to present a low amount at the start. In such a case, your attorney will step in to negotiate a counter-offer. This will involve some back-and-forth negotiations until a reasonable agreement is reached.

Some advantages of settling outside of court include the following:

• Quicker resolution
• Lower costs
• Less uncertainty
• Confidentiality