Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Modesto, CA

FAQs

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

  (209) 572-9500 is the non-emergency contact number for the Modesto police station.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your accident report by visiting the Modesto Police Department situated at 600 10th St, Modesto, CA 95354. When completing their forms, you must include details about the accident, including the date, time, and place. You can also send your request form via mail. Reports cost $.10 per page.

• What steps should you take after getting involved in a truck accident in Modesto?

  The first thing to do is seek for medical help as soon as possible for yourself and your companions. Take pictures of the accident scene, speak with witnesses to get their contact information, and report the accident to the police. Avoid engaging in excessive conversation with those nearby since whatever you say could impair your capacity to receive eventual financial recompense for your losses. Consult with a knowledgeable Modesto attorney and do not accept the initial offer made by the other parties' insurance companies.

• What are the top causes of truck accidents in Modesto?

  Commercial trucks and tractor-trailers pose a risk for drivers of smaller vehicles on the road because of their size and a variety of other issues. Driver inexperience, dangerous cargo loading, inappropriate turning maneuvers, and violations of federal laws and regulations governing rest intervals and hours of work are some of the leading causes of truck accidents in Modesto. Distracted driving, such as texting or eating while operating a vehicle, could also result in a truck collision.

• Who is responsible for a truck accident in Modesto?

  The truck driver can be held liable for an accident in Modesto if he or she is found guilty of disobeying the laws of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If the accident was brought on by defective truck brakes or drive shafts, the manufacturer may be to blame. Injuries sustained as a result of a truck collision may be the responsibility of the city or county where the crash occurred if a poorly maintained road was the primary contributing factor. Loaders and leasing companies can also be held accountable.

• What are the most crucial types of evidence you need to preserve after a Modesto truck accident?

  It is crucial to consult with a Modesto lawyer after being involved in a truck accident who can advise you on the types of evidence to keep in order to build a strong case. You and your lawyer will need to gather evidence, such as pictures of the accident site, video surveillance, CHP traffic accident reports, expert testimony, data stored in the truck's black box, and eyewitness statements.

• What forms of restitution are available to you for your Modesto truck accident claim?

  After being involved in a truck accident in Modesto, victims may be entitled to two types of restitution under California law. These are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include future medical expenses, medical bills, lost income, property damage, decrease in earning capacity, and the price of home modifications required to accommodate an accident-related disability. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, include emotional discomfort, diminished quality of life, severed ties to one's family, and physical pain and suffering.

• 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.