Sacramento Truck Accident Attorney

Call Today If You Have Been Injured in a Trucking Accident in Sacramento, CA

Commercial trucks have made the transportation of large quantities of goods easier, cheaper, and more reliable than ever. However, as with any large machinery, these giants also pose an increased risk to safety. With their tremendous weight, high levels of horsepower, and often limited operating visibility, these machines cause numerous injuries every year, many of them severe.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitation, and even property damage. It is difficult for the average person to determine whether they may be able to receive compensation, but a skilled truck accident attorney in Sacramento could help you make that determination.

Call our law firm at (916) 571-0400 today. Our truck accident lawyer in Sacramento, CA, can fight for you.

Attorneys James Smolich and Robert Smolich of Smolich and Smolich are Board Certified Specialists® in Workers’ Compensation law by the State Bar of California. Their dedicated firm has helped numerous clients with a host of various personal injury claims, including commercial truck injuries. Comprehensive legal guidance is critical in truck accident cases, given the complexity and potential for substantial damages. Our local understanding of Sacramento’s unique traffic patterns, especially on routes like I-80 and I-5, complements our legal strategies, ensuring a thorough and informed approach to each case.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often occur on major highways such as I-80 and I-5 as well as on smaller local roads. Since commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, collisions frequently result in serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery.

Common injuries in truck accidents can include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Whiplash
Sprains and strains
Broken bones
Burns
Internal injuries
Lacerations
Psychological trauma

These injuries can affect nearly every aspect of a victim’s life, from their ability to work to their overall physical and emotional well-being. Seeking prompt medical care and speaking with an experienced truck accident attorney in Sacramento can help make sure your injuries are properly documented and that you pursue the compensation needed for immediate treatment and long-term recovery.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident cases differ from typical vehicle collision cases because there are often multiple parties who may be liable for the resulting damages. While a car accident case can involve multiple defendants, this is much rarer than it is in truck accident cases.

Key parties that may share responsibility after a Sacramento truck crash include:

Truck driver: The driver may be responsible if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or violating federal hours-of-service rules at the time of the collision.
Trucking company: The company that hired, trained, and supervised the driver may be liable for unsafe policies, unrealistic schedules, or poor safety oversight.
Maintenance contractors: Repair or maintenance providers may be responsible if they performed inadequate inspections or failed to address known mechanical issues.
Cargo loading companies: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can make a truck unstable and contribute to serious accidents.
Manufacturers: Truck or parts manufacturers may be liable if defective components caused brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering problems.
Government entities: Local or state agencies may share responsibility if dangerous road design, poor maintenance, or inadequate signage contributed to the crash.

Causes of Truck Accidents

The cause of a truck accident can be attributed to a variety of factors that may be directly or indirectly related to the truck driver. Like in any motor vehicle collision case, driver negligence is often the primary cause of truck accidents. This can range from more common negligent driving behaviors like speeding to extremely reckless behavior such as drinking and driving. Large semi-trucks are very difficult to operate, so collisions can also be caused by any external influence that causes the driver to lose control of the vehicle, such as weather, reduced visibility, maintenance issues, or heavy cargo.

A truck accident can be caused by:

Driver fatigue
Improperly loaded cargo, heavy cargo, or dangerous cargo
Speeding
Reckless driving
Distracted driving
Improper maintenance
Negligent hiring and training of truck drivers
Alcohol and/or drug intoxication

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California Truck Accident Statistics in Sacramento

The roads of California are home to many large trucks that transport the state’s abundant agricultural products throughout the area and across the country. The number of semi-trucks in the state presents an inherent risk of collision, and in California’s populated urban areas, this risk may be greater. The high volume of traffic congestion around Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco contributes to a heightened possibility of truck accidents.

The following statistics demonstrate the dangers of truck accidents in the state of California and throughout the United States:

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,375 trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2023.
Large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in deadly crashes (NSC).
In 2023, there were 153,452 injuries in truck crashes (NSC).
California saw 392 deaths from truck accidents in 2023 (NSC).

Commercial trucks are not limited to just 18-wheeler semi-trucks either. Bulldozers, cranes, earthmovers, dump trucks, harvesters/combines, and delivery vans could all be classified as commercial trucks. Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries or even death. Pick up the phone and retain the legal counsel of an experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyer to get the compensation you may be eligible for today.

Don’t let your case pass the statute of limitations without filing your claim! Contact Smolich and Smolich online by calling (916) 571-0400 today and get a free initial case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Following a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, prioritize safety and call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. If possible, move to a safe area and remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. While waiting, document the accident by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Once the police arrive, obtain a copy of the accident report and avoid admitting fault or signing documents before speaking with a lawyer. A Sacramento 18-wheeler accident attorney at Smolich and Smolich can help protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.

Can I Sue If the Truck Driver Was Not Solely at Fault?

Yes. Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers, or even government entities. Determining shared liability requires a thorough investigation. Our Sacramento truck accident attorney at Smolich and Smolich can identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.

Contact Smolich and Smolich Today!

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