Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers

How to Choose a Qualified Truck Accident Lawyer in Sacramento

The best truck accident lawyer in Sacramento will help you protect your rights and win fair compensation. Make sure you consider these factors below:

Experience Handling Truck Accidents

Look for attorneys who have already handled a number of truck accident cases. Since they’re experienced, they’re familiar with the ins and outs of these specific situations.

Knowledge of Trucking Laws

Your attorney should thoroughly understand trucking regulations and how they apply to your situation since this is the key to building a strong claim.

Access to Resources

Truck accidents need to be investigated thoroughly. Your lawyer should know to work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals who add value to your case.

Clear and Open Communication

What good would a lawyer be if they had all the experience but couldn’t communicate clearly? They should keep you informed, make sure your concerns are heard, and answer any questions you have during the entire process.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

Take us for example, the experiences of our past clients can tell you a lot about how an attorney works and what to expect.

The right Sacramento truck accident attorney becomes your advocate during this tough time. Besides understanding the roads, they should also fight well to get you the compensation you need.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Sacramento?

Taking smart steps after a truck accident in Sacramento helps protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you need to do, according to our Sacramento truck accident lawyers:

• Visit a doctor right away:  Some injuries hide their symptoms at first, only to appear days later when they’ve become more serious.
• Call 911:  Report the accident to the Sacramento Police Department and ask for emergency help if anyone is hurt.
• Grab your phone and document everything:  Take a lot of photos or videos showing the damage, road conditions, tire marks on the pavement, and any visible injuries.
• Get the truck driver’s insurance and contact information:  Don’t hesitate to ask for contact details from anyone who saw what happened because witnesses can make or break your case later.
• Watch what you say:  Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance representatives before talking to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters will look for ways to minimize what they’ll pay you.
• Reach out to our Sacramento truck accident lawyers:  We’ll protect your rights from the beginning.

When you work with Thompson Law, rest assured you’ll be guided throughout every step of your legal battle. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss more about your situation. Don’t stress over the legal work (that’s our job!) and focus on recovering.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Sacramento

Unsafe or reckless actions on the road usually result in a truck accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Sacramento are the following:

• Driver fatigue:  Truck drivers drive longer than they have to, making them more tired.
• Distracted driving:  When truckers look at phones or eat while driving, their attention strays away from Sacramento’s challenging roads.
• Speeding:  Trucks passing through highways need much more distance to stop than regular cars. When they speed, they can’t react in time to avoid crashes.
• Improperly loaded cargo:  When freight isn’t balanced properly or tied down securely, it can shift during travel. This sometimes tips trucks over or causes drivers to lose control.
• Mechanical failures:  Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or neglected maintenance create dangerous situations that even skilled drivers can’t overcome.
• Inexperienced drivers:  Navigating downtown Sacramento’s streets or tight neighborhood streets takes practice and skill that newer drivers may need more time getting used to
• Driving under the influence:  Alcohol and drugs alters a driver’s judgment, focus, and reaction time.

If the truck accident you’ve been in was caused by any of these, our Sacramento truck accident attorneys will dig deep into what happened and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.

Common Injuries From a Truck Accident in Sacramento

The size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents especially dangerous, often leading to serious injuries such as:

Commercial trucks are huge, and their size and weight can make accidents much more dangerous. These accidents usually lead to more severe injuries like the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries:  Violent impacts can cause concussions, memory problems, and permanent cognitive issues.
• Spinal cord injuries:  Spine damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis, impacting your mobility.
• Broken bones and joint damage:  Fractures may require you to undergo multiple surgeries and months or years of painful recovery.
• Internal injuries:  Impact forces can damage organs or cause internal bleeding that becomes life-threatening if not brought to attention immediately.
• Burn injuries:  Truck accidents that involve fires or chemical spills cause severe burns in which the victim would have permanent scars and need specialized medical treatment.
• Amputations:  In the worst accidents, limbs may be so badly damaged that doctors must remove them, changing how you navigate your daily life forever.
• Psychological trauma:  Having PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress are common after serious collisions.

If you’re going through any of these injuries, our Sacramento truck accident lawyers are here to assist you in getting compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation, and any other ongoing care you need.

Sacramento Accident Statistics

According to the Sacramento County Coroner’s data, there have been multiple motor vehicle accident deaths over the past five years. Below are our key findings based on available data:

Most At-Risk Road Users

The specific data on the demographics of traffic fatalities in Sacramento are limited, however, statewide trends indicate that certain groups are more susceptible to getting involved in an accident:

• Pedestrians have a higher risk of getting in traffic accidents.
• Individuals aged 65 and older tend to be more susceptible to severe injuries or fatalities in traffic incidents.
• Historically, males have a higher percentage of being traffic fatality victims.

Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents

According to California Office of Traffic Safety, here are the top causes of fatal accidents in Sacramento:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol (increased 16% in 2021 compared to 2020)
• Drug-impaired driving (Went from 58.4% in 2020 to 52.9% in 2021)
• Unrestrained passengers or drivers (From 782 deaths in 2020 to 878 deaths in 2021)

Risky Intersections in Sacramento to Watch Out For

There are some intersections in Sacramento that are more prone to accidents because of the amount of cars passing through, the confusing layout, and the reckless driving. A lot of severe crashes often come from these areas, including those that involve pedestrians and cyclists.

It could be congestion, speeding, or simply not yielding, these specific intersections are far riskier for drivers. It’s important to proceed with extra caution when driving here.

Below are some of the most dangerous intersections, according to our team of Sacramento truck accident lawyers:

• Folsom Boulevard and Howe Avenue:  This intersection sees about 30 crashes each year.
• Arena Boulevard and Truxel Road:  It’s considered as Sacramento’s most dangerous intersection.
• Franklin Boulevard and Mack Road:  A hotspot for collisions, this intersection has been the site of numerous crashes.
• Mack Road and Valley Hi Drive:  It has 16 lanes, making it prone to many serious crashes. The wide layout and frequent lane changes make it difficult for drivers to drive safely.
• Elder Creek Road and Stockton Boulevard:  Known for its high accident rate, this intersection is one of the city’s most dangerous.

Make sure to always keep your alert levels up when approaching these intersections. Don’t forget to obey traffic signals and avoid getting distracted to reduce the risk of getting into an accident.

What Compensation Can Truck Accident Victims Recover in Sacramento?

Victims of truck accidents in Sacramento may face eligibility in receiving compensation to cover certain damages such as the following:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages for the time you couldn’t work
• Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
• Additional costs like transportation, in-home care, or special equipment you now need

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and emotional suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to lasting injuries or disabilities
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, or depression

Punitive Damages

• In cases involving truly reckless behavior, such as drunk driving or serious safety violations, courts sometimes award additional money to punish wrongdoers and discourage similar behavior in the future.

At Thompson Law, we fight passionately to help truck accident victims in Sacramento secure every dollar they need to rebuild their lives.

Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION and let us pursue the justice you deserve after suffering through no fault of your own.

Who is to Blame in a Truck Accident in Sacramento?

Finding who’s responsible for a truck accident often gets complicated because there are cases where multiple parties may share blame. A thorough investigation typically reveals various responsible parties:.

• The truck driver might be liable if fatigue, distraction, speeding, or substance use caused the crash.
• The trucking company could bear responsibility for poor vehicle maintenance, hiring unqualified drivers, or ignoring safety regulations.
• Cargo loading companies sometimes create dangerous conditions with improperly secured or unevenly distributed loads.
• Vehicle manufacturers may face liability when defective truck parts like brakes, tires, or steering systems fail.
• Other parties including other drivers, construction companies, or government agencies might share blame if their actions or road conditions contributed to the accident.

Every truck accident case in Sacramento is unique, which calls for a detailed investigation to be able to identify all those who are responsible and hold them accountable.

How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Sacramento

There are several important steps you need to follow when it comes to filing a truck accident claim in Sacramento. Once you’ve taken care of your immediate health and safety, here’s what you need to do next to pursue compensation.

1. Notify the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company

After you determine who is responsible, you need to inform their insurance company about your intent to file a claim. This officially starts the claims process and ensures your case is on record. Our legal team can handle this step for you to prevent any miscommunication with the insurer.

2. Gather Documentation for Your Claim

Having a well-documented claim improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. You’ll need:

• Medical records detailing your injuries
• Repair estimates for vehicle damage
• Proof of lost wages if you missed work
• Documentation of pain and suffering, such as personal journals or therapy records

3. Determine Liability

Truck accidents are more complicated than standard car crashes because multiple parties could be responsible. Depending on the situation, liability may fall on:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loaders
• The truck’s manufacturer
  We conduct a detailed investigation to determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.

4. Demand Compensation

Once we have all the evidence needed, we’ll send a formal demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The letter includes the damages you have suffered and the amount of compensation you are requesting.

5. Negotiate a Settlement

A lot of truck accident claims are settled through negotiations. Our team of Sacramento truck accident lawyers work to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers both economic and non-economic damages.

6. File a Lawsuit if Needed

If the insurance company doesn’t want to offer a fair settlement, then we can file a lawsuit if you want to. Sacramento follows California’s statute of limitations, which gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your case goes to trial, we will present expert testimony and additional evidence to fight for the compensation you deserve.

7. Resolve Your Case

Your case may be settled at any stage, or it may go to trial if necessary. Throughout the process, our legal team will be by your side, ensuring that every step is handled properly and that you receive the best possible outcome.

We understand how overwhelming truck accident claims can be, which is why we’ll make sure you don’t go through it by yourself. Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION and let’s talk about how you can get fair compensation.

How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case in Sacramento

Proving negligence in a truck accident case is not always straightforward. Even when it seems obvious that the truck driver is at fault, insurers and trucking companies often push back against claims.

That’s why working with an experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyer from Thompson Law is your key to receiving justice. We thoroughly investigate every case to ensure no important detail gets overlooked.

To prove negligence, we must establish four main elements:

Duty of Care

Truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties in the industry have a responsibility to operate safely. This means following traffic laws, maintaining vehicles properly, and complying with federal and state trucking regulations.

Breach of Duty

We’ll present that the party at fault, whether it’s the truck driver or trucking company, failed to meet this duty. This could be reckless driving, speeding, ignoring safety standards, or failing to maintain the truck properly.

Causation

It’s not enough to show that the driver or company acted carelessly. We also need to prove that their negligence directly caused your accident and injuries. This requires strong evidence such as accident reports, eyewitness statements, and expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists.

Damages

We gather detailed evidence like medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and documentation proving that the accident has affected your life physically, emotionally, and financially.

By proving each of these elements, we’re able to build a strong case to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today and get a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Sacramento truck accident lawyers are ready to defend your rights.

Call Thompson Law for Your Truck Accident Case in Sacramento

Picking the right lawyer after a truck accident can make a big difference in your case. At Thompson Law, we focus on helping accident victims in Sacramento get the compensation they deserve. Here’s why we’re the right choice for you:

No Fees Unless We Win

You don’t have to worry about paying anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Proven Results

Our team has secured over $1.9 billion for injury victims. We know how to take on insurance companies and trucking corporations to get the best possible outcome for our clients.

Simple and Quick Process

We make the legal process as easy as possible. You can reach out to us anytime for a free consultation. If we take your case, you can sign up from your phone or computer, and we’ll start working on your claim right away.

Available 24/7

Accidents are literally the opposite of something planned, they don’t happen on a schedule, and neither do we. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the legal support you need.

Personalized Attention

Every case is different, and we treat every client with the attention they deserve. We take the time to explain your options, keep you updated, and make sure you feel confident about the legal process.

Bilingual Support

Language shouldn’t be a barrier to justice. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff, so you can communicate clearly and understand every part of your case.

At Thompson Law, we handle everything: investigating the crash, negotiating with insurance companies, and taking your case to court if necessary. Sacramento law has strict deadlines for filing a claim, so don’t wait. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Truck Accidents in Sacramento

How much do accident attorneys charge in Sacramento?

Most truck accident attorneys, including us, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. The fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, depending on the complexity of the case.

What makes truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Truck accidents are more complicated than regular car crashes for several reasons:

• Severe Damage:  Trucks are much larger and heavier, which means accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.
• Complex Laws:  Trucking companies must follow state and federal regulations, which can play a role in proving fault.
• Multiple Liable Parties:  Responsibility may fall on the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, or even the truck manufacturer.
• Larger Settlements:  Because injuries in truck accidents tend to be severe, settlements are usually higher than those in standard car accident cases.

How long do most truck accident settlements take in Sacramento?

The length of a truck accident settlement in Sacramento will depend on how complex it is. If it’s a case with minor injuries, then it may get resolved in just a couple of months. However, for more serious cases that involve disputed liabilities or more severe injuries, it can take up to 12-24 months or even longer especially if a trial pushes through.

What is the statute of limitations on a truck accident in Sacramento?

Sacramento follows California’s deadlines for filing a lawsuit after a truck accident:

• Two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
• Three years to file a property damage claim.

If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It’s important to act quickly so your case isn’t dismissed due to timing issues.

How much are most truck accident settlements in Sacramento?

Truck accident settlements in Sacramento will depend on how severe the injury is, the damage found on the property, and other details of the crash. Settlements typically range from $75,000 to $300,000. When it comes to cases that involve serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death, it’s possible to reach a settlement amount of over $1 million.