Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Concord

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Concord, California?

  For non-emergency concerns, you may call the Concord Police Department anytime at 925-671-3333.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Concord, California?

  You have two ways to obtain a copy of your accident report:

  1. Call to make a report request at 925-671-3220
  2. Visit the Concord Police Department in person at 1350 Galindo St, Concord, CA 94520

  The cost for police report copies range from $6 - $20. You will need to provide identifying details, including the report number, date, time, and location of the crash, and your name. Also provide your phone number, email, or mailing address.

• What types of damages can be claimed after a truck accident in Concord, CA?

  Truck accident victims in Concord can claim economic damages, like ongoing and long-term medical expenses, lost earnings, property damages, and diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium, are also available, especially to those who suffered life-altering injuries. Punitive damages may be awarded to victims in cases of gross recklessness from the at-fault driver, including driving under the influence and excessive speeding.

• Who can be held liable for your truck accident injuries in Concord, CA?

  There could be multiple liable parties in a truck accident other than just the driver. The trucking company or the driver’s employer may have legal liability for the driver’s negligence, or may have directly contributed to the accident through poor truck maintenance. If the case involves defective truck parts or equipment, the truck manufacturer may also be held liable. Some accidents are caused by cargo spilling off the truck, in this case, the cargo loader may be responsible.

• How long do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Concord, CA?

  Based on the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, truck accident lawsuits must be filed by the claimant within two years from the date of the accident. If you are filing a lawsuit against a government entity in Concord, it must be filed within six months. A truck accident lawyer can help you build the case and file it on time.

• How can a truck accident lawyer in Concord, CA, help your case?

  Truck accident lawyers in Concord conduct an independent investigation of the crash and serve Letters of Spoilation to prevent the destruction or alteration of evidence. They work with expert witnesses to calculate the client's damages. They also handle negotiations with the insurance company to pursue the maximum compensation possible. In situations when a fair settlement for the client is not achieved, the lawyer can file a lawsuit in civil court on behalf of the truck accident victim.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Concord, CA?

  Driver negligence is among the top cause of truck crashes in Concord. This includes drunk driving, falling asleep while driving, speeding, and cellphone use. Lack of maintenance leading to brake failure, tire blowouts, and light issues is another common cause. An overloaded truck also leads to various catastrophic situations, such as cargo spills and rollover collisions.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.