Merced Truck Accident Lawyers
California attorneys win compensation for commercial truck injuries
Trucks are the principal means of transporting goods and materials throughout the United States. Unfortunately, semitrucks, 18-wheelers and other big rigs pose significant dangers to other vehicles. When accidents occur, other motorists and their passengers typically bear the brunt of the injuries. If you are among these victims, the Merced truck accident lawyers of Curry and Curry are ready to fight for you to be fairly compensated for your losses.
How truck accidents happen
Despite federal and state laws that impose strict safety rules on the trucking industry, accidents happen for varied reasons. These are among them:
- Jackknifing — The semitruck’s trailer may swing out at an angle to the tractor. This might be caused by sudden or improper braking.
- Underrides and overrides — A smaller vehicle may slide under a truck, whether from the side or rear, or a truck may ride over the body of a smaller vehicle.
- Rollovers — A truck may roll over onto its side or roof, often due to taking curves too fast or to making other sudden maneuvers.
- Tire blowouts — Worn truck tires may suddenly burst, causing the truck to veer off the road or into other traffic lanes.
- Wide turn accidents — Truckers making turns carelessly may cause the rear of the vehicle to swing too widely, hitting other cars or structures.
- Spilled cargo — Unevenly loaded or poorly secured cargo can fall out of a truck, creating hazards for other motorists.
As with auto accidents, there can be multiple contributing causes for truck crashes. Liability for damages can be shared among the various parties involved in proportion to their degree of fault.
Common causes of truck accidents
Driver error is among the most prevalent causes for truck crashes. Drivers may violate safety strictures due to being fatigued, distracted or perhaps impaired by drugs or alcohol. Inadequately trained and inexperienced drivers are more of a threat to get into accidents. Improper loading and securing of cargo can also be contributing factors. Mechanical defects and inadequate maintenance can likewise lead to mishaps. Poor road or weather conditions can make accidents more likely or make them worse.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Depending on the reasons for the accident, a number of parties are potentially liable. They include:
- Truck drivers, whenever their negligence might be a causative factor
- Trucking company, if the driver is employed by them or the truck is poorly maintained
- Cargo loaders, if improper loading or securing of the cargo contributed to the accident
- Truck or parts manufacturers, if a defect might have led to the crash
- Road maintenance providers, if poor road conditions were a principal cause
In some circumstances, a third party, such as another motorist, might be at fault.
Injuries caused by truck accidents in California
Victims of truck accidents can suffer serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries. These might include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding and severe burns. In the worst case scenario, injuries can be fatal. The victims, or their surviving family members, are entitled to bring personal injury claim for compensation from all parties at fault.
Compensation for truck accidents
As your attorneys, we will identify potentially liable parties and file appropriate claims. If a defendant or their insurer does not make a good faith settlement offer, we will proceed with litigation. The amount of damages demanded will depend on the severity of your injuries and their predicted effects on your life. Damages include medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional anguish and loss of quality of life. We will work zealously to build a case for the largest settlement or jury award possible.
Contact a seasoned California truck accident attorney to discuss your rights
Curry and Curry in Merced represents clients who have been injured in truck accidents throughout California. To arrange for a free consultation, please call 209-720-3912 or contact us online.
