Sacramento Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle in Sacramento?

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, whether it’s transporting goods, passengers, or equipment. These vehicles are typically larger than personal cars, require special licensing, and are regulated by agencies like the Sacramento Department of Transportation (SacDOT).

Common types of commercial vehicles include:

• Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and freight trucks
• Delivery vans and box trucks (e.g., Amazon, UPS, FedEx)
• Public and private buses, including school buses
• Rideshares, taxis, and limousines
• Utility trucks, tow trucks, and service vehicles
• Cement mixers, dump trucks, and other construction vehicles
• Emergency response vehicles like ambulances
• Food trucks and mobile kitchens
• Company-owned fleet vehicles

Drivers typically need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and must follow strict federal and state regulations. These vehicles are covered under commercial insurance policies, which have different legal implications if an accident occurs.

If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Sacramento, our attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance system. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Common Commercial Vehicle Accidents Injuries in Sacramento

Commercial vehicle accidents, especially the ones involving semi-trucks and 18-wheelers usually result in intense injuries because of their weight and size. The victims could face costly medical expenses, loss of income, and prolonged recovery periods. The common injuries that our Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyers often encounter are the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries,
• Fractured bones, particularly in the legs from the impact or arms when bracing for impact
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis injuries
• Internal injuries, specifically organ damage
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Major scarring, which usually requires surgical revision by plastic surgeons
• Joint injuries
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

If you or someone you love was injured in a collision that involved a commercial vehicle, contact Thompson Law for a FREE CASE REVIEW to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Sacramento Commercial Vehicle Accident Statistics

As mentioned earlier, commercial vehicle accidents take up about 6% of Sacramento’s total injuries and fatalities back in 2020. More specifically, there were 27 fatalities recorded and 97 injuries in that year.

Commercial vehicle crashes are usually involved with different vehicles like tractor-trailers, buses, and delivery trucks. Sacramento County is a hotspot for these incidents because of high traffic volumes and a lot of commercial happenings. If you’re looking for more information about large truck and bus safety and statistics, check out FMCSA’s website.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections in Sacramento

Sacramento County has a handful of intersections known for high accident rates. Here are some of the most hazardous:

• Arena Boulevard & Truxel Road:  Considered as the most accident-prone intersection in Sacramento.
• Meadowview Road & 24th Street:  Heavy traffic and poor road conditions make this a frequent crash site.
• Franklin Boulevard & Fruitridge Road:  A hotspot for rear-end and T-bone collisions.
• Cosumnes River Boulevard & Bruceville Road:  Known for congestion and frequent accidents.
• Stockton Boulevard & Fruitridge Road:  Speeding and reckless driving contribute to frequent crashes.

Highways like Interstate 5, Highway 99, and the Capital City Freeway (Business 80) are also known to have high accident rates because of fast-moving traffic and complicated interchanges.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Sacramento

Being part of a commercial vehicle accident is stressful, especially as the victim. Here’s what our Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyers advise you to do:

Immediate Steps

• Head to a safer location if possible.
• Call 911 to report the accident and ask for medical assistance.
• Stay at the scene until authorities arrive.

Gather Evidence

• Take photos of the vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene.
• Ask for contact details from witnesses and involved parties.
• Note the commercial vehicle’s company name and identifying features.

Seek Medical Care

• Let paramedics assess you, even if you feel fine
• Visit a hospital or clinic for a comprehensive evaluation. Here’s a list of medical centers in Sacramento that provide emergency care:
  • UC Davis Medical Center
  • Sutter Medical Center
  • Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center
  • Mercy General Hospital
  • Sacramento VA Medical Center
• Follow the prescribed treatment plans.

Report the Incident

• File a police report.
• Let your insurance company know immediately.
• Expect contact from the commercial vehicle’s insurer.

Preserve Evidence

• Keep all medical records, bills, and related receipts.
• Document any accident-related expenses.
• Don’t undergo vehicle repairs until after official inspections.

Seek Legal Advice

• Consult a Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyer.
• Do not sign documents or make statements without legal counsel.
• Accept that determining liability can be complicated.

Next Steps

• Work with investigations by insurance companies and law enforcement.
• Attend all medical appointments and necessary therapies.
• Be prepared to negotiate with insurance adjusters familiar with Sacramento laws.

Possible Outcomes

• You might receive a settlement offer from the insurance company.
• If no fair agreement is agreed upon, your case could proceed to court.
• Financial and recovery outcomes will depend on how severe the accident is.

If you’re looking for proper legal guidance, contact Thompson Law’s team of Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyers to help get you started on your case.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Sacramento

Commercial vehicle accidents in Sacramento happen for a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes can help promote safer driving and raise awareness about potential dangers on the road. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver Fatigue:  Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, reducing reaction times and decision-making abilities.
• Distracted Driving:  Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting controls divert attention from the road, increasing accident risks.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving:  To meet tight schedules, some drivers may exceed speed limits or drive aggressively, compromising safety.
• Improper Vehicle Maintenance:  Neglecting regular inspections can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
• Driving Under the Influence:  Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment and reaction times, leading to severe accidents.
• Poor Cargo Loading:  Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable.
• Adverse Weather Conditions:  Fog, heavy rain, and high winds can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing accident risks.
• Inadequate Training:  Drivers lacking proper training may not handle complex driving situations effectively, leading to accidents.
• Aggressive Driving by Other Motorists:  Unsafe maneuvers by passenger vehicles around trucks can contribute to collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions:  Potholes, construction zones, and debris can pose significant hazards, especially for larger vehicles.
• Lane Merge Errors:  Incorrect merging, often due to blind spots, can cause sideswipe collisions or force vehicles off the road.

Mechanical Causes of Collisions in Sacramento

Other than the driver, several other parties may share responsibility for a commercial vehicle accident. In Sacramento, vehicle manufacturers, owners, and operators all have legal duties to ensure the safety of their vehicles. When they fail to meet these responsibilities, accidents can happen. Here are some examples:

• Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, faulty airbags, or seat belt issues can directly cause or worsen a crash.
• Manufacturer negligence may be involved if the company failed to conduct proper safety testing, ignored known defects, or delayed issuing recalls.
• Owner or operator negligence can arise when regular maintenance is skipped or when vehicles don’t meet Sacramento’s required inspection standards.

When consulting with a Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyer, it’s important to be open with them and share details about the accident. Thompson Law can investigate whether any mechanical issues, manufacturing defects, or maintenance failures caused your crash and help hold the responsible parties liable for their actions.

Environmental Causes of Collisions in Sacramento

Whether natural or man-made, environmental factors typically play a role in creating conditions that lead to accidents. These factors affect the environment where the collision occurs and can influence liability in specific circumstances.

• Construction Hazards:  Poorly maintained roads, unsafe construction zones, or faulty infrastructure can contribute to accidents. In Sacramento, if a government agency or contractor fails to maintain safe roads or properly mark construction zones, they may be held accountable for crashes caused by these hazards.
• Weather Conditions:  Weather conditions like heavy rain and fog make driving more difficult. While no one can control the weather, drivers are expected to adjust their speed and behavior to stay safe. If a driver ignores reduced visibility in fog or speeds on wet roads, they can be found responsible for an accident.

Environmental factors are typically complex, so it’s best to discuss the details of your case with a Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyer who understands local laws and regulations. Thompson Law can help determine how these elements may have contributed to your accident.

How Commercial Vehicle Accidents Differ from Typical Car Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents are not your usual car accidents. That’s because commercial drivers and businesses have to follow stricter regulations, carry higher insurance coverage, and deal with unique risks that can lead to serious injuries.

Regulations

Commercial drivers in Sacramento have to follow stricter rules than regular drivers. Most need to acquire a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which comes in different classes (A, B, or C) depending on the type of vehicle they drive. Some drivers, like those working for Uber or Lyft, may also need special local permits.

Traffic violations carry harsher penalties for commercial drivers. A speeding ticket, for example, can result in 1.5 times the number of points compared to a regular driver, which can lead to faster license suspensions.

Collision Types

Commercial vehicle accidents can involve different collision types because of the size, weight, and handling characteristics of these vehicles. Jackknife accidents involving trailers, rollover crashes of tall or top-heavy vehicles, and high-impact collisions are some of the common types of collisions. Taxis and rideshare vehicles are more prone to risk because passengers may sometimes ride without using seat belts, and unsecured items can become dangerous projectiles in a crash.

Injuries

Because of the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, injuries from these crashes tend to be more severe. Victims may suffer from long-term medical issues, requiring ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. This makes it even more important to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Filing claims against commercial insurance policies can be tricky, which is why having an experienced Sacramento commercial vehicle accident attorney makes a big difference. Thompson Law makes sure that your accident is thoroughly investigated, liability is accurately assigned, and your case is ready for maximum compensation.

Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s discuss more about your case.

Insurance Requirements for Commercial Vehicles in Sacramento

Sacramento follows California’s strict insurance requirements for all vehicles, including commercial ones. These vehicles must have proof of financial responsibility, and their insurance policies must cover much higher amounts than those required for regular cars.

Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

The minimum liability insurance for commercial vehicles in Sacramento is typically higher compared to private passenger vehicles, reflecting the increased risk and potential for significant damage or injury. For private passenger vehicles, the required coverage is:

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person.
• $60,000 for injury or death to multiple people.
• $15,000 for property damage.

Commercial vehicles usually follow a requirement of much higher coverage limits. For example, a minimum of $500,000 is nothing out of the ordinary, and this amount can add up significantly if the vehicle carries hazardous materials or valuable cargo.

Acceptable Forms of Insurance

Commercial vehicle operators in Sacramento can fulfill financial responsibility requirements with the following:

• A $75,000 cash deposit with the DMV.
• A surety bond for $75,000 issued by a licensed Sacramento company.
• A self-insurance certificate issued by the DMV.

Electronic Reporting and Proof

Insurance companies in Sacramento have to electronically report coverage information to the DMV for both private-use and commercial vehicles. This requirement is needed for compliance and efficient monitoring. Operators have to always carry the proof of insurance and show it during interactions with law enforcement, vehicle registration renewals, or after a collision.

Not being able to maintain valid insurance or submit proof can result in suspension of vehicle registration, prohibiting the operation or parking of the vehicle on public roads. It’s important for commercial vehicle owners and operators to understand these requirements in order to steer clear of penalties and make sure they’re compliant with Sacramento law.

Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers are Here to Help

Recovering from a commercial vehicle accident can be overwhelming. Many victims struggle with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. Some recover over time, but others face lifelong challenges. Beyond the physical pain, the financial and emotional stress can be devastating.

That’s why having a skilled legal team on your side matters. At Thompson Law, we stand up to powerful insurance companies and fight for the maximum compensation our clients are entitled to. Our Sacramento commercial vehicle accident attorneys have a strong track record of securing favorable outcomes for accident victims. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Sacramento Commercial Vehicle Accidents

What qualifies as a commercial vehicle in Sacramento?

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business, especially those that transport goods or passengers for profit. These are semi-trucks, delivery vans, buses, taxis, and Uber or Lyft cars.

Who can be held liable in a commercial vehicle accident?

The driver is usually the one liable, but responsibility can also extend to:

• The company that owns or operates the vehicle
• A third-party maintenance provider if bad repairs contributed to the crash
• The manufacturer if a vehicle defect played a role in the accident

What should I do if the commercial vehicle’s insurance company contacts me?

Don’t give a detailed statement or sign any papers before you consult with a lawyer. Insurance companies have a goal of paying as little as possible, and they may try to use your words against you. A good Sacramento commercial vehicle accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you get fair compensation.

How does Sacramento law impact commercial vehicle accident claims?

Sacramento follows California’s insurance and liability laws, which require commercial drivers to carry higher insurance limits. Accident claims depend on proving negligence, and commercial policies are more complicated than regular car insurance.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a claim after a commercial vehicle accident in Sacramento?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If a government vehicle, like a city bus, was involved, you may have only six months to take legal action. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible ensures you don’t miss any deadlines.

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