Truck accidents are common in California, often resulting in serious and catastrophic injuries.

When a truck accident is the result of another party’s negligence, injury victims can sue to recover damages. That’s where J&Y Law comes in.

We have extensive experience litigating truck accident claims and know how to hold negligent trucking companies, truck drivers, and third parties accountable. When you work with us, we will handle all the details of your claim and fight to get you meaningful compensation.

At J&Y Law, we offer free consultations and will charge no attorney fees until we recover for you. Contact our office today to get started with an experienced California truck accident attorney.

Common Causes of California Truck Accidents

Federal and state truck safety laws are supposed to protect the public; however, truck accidents often occur for the following reasons:

Driver Fatigue – Despite federal laws that impose hourly driving limits and mandatory rest breaks on truckers, truck driver fatigue is common. Truckers must meet strict delivery deadlines, cover vast distances, and drive for long periods of time, increasing the risk of fatigue. Both the trucking company and the truck driver may be liable when driver fatigue causes or contributes to a truck accident.

Distracted Driving – Truck drivers rely on GPS navigation to plot their routes and smartphones to connect with dispatchers and other truckers, resulting in distracted truck driving. J&Y works to hold truck drivers liable for accidents caused by distracted driving.

Improper Maintenance – Trucking companies and truck owners must comply with applicable safety laws and ensure vehicles and components such as braking systems, engines, tires, brake lights, hitch assemblies, and straps are properly maintained. Defective brakes and tire blowouts frequently result in truck accidents in California.

Inadequate Training – Trucking companies must vet and properly train truck drivers. Because seasoned truck drivers earn more per mile than new drivers, trucking companies often send inexperienced truckers out on the road without the necessary skills to safely maneuver trucks and tractor-trailers.

Improper Loading – Federal and state laws regulate permissible cargo weight; however, improper loading is common, which can make a vehicle harder to stop or maneuver. The party responsible for improperly loading the truck, including the trucker, the trucking company, or a third party – freight, cargo, or warehouse operator – may be held liable.

Types of Truck Accidents in California

Some common types of truck accidents include:

Rollover accidents – Speeding and improper loading can result in rollover accidents, particularly on steep inclines or declines. Rollover accidents can also occur when truck drivers hit curbs, swerve around other vehicles or objects, or take curves too fast.

Jackknife accidents – Tractor-trailers can “jackknife” when the drive-axle brakes lock, causing the trailer to skid and come to a stop at a 90-degree angle with the tractor.

Brake failure accidents – Poorly maintained or improperly installed brakes can fail. Also, short stops can cause brakes to overheat, resulting in brake failure.

Runaway truck accidents – Truck drivers who use improper breaking techniques can cause runaway truck accidents, especially at intersections, toll booths, off-ramps, and railroad crossings.

Blind spots – Commercial trucks and tractor-trailers have blind spots along the sides and rear known as “No-Zone” areas. Other drivers who fail to avoid No-Zone areas can be seriously injured in a truck accident when truck drivers change lanes or make turns

Rear-end accidents – When a truck collides with the back of another vehicle, occupants of a smaller vehicle can suffer catastrophic and/or fatal injuries.

Under-ride accidents – This type of truck accident occurs when truck drivers suddenly slam on the brakes and vehicles traveling behind fail to stop in time and become crushed under the rear of a truck.

Wide-turn accidents – Truck drivers can underestimate the space needed to complete a turn or fail to spot vehicles in the trailer’s path, pinning them against other vehicles, medians, or other obstacles.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident claims are complicated, often involving several parties: the truck driver, the trucking company, other motorists, and insurance companies. It takes an experienced truck accident attorney to sort through all the details, identify the responsible party or parties, and get you the compensation you deserve.

Let J&Y handle all the details of your claim while you focus on healing from your injuries. Our capable California truck accident attorneys will:

Investigate the accident site
Obtain and review the police report
Identify and interview witnesses
Subpoena the truck driver’s GPS data and review their driving record
Subpoena the trucking companies maintenance logs and personnel records
Collect medical evidence to document your injuries and treatment
Negotiate a fair and just settlement with insurance companies and opposing counsel
File a truck accident lawsuit if necessary

Above all, we will fight to get you just compensation, including damages such as:

Medical expenses
Rehabilitative costs
Lost wages – present and future
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability/disfigurement
Replacement services
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

If a family member has died in a truck accident, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit to obtain compensation for final medical expenses and other losses. We will stand by you during this difficult time and help you find justice and peace of mind.

Contact Our Experienced California Truck Accident Attorney Today!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, J&Y Law will offer compassionate, effective representation and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to set up a consultation.

J&Y Law helps truck accident victims in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and throughout the state of California.