Sacramento Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting Back After a Big Rig Accident

While large semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and tractor-trailers comprise just 3% of the vehicles on American roads, they account for more than 25% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. Reckless driving, driver fatigue, improper maintenance, and mechanical failures are just a few of the causes of these accidents.

There may be many responsible parties in a truck accident case, from the driver to the trucking company to the owner of the trailer. If you have been injured or a loved one was killed in a big rig accident, it is important to select a truck accident attorney in Sacramento with experience handling these complex cases. Piering Law Firm has the experience to assist you.

Rules and Regulations for Truck Drivers

Because trucks can cause such catastrophic damage in the event of an accident, truck drivers and the companies they work for are required to follow more regulations than other motor vehicles both on and even off the road. In fact, these drivers must follow stricter rules than many other employees in general. One of these such rules is called the hours of service regulation, which was created to prevent fatigued driving. Because of this, most of the laws are aimed at ensuring that truck drivers get an adequate amount of sleep and are not overworked. According to this law:

• Truck drivers can work a maximum of14 hours in one workday, still nearly double that of most other workdays. Of these 14 hours, however, truckers can only drive for 11 hours, with the remaining time spent on rest or meal breaks
• Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning a new workday
• Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals

Unfortunately, truck drivers don’t always follow these rules. Whether due to truck driver negligence or pressure from the trucking companies’, failing to follow the hours of service regulations rules can raise the chances of an accident. If you have been injured by a negligent truck driver, it often requires an investigation into your accident to discover if these rules were violated. The attorneys at our firm are experienced in such investigations and are ready to help you today. Call us today to learn more!

Establishing Liability After a Truck Accident

Because so many parties are involved in commercial trucking, determining liability after an accident can be difficult. This is because an accident with a truck can be caused by many factors.

Some of these include:

• Poor road conditions
• Driver negligence
• Improper loading
• Lack of truck maintenance

For example, if your accident with a truck was caused by a tire blowout, liability could fall with the tire manufacturer (if the tire was defective) or the trucking company (if a tire that should have been replaced during routine maintenance wasn’t). If treacherous or unmaintained roads are to blame, liability may lie with the city or state where the accident occurred because it was their fault for not maintaining safe infrastructure. These are some of the many scenarios that can come up and why it’s always good to have a lawyer to help you establish liability through investigations.

Understanding the Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help you take necessary precautions and protect yourself on the road.

Here are some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents:

• Distracted driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other factors, leading to a loss of focus on the road.
• Fatigue: Long hours on the road can cause truck drivers to become fatigued, impairing their ability to react quickly and make safe decisions.
• Speeding: Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit put themselves and other motorists at risk, as it takes longer for large trucks to come to a complete stop.
• Improper loading: If a truck is not loaded properly, it can lead to unbalanced weight distribution and increase the likelihood of accidents, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers.
• Intoxication: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that impairs a truck driver's judgment and reaction time.

By understanding these common causes, you can be more aware of potential dangers on the road and take appropriate measures to protect yourself. If you've been involved in a truck accident, our experienced Sacramento truck accident attorneys at Piering Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need Piering Law Firm on Your Site

• Award-winning representation
• Millions of dollars recovered
• Consultations are free
• You don't pay unless we win

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. 

U.S. Truck Accident Statistics

Collisions involving large trucks occur more often than many people realize. Below, we have compiled some of the most shocking statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• In 2019 alone, 5,005 people died and 159,000 were injured in collisions involving large trucks. Of these deaths, roughly 18% were truck occupants while the remaining 82% were occupants of other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Truck accidents accounted for roughly 14% of all motor vehicle deaths in 2019.
• In 2019, 98 drivers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired at the time of the crash.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Due to their size, accidents with semi-trucks and big rigs usually result in catastrophic injuries such as:

• Brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Burns and disfigurement
• Wrongful death

While there is no amount of financial compensation that can make up for your loss, our lawyers will do our best to understand how the tragedy of a truck accident has affected your quality of life. We will identify all the responsible parties and make them pay the maximum compensation for your injuries or loss. From the negotiation table to the courtroom, we have the skill and experience needed to prevail in your case.

We Thoroughly Investigate Your Accident

An immediate investigation is especially important in truck accident cases. Trucking companies have been known to destroy critical evidence such as driving records, driver logs, and maintenance records in an effort to sidestep liability.

At Piering Law Firm, our Sacramento truck accident attorneys have an accident investigator on staff who will immediately start working to obtain the evidence that is needed to build a strong case for you. We also work with accident reconstructionists who will identify the cause of your accident.

Don't wait to get help! Contact our firm today to schedule a free consult.