Truck Accident Overview

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At Fiore Legal, we understand that being the victim of a personal injury can be a life-changing experience. That's why we're committed to providing you with the knowledge, skills, and resources of a powerhouse legal team to fight for your rights and secure the largest possible financial compensation. Our dedicated attorneys will work tirelessly to hold the negligent driver, trucking company, and any other liable parties accountable for their actions. With Fiore Legal by your side, you can rest assured that you have the best possible chance of obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

What Are Some Causes of Truck Accidents in Fresno?

Truck drivers can drive for up to 11 hours at a stretch per federal Hours of Service regulations. Unfortunately, many drivers go well beyond this time frame because the trucking company may have set unrealistic delivery deadlines for them. Violations of Hours of Service regulations can result in a deadly combination of speeding and driver fatigue, drowsiness, or distracted driving. Other factors contributing to truck accident negligence in Fresno include the following:

  • Distracted driving
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Negligent hiring practices
  • Poor training
  • Failure to obey traffic signals
  • Large blind spots
  • Overweight trailers
  • Loads that aren’t secured properly
  • Brake problems
  • Tire blowouts
  • Weather

Types of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes are rarely simple and often involve multiple contributing factors that don’t exist in ordinary car accidents. The size, weight, and operating demands of commercial trucks mean that even a single mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences. 

Common types of truck accidents include:

  • Rear-end collisions caused by delayed braking or driver inattention
  • Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out and collides with other vehicles
  • Underride accidents, when a vehicle becomes trapped beneath a truck or trailer
  • Rollover accidents due to speed, sharp turns, or improperly loaded cargo
  • Tire blowout crashes linked to poor maintenance or defective tires
  • Wide-turn accidents, when trucks encroach into adjacent lanes
  • Blind spot (no-zone) accidents caused by limited visibility around large trucks
  • Head-on collisions resulting from fatigue, distraction, or impaired driving

Identifying how the crash occurred helps determine who may be responsible and what evidence is needed to support a claim.

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What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the size and force of commercial vehicles. Even collisions at lower speeds can cause extensive physical trauma, long recovery periods, and lasting medical complications. Understanding the most common injuries associated with truck accidents helps highlight the seriousness of these cases and the need for immediate medical care and strong legal representation.

Common truck accident injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and long-term cognitive impairment
  • Spinal cord injuries and back trauma, which may lead to partial or permanent paralysis
  • Broken bones and complex fractures requiring surgery or rehabilitation
  • Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding
  • Neck and soft tissue injuries, including whiplash
  • Severe lacerations, burns, or crush injuries
  • Emotional trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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How Do You Determine the Worth of My Fresno Truck Accident Claim?

Injured victims generally require extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization and surgery, given the severity and nature of trucking accident injuries. You may also need the following:

  • Long-term medical care
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Home and vehicle modifications

When calculating the cost of catastrophic injuries sustained in truck accidents, it's essential to consider various factors. One such factor is the pain, suffering, and emotional distress experienced by the victim and their family. Additionally, it's crucial to account for current and future income losses resulting from the injuries sustained, which may render the victim unable to work. In severe cases, victims may suffer permanent disabilities that prevent them from ever returning to work. Considering all of these factors is essential to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer?

When dealing with trucking or insurance companies in Fresno, it's crucial not to accept the first settlement offer that comes your way. Instead, seek the counsel of a capable Fresno truck accident attorney before signing or accepting anything. It's essential to note that you cannot request additional compensation once you have accepted a settlement, even if the funds are exhausted. Insurance carriers are known for offering lowball settlements, hoping you will sign away your rights to seek further compensation. By consulting an experienced attorney, you can ensure your rights are protected and receive the compensation you deserve.

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What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Fresno?

You must file a personal injury claim within two years of the truck accident and injury date. However, it would be best if you did not wait till the last minute to consult with a Fresno personal injury attorney because:

  • Evidence can be destroyed or get lost
  • Recollection of facts is slower with time
  • The jury and the defense may question the delay

Notably, you only get six months if the accident was due to the fault of a government entity. It is best to file a claim quickly so that your truck accident attorney can secure evidence from the truck’s black box and hire accident reconstructionists and other experts as necessary to build a compelling case for damages.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents in Fresno are complex and may involve multiple defendants, such as:

  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Cargo loading company
  • Trucking maintenance provider
  • Third-party brokers
  • Leasing company if the driver is an independent contractor
  • Manufacturer of the truck

What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

Truck accident cases are complex and often involve powerful trucking companies, multiple insurance policies, and extensive federal regulations. At Fiore Legal, our truck accident lawyers level the playing field by protecting your rights and managing every legal detail while you focus on healing. 

Our team will help by:

  • Investigating the crash and preserving critical evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records
  • Identifying all liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers
  • Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies
  • Accurately calculating the full value of your damages, including medical costs, lost income, and future care
  • Bringing in accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals when needed
  • Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered
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Why Trust Fiore Legal With Your Truck Accident Case in Fresno?

Truck accident claims are complex, high-stakes cases, and we approach them with the focus and urgency they demand. We understand the pressure you’re under after a serious trucking collision, which is why our team of truck accident attorneys in Fresno remains readily available to answer questions, provide timely updates, and guide you through every step of the process. While large firms often treat clients like case numbers and smaller firms may lack the resources to take on trucking companies, we provide hands-on attention backed by the experience and strength needed to pursue maximum compensation. From start to finish, we fight relentlessly for your recovery and your future.

Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition through honors such as:

  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America
  • Top 10 Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers selections
  • Top Mediator, P.I. Hub ADR Program (Los Angeles Superior Court)

If you were injured in a truck accident, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Check Out These Truck Accident Blogs

Truck Accident Prevention Tips

In California, thousands of commercial trucks travel through the streets and highways every day. You have likely experienced driving next to a large truck at some point, leaving you uncertain about what to do to avoid any potential problems involving an accident.

Read more about Truck Accident Prevention Tips

The Dangers of Blind Spots in Trucks

As a truck driver, it is essential to be aware of the dangers associated with blind spots. Blind spots are areas around a truck that the driver cannot see from their rearview or side mirrors.

Read more about The Dangers of Blind Spots in Trucks

Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do after a truck accident?

Can I still file a lawsuit if I’m partially at fault?

Will my case have to go to court?

What if the truck driver or company is from another state?

What evidence is needed to prove liability?

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

What should I do after a truck accident?

Get medical care immediately, even if you feel okay. Call the police, document the scene with photos or video, collect witness information, and refrain from speaking with insurance adjusters until you have received legal guidance from Fiore Legal. Acting quickly also helps preserve important evidence that may otherwise be lost.

Can I still file a lawsuit if I’m partially at fault?

Yes. California uses a comparative negligence system, which allows injured parties to recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident. Your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault, but you are not automatically barred from pursuing a claim.

Will my case have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many truck accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate on your behalf in court.

What if the truck driver or company is from another state?

We regularly handle accidents involving out-of-state drivers and trucking companies. Our team understands how federal trucking regulations apply and will determine the proper jurisdiction while pursuing all responsible parties.

What evidence is needed to prove liability?

Our attorneys gather and analyze key evidence, including crash reports, witness statements, driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and expert opinions.

What if the insurance company denies my claim?

If an insurer denies your claim, our team does not stop there. We review the denial, challenge unsupported conclusions, and pursue compensation through negotiation or litigation when necessary.

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