A collision involving a large commercial truck can change your life within seconds. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or type of delivery truck, you may have the right to pursue compensation under California law.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our law firm understands how devastating truck accidents can be and we understand how much more complicated these cases are compared to standard car accidents. With over 30 years of handling cases and representing countless clients throughout Roseville and Placer County, our legal team is confident that they can provide you the legal representation you need during this stressful time in your life.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous in Roseville
Roseville’s location near major transportation corridors makes it a common route for commercial trucking traffic throughout Northern California. Highways and roads such as Interstate 80, Highway 65, Douglas Boulevard, Blue Oaks Boulevard, and Eureka Road frequently see large commercial vehicles transporting goods between Sacramento, Reno, and the Bay Area. Unfortunately, heavy truck traffic also increases the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded and when a truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle almost always suffer the most severe injuries. Even a low-speed collision involving a semi-truck can lead to permanent disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, or wrongful death.
Truck accidents in Roseville are particularly dangerous because of:
Heavy commuter traffic along I-80
Congested intersections near retail centers and business districts
Long-haul truck drivers experiencing fatigue
Construction zones throughout expanding areas of Placer County
Delivery truck traffic from e-commerce and warehouse operations
Poor weather visibility during Northern California winter storms
While trucking accidents can happen anywhere, there is an upward trend of them occurring in Roseville and should one occur, accident victims will need to understand their situation so they can make the right steps to recover compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Roseville
Truck accidents rarely happen without negligence, but in many cases, the collision could have been prevented if the trucking company or driver had acted responsibly. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Roseville include:
Driver Fatigue
One of the most common causes of accidents, truck drivers work long hours and often under intense delivery pressure. Although federal Hours-of-Service regulations limit driving time, some drivers or trucking companies violate these rules to maximize profits and to remain on schedule. As fatigued driving can impair reaction time and decision-making similarly to drunk driving, the dangers are just as impactful.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is a common cause of all motor vehicle accidents and truck drivers are not excluded. Truck drivers may become distracted by GPS systems, dispatch communications, mobile phones, food, or onboard technology while driving through busy Roseville roads and even the slightest moment of distraction can cause a serious accident on the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Large trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Truckers who speed on roads like Interstate 80 or Highway 65 can make it impossible for them to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially if there is a sudden congestion on the road.
Improper Truck Maintenance & Loaded Cargo
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets and any mechanical failures to a truck’s brakes, tires, steering, and trailer equipment can all lead to devastating crashes. Furthermore, any uneven or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to jackknife, roll over, or lose control. Should that happen, cargo loading companies may also share liability if unsafe loading practices contributed to the crash.
Driving Under the Influence
Commercial drivers are held to stricter DUI standards under California law. Even small amounts of alcohol or drug impairment can create catastrophic risks when operating a commercial vehicle. Despite the number of regulations and penalties associated with DUI, many truck drivers still drive under the influence to either manage their stress or to meet their scheduled deliveries.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Depending on the severity and scale of the accident, victims may face months or even years of recovery, and in some cases, some injuries may never fully heal. Common truck accident injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)- A violent impact can cause serious head trauma, concussions, or permanent cognitive impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries- Damage to the spinal cord may lead to chronic pain, loss of mobility, or paralysis.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries- Truck crashes frequently cause multiple fractures that require surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.
Internal Organ Damage- Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately visible after a crash but can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Severe Burns and Disfigurement- Fuel-related truck accidents and fires can cause devastating burn injuries and permanent scarring.
Wrongful Death- Sadly, many truck accidents are fatal and families who lose loved ones in Roseville truck crashes may have the right to pursue a claim to recover compensation for any leftover medical bills and funeral arrangements.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Roseville Truck Accident?
One of the biggest differences between truck accident claims and ordinary car accident cases is that multiple parties may be legally responsible. In fact, potential liable parties may include any of the following:
The truck driver
The trucking company
The truck owner
Cargo loading companies
Maintenance providers
Vehicle manufacturers
Third-party contractors
Parts manufacturers
Depending on the cause and severity of the accident, liability will constantly be disputed and opposing counsel will try to mitigate their damages as much as possible trying to shift blame to you. While you can recover compensation for being partially at fault, it is vital to not let trucking companies dictate liability especially if they had a role to play in causing the accident.
How California Comparative Negligence Laws Affect Truck Accident Claims
If you were partially at fault for causing a truck accident in California, you can still recover compensation under state law. California follows a pure comparative negligence system and this means an injured victim may still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a victim is found 20% responsible for a truck collision, their total compensation would generally be reduced by 20%. As a result, insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto victims to minimize payouts.
Federal Trucking Regulations Can Impact Your Case
Commercial trucking companies must comply with regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any violations of these rules may serve as critical evidence in your injury claim.
For example, the FMCSA has an Hours of Service regulation to ensure no truck driver is pushing beyond their physical ability and is granted enough rest time to consistently perform their duties.
However, if a truck driver violated the hours of service by driving beyond their shifts, getting tired, and causing an accident in the process, the accident victim’s case would become stronger and both the truck driver and the trucking company can be held liable.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
If another party caused your truck accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Potential compensation may include:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
Rehabilitation costs
Disability accommodations
Wrongful death damages
While the value of a truck accident case depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, liability disputes, and insurance coverage limits, a skilled personal injury lawyer can look at the details and calculate which damages are applicable to your situation.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Roseville?
The steps you take after a truck accident can significantly impact your injury claim. While it is understandable to feel shaken up and concerned for other things, but if possible, you should:
Call 911 immediately
Seek medical attention
Take photos of the accident scene
Obtain witness information
Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters alone
Preserve evidence and medical records
Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer
The reason you should do these steps is because trucking companies may attempt to repair vehicles, destroy records, or limit access to important evidence unless legal action is taken promptly and by taking those steps, your claim will have enough grounds to get the legal process started.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?
Under California law, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. Any failure to file a claim within the two year timeframe will result in the automatic forfeiture of filing a claim and recovering compensation. However, certain factors can shorten or complicate this timeline, especially if a government entity is involved.
Additionally, waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for more practical reasons. Evidence can disappear and opposing counsel will have more time to minimize your claim. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can help preserve your legal rights.
Speak With a Roseville Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a truck accident in Roseville or anywhere in Placer County, you should not have to face the aftermath alone. Truck accident litigation requires extensive resources, investigation capabilities, and experience handling commercial carriers and corporate insurers.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our firm understands the tactics trucking companies use to reduce liability, and we fight aggressively to protect injured victims throughout Roseville and Northern California. By having us by your side, we’ll do all the legal work while you can focus on recovering.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the recovery you deserve.