Truck Accident Attorneys in Lancaster
Legal Guidance Through Trucking Accident Claims in Antelope Valley, CA
Commercial truck drivers work in environments that can sometimes encourage dangerous driving behavior. To meet strict deadlines, a driver may engage in negligent actions, such as driving longer than allowed or through hazardous conditions. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers are equipped to deal with these complexities.
Although not every collision involves these conditions, our team can investigate all options to discover the true cause of a collision. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a truck accident, come to Accident Attorneys for help from our team of experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Lancaster.
Our truck accident attorneys in Lancaster have more than 75 years of combined experience to help you file a lawsuit against:
- A negligent trucker
- The truck manufacturer of a defective auto part
- The trucking company, based on violation of industry safety regulations
Truck accidents are often complex cases involving multiple parties, from the truck driver to the vehicle manufacturer. Understanding the laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry is crucial. Our Lancaster truck accident attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and can recognize any failure to comply by truck drivers or companies, which may have led to your accident.
We offer a free, no-risk case evaluation. Call (661) 261-4929 or contact our skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyers in Lancaster online now to learn more about your legal options!
What Are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in California?
Tractor-trailer accidents can result from preventable safety failures. Understanding these causes can help clarify how a crash occurred and whether negligence played a role. A truck accident attorney in Lancaster can review the facts of your case to identify where regulations were ignored or safety was compromised.
Common causes of trucking accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can impair judgment and reaction time. Violations of hours-of-service rules may support a negligence claim.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues can point to inadequate maintenance by the driver or trucking company.
- Driving under the influence: Consuming alcohol or other substances can impair driving. A commercial driver cannot have a blood alcohol level of .04% or higher or have consumed alcohol within several hours of a working shift.
- Speeding: Due to their size and weight, trucks require far more distance to stop. Even slight speeding can drastically increase the risk of severe collisions.
Common Routes & Truck Accident Areas in Lancaster
What Are the Federal Hours-of-Service Rules?
Fatigue typically happens because of long shifts and monotonous journeys on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set forth regulations that limit the number of hours driven on the road to lessen the chances of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving large commercial trucks.
In addition, trucking companies and their drivers are required to keep track of logs to record hours worked.
Federal hours-of-service rules include the following:
- Commercial truck drivers are allowed to work a maximum of 14 hours a day.
- Commercial truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours out of the 14-hour day.
- Commercial truck drivers are required to take a 30-minute break at some point after the first seven hours of a shift.
- Commercial truck drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 70 hours over a period of several days, depending on the applicable rule set.
- Commercial truck drivers are required to take at least 24 hours of off-duty time to continue working after reaching certain cumulative limits.
The strict enforcement of these hours-of-service rules is critical to promoting road safety. Violations can result not only in fines and penalties for drivers and trucking companies but can also be used as evidence of negligence in legal proceedings. This is why keeping detailed and accurate logs is crucial for all involved parties.
We encourage you to contact our Lancaster truck accident lawyer from our firm for a FREE case evaluation today: (661) 261-4929.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 661-261-4929 today!
-
What is the minimum amount for a personal injury settlement?
There is no minimum amount of money allowed for a personal injury settlement; every case is determined by the unique facts surrounding the claim. Additionally, most jurisdictions do not have a cap on the amount of my money that you can receive through a personal injury settlement.
In California, the amount of money that you can receive for noneconomic damages (pain, suffering, etc.) for a medical malpractice case is limited to $250,000; however, other injury settlements are not subject to this restriction.
-
How will I receive my personal injury settlement?
If you file a claim against an individual, his / her insurance company is probably aware of the judgment. If the insurance is unaware of the settlement, you can notify the insurer. At this point, the insurance provider should issue a check for the settlement.
If the responsible party does not have insurance, you may need to enter the settlement with the court. The court has the authority to enforce the judgment if the responsible party refuses to pay.
-
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Every case is different. A variety of circumstances determine the value of your claim. Property damage, medical expenses, hospitalization fees, pain, and suffering, missed wages, and many other factors can affect the outcome of your case.
You can even collect damages for future unemployment / missed wages and ongoing medical costs. Speak with a member of the legal team at Accident Attorneys to learn more about the potential value of your case.
