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Top California Truck Accident Attorney

Vehicle accidents are never a small matter, but they are particularly severe when they involve commercial trucks. Collisions with semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, fuel tankers, 18 wheelers, and other massive trucks can result in serious injuries for victims, especially if the collision was between a truck and motorcyclist or pedestrian. In addition to pain and suffering, victims frequently experience exorbitant medical costs, damages to their vehicles and other property, and the loss of income due to injuries. Compensation is essential to protect such victims from bankruptcy.

 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a trucking accident in California, Johnson Attorneys Group is committed to holding accountable those who are responsible. We strive to gain you the redress you deserve, ensuring that the perpetrator fully covers all the accident’s costs. We charge zero initial fees, expecting payment only if we are successful in winning your case. Trucking accidents can be devastating, but with our assistance, we will make sure you have access to the best medical care, fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Call our California semi-truck accident lawyers for a free consultation at 800-235-6801.

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Our Process

Call us for a FREE Initial Consultation

1

We get to WORK on your case, you focus on RECOVERY.

2

Our team will FIGHT to get you the settlement you deserve.

3

What To Do After A Truck Accident

Step 1
Report the Truck Accident to your Insurance Company
Step 2
Do Not Talk to Other Insurance Companies or Sign Anything
Step 3
Photograph or Inspect Vehicle Before Repairs or Demolition
Step 4
Make Sure Your Police Report is Filed
Step 5
See a Doctor as Soon as Possible
Step 6
Retain a Personal Injury Lawyer at Johnson Attorneys Group
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No matter how difficult your situation, we will fight for you
If we don't win,
you're case is free
Free Case Review

What Our Clients Say

The team at JAG worked hard to get the highest judgement amount possible for my lemon of a van. They were up front about the time and effort it would take to sue for lemon law damages. I was keep informed along the way about the progress of my case and the offers made by the van manufacturer. They handled the return of my van and judgement payments very efficient and with no inconvenience to me.

Steve

Johnson Attorneys Group are by far hands down the best out there, from the first call I made to the very last I was delighted with the staff on how efficient, and nice they all are.

Emma

James Johnson Attorneys Group is amazing. They were on point for every part of my case. Getting me the right care. They made my unfortunate accident very simple and were with me every step of the way to process it. Mr. Johnson fought for my settlement AND other elements in my life to bring forth a fast resolution. Mr. Johnson brought me closure. I am truly appreciative for James Johnson Attorneys Group.

Rachel

The team at JAG worked hard to get the highest judgement amount possible for my lemon of a van. They were up front about the time and effort it would take to sue for lemon law damages. I was keep informed along the way about the progress of my case and the offers made by the van manufacturer. They handled the return of my van and judgement payments very efficient and with no inconvenience to me.

Steve

Compensation You May Be Entitled to if You Were Injured in a Truck Accident and Hired an Truck Accident Lawyers

Compensation

If you were injured in a car crash that was due to another person’s negligence, California law allows the injured party to seek compensation. This compensation may include the following:

Medical treatment

Includes hospital visits, emergency room treatment

Doctor’s treatment

In or out of the hospital

Pain and Suffering

This is compensation for the physical and/or mental pain and suffering that resulted from the accident caused by another

Physical Damage

If your car was damaged or destroyed, you may be entitled to partial or full value of the vehicle

Lost Wages and Lost Future Earnings

If you are unable to work, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the money you would have earned as well as projected future earnings

Do You Have an Injury Claim?

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

If you've suffered a serious injury in an accident due to the negligence of another individual, or if you've lost a loved one in an accident, Johnson Attorneys Group may be able to pursue a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against that person. We are committed to protecting your rights in California and getting the best outcome.

Common accidents that lead to personal injury claims include motorcycle accidents, car accidents, dog bites, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death and slip and fall injuries. Our team of experienced legal advocates is committed to offering you a personalized approach to your case and needs so that you can receive the best resolution.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer in California Can Help

As a law firm that specializes in California trucking accidents, we offer a variety of services to ensure full compensation, such as:
Recording RecklessnessIf a trucking accident is due to the driver’s reckless or otherwise negligent behavior, the driver is responsible for your injuries and must pay compensation. Common examples of negligence include:

  • Speeding, running traffic lights, or otherwise violating traffic laws
  • Driving without sufficient experience or certification
  • Operating trucks that are overloaded
  • Driving a large or heavy truck on a road that is too small or narrow to operate safely
  • Failing to visit weigh stations
  • Failing to account for the truck’s blind spots when changing lanes
  • Driving beyond the Federal shift limit
  • Resuming driving after an insufficiently long break

 

A truck driver’s most important duty is to keep pedestrians, motorists, and other drivers safe. If a trucker has failed to uphold this responsibility, we will ensure that they pay for the property damage, injuries, and death they caused.

 

Equipment EvaluationsIn addition to the driver’s behavior, we also examine trucks, trailers, and equipment for possible product liability. We look for evidence of problems with the brakes, engines, tires, trailer hitches, and any other devices that could have contributed to the accident. If we find evidence of a problem, we determine whether the driver, the carrier company, or the manufacturer is culpable, and then make sure that they are held accountable.
Data DiligenceThe more evidence you can present of your losses and the other party’s responsibility, the more likely you are to win compensation. Thus, from the moment you report your injury, we begin detailed recordkeeping, ensuring that no fact relevant to your case is overlooked.
Addressing AttorneysTrucking companies and equipment manufacturers will do everything in their power to avoid paying compensation and have experienced legal teams to help them accomplish this. The Johnson Attorneys Group will handle all interactions with these professionals. We know how to maintain the upper hand against opposing legal teams.
Help Obtaining the Best HealthcareAlthough it is important to think about compensation, your primary concern after a truck accident should be to obtain the proper care for yourself or your loved one. Trucking accidents cause head traumaburnsparalysis, and a myriad of serious medical problems. The sooner and more comprehensively you deal with these injuries, the better your chance of a full recovery. By keeping detailed records of your medical bills, lost wages, and all other associated costs, we ensure that you will receive compensation for the full price of your injuries. You can thus pursue the most effective treatments possible, secure in the knowledge that the cost will be covered.
Comprehensive ConsultationsWe provide clear consultations throughout the recovery and litigation process, ensuring that you know what you need to do for your claim to be successful. To organize a consultation, contact us today.

What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

The first time you speak with a truck accident attorney, you have the opportunity to present all the details surrounding your case and ask any questions you have about your rights. Most personal injury lawyers will handle your case on a contingency fee basis if you decide to work together. This means they charge no upfront fees and only receive payment for their services once they secure a settlement or an award for you. Some tasks they perform on your behalf include:

 

  • Investigating the accident to gather evidence to support your claims for negligence and damages
  • Sourcing experts to help them prove your claim
  • Filing all the necessary paperwork for the lawsuit
  • Drafting a demand letter to present to the defendant
  • Representing you in all elements of the case, including in conversations with the insurance company and possible defense team
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses and conducting depositions
  • Preparing your case for trial if the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement

 

Having an attorney means allowing a legal expert to act in your place throughout the entire legal process. It also means you have a friend who understands your financial, physical, and emotional burdens. They offer compassion with aggressive representation to help you build a strong negligence foundation against the at-fault party in your case.

Who Is Liable For a Truck Accident?

The question of liability in a truck accident case can quickly become complex. Unlike other auto accident claims, truck accidents sometimes have multiple at-fault parties, some of whom might not even be present at the time of the accident. For this reason, determining and proving fault can be challenging, but it is a necessary step toward compensation.

 

Trucking Company Liability

 

Trucking companies owe a significant duty of care to drivers sharing the road with their trucks and drivers. For that reason, they can be held responsible for damages if they breach that duty of care, resulting in an accident that causes injuries and substantial losses to the other party. Some reasons the trucking company could be liable include the following:

 

  • Failure to conduct routine inspections and maintenance on a truck that resulted in an accident
  • Failure to adequately vet a truck driver who had a history of traffic violations and caused an accident
  • Failure to thoroughly train a driver before allowing them to operate the truck, resulting in an accident
  • Encouraging truck drivers to violate federal trucking regulations, such as hours of service, causing them to drive while fatigued and crash

 

It is not uncommon for both the truck driver and the trucking company to be liable for a single accident, and in that case, you could name them both as the at-fault party in your claim.

 

Truck Driver Liability

 

Blaming the truck driver is the most apparent claim, and there are several circumstances under which the driver would be at fault. For example, a truck driver would be liable for any damages caused by an accident that occurred outside the scope of their job, meaning if they chose to drive the truck for something other than work. In addition, if the driver violated road laws, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or speeding excessively, they would also be liable for their actions.

 

Independently contracted drivers bear even more responsibility than drivers directly employed by a trucking company. An independent driver is self-employed and typically owns their truck. Therefore, they are liable for inspections, maintenance, and their actions. For example, if the truck driver were to lose control because a bald tire blew out on the road, an independent driver would be liable, whereas a directly employed driver may not.

 

Outsourced Maintenance Company Liability

 

A common practice in the trucking industry is for trucking companies to outsource truck maintenance duties. Some hire a third-party mechanic to carry out inspections and perform routine maintenance and repairs. Therefore, if an accident occurs and the insurance company uncovers a cause related to failed repairs, negligent maintenance, or skipped inspections, the third-party company would be responsible for damages.

 

Loading Party Liability

 

A common cause of truck accidents involved issues with cargo and trailers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admission imposes strict laws in the trucking industry regarding weight limitations and securing cargo. Failure to adhere to those laws could have tragic consequences. For example, an overloaded trailer places unsupported strain on truck tires that could cause them to blow out or wear faster than usual. In addition, inadequately secured cargo could shift in the trailer, causing a change in the center of gravity and loss of control for the driver. Should a cargo issue cause an accident, the party responsible for loading the trailer would be liable.

 

Truck Manufacturer Liability

 

A less common and often significantly more complex possibility is that the truck manufacturer could be liable. For example, if the truck’s braking system fails, causing the driver to lose control and smash into another vehicle, the manufacturer could be responsible for the accident. However, as the plaintiff, you must file a product liability lawsuit against the company and prove that the failed part malfunctioned due to a flawed design or a mistake during the manufacturing process. These cases can be challenging, and the plaintiff is often up against a large corporation with vast legal resources. Therefore, the help of a truck accident lawyer is undoubtedly necessary.

What Damages Must the Liable Party Pay?

The next element of your truck accident case to consider is the losses incurred. Once you know who is liable and can prove they violated a duty of care owed to you, causing the accident that resulted in your injuries and subsequent losses, you need to collect the evidence required to prove those losses. The court refers to them as compensatory damages, meaning those things for which you would need compensation to make you whole again. The court further divides compensatory damages into economic and non-economic losses, which can be substantial in a truck accident case.

 

Compensation for Economic Losses

 

Economic damages refer to the losses that affect you financially. They commonly include:

 

  • The cost of all necessary medical care. Did you need emergency medical services? Did your injuries require hospital stays, surgical procedures, prescription medications, and follow-up visits with doctors and specialists? Did you need a medical device, such as a wheelchair or oxygen tank, to manage your injuries? All of these expenses are recoverable.
  • Lost current and future income. Did you need to miss work during your recovery? Did your injuries result in a temporary or permanent disability that made it impossible for you to carry out your work responsibilities? Did you miss out on a promotion? You can claim all wages lost as a direct result of your injuries.
  • Property damage. How much will it cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle? Did anything other than your vehicle suffer damage during the accident?
  • All other out-of-pocket expenses. Do you have to pay for transportation to and from doctor visits? Did you need to hire childcare because you could not care for your children while healing? Did you need to hire household help to handle tasks around the home? Any cost related to your recovery is potentially recoverable.

 

For each claim you make, you must provide supporting evidence. Economic losses are generally provable using medical bills, expert testimony from doctors, pay stubs, tax returns, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses and repairs. The non-economic losses are sometimes more challenging to support.

 

Compensation for Non-Economic Losses

 

Non-economic damages refer to the psychological effect of the accident and your injuries. Examples include:

 

  • Loss of the ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium if your injuries affected your relationship with your spouse

 

Suppose you lost a loved one and are eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In that case, you could also claim loss of companionship, nurturing, love, guidance, and economic damages, such as loss of the deceased’s income, benefits, and inheritance. Even funeral and burial or cremation expenses are recoverable.

 

Punitive Damages and Truck Accident Cases

 

Punitive damages do not compensate for any losses from a personal injury case. Instead, the court will sometimes order the defendant to pay the plaintiff a sum of money in addition to the compensatory damages. While uncommon in auto accident cases, it is possible. The purpose of a punitive damages award is to punish the defendant for behavior deemed egregious, malicious, or grossly negligent. For example, suppose the truck driver from your accident chose to drive under the influence while speeding and weaving recklessly through traffic, resulting in the collision that caused your damages. In that case, the court may determine that is cause for punitive damages. In cases of shared fault, punitive damages are significantly less likely.

How Does Shared Fault Affect Your Right to Compensation?

Not all auto accidents are the fault of one present party. Sometimes, both parties bear responsibility for the accident. Therefore, both parties would be responsible for the damages. As the plaintiff, your share of the fault will affect your compensation in accordance with the comparative negligence rule.

Modified and Pure Comparative Negligence

Once you file a claim or send a demand letter naming the defendant as the party responsible for damages, you can typically expect a response with allegations of your contributions to the collision. Should the court determine you are at least partially responsible for the accident and your injuries, it would apply one of two forms of comparative negligence mandated by the state:

 

  1. Under the modified comparative negligence rule, the court determines your percentage of fault and calculates the total cost of damages. Then they deduct an amount reflecting that fault percentage. If you are more at fault than the other driver, you are no longer eligible for damages.
  2. Under the pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover a portion of the award as long as you are not entirely liable.

 

California abides by the pure comparative negligence rule. This means you could be 90% liable for damages and still recover 10% of the value of your losses. For example, suppose the court awarded you $500,000 in compensatory damages and found you 80% liable. You would still be eligible for $100,000 in damages. However, with the help of a truck accident lawyer, you have a better chance of securing a higher settlement.

Truck Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death

The loss of a loved one to a trucking accident is tragic. The California truck accident lawyers at Johnson Attorneys Group fight to fully compensate you for the financial cost of your family members’ death. Wrongful death claims require the family to prove the same facts as the deceased, had they survived and pursued a claim on their own. We employ the same methods that we use for injury cases, taking into account funeral costs, the loss of income, and punitive charges. You and your family can thus mourn in peace without worrying about your finances.

When Should You Schedule a Consultation With a Truck Accident Lawyer?

The statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting too long to file can be detrimental to your claim. With the help of a truck accident lawyer, you can start building a case for compensation while focusing on healing from the devastating physical and emotional trauma a severe truck accident can cause.

 

At Johnson Attorneys Group, we understand the financial burdens you face and the frustration you must feel toward the negligent party responsible for your losses. We offer a personalized approach to every case and make ourselves available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We want you to feel confident that you have a team of qualified and dedicated legal professionals ready to protect your rights and fight for a fast and fair settlement. Contact Johnson Attorneys Group at (800) 208-3538 today to schedule your free case evaluation and speak with an experienced attorney who can answer all your questions.

What do I do if I’m involved in a truck accident?

The first thing you should do when you are involved in a truck accident is to analyze the situation around you. Depending on the severity of the injuries, seek medical assistance for those involved. Involve the police to help you to document the accident for future claims and move your vehicle if possible to avoid causing traffic. Additionally, take note of the personal details of the involved truck driver such as the name, trucking company, license and phone number, home address and the insurance company. Photos of the scene should be taken and talk to any eyewitnesses at the scene.

How long do I have to file a truck accident injury lawsuit or insurance claim?

You are required to file a truck accident injury lawsuit or an insurance claim within a period of two years according to the California statute of limitations. As for insurance claims, it is advisable to report as soon as the accident happens. Inform your insurer and find out if there are any deadlines you are required to meet to avoid filing a late claim.

What are some common causes of truck accidents?

Many truck accidents are caused due to poor truck maintenance, violation of Federal Hours of Service rules such as time limits on how many hours truck drivers may drive, driver errors and or incompetent or inexperienced drivers. .

How do I know if I have a truck accident injury claim?

There are lawyers who have specialized in truck accident injuries in California who help you determine whether or not you are entitled to a truck accident injury claim. After analyzing the details of the accident such as the cause and the injuries sustained, these lawyers are in a better position to advise you whether it is important to go forward with the claim or not.

What types of compensation can I get after a truck accident?

Once involved in a truck accident, you can get compensation for personal injuries and other damages depending on the severity of the accident. Among the things you are compensated for include the pain and suffering you endure, the current and future medical expenditures you may incur, the existing and future lost earnings as well as your quality of life which is assumed to have been reduced by the accident. In the case of a fatal accident, surviving family members may qualify for compensation to help you take care of the funeral expenses for your loved one. There would also be compensation potentially awarded to dependents of the person who died, including a spouse or children. A spouse may also file a claim for loss of companionship.

How much does a truck accident injury lawyer cost?

Anyone can get an attorney to help with legal issues once they have been involved in a truck accident. It does not matter what income you have; you can still get a truck accident lawyer to help you win the case. The first consultation is free of charge and it helps you begin your claims. Truck accident lawyers do not demand any amount of fee until after they have helped you win the case and get compensation where applicable. We guarantee there are no fees paid for our professional services until after the case is settled in your favor.

When should I hire a truck accident lawyer?

There are some federal regulations that allow truck drivers to dispose of their logbooks after every six months if they so wish. This means that you shouldn’t wait for too long before getting legal help after involvement in a truck accident. This helps you get substantial and enough information to support your claim and also to understand the options you have.

What kind of damages can be recovered from my truck accident injuries?

Depending on the seriousness of the accident, you are entitled to receive compensation to take care of your current and future medical bills. The damages can also be inclusive of damage to property, lost wages and the capacity to make a living and also the pain and suffering you endure as a result of the accident. Truck accident attorneys in California help you get

Contact a California Truck Accident Attorney –
No Fees Unless We Win or Settle Your Case

It is extremely important to contact a qualified and experienced attorney at the earliest possible time in order to preserve your rights to compensation. Our California truck accident lawyers have recovered more than $98.4 million for our clients over the past several years alone.

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