At Nunes Law, our personal injury lawyer in Fresno represents clients throughout California whose lives have been changed during collisions with Semi-Trucks.
We understand that when our clients are injured in a crash with a large truck, their injuries and overall recovery needs are often more involved than those that occur during passenger vehicle collisions.
Our goal is to help each of our clients recognize the differences in pursuing a truck accident with injuries claim, so we can identify each of the responsible parties and pursue a fair financial recovery settlement for their complete damages.
Here is what our California residents need to know about Semi-Truck accidents.
THE SIZE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN SEMI-TRUCKS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES IS JUST THE START
The most obvious difference between Semi-Trucks or other large commercial vehicles and a passenger car, pickup truck, or SUV is their size.
Semi-Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds at full capacity.
On average, passenger vehicles weigh approximately 2,800 pounds and are much smaller in physical size making a collision between an 18-wheeler and a sedan potentially catastrophic.
CALIFORNIA SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENTS ARE OFTEN CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE
While Semi-Trucks and passenger vehicles are vastly different in size and stature, they do share some similarities when it comes to how traffic collisions occur.
Just as negligent drivers get behind the wheel of passenger vehicles, truck drivers can also negligently operate these much larger vehicles, which can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Common forms of truck driver negligence that can lead to crashes with injuries include:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to allow enough room to stop
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Speeding
Conversely, additional causes of truck accidents that are unique to Semi-Trucks may include:
- Defective truck parts and components
- Hours of service violations
- Improper maintenance and inadequate inspections
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Lack of training and safety programs for drivers
Because of these unique differences, there may be multiple parties that can be held liable for the crash, injuries, or fatalities.
WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR A SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENT IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA?
Semi-Truck collisions are complex and require a skilled truck accident attorney to investigate the crash, the negligence that caused the accident, and the parties that contributed to it happening.
That may include the truck driver, trucking company, or another third party like the cargo loader, the truck’s manufacturer, or maintenance crew.
When a combination of parties can be found liable for the collision, they are also equally responsible for the complete damages that result. Our experienced Fresno truck accident attorney will pursue each negligent party’s insurance coverage for the complete damages each of our clients suffer.
CONTACT OUR PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY FRESNO AT THE Nunes Law M. NUNES
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in California, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys in Fresno at Nunes Law today by calling (559) 702-5124 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options to hold the negligent driver accountable for your complete financial recovery.