Truck Accident Lawyer

in California

Have you been injured in a commercial truck accident? If you or someone you know needs a truck accident attorney in California, The Wiseman/Hoffs is ready to help you.

Essential Tips for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

At The Wiseman/Hoffs, we provide complimentary initial consultations & you only pay if we win!

If you've been injured in a commercial truck accident and want to file a claim, here are the steps to follow:

  • Thoroughly Document the Truck Accident.
  • Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer.
  • Give Your Legal Team Time to Take Action.
  • File Your Claim
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Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for a truck accident?

At The Wiseman/Hoffs, our attorneys focus on representing individuals injured in accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles. Our goal is to ensure justice for victims while helping them rebuild their lives through recovery and fair compensation for their injuries.

Here’s why it’s crucial to hire a lawyer after a truck accident:

Every law firm has its own approach, and at The Wiseman/Hoffs, our attorneys stand out. We never settle for less when negotiating with insurance companies.

  • A knowledgeable attorney understands the complexities of truck accident cases and can skillfully guide you through the legal process.
  • They safeguard your rights and work tirelessly to secure fair compensation.
  • They manage negotiations with insurance providers for you.
  • They make sure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
  • They can link you to a network of medical professionals.
  • They collect essential documentation and expert testimonies to strengthen your claim.

By hiring a lawyer, you gain peace of mind knowing you have a committed advocate fighting for your interests.

Navigating California’s roads often involves sharing them with large commercial trucks.

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and needs significantly longer distances to come to a stop, making them harder to manage. When truck drivers fail to operate their vehicles safely, it can lead to serious or even fatal injuries for those in the vicinity.

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Type of Truck
Accidents

When truck drivers lose control of their vehicles, several types of accidents can happen, including:

Jackknife Accidents:

Jackknife incidents happen when a truck driver is speeding, navigating slippery surfaces, or has a trailer that is improperly loaded, leading to the trailer swinging sideways. This loss of control can cause the tractor and trailer to collide with nearby vehicles.

Rollover Accidents:

A large truck making sharp turns at unsafe speeds can lose balance and tip over. Typical causes include driver error, distractions, intoxication, fatigue, and unsafe driving habits.

Rear-end Accidents:

When a truck driver is speeding for road conditions or exceeding the speed limit, they may not be able to stop in time, leading to a collision with a passenger vehicle in front of them.

Sideswipe Accidents:

A truck may drift into another lane or change lanes unsafely, resulting in serious or fatal collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Underride Accidents:

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck, frequently causing catastrophic injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Frequent Causes of 18-Wheeler
Accidents in California

In California, accidents involving 18-wheelers occur with concerning frequency, often leading to serious consequences for those affected. Below are some of the key factors contributing to these incidents:

Driver Fatigue

Extended hours on the road can lead to severe fatigue, impacting a driver’s judgment and reaction times. While regulations exist to limit driving hours, some truck drivers may disregard these rules to meet tight deadlines, endangering their safety and that of others on the road.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

The pressure to deliver goods on time can lead some truck drivers to speed and adopt dangerous driving practices. Exceeding the speed limit greatly increases the risk of accidents, especially on California's busy highways and crowded city streets.

Distracted Driving

Everyday distractions—like using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting GPS devices—can take a truck driver's focus away from the road, raising the risk of an accident. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating effects when driving a vehicle as large and powerful as an 18-wheeler.

Improper Loading

Improperly loaded cargo can undermine a truck's stability, heightening the risk of rollovers, jackknife incidents, or cargo spills on the road. When cargo isn’t secured correctly, it can also cause debris to fall onto the roadway, posing dangers for other drivers.

Mechanical Failures

Neglecting proper maintenance or having existing mechanical issues in trucks can result in serious accidents. Problems such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions become especially hazardous at high speeds on California's busy highways.

Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Drivers

To meet high demand, trucking companies may employ drivers without sufficient experience or proper training, elevating the risk of accidents. Lack of experience can lead to poor decision-making and a reduced ability to handle difficult driving conditions.

By recognizing the common causes of 18-wheeler accidents, drivers can more effectively anticipate potential hazards on the road. The experienced team at The Wiseman/Hoffs in California is here to navigate the complexities of your case and assist you in securing the compensation you deserve.

What Leads to a Jackknife Incident in a Commercial Truck?

According to the FMCSA(Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), truck accidents happen at alarming rates. In the most recent reported year, there were 4,587 fatal truck crashes, resulting in 5,039 deaths across the USA, many of which involved jackknifed trucks. The main causes of these serious accidents include:

  • Unevenly Loaded Cargo: When cargo is unevenly distributed, it can cause the trailer to sway, leading to a jackknife scenario.
  • Excessive Speed: Traveling too fast, particularly around turns, can lead to loss of control and cause the truck to jackknife.
  • Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by texting or talking on the phone may not notice stopped traffic, leading to sudden braking and a loss of control.
  • Fatigue: The pressure to deliver loads promptly can cause driver fatigue, impairing decision-making and raising the risk of a jackknife.
  • Intoxication: The consumption of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, leading to dangerous errors that can cause jackknife accidents.
  • Brake Failure: Faulty brakes can prevent a truck from stopping when needed, forcing a driver to swerve and potentially resulting in a jackknife.
  • Inexperience: Due to the high demand for truck drivers, less experienced individuals may be operating commercial trucks, which can lead to poor judgment and an increased risk of jackknifing.

Types of Trucks and Their Associated Accident Risks

Trucks come in various categories, each with distinct characteristics that can lead to different types of accidents. Semi-trucks, commonly known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, are frequently involved in accidents due to their size and weight. These incidents can include jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out of control, and rollovers, especially on curves or with unbalanced loads. Delivery vehicles, such as box trucks and vans, are often seen in urban environments and can lead to rear-end collisions or sideswipes while maneuvering in tight spaces. Dump trucks and construction vehicles are at risk for rollovers or collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians due to their bulk and limited visibility. Tanker trucks, which transport liquids or gases, present hazards such as spills or explosions in the event of an accident, resulting in environmental threats and severe injuries. Additionally, tow trucks engaged in vehicle recovery can cause secondary accidents if not properly positioned or marked. Recognizing the types of trucks on the road and their associated accident risks is crucial for improving safety and reducing collisions.

Common Injuries from Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from the impact, spinal cord injuries that can result in paralysis or nerve damage, and fractures caused by the force of the collision. Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, are also common and can lead to chronic pain. Internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding, may occur, especially in high-impact situations. Burn injuries can result from fires or explosions, particularly when hazardous materials are involved. Survivors of truck accidents may also face challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly after a truck accident to address these injuries and initiate the healing process.

Personal Injury

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, prioritize safety and call emergency services. Gather essential information, including driver details, and take photos of the scene. Avoid discussing fault and seek medical care right away. It’s important to consult a truck accident attorney to protect your rights and navigate the legal process. Keep copies of all relevant documents for your case. If you need legal support, The Wiseman/Hoffs is here to help.

Who Can Be Held Liable ?

  • The truck driver: A driver who operates the vehicle negligently, exceeds speed limits, or commits serious errors may be held liable.
  • The trucking company: The company that owns the truck and employs the driver may be held accountable for failing to maintain the vehicle or adequately train the driver.
  • The truck manufacturer: If a mechanical failure occurs, the manufacturer may be held liable in a truck accident case.
  • The manufacturer of truck parts: If a critical part malfunctions, the manufacturer of that part could also be held accountable.

Settlement or Trial?

Often, cases are settled out of court; however, we never accept less than what our clients deserve. When insurance companies make low offers, which is common, we are ready to take action.

To understand how we engage with insurance companies, you can review some of our correspondence and case outcomes. While awaiting case resolution, we offer upfront financial support to assist clients during challenging times.

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How much is your case worth?

Each case is unique. When evaluating a claim, different types of damages may be pursued, including:

  • Economic damages: This category includes costs associated with medical treatment (both past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property repairs, medications, rehabilitation expenses, and other financial losses.
  • Non-economic damages: These damages account for the significant emotional and physical impact of injuries, including pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, loss of companionship, and other deeply personal effects.
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Potential compensation available in a Truck Accident claim

If you pursue a truck accident claim, you may be eligible for compensation for various types of damages. This can include medical expenses, lost income due to work absences, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of companionship, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Having experienced attorneys like The Wiseman/Hoffs can be crucial in navigating this process.

You are not alone. The Wiseman/Hoffs are here to assist you

Experiencing a serious injury can be daunting. Our team at The Wiseman/Hoffs, specializing in semi truck accidents in California, has the expertise to help you through this difficult time. If you’re looking for outstanding results, you need a dedicated attorney. We are committed to obtaining fair and comprehensive compensation for you.

Unlike many lawyers who may pressure clients to accept low offers from insurance companies, we prioritize genuine care and recovery. We connect you with a network of qualified medical professionals, ensuring you receive the best possible care—just as we would for our own families.

Complimentary case evaluation

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident, we provide a free consultation to discuss the incident. We want to hear your perspective. If an insurance company has approached you with a settlement, we encourage you to have it reviewed, as they often offer inadequate amounts, especially to vulnerable communities like the Hispanic community.

We hold deep respect for this community and aim to combat the unfair practices of insurance companies. Our representation is based on a contingency fee model, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless we achieve a successful outcome. Contact us today to connect with a law firm renowned for its successful results and genuine care for clients.

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Contact 855-494-7362