How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?

how-is-fault-in-a-truck-accident-determined

Businesses and manufacturers are under increased pressure to curb delivery time in the consumer-driven market. And so, the trucking industry has grown tremendously prominent on the roads. In 2019, a total of 176,412 large truck accidents were recorded. Unfortunately, 81,272 resulted in severe injuries, and 5,074 resulted in fatalities. Furthermore, 71% of the victims killed nationwide were occupants of other vehicles. In 2020, a total of 156,882 large truck accidents were recorded, 68,348 of which resulted in injuries and 4,608 in deaths. The statistics suggest that there are about 460 accidents, 240 injuries, and 14 deaths every day on average.

Accidents are inevitable, and they can happen when we least expect them. Truck crashes can be one of the most devastating types of accidents due to the truck's size and weight. A truck collision is often severe and complicated and can inflict life-changing, serious injuries. Many trucking accident victims are left with lifelong disabilities. They also face exorbitant medical bills, loss of earnings, and emotional damage. However, victims are not left without a choice. They can pursue compensation to cover their losses from negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers.

But, obtaining compensation is not a piece of cake. This is also true for determining fault in a truck accident. Before victims can recover damages, the burden of proof is on their shoulders. But, in a truck accident case, there can be multiple potentially liable parties. And this fact complicates the matter.

Fortunately, the law is always on the side of the truck accident victim. So in this blog, we laid out how fault is determined in a truck accident, who can be potentially at fault, the importance of hiring a truck accident attorney, and the negligence laws that may affect your ability to claim compensation.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Determine Fault in a Truck Accident

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Truck accident victims have an option to seek help from a personal injury attorney. These professionals are well-versed in personal injury laws that are too complicated to understand by most people. Hiring them is one of the most important and helpful decisions that you can make. They can help you determine fault in your truck accident case by employing a separate investigation of your case. This investigation will include:

Suppose they have already established that the other driver's negligence causes your accident. In that case, they can demand compensation for your damages. They have to document your expenses and losses associated with your accident to do this. This is done by:

Who Is At Fault in a Truck Accident?

Driving fully loaded commercial trucks is a challenging occupation that requires skills and precision. Before truck drivers can drive these large trucks, they must be duly licensed and appropriately trained to drive safely. When an incompetent truck driver hits the road, they may cause fatal truck accidents.

Usually, truck drivers are to blame for several truck accidents on the road. However, with the help of your truck accident attorney, the following can be held liable for the accident:

The Truck Driver

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In most accident cases, the driver faces immediate blame. This is chiefly true for commercial truck drivers. They are trained to handle tractor-trailers and are under rules and regulations that are more extensive than those for other motorists.

Driver error is the most common cause of trucking accidents. This may include:

Truck drivers must also inspect their trucks and cargo before hitting the road. Failure for inspection can result in mechanical malfunctions and failures leading to an accident. Unsecured loads increase the driver's risk of losing control leading to truck jackknifing or tipping over accidents. When proven that they fail to do these preventive measures, they can be liable for the collisions. It falls under a breach of duty which is one of the main factors in apportioning fault.

The Trucking Company

Aside from the truck drivers, trucking companies can also be held responsible for the accident. Some semi-truck drivers work as independent contractors. In cases like this, victims are limited to bringing truck accident claims against negligent truck owners or operators.

Many truck drivers are hired by trucking companies to transport cargo. The driver's employment status can have a big impact on your claim. Suppose the driver was driving the truck within the scope of their job when the accident occurred. In that case, the employer may also be held accountable for your damages.

Truck employers are legally liable when their employees cause injury to another. Truck companies know this, and they will try to avoid liability by misclassifying drivers as independent contractors.

With the help of truck accident lawyers, the employer's liability for the accident can be established. They possess the knowledge and resources to probe into employment records to determine that the at-fault driver is an employee. They can also investigate the company records to identify other types of negligence that contributed to the accident. These negligent acts may include:

Trucking companies will try their best to deny or undercut accident claims. They have company and insurance representatives who will try to offer victims a low settlement amount. This is why you must have a truck accident lawyer by your side to level the playing field. Hiring a lawyer is tantamount to protecting your legal rights and justice.

The Truck Manufacturers

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Companies designing, manufacturing, and selling semi-trucks and parts are obliged to ensure their components and vehicles are safe and functioning according to industry standards. Failing to fulfill their obligations can cause mechanical failures resulting in fatal accidents.

Bringing a claim against a truck manufacturer entails proving that a truck or one of its parts was defective. This necessitates an intensive investigation of the rig. But, most trucking companies take possession of the rig right after an accident.

Fortunately, with a truck accident lawyer's aid, the carrier can be requested to preserve the truck for independent inspection. Automotive engineers will investigate the truck and trailer for possible defects and give expert testimony on how a faulty part or a substandard design should work.

The Maintenance Company

Many commercial truck accidents were caused by mechanical failures, which resulted from negligence in maintaining the truck. This may fall into owner-operator negligence. But there are also cases when the truck's malfunction was caused by negligent service or repairs. In this case, liability will fall upon the service provider or mechanic who did the service maintenance work.

Regarding defective trucks, inspection is crucial to determine if a truck was maintained properly before the accident. Repair and maintenance records must also be scrutinized to determine if scheduled services have been neglected. Expert testimonies can establish fault concerning how the truck's condition differs from what makes up safe working order for semi-trucks.

The Loading or Shipping Company

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Semi-trucks should be loaded appropriately to ensure the cargo is secured and balanced. The driver and the loading company share this responsibility. The driver has a duty to inspect the cargo in the course of a haul.

Excess loads and unevenly distributed weight are also some of the most common causes of truck accident cases. Liable parties can be the shipping company for negligently loading the truck, the truck driver for negligently failing to inspect the load, or both the shipping company and the driver.

Other Parties

Determining what exactly happened right after a truck accident is often challenging. It needs a comprehensive investigation to establish that one or multiple parties may be at fault.

Suppose the truck driver lost control of the truck due to another driver's recklessness, such as drifting between lanes or cutting off the rig. It might lead to a crash with the other vehicle, or it could be a near miss leading to the victim's accident. In that case, the victim can file a personal injury claim against the driver of another vehicle.

Roadway hazards are also another potential cause of motor vehicle accidents. Highways and roadways that are commonly trafficked often sustain major damage that can result in accidents if not properly maintained or designed. Personal injury attorneys can identify which government agency is in charge of road maintenance and can take legal action on your behalf if a road defect leads to a truck collision.

What You Need to Know About the Negligence Laws

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A truck accident lawsuit commonly involves a claim of negligence. Negligence describes a situation where a person acts negligently, resulting in injuries or property damage. When an accident results in injuries, death, or property damage, the question is, "Who was at fault?"

All states follow different principles of comparative fault. When multiple parties are believed to be liable, the jury will apportion liability to all parties and other responsible people. But the question is, "Who will pay for the damages?" Different states use different rules as regards "joint and several liability."

Here are the three negligence rules practiced nationwide:

Contributory Negligence

Pure contributory negligence provides that if someone acted negligently or contributed slightly to the accident, they could no longer recover damages and are considered at fault. In this rule, a plaintiff is barred from recovering damages even if they are only 1% or more at fault for a crash. However, this rule can be disputed if the victim can prove fault that the defendant was knowingly negligent or willfully destructive.

This system usually leads to harsh results. It necessitates total innocence on the plaintiff's part. Fortunately, only a handful of states employ this rule, such as Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, and Washington, D.C.

Pure Comparative Negligence

As opposed to contributory negligence, the pure comparative negligence system allows the plaintiff to obtain damages even if they are 99% at fault for the accident. In this case, the plaintiff can recover 1% of the damages from the defendant. So, in other words, the plaintiff's damages will be calculated, then reduced to their percentage of the fault.

There are 13 states that utilize a pure comparative negligence system, such as Alaska, California, Florida, New York, Arizona, Kentucky, and Rhode Island.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Contrary to a pure comparative negligence rule, modified comparative negligence restricts the plaintiff from recovering damages if they are found at fault beyond a specific percentage. In this rule, a plaintiff is barred from recovering monetary compensation if they are 50% or more at fault. So, in other words, a plaintiff must only be 49% or less at fault.

Some of the states that utilize this rule are:

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

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Are you or your loved one injured in a truck accident? You may have a lot of questions and worries in your head. Truck accidents are no joke, and they can seriously inflict injuries on you that may put your physical, emotional, and financial aspects in jeopardy. Know that there is still a silver lining for you.

Hiring a truck accident attorney can save you from all the burdens the accident may bring to you. Personal injury lawyers can handle your case on your behalf. They are skilled in personal injury laws. And having them on your side can level the playing field.

Being involved in a truck accident is a life-changing and traumatic experience. It should be your priority to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally. Suffering from severe injuries can make you overwhelmed about paying your medical bills.

Insurance companies will try hard to lowball your settlement or even deny the claims. They will pressure you to sign an easy and quick settlement. When you sign a quick settlement, they can save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Before signing anything, you need a truck accident lawyer who can provide you with professional legal advice.

Feel free to contact a truck accident lawyer at (415) 494-8535 for a free consultation or free case evaluation.

How to Determine Liability After a California Truck Accident

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As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, California is one of the top ten states for truck accidents in the U.S. Over ten years, fatal accidents involving commercial vehicles surged by 42 percent in the state.

Unlike car accidents, truck accidents involve many factors that are not prevalent in car accidents, including:

This blog will discuss how liability is determined in a California truck accident. In a truck accident, determining liability might be challenging since multiple parties, such as the trucking company, part manufacturer, subcontractors, drivers, and others, could be involved. So we laid out everything you need to know about liability apportionment in a semi-truck accident.

Determining Liability in a California Truck Accident

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After a trucking accident, determining liability can be a complete nightmare. Truck accidents are often fatal in terms of injuries, and they are also complicated to resolve legally.

The fact that multiple parties can be held liable further complicates matters.

The trucking companies, truck drivers, and truck manufacturers may all be held liable for an accident, depending on the circumstances of your case.

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is the most common defendant in a truck accident. Some truck driver negligence that makes drivers liable for the injuries includes:

The Truck Owner

There are occasions when trucking companies do not own the trucks. Instead, they just lease them or hire independent contractors who own the vehicles. Suppose the truck is involved in a crash that inflicts injuries to the victims. In that case, the owner can be held liable for the victim's injuries.

The Truck Company

Truck companies can also be held liable for the damages in truck accident cases. The "vicarious liability" theory provides that employers whose employees caused the accident while on the job can be held liable. Truck companies sometimes violate safety laws or transportation requirements to increase their profits. These violations may include but are not limited to:

The Manufacturer

Some truck accidents are caused by part defects, such as a tire blowout, brake failure, and other defective components. Per California's strict liability law, manufacturers, designers, and companies can be liable if a defective component causes a truck crash.

California's Strict Liability and Negligence Law: What You Need to Know!

For a trucking accident that results in injuries and damages, several parties may share some level of responsibility. However, establishing liability will require using one (or both) of two legal theories: negligence and strict liability.

California's negligence law provides that truck drivers found guilty of negligence can be held responsible for damages and injuries incurred to another motorist. A personal injury lawsuit can be filed by any driver who has been injured due to a truck driver's negligence. On the other hand, the victim must prove that the truck driver who hit them was negligent beyond a reasonable doubt.

The following are three elements for demonstrating negligence in a truck accident in California.

  1. The driver owed the accident victim a duty of care.
  2. The driver breached their duty of care through negligence.
  3. The driver's breach was the main factor in causing a victim's losses.

A duty of care is a fundamental legal obligation for truck drivers to look out for other drivers and employ reasonable caution while driving their vehicles.

A truck driver's duty of care would include the following:

Manufacturers, designers, and any companies involved in a product's distribution chain can be held liable under California's strict liability law if a defective product causes a truck accident. Regardless of whether or not they made any mistakes that contributed to the truck crash, any of the above entities can be held accountable. When determining liability in strict liability cases, negligence is not a factor.

Strict liability claims based on faulty products include:

Who Determines Liability?

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Truck accidents can be proven by many different means. For example, one of the drivers might admit that they were at fault at the accident scene.

The police report may also provide personal injury attorneys with more insight into the accident's cause.

It's crucial to understand precisely how fault is determined in any California personal injury case since it's the most significant factor.

The Driver

Even though it is unlikely, one of the truck drivers involved in the accident might admit they were at fault. Being involved in an accident can be a highly stressful and frightening experience. Immediately after the accident, people involved will be pointing fingers at each other as to who was at fault. A person being blamed for the accident, being put under pressure in this situation, might admit to being at fault.

It is essential to understand that this is wrong. Right after the accident, when others are pointing fingers at you, you could believe that you were to blame even if the other driver caused it. So instead of readily admitting you were at fault, it is recommended that you:

  1. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles;
  2. Search for witnesses who can give statements;
  3. Document the weather conditions, accident location, and time on the day.

All of these could be helpful to an insurance company or judge when determining fault.

A Police Report

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A police report can also be a fact to prove who was at fault for an accident. Once police officers arrive at the accident scene, they will first determine if anyone has been hurt before requesting medical assistance. After the injured has been taken care of, police officers will investigate the accident to learn more about how the accident happened and who could be blamed.

Because it contains all of the information gathered by the police officer, a police report is a vital document for future personal injury claims and lawsuits. In addition, the officer will take note of the degree of any vehicle damage and where it is located on the vehicle in question. For example, if the damage to one car is almost entirely on the back of the vehicle, it's possible that the other vehicle made contact with it in the back. The driver who ran into the back of the other vehicle is usually the one who is at fault in a rear-end collision.

When a police officer makes a report, they will often include diagrams and drawings to show how they believe the accident occurred. In addition, the officer will also talk to any witnesses and get statements to determine if the other driver was driving while intoxicated or distracted at the time of the accident.

Insurance Providers

A personal injury case starts by filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver's insurance provider. Insurance claims can be quickly and easily filed and filled out online or over the phone. In some situations, an online algorithm will use the information you provide in your online claim to determine the amount of compensation you should receive. Based on your information and the police report, these algorithms can also determine who was at fault for the accident.

If the other driver is believed to be responsible for the accident, your insurance provider will request that the other driver's insurance company pay for the damages. Even if the other driver is found to be at fault, the insurance company may offer lower compensation than you believe you are entitled to. If this happens, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to take the company to court and seek higher compensation.

The Arbitration

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While insurance companies can determine who was at fault for an accident without the help of a third party, many insurers prefer to settle the matter by sending the claim to Arbitration Forums Inc. This private company determines how much damage is incurred and who is responsible for paying.

The arbitration process is intended to keep personal injury lawsuits in California at a minimum. Take note that most arbitrations are conducted electronically.

The Jury 

If you file a suit and go to court, a jury will establish liability if the at-fault's insurance company refuses to settle after filing a claim. While a jury can decide a personal injury lawsuit, most cases are settled before they ever get to this stage. If your case goes to a jury, several people will be tasked with reviewing all the evidence to determine who was at fault. When a case reaches this stage, the plaintiff should have a California truck accident attorney by their side who can represent their case in front of a jury.

Available Damages to Truck Accident Victims

Accidents are inevitable. Suppose you were injured in a semi-truck accident caused by a negligent truck driver. In that case, you may be able to recover your losses. Damages are monetary awards determined by a court of law to cover any losses of an injured party or injuries sustained due to the truck driver's negligence.

Economic Damages or Special Damages

Economic damages compensate a plaintiff's financial losses associated with the accident. These damages are calculated by determining the out-of-the-pocket expenses the victim has or will expect to incur for treatment and other expenses for the injuries.

Here are some examples of economic damages:

  1. Medical bills, including future expenses for medical bills
  2. Lost wages, including future loss of income
  3. Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages or General Damages

General damages are intended to cover losses that are considered subjective, but they do not necessarily cover out-of-pocket expenses. Compensation for non-economic damages may include:

  1. Pain and suffering
  2. Loss of enjoyment of life
  3. Emotional distress

Punitive Damages

Aside from economic and non-economic damages, a California court can also award punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and are only awarded when the defendant's actions are particularly harmful. However, these damages are pretty rare.

Seek Help From a Truck Accident Lawyer 

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A trucking accident is a devastating and traumatic event that can happen to someone's life. When trying to do the legal work on your own, you may not achieve and successfully win your case due to the complexities of the legal process. This is where a personal injury attorney comes into play. Our experienced truck accident attorney can help you face this situation. Attorney Gene Halavanau is a multi-awarded personal injury attorney who has helped numerous victims of truck accidents. Let us help you!

You may contact us at (415) 494-8535 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

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Truck accidents are both traumatizing and devastating. This unfortunate tragedy happens every day all over the world. Every day, lives are being taken by this catastrophe.

Many people believe that engaging a personal injury attorney will cost them an unreasonable amount. However, many attorneys take truck accident cases on a contingency fee agreement. They do not expect money upfront. Instead, they get paid a percentage of the money you receive from the settlements they helped you obtain.

Having a truck accident attorney on your side can facilitate things like:

Furthermore, they also assist their clients in navigating the insurance industry's complex waters. This enables the victim to focus on healing and recovery.

Every victim is disturbed, stressed, and likely experiencing mixed emotions. They aren't as concerned with learning about their legal rights as they should be. The insurance company may attempt to silence you with a poorly negotiated settlement. Trucking companies will fight to protect their interests and avoid being held liable.

Accepting an early settlement offer may put you in a bad situation. So, if you were injured in a truck accident, you need a devoted attorney who will defend you in all aspects of your claim.

Is It Worth Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Your truck accident lawyer should have a track record of success in truck accidents and personal injury claims. After a truck collision, they will file a personal injury claim that needs meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of the legal issues specific to vehicle accidents.

Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you focus on recovering from your injuries while the lawyer is helping you with:

So to answer the question above, hiring a truck accident attorney is worth it. The attorney can guide you through the entire legal process and handle things on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

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If you're still on the fence about hiring a truck accident lawyer, consider this:

A lot goes into making a good case for damages after a truck accident injury, as experienced truck accident attorneys know. You're not just up against a single truck driver in that incident most of the time. You could be up against a well-known truck company with the best insurance in the industry and the most ruthless defense attorneys on their side, who knows well how to fight liability and argue against your damages. From the start, the odds are stacked against you. So, what are the benefits of hiring a truck accident lawyer?

They offer assistance with legal matters against individuals, large corporations, and insurance companies to ensure that you receive the best outcome. Moreover, they function on a contingency basis, which means these lawyers are only paid when they win your case and obtain settlements or judgments.

Truck wreck attorneys offer a wide range of services to their clients, along with:

Handle All Paperwork

Filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident often entails a lot of paperwork. If documents are not correctly filled out or lately filed, they can affect your chance of obtaining financial compensation. Our truck accident lawyer understands that time is crucial for victims to protect their legal rights. That is why we strive to make sure all paperwork is correctly filled out and file all documents on time and accurately, so our clients can pursue justice after being harmed in an accident.

Guide Throughout the Legal Process

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A truck accident lawyer can provide aggressive legal representation to ensure victims can hold wrongdoers accountable and can help you file a truck accident lawsuit if necessary. They can help you by:

We put together solid truck accident cases for victims and fight aggressively to negotiate full and fair settlements whenever possible. When we cannot come to settlement agreements, we provide practical assistance with legal matters to victims in court to ensure they get the result they expect for their viable claims through litigation, arbitration, or any other form of resolution.

Acquire Necessary Evidence

Experienced truck accident lawyers can help you gather the evidence surrounding your truck accident case to determine who is liable. They will review all angles surrounding your crash and identify all responsible parties. Furthermore, they will gather evidence from the scene, obtain a copy of the police report, examine medical records, and gather witness testimonies supporting the client's claims. We personally strive to make solid claims for other casualties to ensure they obtain justice and monetary compensation.

In-Depth Investigation of Your Semi-Truck Accident

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An in-depth truck accident investigation is required to correctly document the trucking company's safety policies (or lack thereof), training methods, and maintenance standards. A truck accident attorney will perform a thorough investigation on your behalf. As part of the investigation, a truck wreck lawyer will review all physical evidence, such as visibility conditions, vehicle damage, and the state of the truck, and gather evidence that both the truck company and its driver violated safety rules in operating and maintaining the truck.

Manage Medical Expenses

California law states that the injured party can recover compensation from the at-fault parties. Compensation from the accident includes coverage of medical bills and future medical payments. Damages in the victim's life, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, are also qualified for recovery.

The victim's family can demand compensation for wrongful death if the victim dies due to the accident. The at-fault party should cover the expenses of the victim's death.

This is where a truck accident lawyer comes into play. The injured party should consult with a truck accident attorney for a case evaluation. They can help determine the appropriate amount a victim should receive for their damages. For example, it is impossible to know all future medical expenses in some cases without creating a treatment plan with an expert. Your attorney can work with experts to generate such a plan to understand what treatment you may need in the future for your continued recovery. Also, in some cases, an attorney can help you obtain treatment without an upfront payment on a lien basis, particularly when clients do not have their own health insurance.

Identify Who Is Liable for Your Damages

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Truck accidents are complicated in nature. This is because multiple parties are usually involved. Your truck accident injury lawyer will work hard to identify all the liable parties from your truck accident case. The following are the usual suspects:

Determine Damages

An experienced truck accident lawyer has the experience in researching various damages to which you can be entitled and maximize your potential compensation.

Due to the truck's size, speed, and weight, truck accidents often result in more catastrophic injuries than car accidents. The severity of injuries can lead to substantial medical expenses for rehabilitation and treatment, resulting from a long and difficult recovery time for the victim. It can also cause a loss of wages and earning potential.

Your lawyer will help ensure that you are compensated for the damages you sustained from the accident.

We at Halavanau Law Office recognize that any injury can have a long-term impact on your life, no matter how minor. That's why we're here to help you get compensated for your truck accident injuries, which may include:

  1. Broken bones
  2. Burns
  3. Crushing injuries
  4. Brain injuries
  5. Head injuries
  6. Amputation
  7. Paralysis
  8. Neck injuries
  9. Spinal cord injuries
  10. Injuries to the soft tissues
  11. Wrongful death

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

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Your truck accident lawyer will negotiate compensation with the insurance carrier after an injury-causing truck accident. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims or seek to pay a lower sum even when the need for compensation and liability appear obvious. The negotiation process can change that and place your case on the right path.

Truck accident lawyers understand the legal links that bind parties with interest in a commercial truck case affecting who pays first, who pays next, and so on. That's where the knowledge and talent of a seasoned truck accident injury attorney may make all the difference. They have the knowledge and skills to go up against the big insurance companies, which routinely assign their most experienced adjusters and counsel to complex truck accident claims.

We help our clients navigate the murky seas of the insurance industry, so they can focus on healing and recovering from their injuries.

File a Lawsuit on Your Behalf

Your attorney will be able to file your truck accident case on your behalf and know how to best counter any potential defenses offered by the opposing party. Furthermore, once your case has been filed, your truck accident lawyer will be crucial in litigating your case, including taking depositions and conducting discovery, and potentially taking your case to trial if it doesn't settle.

Even if eventually a lawsuit is not necessary, the fear of legal action gives you a lot of negotiation power and leverage in an attempt to reach a fair settlement.

Finally, and most crucially, having a competent truck accident attorney on your side levels the playing field, especially when you're against a giant insurance company's experience and resources.

Take Your Truck Accident Case to Trial

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If a claim does not settle during the litigation process, you may need to take your case to trial. A truck accident lawyer has a legal obligation to bring you every offer from the defendant. They will undoubtedly give you their opinion on how fair the offer is and how much you might recover at trial. The decision whether to accept an outstanding offer, if there is one, will eventually be yours. The alternative is to take the case to trial.

At trial, the other party's lawyer may try to prove you were to blame for the accident or lower the amount of compensation you are entitled to. It will be crucial to have an experienced counsel on your side to fight the other side and prove your case.

How Much Is Your Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Every truck accident has its own set of circumstances and facts. This is why you need a truck accident lawyer who knows how to negotiate the legal quagmire that a truck accident creates and has the skills and information to determine how much compensation you are entitled to.

A seasoned truck accident lawyer will investigate precisely why the accident occurred and who to contact to determine the damages you are entitled to. The damages typically include the following:

Seek an Aggressive Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents involve harming the health, employment, family, and other aspects of your life. When someone else's negligence causes you injury or loss, the law empowers you to seek just compensation. If your life has been turned upside down due to a truck accident, you may rely on a truck accident injury attorney to fight for your rights.

Allowing an insurance provider to pay you less than you deserve should not happen. A personal injury lawsuit should be in action after your truck accident if the insurance company refuses to pay fair compensation. For a free case evaluation, contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately.

You may contact us at (415) 692-5301 for a free consultation or fill 0ut our online contact form.

El Cerrito, CA - Injuries Reported in Major Truck Crash on I-80 at Potrero Ave

El Cerrito, CA (July 21, 2021) – Troopers with the California Highway Patrol say that a big-rig crash and fire on eastbound Interstate 80 in El Cerrito snarled traffic for hours and left at least one person with injuries.

East Bay rescue units responded around 3:25 p.m. Police received reports that a truck caught fire after an accident, forcing lane closures on I-80 just west of Potrero Avenue. Four lanes were blocked as firefighters rushed to the area. EMS units were also dispatched to the scene and appeared to transport at least one victim to an area hospital via ambulance. Other victims were treated at the scene and released.

The incident impacted traffic throughout the East Bay and eastbound traffic on the Bay Bridge coming out of San Francisco for several hours.

Motorists were advised to use alternate routes as CHP troopers worked to clear the scene and collect evidence. Their investigation is ongoing at this time, however, and further details have not been provided.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families. We hope for their full recovery.

Truck Accidents in the Bay Area, California

El Cerrito, CA - Injuries Reported in Major Truck Crash on I-80 at Potrero Ave

California authorities say that nearly 40,000 vehicle accidents resulted in fatalities, major injuries, or minor injuries on Bay Area roadways over the last decade. Furthermore, California averages more than 100 fatal truck crashes per year. Throughout the Golden State, more than 3,000 truck accidents result in injuries yearly, with many vulnerable victims left to pick up the pieces after a commercial truck collision. Occasionally, victims succumb to their injuries from these wrecks, leaving grieving families in a tough position, both emotionally and financially.

Serious truck accidents causing injuries or even fatalities are all too common in California, from busy city centers in the Bay Area to the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. When victims are injured in a truck accident, they may have to deal with large commercial entities and a trucking company's insurance adjusters, in addition to long-term physical pain and expensive hospital bills. Grieving families who have lost their loved ones as a result of a truck accident are left to cope with emotional trauma and financial difficulties as a result of another driver's negligence.

Thankfully, the victims and their families affected by Bay Area big-rig accidents can seek help from a California truck accident attorney who's well-versed in state law and can help those affected secure justice. A skilled, experienced attorney in California can help those who have sustained injuries get the fair compensation they deserve after suffering in an 18-wheeler accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

Gene Halavanau at Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco strives to help victims, as well as their families, in their time of need. At Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco, our legal team is here to ensure that you are able to recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and losses. We believe that victims and their families should never be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars out of their own pockets on medical treatment, particularly if their injuries result from an accident caused by the careless, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of a truck driver or their company.

At Halavanau Law Office, we will gladly review the facts of your case and personalize our advice to match your needs. We've spent years fighting for victims and their families in the aftermath of a serious truck accident. If you've been involved in a big-rig crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, contact our injury attorneys in the Bay Area today at (415) 692-5301 or Halavanau.com to schedule your free, no-hassle consultation.

Notes: Outside sources were utilized in the creation of this post. These sources include but are not limited to local TV news sources, local news articles, local police incident reports, state police bulletins, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts about injury accidents that take place in the greater San Francisco Bay area. We do not independently verify all of the facts surrounding these accidents. If you identify any information that is not correct, please notify our firm immediately so that we can correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available. If you would like the post to be taken down for any reason, please let us know and we will remove the posts as soon as possible. 

Disclaimers: The purpose of this accident news post is to bring awareness to drivers in and around the Bay area about what they should do if they are involved in an injury accident. We hope that readers will use an abundance of caution when operating a motor vehicle to avoid being involved in a serious accident. This news post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post should be considered medical or legal advice. Make sure to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own. The picture used in this post is not from this accident scene.

San Martin, CA - Truck Accident With Injuries Reported on Mammini Ct at E San Martin Ave

San Martin, CA (July 4, 2021) – Troopers with the California Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash on Sunday morning, July 4, in the San Martin area.

Officials say that the collision was reported shortly before 10:00 a.m. and occurred at Mammini Court near East San Martin Avenue in unincorporated Santa Clara County. The CHP said on social media that they were still investigating the cause of the crash, though initial reports indicate that many as three vehicles were involved, including a sedan and a large truck. Deputies with Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office were on the scene as well.

Additionally, EMS units were dispatched to the crash to provide ground transport, but the total number of injured victims is unknown. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, and further details about those involved have not been released.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families. We hope for their full recovery.

Truck Accidents in the Bay Area, California

San Martin, CA - Truck Accident Causing Injuries Reported on Mammini Ct at E San Martin Ave

California authorities say that nearly 40,000 vehicle accidents resulted in fatalities, major injuries, or minor injuries on Bay Area roadways over the last decade. Furthermore, California averages more than 100 fatal truck crashes per year. Throughout the Golden State, more than 3,000 truck accidents result in injuries yearly, with many vulnerable victims left to pick up the pieces after a commercial truck collision. Occasionally, victims succumb to their injuries from these wrecks, leaving grieving families in a tough position, both emotionally and financially.

Serious truck accidents causing injuries or even fatalities are all too common in California, from busy city centers in the Bay Area to the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. When victims are injured in a truck accident, they may have to deal with large commercial entities and a trucking company's insurance adjusters, in addition to long-term physical pain and expensive hospital bills. Grieving families who have lost their loved ones as a result of a truck accident are left to cope with emotional trauma and financial difficulties as a result of another driver's negligence.

Thankfully, the victims and their families affected by Bay Area big-rig accidents can seek help from a California accident attorney who's well-versed in state law and can help those affected secure justice. A skilled, experienced attorney in California can help those who have sustained injuries get the fair compensation they deserve after suffering in an 18-wheeler accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

Gene Halavanau at Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco strives to help victims, as well as their families, in their time of need. At Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco, our legal team is here to ensure that you are able to recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and losses. We believe that victims and their families should never be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars out of their own pockets on medical treatment, particularly if their injuries result from an accident caused by the careless, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of a truck driver or their company.

At Halavanau Law Office, we will gladly review the facts of your case and personalize our advice to match your needs. We've spent years fighting for victims and their families in the aftermath of a serious truck accident. If you've been involved in a big-rig crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, contact our injury attorneys in the Bay Area today at (415) 692-5301 or Halavanau.com to schedule your free, no-hassle consultation.

Notes: Outside sources were utilized in the creation of this post. These sources include but are not limited to local TV news sources, local news articles, local police incident reports, state police bulletins, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts about injury accidents that take place in the greater San Francisco Bay area. We do not independently verify all of the facts surrounding these accidents. If you identify any information that is not correct, please notify our firm immediately so that we can correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available. If you would like the post to be taken down for any reason, please let us know and we will remove the posts as soon as possible. 

Disclaimers: The purpose of this accident news post is to bring awareness to drivers in and around the Bay area about what they should do if they are involved in an injury accident. We hope that readers will use an abundance of caution when operating a motor vehicle to avoid being involved in a serious accident. This news post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post should be considered medical or legal advice. Make sure to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own. The picture used in this post is not from this accident scene.

Fresno, CA - One Victim Seriously Injured in Truck Accident at Central & Minnewawa Aves

Fresno, CA (June 11, 2021) – At least two people sustained serious injuries and were taken to a hospital early Wednesday morning, June 9, after a tanker truck crashed, according to troopers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Police said that the crash happened on Central Avenue and Minnewawa Avenue just before 5:00 a.m. According to CHP troopers, the driver of a white Honda was traveling southbound when a big rig coming from the westbound side of the street collided with them. Officers said the big rig T-boned the white Honda, leaving the driver pinned in the vehicle. Firefighters used heavy machinery to cut the man out, though they did not say if other passengers were traveling in the sedan.

The man in the Honda was transported to an area medical center via ambulance with serious injuries. The investigation is ongoing, however, and further details have not been released.

Our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families. We hope for their full recovery.

Truck Accidents in the Bay Area

Fresno, CA - One Victim Seriously Injured in Truck Accident at Central & Minnewawa Aves

California authorities say that nearly 40,000 vehicle accidents resulted in fatalities, major injuries, or minor injuries on Bay Area roadways over the last decade. Furthermore, California averages more than 100 fatal truck crashes per year. Throughout the Golden State, more than 3,000 truck accidents result in injuries yearly, with many vulnerable victims left to pick up the pieces after a commercial truck collision. Occasionally, victims succumb to their injuries from these wrecks, leaving grieving families in a tough position, both emotionally and financially.

Serious truck accidents causing injuries or even fatalities are all too common in California, from busy city centers in the Bay Area to the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. When victims are injured in a truck accident, they may have to deal with large commercial entities and a trucking company's insurance adjusters, in addition to long-term physical pain and expensive hospital bills. Grieving families who have lost their loved ones as a result of a truck accident are left to cope with emotional trauma and financial difficulties as a result of another driver's negligence.

Thankfully, the victims and their families affected by Bay Area big-rig accidents can seek help from a California attorney who's well-versed in state law and can help those affected secure justice. A skilled, experienced attorney in California can help those who have sustained injuries get the fair compensation they deserve after suffering in an 18-wheeler accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

Gene Halavanau at Halavanau Law Office strives to help victims, as well as their families, in their time of need. At Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco, our legal team is here to ensure that you are able to recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and losses. We believe that victims and their families should never be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars out of their own pockets on medical treatment, particularly if their injuries result from an accident caused by the careless, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of a truck driver or their company.

At Halavanau Law Office, we will gladly review the facts of your case and personalize our advice to match your needs. We've spent years fighting for victims and their families in the aftermath of a serious truck accident. If you've been involved in a big-rig crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, contact our accident attorneys in the Bay Area today at (415) 692-5301 or Halavanau.com to schedule your free, no-hassle consultation.

Notes: Outside sources were utilized in the creation of this post. These sources include but are not limited to local TV news sources, local news articles, local police incident reports, state police bulletins, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts about injury accidents that take place in the greater San Francisco Bay area. We do not independently verify all of the facts surrounding these accidents. If you identify any information that is not correct, please notify our firm immediately so that we can correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available. If you would like the post to be taken down for any reason, please let us know and we will remove the posts as soon as possible. 

Disclaimers: The purpose of this accident news post is to bring awareness to drivers in and around the Bay area about what they should do if they are involved in an injury accident. We hope that readers will use an abundance of caution when operating a motor vehicle to avoid being involved in a serious accident. This news post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post should be considered medical or legal advice. Make sure to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own. The picture used in this post is not from this accident scene.

Pleasanton, CA - Victim Seriously Injured in Truck Accident on Byron Hwy at Bruns Rd

Pleasanton, CA (April 2, 2021) – A driver sustained major injuries after a two-vehicle crash involving a big rig occurred on Thursday morning, April 1.

The incident caused the shutdown of a rural commute road, known as the Byron Highway. The road is between Contra Costa County and Alameda County, troopers with the California Highway Patrol said. The Byron Highway remained closed in both directions at 10:30 a.m., about seven hours after a Nissan sedan and big rig collided near Bruns Road at 3:35 a.m.

The Nissan’s driver was transported by helicopter to the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek with major injuries. Authorities said the truck driver did not sustain injuries.

The wreck remains under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the injured victim. We hope for their full recovery.

Truck Accidents in the Bay Area

Pleasanton, CA - Victim Seriously Injured in Truck Accident on Byron Hwy at Bruns Rd

According to California authorities, almost 35,000 vehicle accidents resulted in fatalities, major injuries, or minor injuries on Bay Area roadways over the last several years. Furthermore, California averages more than 100 fatal truck crashes per year. Nearly 3,000 truck accidents in the state result in injuries yearly, with many vulnerable victims left to pick up the pieces after a commercial truck collision.

Serious truck accidents causing injuries or even fatalities are an unfortunately common part of life in California. When multiple victims are injured in a truck accident, they may have to deal with large commercial entities and insurance companies, in addition to long-term physical pain and expensive hospital bills. Occasionally, as a result of these incidents, victims succumb to their injuries, leaving their grieving families to cope with emotional trauma and financial difficulties as a result of another driver's negligence.

But the victims and their families affected by these wrecks can seek help from a California injury attorney. A skilled attorney in California can help victims seek justice and the fair compensation they deserve after suffering in an accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

Gene Halavanau at Halavanau Law Office strives to help victims and their families in their time of need. At Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco, our team can help you collect the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and losses. Victims and their families should never be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars of their own money on medical treatment, especially if their injuries resulted from an accident caused by the careless, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of another party.

Our team at Halavanau will gladly review the facts of your case and tailor our advice to match the specific needs of your case. We have years of experience when it comes to fighting for victims and their families. If you've been involved in a crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, contact our accident attorneys in the Bay Area today at (415) 692-5301 or Halavanau.com to schedule your consultation.

Notes: Outside sources were utilized in the creation of this post. These sources include but are not limited to local TV news sources, local news articles, local police incident reports, state police bulletins, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts about injury accidents that take place in the greater San Francisco Bay area. We do not independently verify all of the facts surrounding these accidents. If you identify any information that is not correct, please notify our firm immediately so that we can correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available. If you would like the post to be taken down for any reason, please let us know and we will remove the posts as soon as possible. 

Disclaimers: The purpose of this accident news post is to bring awareness to drivers in and around the Bay area about what they should do if they are involved in an injury accident. We hope that readers will use an abundance of caution when operating a motor vehicle to avoid being involved in a serious accident. This news post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post should be considered medical or legal advice. Make sure to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own. The picture used in this post is not from this accident scene.

San Jose, CA - One Killed in Fatal Truck Accident on Hwy 101 at Hwy 85

San Jose, CA (March 18, 2021) – A woman died after a collision with a semi-truck trailer occurred on Highway 101 near the Highway 85 connector late on Wednesday, according to troopers with the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities say that the crash was reported at 11:42 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 approaching Highway 85 in South San Jose. A woman's 2016 Mazda collided with a 2011 Freightliner tractor-trailer. The driver, described only as an adult woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The events leading up to the accident are still unclear, but officers asked anyone with information to contact the CHP Hollister-Gilroy area field office at 408-848-2324.

The wreck remains under investigation.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased victim.

Fatal Truck Accidents in the Bay Area

San Jose, CA - One Killed in Fatal Truck Accident on Hwy 101 at Hwy 85

According to California authorities, almost 35,000 vehicle accidents resulted in fatalities, major injuries, or minor injuries on Bay Area roadways over the last several years. Furthermore, California averages more than 100 fatal truck crashes per year. Nearly 3,000 truck accidents in the state result in injuries yearly, with many vulnerable victims left to pick up the pieces after a commercial truck collision.

Serious truck accidents causing injuries or even fatalities are an unfortunately common part of life in California. When multiple victims are injured in a truck accident, they may have to deal with large commercial entities and insurance companies, in addition to long-term physical pain and expensive hospital bills. Occasionally, as a result of these incidents, victims succumb to their injuries, leaving their grieving families to cope with emotional trauma and financial difficulties as a result of another driver's negligence.

But the victims and their families affected by these wrecks can seek help from a California injury attorney. A skilled attorney in California can help victims seek justice and the fair compensation they deserve after suffering in an accident that occurred through no fault of their own.

Gene Halavanau at Halavanau Law Office strives to help victims and their families in their time of need. At Halavanau Law Office in San Francisco, our team can help you collect the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries and losses. Victims and their families should never be forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars of their own money on medical treatment, especially if their injuries resulted from an accident caused by the careless, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions of another party.

Our team at Halavanau will gladly review the facts of your case and tailor our advice to match the specific needs of your case. We have years of experience when it comes to fighting for victims and their families. If you've been involved in a crash caused by the negligent actions of another driver, contact our accident attorneys in the Bay Area today at (415) 692-5301 or Halavanau.com to schedule your consultation.

Notes: Outside sources were utilized in the creation of this post. These sources include but are not limited to local TV news sources, local news articles, local police incident reports, state police bulletins, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts about injury accidents that take place in the greater San Francisco Bay area. We do not independently verify all of the facts surrounding these accidents. If you identify any information that is not correct, please notify our firm immediately so that we can correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available. If you would like the post to be taken down for any reason, please let us know and we will remove the posts as soon as possible. 

Disclaimers: The purpose of this accident news post is to bring awareness to drivers in and around the Bay area about what they should do if they are involved in an injury accident. We hope that readers will use an abundance of caution when operating a motor vehicle to avoid being involved in a serious accident. This news post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. None of the information in this post should be considered medical or legal advice. Make sure to talk to a qualified personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in an accident through no fault of your own. The picture used in this post is not from this accident scene.