Oakland Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Injured By A Commercial Vehicle in Oakland?

Thousands of delivery trucks, company vans, and commercial vehicles in general traverse through Oakland’s roads every single day. And while they are undeniably an integral part of building the city’s economy, they are also the culprit of many collisions on the road. And when a massive vehicle collides with cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, the results are devastating and can even sometimes lead to a wrongful death.

The victims of commercial vehicle accidents in Oakland don’t just face physical injuries and emotional trauma. They also have to navigate an unfamiliar world of insurance, traffic laws, and dealing with the company that owns the vehicle. Without someone to advocate for their rights, these victims might be pressured to accept a settlement way lower than they deserve.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in Oakland, it’s best to seek legal counsel to help you understand the complexities of traffic laws and obtain just compensation. Our Oakland commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help bring negligent companies and van drivers to justice and demand fair compensation for the trauma you’ve been through. Get the support you need and book a FREE CONSULTATION today.

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How Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Can Help

Our commercial vehicle accident attorneys in Oakland have an excellent track record in dealing with accidents involving any type of commercial vehicle, whether an 18-wheeler, a company shuttle, or even a regular delivery van. We are familiar with the ins and outs of the city’s traffic laws surrounding commercial vehicles, allowing us to build the strongest case for you.

Here are just some of the ways we can help you recover after a commercial vehicle accident and get the justice you seek:

  • Gathering evidence:  After you make a call, we’ll be right on the scene to help you collect all the data you might need to serve as evidence later. This includes helping you obtain police reports, CCTV footage, and documenting the road accident through photos and videos. We can also assist in securing black box data on your behalf.
  • Proving negligence:  We use our knowledge of Oakland’s traffic laws to prove that the driver (or any other responsible party) was at fault for the accident.
  • Negotiating for a settlement:  If the accused wishes to settle, we can represent you and negotiate to ensure you get the highest amount possible. That way, you can get a fair settlement covering your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
  • Representation in court:  Should your commercial vehicle accident case go to trial, our Oakland commercial vehicle accident lawyers are ready to represent you and advocate for your rights.

We evaluate your case at no charge, so you don’t have to worry about finances as you navigate your way after an accident. You only pay us if we win your case for you. Allow us to help you hold negligent commercial vehicle drivers accountable and get the compensation you deserve. Book a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

Laws Explained by Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Oakland

Our lawyers use local laws and ordinances in Oakland to determine what a commercial truck or delivery van driver has done to be negligent on the road. Here are just some of the laws and regulations we keep in mind as we build your case:

Prohibited Streets and Routes

In Oakland, vehicles over 20 feet tall are only allowed to follow specific routes. There are also designated roads for them to go on. These include commercial trucks weighing more than 4.5 tons are also prohibited to drive along certain streets in the city. These commercial vehicles are only allowed on said streets if loading or unloading actively.

Commercial Vehicle Parking Rules

A city-wide rule also prohibits heavy-duty trucks from parking in residential areas, and that includes many commercial vehicles with large cargo. The exception is in West Oakland, where some areas have posted signs that say whether a truck is allowed to park there. The same rules apply to unattached trailers as well.

Commercial Vehicle Idling Rules

Idling vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution. That’s why in California, commercial trucks and delivery vans weighing 10,000 lbs. and above are only allowed to idle for five minutes in most areas. These include within 100 feet of homes, schools, hospitals, and senior care facilities. These drivers can be fined up to $1,000 if they’re found idling for over five minutes near these places.

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Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Oakland personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

How Valuable is My Commercial Vehicle Accident Case?

Our dedicated commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Oakland will study your case and fight tooth and nail to get you the compensatory damages you need to recover comfortably. Here are some of the economic and non-economic damages we can help you recover should we successfully prove negligence on the part of the commercial vehicle:

  • Medical expenses:  Costs to shoulder medical treatments, hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, urgent care at the scene of the accident, and other expenses for physical healing.
  • Lost wages and future earnings:  If you or your loved one can no longer work because of the devastating results of the commercial vehicle accident, we can help you seek damages for your diminished earning capacity.
  • Emotional distress:  We can also obtain damages for the pain and suffering you’ve been put through after the accident.
  • Property damage If your personal vehicle or any other property of yours were damaged during the accident, we can help you recover payment for it as well.
  • Wrongful death damages:  If your loved one passed away after a commercial vehicle accident, we can file damages to cover funeral bills and loss of companionship for you and their other surviving dependents.
  • Punitive damages California law dictates that you can seek out punitive damages only if the driver engaged in malice or fraud.

Our lawyers can also help you deal with stress-inducing insurance companies that try to settle for less. We’ll keep your rights in mind and negotiate aggressively to make sure you get maximum compensation and get the financial support you deserve.

Frequent Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Oakland

There are plenty of types of commercial vehicle accidents that happen every day in California, from rear-end crashes to blind spot accidents. But the causes of these accidents are pretty much the same. Here are the most common causes of a collision involving commercial vehicles:

  • Speeding:  Company drivers usually operate under unrealistic time requirements by their employers. Because of that, they’ll go above the speed limit on the roads. Unfortunately, going this fast can lead to road accidents.
  • Distracted driving: Some drivers are on their phones or do not look at the road while driving, which can lead to a crash.
  • Failing to yield:  If a driver fails to make way for pedestrians or other vehicles, someone may get hurt.
  • Driver fatigue:  When a company driver is too tired to concentrate on the road.
  • Driver impairment:  If a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, an accident can occur.
  • Poorly maintained vehicles:  If a commercial vehicle is due for maintenance, some of its parts, like its brakes or signal lights, might not be working properly, which can lead to an unforeseen accident.
  • Carrying overweight cargo:  When a commercial vehicle carries cargo above its weight limit, it may be difficult for the driver to steer it in the right direction, making it more prone to rollover accidents.

At Thompson Law

We provide injury accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Oakland personal 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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What To Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Oakland

Anyone involved in a commercial vehicle or delivery van accident will naturally be shaken. But it’s important to think fast and jump into action as soon as you’re in the right headspace to protect your physical well-being and legal rights. Here’s what you should do after you find yourself in a commercial vehicle accident:

  1. Check for injuries:  Do a quick self-check and examine every part of your body to see if you’ve been injured in the crash. If you’re with other passengers, make sure they’re okay, too. Call for medical attention straight away if anyone is hurt.
  2. Call the police:  Dial 911 to contact the Oakland Police Department to report the accident and so that the right authorities are on the scene. This gives you a chance to file a police report and keep a copy of it, too.
  3. Document everything:  Take as many photos and videos as you can of the scene of the accident, including the damage to your vehicle and the commercial vehicle, road conditions, street signs that can prove the driver was negligent, and more.
  4. Gather witness information:  Speak to any witnesses and ask for their contact information. If they’re willing to provide a statement about the accident, obtain it from them as well.
  5. Get in touch with a lawyer:  Call a commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Oakland as soon as you can. Your legal counsel can guide you in gathering evidence and filing your lawsuit if you wish to sue. With an attorney on your side, you don’t have to navigate taking legal action alone.

Local Hospitals in Oakland

The most important thing to do right after a commercial vehicle accident is to get medical attention for every party injured at the scene. This is extremely important because some injuries, especially those that involve internal bleeding, will have no symptoms at first but can quickly put you in critical condition.

Seek medical attention right away following a commercial vehicle accident at the hospital nearest you. Here are some hospitals in Oakland to consider:

  • Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
  • Children’s Hospital Oakland
  • Highland Hospital (Oakland, California)
  • Kaiser Oakland Medical Center

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuits in Oakland?

The statute of limitations for commercial vehicle accident cases is two years after the road accident. If you don’t file your lawsuit within that time frame, you could lose your right to obtain compensation from it, even if the other party is clearly at fault.

We highly recommend filing your case as soon as you can. That way, you still have time to gather all the right reports and documents to serve as court evidence.

Contact Our Oakland Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Today

Dealing with legal matters after a commercial vehicle accident can be anxiety-inducing and overwhelming. But you don’t have to feel lost. Having an experienced Oakland commercial vehicle accident lawyer can quickly lift that weight off your shoulders. That way, you can focus on healing and recovering while we fight for your rights and bring those responsible for your pain to justice.

At Thompson Law, we tirelessly advocate for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you need to recover properly after a commercial vehicle accident. Whether you got involved with a big corporation’s 18-wheeler or an everyday delivery van, we’re here to help out. Take action today and book a FREE CONSULTATION with our team.

FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Oakland

Who is usually at fault in a commercial vehicle accident?

Anyone can be at fault after a commercial vehicle accident. However, in many cases, it’s the company driver who is proven negligent. After all, driving a massive vehicle means you have to exercise a higher duty of care. Things like driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and distracting driving can cause these company drivers to breach that duty.

How much are most commercial vehicle accident settlements in Oakland?

Commercial vehicle accident settlements in California can typically go upwards of $100,000, depending on each unique case. When the damages are more extensive or when there are debilitating injuries involved, the settlement amount rises. For cases that lead to a wrongful death, the number can even go to the millions.

Can I sue if a family member died in a commercial vehicle accident in Oakland?

Yes, you can. In California, spouses, children, and other surviving dependents of the deceased can file a wrongful death or commercial vehicle accident case on behalf of the victim. They also become the heirs to any compensatory damages awarded.

What should I do if the company contests my claim?

If the company that owns the commercial vehicle contests your claims or denies negligence, bring out as much evidence as you can. That’s why it’s crucial to take photos and videos at the scene of the accident if you can. It’s also smart to gather police reports, witness statements, CCTV footage, and other forms of evidence to strengthen your case later on.

How long does a car accident settlement take in California?

It varies according to how complicated your case is. Simple cases take just a few months to resolve or reach a settlement. Meanwhile, more complex accidents, especially those leading to a wrongful death, can take a year or longer.

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.