Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Oakland, CA

FAQs

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

  (510) 777-3333 is the non-emergency contact number for the Oakland police station.

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

  You can obtain an Oakland police report online, in person, or through mail. To request a report by mail, you need to fill out and sign a Public Request Form, pay a $20 check to the City of Oakland, and mail your request form together with your valid I.D. and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the OPD Eastmont Substation Traffic Investigations Unit located at 2651 73rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94605. Victims can also secure their collision report online at https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/vehicle-collision-reports. To get an accident report in person, you can proceed directly to the Oakland Police Department - Eastmont Substation.

• What should you do after getting involved in an Oakland truck accident?

  After getting involved in a truck collision in Oakland, it is essential to call 911 to report the accident and get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think you didn't sustain any injuries. It is also advisable to contact an experienced attorney to ensure a successful resolution of your truck accident lawsuit. Take note of the other driver’s personal and insurance information, document your injuries and property damage with photos, speak to any witnesses, and ask for a copy of the accident report.

• What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Oakland?

  Truck accidents in Oakland can occur for a number of reasons. Speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and improper loading are some of the factors that contribute most frequently to truck accidents in Oakland. Truck collisions in the area can also be caused by distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or fiddling with the GPS while on the road. Another factor involves failing to maintain equipment, in which drivers neglect to perform inspections prior to driving.

• What are the most dangerous roadways in Oakland?

  Some of the most dangerous roadways in Oakland are MacArthur Blvd., International Blvd., Nimitz Freeway, Interstate 80, and MacArthur Freeways. These routes are prone to accidents due to hazardous road debris, frequent collisions, reckless drivers, improperly timed traffic signals, congestion, and potholes. Oakland ranks as the seventh largest city in the State of California, with an estimated population of 433,697. It is a very busy city due to its significant role as a regional transportation and commerce hub. Due to this, accidents are prone to occur in the area.

• Who can victims hold responsible for truck accidents in Oakland?

  Injured drivers in Oakland truck accidents can hold product manufacturers, designers, and businesses involved in the product's supply chain responsible if the accident was brought on by defective equipment. If the truck driver's employer or a related trucking company neglected to conduct an exhaustive background check on the driver's truck driving abilities, they may also be held liable for the accident. Additionally, if the truck driver is found guilty of breaking safety regulations, he or she may be held accountable.

• Can partially at-fault drivers in Oakland still file a claim for compensation?

  You can still recover compensation in Oakland even if you were partially at fault for your accident. However, California follows a strict comparative negligence standard, which will consequently reduce your damages. For instance, if your losses are valued at $100,000 but you were found 50% to blame because you didn’t stop even when the red light was on, you will only receive $50,000 as your final award.

• 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.