Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial trucks are critical to California’s economy. They deliver goods throughout the state and are heavily relied upon by companies and consumers alike. However, these huge trucks also pose a significant danger on our roads. Trucks such as 18-wheelers are extremely heavy, and they take much longer to slow down and come to a full stop. Truck drivers are responsible for knowing how to control their massive vehicles and drive in a manner that does not hurt out anyone else in danger. Unfortunately, this does not always happen, and any type of negligence pertaining to a truck can result in catastrophe on Sacramento’s roads. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for the costs you have incurred as a result, such as medical bills. Securing these damages is not always easy, however, so victims should always speak to a Sacramento truck accident lawyer who can help.
Determining Liability in a Truck AccidentTo claim damages after a truck crash, accident victims must prove that another person or entity was at fault. It is important to determine this early on in a case, as this is the person or entity who will be responsible for paying your damages.
It is natural to assume that the truck driver is at fault for the crash. If the driver operated the truck negligently, such as texting while driving, that may be the case. However, one of the aspects of truck accidents that makes them so much more complicated than other crashes is that there are many different parties that could be found liable. These include:
- Other drivers: If another driver cut the truck driver off and the truck driver had to stop suddenly to avoid hitting the car in front, it may cause a car to crash into the back of the truck. In this case, the other driver may be found liable.
- The trucking company: Sometimes trucking companies do not hire qualified drivers, or an at-fault truck driver may be insured through the trucking company. In either of these cases, the trucking company may be held liable.
- The loading company: It is important that trucks are properly loaded before they hit the road. When they are not, their loads can shift and throw them off balance. When this happens, the company that loaded the truck may be found liable for resulting damages.
- Determining liability is extremely challenging in truck accidents. A Sacramento truck accident lawyer can do the work of determining the liable party while accident victims focus on their physical recovery.
Finding which party is liable for a truck accident is difficult, and to prove it accident victims must present evidence. A lawyer will use three main types of evidence in a case to help injured individuals claim the compensation they need. This evidence includes:
- Logbooks: These are maintained by the truck driver and include important information, including if the driver or trucking company violated the federal laws that regulate commercial driving operations.
- Blackbox data and GPS: Blackboxes are a treasure trove of information pertaining to what happened just before the crash. A GPS can also show where the driver was when the crash happened.
- Site inspections: A complete investigation of the accident scene is fundamental to any truck accident case. An truck accident attorney in Sacramento will conduct this investigation and collect evidence, such as pictures of tire marks on the road, to prove an accident victim’s claim.
In addition to the types of evidence above, your lawyer may also reach out to his or her network of experts, gather medical records, and more.
Our California Truck Accident Lawyers can HelpIf you have been hurt in a truck accident, it is important that you speak to a truck accident attorney in Sacramento today. At the Brod Law Firm, we have the necessary experience with these cases to determine who was at fault for the crash and prove it to help accident victims claim the full amount of compensation they need. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help with your claim.