Truck Accidents

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 and truck 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 lawyers 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?

Trucking accidents generally occur due to a combination of factors including:

Driver fatigue: Driving while tired is among the most common cause of truck accidents. A fatigued driver may be unable to make the required caliber of decisions necessary for driving. Hours-of-operation laws exist to help stop crashes due to a tired driver. A violation of these regulations can be grounds for negligence on the part of the truck driver.
Failure to maintain equipment: The trucking industry in California is highly regulated, and drivers must perform regular vehicle inspections to ensure their truck and equipment are properly maintained. If one system fails, the driver may not be able to properly control the vehicle and an accident can result. If you need a truck accident attorney for lack of inspection or maintenance in Lancaster, contact Accident Attorneys immediately!
Driving under the influence: Truck drivers are held to a different standard when it comes to drinking and 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. Despite the danger and legality, the use of alcohol and methamphetamine are common causes of trucking accidents.
Speeding: Driving faster than is necessary presents a special danger for truck drivers on the road. The massive weight of a commercial truck can mean that driving even a few mph over the speed limit can lead to a massive increase in stopping distance. Any decrease in control from speeding can be further exacerbated by hazardous weather conditions.

Common Routes & Truck Accident Areas in Lancaster

In Lancaster, the risk of commercial truck accidents is heightened in areas with heavy commercial tr,affic such as highways and intersections. Key routes like California State Route 14 (the Antelope Valley Freeway) and Highway 138 are frequently used by large commercial trucks, making them significant for traffic congestion and accident occurrences. Given the nature of these routes, any incident involving truck traffic can lead to major disruptions and pose significant hazards to all road users. Our knowledge of local road conditions and common accident sites enhances our ability to strategically assess and handle each case we work on.

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 which limit the number of hours driven on the road in order to lessen the chances of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving massive 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 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 70 hours a week.
Commercial truck drivers are required to take 24 hours of rest to continue working after achieving the weekly limit.

The strict enforcement of these hours-of-service rules is critical to ensuring 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.

Establishing Liability After a Commercial Truck Accident in Lancaster

Truck drivers are not the only parties who can incur liability for an accident. In certain cases, the trucking company can share responsibility or be entirely at fault for damages due to an accident. When dealing with truck accident cases in Lancaster, understanding the roles of each involved party is crucial.

For example, if a company knowingly hired a driver with a history of alcohol abuse and that driver causes an accident, the employer may be held liable.

A trucking company can also fail to maintain their fleet. If the brakes fail, or the hydraulic system is compromised on a vehicle and an accident occurs, the company may again be held responsible.

Commercial trucks are massive machines that can carry tens of thousands of pounds of cargo. Because crash risks increase the heavier a truck or tractor-trailer becomes, state and federal regulators enforce a number of rules when it comes to cargo, including cargo securement regulations and strict weight limits. Under current regulations, commercial trucks and tractor trailers cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.

That gross weight limit includes both vehicle weight and the weight of any cargo on board. For single unit trucks, including box trucks, the federal weight limit is 57,000 pounds.

Failure to Maintain Commercial Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces hundreds of rules governing every aspect of the commercial trucking industry. Regarding maintenance, FMCSA regulations cover inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial vehicles, including inspection reports and qualifications of inspectors.

It is mandatory for truckers to perform their own inspection prior to driving the vehicle to ensure that the truck is in safe operating condition. If any defects are discovered, the driver must report and perform any necessary repairs before getting back on the road. If the vehicle is found to have an unsafe condition while on the road, the trucker must go to the nearest place to get the proper repairs.

Trucking companies can be held legally liable when accidents are caused by their failure to maintain equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Lancaster

How Long After a Truck Accident Can I File a Lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident is typically two years from the date of the incident. This time frame may differ if there are specific circumstances, such as government involvement or unique instances relating to the case. Seeking legal advice from our experienced truck accident attorneys in Lancaster can help you meet all necessary deadlines and fully understand your rights and any exceptions that may apply.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Immediately following a truck accident, your primary concern should be safety and health. Ensure you are out of harm's way and call 911 for medical assistance if there's any injury. Document the scene by taking photographs of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant details. Collect contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and any involved parties. Official police reports can also be valuable in future legal proceedings. Once personal safety is managed, contacting our local Lancaster trucking accident attorney can provide guidance to protect your interests and rights.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Truck Accident?

Compensation types after a truck accident may cover economic losses such as medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress may also be claimed. Each case's specifics, including accident severity, liability, and documented losses, can influence compensation aspects.

Can I Handle a Truck Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?

While possible, managing a truck accident claim independently is not advisable due to the complex legal nature. Lack of professional guidance can lead to undervalued claims or overlooked liabilities, and nuanced negotiations with insurance and trucking companies often require legal experience. Hiring our knowledgeable Lancaster truck accident attorney means you can benefit from thorough understanding of legal intricacies and a better position to negotiate favorable outcomes.

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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.

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