A fully loaded tractor trailer in California is approximately 72 feet long. It can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can end up in devastating accidents. For victims, a truck accident claim can actually be quite a bit more complicated than a car crash. Within this blog post, our Stockton semi-truck accident lawyer highlights the key factors that make tractor trailer crashes different from other motor vehicle collisions.
The Four Big Differences Between Semi-Truck Accidents and Other Motor Vehicle Crashes
- More Likely to Cause Serious or Catastrophic Harm
Fewer than half of car accidents reported in California result in physical injuries. An even smaller share of crashes result in severe or life-altering harm. That is not to say that car accidents are not a serious problem. Major accidents happen far too often. At the same time, semi-truck accidents are dramatically more likely to cause devastation. Due to the substantial mass and size of semi-trucks compared to standard passenger vehicles, collisions often result in serious or catastrophic harm. The physics behind these crashes means that even at lower speeds, the force of a semi-truck can cause devastating injuries or death. Notably, three-quarters of people killed in trucking accidents nationwide were outside of the truck itself (occupants of cars, motorcyclists, pedestrians, etc).
- Higher Insurance Policy (Aggressive Insurance Adjusters)
Commercial trucks carry much higher insurance policies than typical motor vehicles due to their potential to cause serious damage. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) explains that trucks that transport cargo must have a minimum of at least $750,000 in liability coverage. In certain situations, such as when transporting hazardous material, the requirement is even higher.
Given the high stakes, injured victims should know that insurance adjusters involved in semi-truck accidents are often more aggressive in their tactics. Indeed, they often fight hard to minimize payouts and protect their company’s bottom line. You need an experienced Stockton, CA semi-truck accident lawyer on your side. Your attorney will protect your best interests.
- Multiple Parties May Bear Legally Liability for the Crash
Another big contrast between semi-truck accidents and other types of motor vehicle collisions, is that a wide range of different parties may potentially be liable for the crash. Along with others, this may include the:
- Truck driver;
- The trucking company;
- Other contractors;
- Third party drivers;
- Company responsible for trailer; and
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Every semi-truck accident requires a thorough investigation. Each party may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the accident. It could be through trucker error, improper vehicle maintenance, or unsafe working conditions.
- Federal Safety Regulations Could Be in Issue in the Case
Commercial trucking is regulated at both the state level and the federal level. If you are involved in a truck accident in San Joaquin County, your personal injury claim will fall under California law. At the same time, federal trucking safety rules could still have a very big impact on your case.
Semi-trucks that are used in interstate commerce must comply with a wide range of federal safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover many safety issues, including:
- Hours of service for drivers;
- Truck maintenance standards; and
- Cargo load securement rules.
Compliance with these regulations is critical and often becomes a central issue in legal claims following a semi-truck accident. Non-compliance with a federal safety regulation is evidence of negligence. A negligent trucker or trucking company can be held liable for a crash.
There are also Important Similarities Between Truck Accidents and Car Accidents
There are very important differences between truck accident claims and car accident claims. For that reason, you need a lawyer who has experience taking on trucking companies. Still, it would be a mistake to say that the entire claims process is different. Here are some of the most important similarities between truck accidents and car accidents in Stockton:
- Crash Should Be Reported to Law Enforcement: All motor vehicle collisions in California that result in physical injuries or major property damage should be reported to law enforcement. Make sure that your crash is reported to the Stockton Police Department or another law enforcement agency in a timely manner. Get a copy of the accident report.
- Fault-Based Standard of Liability Applies: California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state—for both car accidents and truck accidents. The party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for compensating any damages incurred. Every crash in Central California should be thoroughly investigated by a top-tier attorney.
- A Two-Year Statute of Limitations: You have a limited amount of time to bring a personal injury claim. Under California law (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), there is a two-year statute of limitations for both truck accident claims and car accident claims in California. Take a proactive approach: Consult with a Stockton, CA semi-truck accident lawyer after a bad collision.
How Our Stockton Truck Accident Attorneys Can Deliver for Injured Victims
Semi-truck accident claims are notoriously complex. You do not have to go up against the truck company and/or its insurer provider alone. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we have the specialized knowledge and experience to take on these cases. Our case results tell the story. Our attorneys have secured tens of millions in compensation for injured victims and their families, including in tractor trailer accident cases. No matter the severity of your crash, we are ready to get started right away.
Contact Our Stockton Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton commercial truck accident attorneys are skilled and experienced advocates for justice. Do not go it alone after a bad crash. If you were involved in a commercial truck accident, we are here as a resource that you depend on. Contact us today to set up a no fee, no strings attached case evaluation. From our Stockton office, we handle tractor trailer accident claims throughout the area, including in Sutter Creek, Sacramento, Lodi, and Manteca.