Fresno Truck Accident Lawyers

Trucks are a common sight in Fresno, whether you’re driving near the downtown area or on your way to a nearby Clovis. Given the sheer size and weight of most commercial trucks, collisions with passenger vehicles are usually devastating.

Navigating the aftermath of such a truck accident can be challenging, but The Dominguez Firm is here to help. We have the experience and resources to take on the largest trucking transportation companies on your behalf. If you were seriously injured in a Fresno truck accident, call us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818.

Why Are There So Many Trucks in and Around Fresno?

Fresno’s strategic location in California’s Central Valley makes it a hub for trucking activity. Besides big rigs, the city has everything from delivery trucks to tanker trucks on its roads. Several factors contribute to the high volume of truck traffic in and around the city:

• Agricultural Industry: As the heart of one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions, Fresno County has a constant flow of trucks transporting fresh produce and other farm products.
• Transportation Hub: Fresno’s position along major highways like Highway 99 and Interstate 5 makes it a key transit point for goods moving throughout California and beyond.
• Warehousing and Distribution: The city’s growing logistics sector, with numerous warehouses and distribution centers, attracts significant truck traffic.
• E-commerce Growth: The rise of online shopping has led to more delivery trucks on Fresno’s streets.

This heavy truck presence, while vital for the local economy, also increases the risk of truck accidents for Fresno residents and visitors as trucks and passenger vehicles share the road on local freeways, avenues, and side streets.

What Are Some Common Types of Fresno Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can occur in various ways, each with potentially severe consequences for passenger vehicle occupants. Some of the most frequent types of Fresno truck accidents include:

• Rear-end Collisions: These occur when trucks fail to stop in time, often due to their longer braking distance. On Fresno’s busy highways like Highway 99, these collisions are a significant concern.
• Jackknife Accidents: These happen when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. They’re often caused by improper braking, especially on wet or icy roads.
• Rollover Accidents: Caused by high speeds, sharp turns, or shifting cargo loads, rollovers are particularly dangerous on Fresno’s highways and can affect multiple vehicles.
• Underride Accidents: One of the deadliest types of truck accidents, these occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the truck’s trailer. Fresno’s notorious winter fog can increase this risk.
• Wide Turn Accidents: These happen when trucks swing wide to make turns, potentially crushing or sideswiping other vehicles. They’re a particular concern in Fresno’s urban areas.
• T-bone Accidents: These are more common at intersections when either the truck or vehicle fails to yield the right of way.
• Load Spill Accidents: Common in Fresno due to its role in agriculture and goods transportation, these can create hazards leading to multi-vehicle accidents.

Understanding these accident types can help Fresno drivers be more vigilant around large trucks.

What Are the Most Common Fresno Truck Accident Injuries?

Collisions between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles can easily cause serious injuries and fatalities. They can lead to life-changing consequences for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in Fresno truck accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and memory loss. Long-term effects include cognitive impairment and mood disorders, necessitating ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The force of a truck crash can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis. Victims may have a loss of sensation and in more serious cases, require lifelong medical treatment, home modifications, and significant lifestyle changes.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Common injuries include skull fractures, broken ribs (which can puncture internal organs), fractured pelvises, and broken arms or legs. Recovery from severe fractures can be lengthy and may involve multiple surgeries followed by extensive physical therapy.

Internal Organ Damage

The blunt force trauma associated with truck accidents can cause severe internal injuries. Victims may suffer ruptured spleens or livers, punctured lungs, kidney damage, or internal bleeding. These injuries often require emergency surgery and can result in long-term health complications.

Severe Lacerations and Burns

Truck accidents frequently cause deep cuts from broken glass or twisted metal and burns from fuel fires or chemical spills. Common medical interventions include skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. The emotional trauma associated with visible injuries can be as challenging as the physical recovery.

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries

While often less severe than other injuries, soft tissue injuries like whiplash can have long-lasting effects. Victims may suffer chronic neck and back pain, reduced range of motion, headaches, and dizziness.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

While not a physical injury, PTSD is a common psychological consequence of truck accidents. Survivors may experience flashbacks, severe anxiety (especially when driving), and depression. PTSD can be as debilitating as physical injuries and often requires long-term psychological treatment.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such injuries can be overwhelming for truck accident victims and their families. An experienced Fresno truck accident lawyer can help victims secure the compensation they need to remake or adapt to their lives successfully.

Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complex?

Truck accident cases are often more complicated than typical car accident claims for several reasons:

• Multiple Parties: Potentially liable parties may include:
  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Cargo loaders
  • Truck manufacturers
  • Maintenance providers
  • Other drivers

• Federal and State Regulations: Trucking companies must comply with various regulations. Violations can impact liability and serve as crucial evidence in establishing negligence.

• Insurance Complexities: Commercial trucks often have higher insurance limits and multiple policies, complicating the claims process.

• Evidence Preservation: Critical evidence like driver logs and maintenance records must be quickly secured to establish fault.

• Different Jurisdictions: If the trucking company is based outside Fresno or California, jurisdictional issues may arise, complicating the legal process.

• Aggressive Defense: Trucking companies and their insurers usually defend themselves aggressively against claims, regardless of injury severity. They may attempt to shift blame, dispute injuries, or pressure victims into quick, low-ball settlements.

Given these challenges, truck accident victims in Fresno must seek the services of an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. They can protect a truck accident victim’s rights and help secure fair compensation.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to For My Fresno Truck Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Economic damages:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or scarring

In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded. The specific amount you’re entitled to will depend on factors like injury severity, impact on your life, and degree of fault. An experienced Fresno truck accident attorney can help evaluate your case and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Also, be aware, that California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can seek compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. A court will determine your percentage of fault and subtract it from your verdict or settlement amount.

Don’t let questions about who was responsible for your truck accident stop you from consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney. Accidents happen quickly. What you think happened may not have. Let them investigate the factors involved and help you present a strong personal injury case.

I Lost a Loved One in a Fresno Truck Accident. Can I Take Legal Action?

Losing a loved one in a truck accident is devastating. It can leave families grappling with emotional trauma and financial uncertainty. If you’ve lost a family member in a truck accident in Fresno, you may have the right to take legal action. However, not every relative can file a lawsuit. In California, you must be the deceased’s legal next-of-kin to file a wrongful death claim.

This usually includes:

• The surviving spouse or domestic partner
• Surviving children
• Surviving parents (if there is no surviving spouse or children)
• Siblings or other relatives who would be entitled to inherit from the deceased under California law

Note that only one wrongful death claim can be filed per accident. This means that even if multiple family members are eligible to file, they must come together to pursue a single claim. One claim prevents multiple lawsuits and ensures all eligible family members’ interests are represented in a single legal action.

A wrongful death claim arising from a Fresno truck accident can help you recover various types of damages, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of household services the deceased would have contributed

While no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide financial stability and a sense of justice for your family. It can also help hold negligent parties accountable and potentially prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Can I File a Claim if I Was Injured While Driving a Truck?

Truck drivers can also be seriously injuredin truck accidents. These are often caused by collisions with other large trucks because of:

• Sudden stops
• Blind spot errors
• Jackknife incidents
• Rollovers

Other factors like shifting cargo can also cause an accident and injure a truck driver. Also, the confined space of a truck cab can worsen injuries, which may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries.

As an injured truck driver in Fresno, you have several rights and compensation options:

• Workers’ Compensation: Covers medical expenses and partial lost wages, regardless of fault.
• Third-Party Claims: If another party’s negligence caused the accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit in addition to workers’ comp.
• Employment Protection: Laws protect you from retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: May provide additional compensation if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Given the seriousness of most truck accident injuries, consult with an experienced attorney who handles workers’ compensation and personal injury cases immediately. Doing so ensures you explore all avenues for compensation and receive the full support needed for your recovery and future well-being.

How Can a Fresno Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

At The Dominguez Firm, we understand the unique challenges Fresno truck accident cases present. Our legal team is committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and their families. We can provide valuable assistance by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Gathering and preserving crucial evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially if you are seriously injured. Don’t go it alone. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818.

With the proper support, you can focus on your recovery while our experienced litigation attorneys work to secure the compensation you need and deserve.