Modesto Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Crash with a Commercial Truck? We Can Help

Accidents involving commercial vehicles can be especially serious, often leaving drivers and passengers with severe and life-changing injuries. In Modesto, these crashes typically involve semi-trucks, delivery vans (like Amazon or FedEx), utility trucks, garbage trucks, or even construction vehicles. Because these vehicles are large, heavy, and often governed by complex regulations, injury claims are rarely simple.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a collision with a commercial truck, know that you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Let our experienced Modesto commercial vehicle accident lawyers review your case and build a winning legal strategy that will get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

 

Modesto Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

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Why a Lawyer is Crucial After Getting Hurt in a Commercial Vehicle Accident

When you get into a crash with a commercial vehicle, you’re not just dealing with a regular driver. You’re also up against a company with its own legal team, insurance adjusters, and often, aggressive defense tactics. Without a lawyer on your side, it’s easy to get taken advantage of or pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.

An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer knows how to investigate the crash, negotiate with insurance companies, and hold all potentially liable parties accountable.

Beyond building a strong case, a lawyer can also handle the overwhelming details while you focus on healing. That means dealing with the paperwork and making sure deadlines are met.

Most importantly, your attorney will fight to get you compensated not just for medical bills or lost wages, but also for the emotional toll the accident has taken on your life.

How Our Modesto Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Can Strengthen Your Case

Getting fair compensation after a crash with a commercial vehicle isn’t always straightforward, especially when big companies and their insurers work hard to protect their own interests only. Our Modesto commercial vehicle accident attorneys know how to level the playing field. Here are just some of the things we do to help strengthen your claim:

  • Investigate the details of the accident thoroughly, including driver logs and black box data
  • Identify all liable parties, from the driver to the trucking company
  • Calculate the value of the compensatory damages that reflect the full extent of your injuries
  • Handle negotiations with insurance adjusters and corporate defense teams
  • Take your case to trial if needed
  • Make sure important deadlines are met and documents are filed correctly
  • Keep you informed every step of the way, so you know exactly what’s happening in your case at any given point

If you’ve been hurt in a commercial truck accident in or around Modesto, let’s talk about your options. Schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW with our team and learn how else we can help.

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(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

We know that behind every claim is a person trying to get their life back, and we’re here to take that pressure off your shoulders. We’ve seen firsthand how devastating commercial vehicle crashes can be. That’s why we fight to hold drivers, employers, and insurers fully accountable for your pain and injuries. When a large vehicle causes harm, we believe the response should be just as strong, so we make sure our clients get the maximum compensation possible.

Common Types of Injuries

When a commercial truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the injuries are often severe and life-altering. These accidents involve significant force, and unfortunately, it’s usually the passengers in the smaller vehicle who suffer the worst of it. At Thompson Law, we’ve helped clients facing a wide range of serious injuries after commercial vehicle crashes, including:

If you or a loved one is dealing with any of these injuries after an accident, it’s critical to get legal guidance early. Our Modesto commercial vehicle accident lawyers are fully prepared to handle your case for you.

At Thompson Law

We provide commercial vehicle accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Modesto commercial vehicle injury lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Recovering Damages After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Modesto

After getting injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Modesto, you have the right to seek compensatory damages, which is financial compensation that covers both economic and non-economic losses resulting from the crash. You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Property damage for any personal belongings or your vehicle damaged in the crash
  • Pain and suffering damages for the emotional anguish resulting from the accident
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
  • Wrongful death expenses if you lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident

Because collisions involving delivery vans, semi-trucks, or company-owned vehicles often lead to significant injuries and financial strain, it’s important to pursue a claim that reflects the full extent of your damages. Our Modesto commercial vehicle accident lawyers can help with that. Schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW with our team to learn the value of your claim.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim After a Truck Crash?

Not every commercial vehicle crash automatically leads to a valid legal claim. But if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to file.

To determine if you have a case, we look at whether the commercial driver or trucking company violated safety regulations, drove recklessly, or failed in their duty of care. Evidence like police reports, dash cam footage, witness statements, and black box data can help support your claim.

Even if you’re unsure who was at fault for the crash, it’s worth speaking with an attorney. Commercial vehicle cases often involve large insurance companies and multiple parties, so having a legal team review the situation early on can make a huge difference.

Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are More Complex

Commercial vehicle crashes often involve far more complexity than regular car accidents. That’s because they usually include multiple parties, like the driver, the trucking company, maintenance crews, and even vehicle manufacturers, who might share responsibility. These cases also involve stricter federal and state regulations over driver hours. Correctly proving fault means uncovering whether those rules were broken and how that contributed to the crash.

On top of that, commercial trucking companies have aggressive insurance teams and legal departments working to minimize payouts. They may move quickly to pressure you into settling early and for a price lower than what you deserve.

That’s why having an experienced attorney is so important after being involved in a commercial vehicle accident. Our legal experts at Thompson Law know how to uncover violations and fight back against tactics designed to weaken your case.

What Modesto Law Says About Commercial Vehicles on the Road

Modesto has specific laws regarding commercial vehicles operating within city limits. According to Modesto Code of Ordinances § 3-2.106.1, a commercial vehicle is generally defined as one with more than three wheels, over 22 feet in length, used to transport goods, and often marked with a business name.

Let’s examine the local laws that regulate the operation of large trucks and business vehicles. These laws can be important in determining liability after an accident.

Regulated Driving Hours for Trucks

Federal regulations set strict limits on the length of time commercial drivers can be behind the wheel to reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truckers can drive up to 11 hours during a 14-hour workday, but those remaining hours must be reserved for rest. Once the 14-hour window ends, the driver is required to take at least 10 hours off before driving again.

There are also weekly limits to prevent overwork. If a trucking company operates every day, drivers can only be on duty for 70 hours in any eight-day stretch before stopping for 34 consecutive hours. For companies that operate fewer than seven days a week, the cap is 60 hours over seven days.

No Parking in Residential Areas

According to Modesto Code of Ordinances § 3-2.1006, no large commercial vehicle can park on residential streets unless it’s for a specific, short-term purpose, such as delivering goods or servicing a permitted building project. This law helps reduce heavy traffic in neighborhoods and may factor into legal responsibility if an accident happens in residential areas.

Use of Highways in Unincorporated Areas

Under Stanislaus County Code of Ordinances § 11.16.030, commercial vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds are not allowed to use county highways that run through unincorporated residential subdivisions. These restrictions protect local roads and residents from the dangers and wear caused by heavy trucks.

The county provides designated alternate routes, like Hatch Road, Industrial Way, Latimer Avenue, and Morgan Road. These roads are better suited for the size and weight of large commercial vehicles.

Claims Process After a Commercial Truck Accident

After a commercial truck accident, the claims process can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to heal from your physical injuries. At Thompson Law, we walk you through every step so you don’t have to face the insurance companies or legal system alone. Here’s what the typical process looks like:

  1. Medical treatment and documentation:  Get medical attention immediately and keep records of every visit, diagnosis, and bill. This creates a strong foundation for your claim.
  2. Investigation and evidence gathering:  Our lawyers will launch an in-depth investigation to secure evidence like crash reports, driver logs, black box data, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
  3. Filing the claim:  We file a claim with the appropriate insurance companies and notify all potentially liable parties.
  4. Negotiation with insurers:  Insurance companies often try to settle for less than you deserve. We push back with detailed evidence to fight for the full value of your damages.

Settlement or litigation: Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but if a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

Determining Liability in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Modesto

Pinpointing liability in a commercial vehicle accident is never straightforward. Unlike standard car crashes, these cases often involve multiple parties. At Thompson Law, we dig deep into the details to uncover who is truly at fault for your pain.

Depending on the facts, liability could fall on the commercial driver, the company that owns or operates the vehicle, a third-party maintenance crew, a manufacturer, or even a cargo loader.

For example, if a trucker was fatigued or distracted, the driver and their employer might both be liable. If a mechanical failure caused the crash, the parts manufacturer or maintenance provider could be to blame.

How Long Do You Have to File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury Claim?

In most commercial vehicle accident cases in Modesto, you have two years to file a claim. But there are exceptions that can shorten this window, like if a government vehicle was involved. In that case, the statute of limitations is shortened to just six months.

Missing these deadlines means losing your right to recover damages, even if you have proof of serious injuries. At Thompson Law, we make sure our clients don’t miss critical deadlines that could affect their case.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Modesto

In Modesto, commercial vehicle accidents often trace back to specific, preventable failures. These crashes are usually caused by someone’s decision to ignore rules, skip maintenance, or rush a delivery. Some of the most common causes we’ve seen include:

  • Driver fatigue due to violations of regulated driving hours
  • Blatantly ignoring traffic signals
  • Distracted or impaired driving behind the wheel
  • Poorly maintained trucks, leading to faulty brakes and tires
  • Unqualified or improperly trained commercial drivers
  • Speeding, especially on local roads not built for heavy vehicles
  • Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
  • Unsafe lane changes or failure to check blind spots
  • Employer pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
  • Poor road conditions, especially in bad weather

Hospitals in Modesto That Can Treat Road Accident Victims

The moments after a crash with a commercial vehicle can be overwhelming, but knowing where to go for medical help can make all the difference. Modesto has a range of trusted hospitals that can provide the right support when you need it most. Here are local facilities equipped to handle everything from critical injuries to ongoing recovery:

  • Doctors Medical Center (1441 Florida Ave):  A designated Level II Trauma Center, this facility provides advanced care for serious injuries, including trauma, stroke, cardiac events, and neonatal emergencies.
  • Memorial Medical Center (1700 Coffee Rd):  This full-service hospital offers 24/7 emergency services along with surgical, pediatric, and intensive care for accident victims..
  • Kaiser Permanente Modesto Medical Center (4601 Dale Rd):  Offers emergency care and follow-up services for members, including imaging and specialist referrals.
  • Central Valley Specialty Hospital (730 17th St):  Focuses on long-term acute care for patients recovering from severe injuries who need extended hospitalization and support.
  • Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital (1303 Mable Ave):  Specializes in inpatient rehabilitation and also occupational therapy for those healing from catastrophic injuries.
  • Pelandale Specialty Care Center (3525 Pelandale Ave):  Provides pediatric specialty care for children injured in accidents, including access to child-focused therapies and follow-up care.

How the Modesto Police Can Help After a Commercial Truck Accident

After a commercial truck accident in Modesto, the police play a critical role in documenting the scene and creating a formal accident report that can support your claim. This official documentation is very important because it provides an objective account of the crash, which can help clarify liability and support your insurance or legal claim.

If you’ve been involved in a crash, contacting the Modesto Police Department ensures that the incident is properly investigated and recorded, which can be vital to your case. Here’s how to reach them:

  • 600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
  • Phone:  209-572-9500
  • Non-emergency Dispatch:  209-552-2470

Take the First Step to Justice by Calling Thompson Law Today

A road collision with a commercial vehicle leaves a lasting disruption in your life, especially when you sustain serious injuries from it. At Thompson Law, we understand the weight of what you’re carrying, and we’re here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Our attorneys hold trucking companies and drivers accountable, and we’ll stop at nothing to get you the compensation you deserve to help you truly move forward.

If you’re wondering whether you have a solid case, don’t wait in the dark. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with our Modesto commercial vehicle accident lawyers to start your recovery journey today.

 

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FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Modesto

How can I prove that the commercial truck driver was at fault?

To prove that someone was at fault in a commercial vehicle accident, you and your lawyer must gather multiple forms of strong evidence. This could include the police report, dash cam or traffic footage, black box data from the truck, witness statements, and more. A lawyer can also help investigate whether the trucking company followed safety regulations and if the driver was properly trained and well-rested during the time of the crash.

I’m partially responsible for the accident. Do I still have a case?

Yes, you might. California follows a comparative fault rule, which means if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you’re found to be 25% responsible, you could still recover 75% of the damages. Our lawyers ensure fault in your case is fairly evaluated so that you don’t get blamed for more than you should.

When should I call a commercial vehicle accident lawyer?

It’s always best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Commercial vehicle companies and their insurers often begin building their defense immediately, so you should jump into legal action right away, too. Getting legal help early gives your lawyer time to investigate, protect your rights, and communicate with insurers on your behalf.

Will my commercial vehicle accident case go to trial?

Most commercial vehicle accident cases settle out of court, but it depends on the specifics of your case. If the trucking company or its insurance provider refuses to offer a fair settlement, we may recommend taking the case to trial to fight for what you deserve. Our attorneys are experienced in both negotiation and litigation, giving you strong protection either way.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.