Truck Accidents

Nationwide, large truck wrecks claimed 4,808 lives in the United States in 2007. In California, large truck crashes caused 365 deaths and injured another 10,024 motorists, according to data from the California Highway Patrol. Sadly, Sacramento County, with its complex of busy highways, was home to 11 tractor trailer deaths and 348 injuries.

Many of those tractor trailer accidents were caused by the carelessness of truck drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured by a truck driver in a Northern California tractor trailer accident, you should not have to pay for the driver's mistake. You may have severe injuries and mounting medical bills, and it's important to hold the trucking company accountable for your injuries.

But getting the money you deserve from trucking companies and their insurers will not be easy. Proving your case in court can be exceptionally difficult and require knowledge of complex federal regulations. Call the Arnold Law Firm today. We can help. Our Sacramento legal team prides itself on the attention we give to each client.  We will discuss your case without fee or obligation. Call (916) 924-3100 or contact us online.

Weighing up to 80,000 pounds and measuring as long as 70 feet, large trucks, also known as semis, tractor trailers or 18 wheelers, pose a greater potential danger than any other vehicle on the road. Indeed, while tractor trailers accounted for only 4 percent of registered vehicles nationally in 2007, they were responsible for 12 percent of all motor vehicle injuries, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That’s more than 100,000 injuries in one year.

Large truck accidents can have many causes, including:

• Driver error: Of the 4,808 fatalities resulting from large truck accidents in 2007, driver-related factors such as speeding or following too closely were cited 38 percent of the time.
• Intoxication: A federal study of large truck crashes over a three-year period suggested alcohol, prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs could have contributed to as many as 29,000 large truck accidents.
• Poorly maintained or faulty equipment: Brake and tire problems were involved in as many as 49,000 large truck accidents, according to the same study.
• Fatigue: Despite strict regulations, drivers may be pressured to drive for longer periods of time than allowed by federal laws.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a large truck, you could easily face lost wages and medical expenses that can include surgery, hospitalization and years of doctor visits or rehabilitation. If a family member has died in a large truck accident, no amount of money can undo the harm you have suffered, but it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim that will allow you to receive the compensation you deserve.

Injury or wrongful death cases involving large trucks are almost always more complicated than car crash cases. Complex federal regulations govern many large trucks and their drivers. Attorneys at the Arnold Law Firm know how to conduct investigations that will ensure you receive the most compensation possible.

Among other inquiries, our attorneys will find out if the truck’s driver or a trucking company failed to comply with federal safety or maintenance rules. Our attorneys will also determine if the truck’s owner provided proper training and supervision for drivers. We will also investigate whether the truck’s design or a manufacturing defect may have contributed to the crash.

Keep in mind that truck drivers and insurance companies employ a team of attorneys. That’s why you need your own team of experienced truck accident lawyers to help you fight back and pursue all possible avenues of compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a large truck accident, don’t delay. Building a successful truck accident case takes time, expert knowledge and complete dedication to the case at hand. The Sacramento, California truck accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and we will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call the Arnold Law Firm today at 916-924-3100 or contact us online. Our Sacramento, California legal team will discuss your case without fee or obligation. We know many people may not be able to afford an attorney, so we only charge a fee if we win your case.