Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Fresno, CA

FAQs

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

  311 is the non-emergency contact number of Fresno local police station.

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

  Requests of police report can be through the Fresno Police Department's website or call the Records Unit at (559) 600-8400. You may visit the Administration Office at 2200 Fresno Street, Fresno, California. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To obtain a copy of the police report, you must be listed as the driver, passenger, authorized agent, or representative of the people listed and someone filing the claim.

• What are the most important pieces of evidence in a Fresno truck accident case?

  Photographs of the accident scene taken on cellphones, police reports outlining the occurrence, contact information for witnesses, medical records detailing the injuries sustained in the accident, and media stories about the accident, can all provide information.

• What are the most dangerous Fresno roads and intersections?

  Fresno is next to Highway 99, which accounts for much of the city's daily traffic and truck accidents. Some of the highways that tend to be more dangerous to vehicles and where truck accidents occur are usually found on the following roads and intersections: Blackstone Ave., Shaw Ave., and Valentine Ave.; Clinton Ave., First St., and Angus St.; Cedar Ave., First St., and Tulare Ave.; Ashlan Ave., Blackstone Ave.; and dangerous rural roads McKinley and Del Rey to Dickenson and Kearney to Peach and North; Clovis and Sanger.

• What is the time limit in California for filing a truck accident lawsuit?

  The statute of limitations in California is two years, which is the time restriction to claim a Fresno truck accident. This means that victims have two years from the date of the injury to bring a claim. If claims are not submitted within two years, it will be banned from pursuing a claim and claiming damages, except in restricted circumstances. Victims should contact a lawyer as soon as possible following their accident.

• What is a commercial truck, according to the law in Fresno?

  A commercial motor vehicle is defined under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations as a vehicle used on the roadway to convey persons or property in interstate commerce that has a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,000 pounds, is used to carry more than eight passengers or more than 15 passengers, and is a vehicle used to deliver hazardous materials. These include 18-wheelers, big rigs, cargo trucks, concrete trucks, construction trucks, fuel trucks, semi-trucks, tanker trucks, tractor-trailers, and logging trucks.

• Is it necessary to file a police complaint after a Fresno truck accident?

  According to the California Vehicle Code, every driver in Fresno engaged in a fatal or injury-causing collision must report the accident within 24 hours. Regardless of whether it is required, a police report helps establish a solid case by serving as evidence. The police report frequently includes photos of the accident site, witness information, and any citations issued by the police to any parties involved.

• 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.