Truck accidents in Salinas, California, can result in catastrophic injuries and devastating consequences for victims and their families. With major highways such as Highway 101 running through the region and a high volume of commercial vehicles transporting agricultural goods, the risk of serious truck accidents is significant. These collisions often involve large semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or other commercial vehicles, and the damage can be life-altering.
A truck accident claim is often far more complicated than the average car accident case. Trucking companies and insurers are equipped with powerful legal teams, and federal regulations governing the trucking industry add another layer of complexity. That’s why having an experienced truck accident lawyer in Salinas, CA is critical to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Shea & Shea, we bring decades of experience to truck accident injury claims, fighting aggressively for victims against negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers. Contact us today for a free truck accident consultation to learn how we can help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often caused by a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and challenging road conditions. In Salinas, with its heavy truck traffic and agricultural industry, certain factors contribute uniquely to the frequency of these collisions. Below are some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents that Shea & Shea encounters in our cases.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight delivery deadlines, which can lead to exhaustion and impaired judgment. Although federal regulations place limits on the number of hours truckers can drive without rest, violations of these rules are not uncommon. Fatigued driving significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, as drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or react more slowly to hazards.
Reckless or Negligent Driving
Reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes, are major contributors to truck accidents. In addition, distracted driving—caused by using mobile devices, eating, or adjusting controls while driving—can have devastating consequences, especially for large vehicles like semi-trucks and 18-wheelers.
Improper Maintenance
Large trucks require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Faulty brakes, worn/balding tires, and mechanical failures are often the result of neglect by trucking companies or drivers. Poor maintenance can cause trucks to lose control, possibly leading to a catastrophic accident.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can destabilize the vehicle, causing it to tip over or spill its load. This not only endangers the truck driver but also creates hazardous conditions for other motorists. Salinas, with its reliance on agricultural transportation, frequently sees accidents caused by unsecured produce or overloaded transport vehicles.
Weather and Road Conditions
Rain, fog, and slippery roads in the Salinas area can increase the risk of truck accidents, particularly for drivers who are inexperienced or traveling too fast for the conditions. Also, poorly maintained roads and sharp curves in rural areas pose unique challenges for large commercial vehicles.
Violations of Traffic Laws
Failure to yield, running red lights, and other traffic law violations are common causes of truck accidents. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even minor traffic infractions can lead to devastating collisions.
Salinas-Specific Risks
Salinas faces unique challenges due to its location and reliance on agricultural transportation. Busy highways like Highway 101 and rural roads used by farm equipment and transport trucks are particularly prone to accidents. On top of those threats, high truck traffic near produce distribution centers and urban areas creates further risks for drivers and pedestrians alike.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash of this nature, contact Shea & Shea today for truck accident legal advice.
Types of Truck Accidents Shea & Shea Handles
Truck accidents come in many forms, each with unique challenges and consequences. At Shea & Shea, we have extensive experience in offering legal help for truck accidents of all kinds, ensuring that victims receive the legal support they need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Below are the primary types of road incidents our Salinas truck accident lawyers handle.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out in a 90-degree angle, sometimes resulting in the blockage of multiple lanes of traffic without warning. These accidents are typically caused by sudden braking, slippery roads, or driver error. Jackknife crashes can lead to multi-vehicle collisions and severe injuries for the parties involved.
Underride Collisions
Underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer of a truck. These accidents are commonly caused by sudden stops, poor visibility, or a lack of underride guards on the truck. Our attorneys for truck crash injuries are skilled at holding negligent trucking companies accountable for failing to equip their vehicles with proper safety features.
Cargo Spills and Overloaded Trucks
Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can cause cargo spills, creating hazardous road conditions and increasing the likelihood of accidents. In Salinas, where agricultural transport is prevalent, cargo spills can include produce, equipment, or hazardous materials, posing serious risks to other drivers and pedestrians.
Rear-End Collisions
Given their size and weight, trucks require significantly more time and distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. When drivers are distracted, fatigued, or speeding, they may rear-end other vehicles, leading to devastating injuries such as whiplash, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries.
T-Bone Collisions
T-bone accidents often occur at intersections when a truck driver runs a red light or stop sign. These side-impact collisions can cause severe damage to smaller vehicles, putting occupants at high risk for severe, life-threatening injuries.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous and can result from sharp turns or uneven loads. A truck that tips over can crush other vehicles, block roadways, and create significant hazards for anyone nearby.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Salinas highways are often the scene of multi-vehicle accidents involving large trucks. These pile-ups can occur when a truck driver loses control, leading to chain-reaction collisions. Determining liability in these cases can be a complicated endeavor, which is another reason why you should have a qualified local truck accident lawyer on your side.
Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents
While relatively rare, hit-and-run truck accidents can leave victims feeling abandoned and overwhelmed. Our truck accident legal experts investigate these cases thoroughly, working to identify the responsible party and secure compensation through all available means.
Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials
Trucks transporting hazardous materials pose unique risks, as leaks or spills can result in fires, explosions, or toxic exposure. These cases often require in-depth knowledge of federal regulations and hazardous material handling procedures. Our team of semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident attorneys is well-equipped to manage these types of claims.
How Shea & Shea Supports Truck Accident Victims
Our Salinas truck crash attorneys are experienced in handling all types of vehicular accident cases, no matter how complex. Here’s how we help:
- Thorough Investigations: We examine driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and accident scene evidence to determine the cause.
- Identifying Liable Parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. We ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
- Maximizing Compensation: Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fight to secure the maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, Shea & Shea is here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Salinas, CA.
Complexities of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, extensive regulations, and high stakes for both the victims and the trucking companies. Shea & Shea’s commercial truck accident lawyers are experienced in managing these complexities to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. Here are some of the most challenging aspects of truck accident cases and how we address them.
1. Dealing with Trucking Companies and Their Insurers
Trucking companies and their insurers often have significant resources at their disposal to minimize liability and reduce payouts. Their legal teams act quickly after an accident, often sending investigators to the scene to gather evidence that favors their side. Shea & Shea’s truck lawyers act just as swiftly, conducting our own investigations to counter these tactics and protect our clients’ rights. Our attorneys are experienced in negotiating with aggressive insurers to secure fair settlements.
2. Federal and State Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by strict regulations set by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and California state laws. These rules cover driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and more. Violations of these regulations—such as exceeding hours-of-service limits or neglecting maintenance—often contribute to accidents. Our team of trucking accident injury lawyers knows how to identify and use regulatory violations to strengthen your case.
3. Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike car accidents, where liability is usually limited to one or two parties, truck accident cases often involve multiple potential defendants, including:
- Truck Drivers: Negligent actions such as distracted driving or alcohol impairment.
- Trucking Companies: Failing to maintain vehicles, enforcing unsafe schedules, or hiring unqualified drivers.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loading or securing cargo, leading to spills or instability.
- Truck Manufacturers: Defective parts or equipment that contribute to accidents. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of the case to identify all liable parties and ensure maximum compensation for your truck accident.
4. Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Truck accident cases require a wealth of evidence, some of which is unique to commercial vehicles. Critical pieces of evidence may include:
- Black Box Data: Electronic data recorders in trucks capture information about speed, braking, and other driving behaviors.
- Driver Logs: Logs that track hours of service, which can reveal violations of rest requirements.
- Maintenance Records: Evidence of improper or neglected maintenance.
- Dash Cam Footage: Visual proof of the accident, if available. Trucking companies are required to maintain some of this data, but it can disappear quickly. Our truck accident injury attorneys act promptly to preserve evidence through legal tools like spoliation letters and subpoenas.
5. Severe Injuries and High Damages
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns. These injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities and significant financial burdens. Because the damages in truck accident cases are often much higher than in other personal injury cases, trucking companies and their insurers fight harder to minimize payouts.
Our team of 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident lawyers works with medical and financial experts to calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
6. High-Stakes Negotiations and Litigation
Truck accident cases often involve high-value claims due to the severity of injuries and economic losses. Insurers will use aggressive tactics to pressure victims into accepting low settlements. The Salinas truck crash attorneys at Shea & Shea are skilled negotiators who won’t back down in the face of such tactics. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.
Damages Available in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries and significant financial burdens for victims. Fortunately, victims of truck accidents in California are entitled to seek various forms of compensation to help them recover and rebuild their lives. At Shea & Shea, our commercial truck accident lawyers in Salinas, CA, are dedicated to maximizing the damages our clients receive. Below, we outline the key types of compensation available in truck accident cases.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible, measurable losses directly related to the accident. These include:
- Medical Expenses
Victims can recover the cost of medical treatment, including:- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Surgeries, medications, and medical devices
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care for severe injuries; future medical costs for ongoing treatment or permanent disabilities
- Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income during your recovery. This includes wages, bonuses, and benefits. - Loss of Future Earning Capacity
For victims who suffer permanent disabilities that limit their ability to work, compensation may be awarded for the loss of future earning potential. Our team works with financial and vocational experts to calculate these long-term losses accurately. - Property Damage
Truck accidents often cause extensive damage to vehicles and other personal property. Victims can recover the cost of repairing or replacing these items.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible, non-financial effects of an accident. While harder to quantify, these damages are equally important in ensuring victims are fully compensated. Examples include:
- Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. - Emotional Distress
Victims of truck accidents often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the trauma they’ve endured. - Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. - Loss of Consortium
Spouses and family members of injured victims may be compensated for the loss of companionship, affection, or support.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious negligence or willful misconduct, such as reckless driving or falsifying driver logs, California law allows victims to pursue punitive damages. These damages have two related functions: punishing the responsible party and discouraging them from engaging in similar behavior at a future date. While these are not awarded in every case, Shea & Shea’s truck lawyers aggressively seek punitive damages when appropriate.
Truck-Specific Expenses
Truck accidents often involve additional expenses unique to these personal injury cases, such as:
- Specialized Medical Equipment: For catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or amputations, truck accident victims may require prosthetics, wheelchairs, or home modifications.
- Long-Term Care: Severe injuries may necessitate lifelong care or assistance with daily activities.
- Funeral and Burial Costs: In wrongful death cases, families can recover expenses related to funeral and burial services.
California’s Comparative Negligence Law
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning victims can recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, the total amount of damages is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your compensation for a truck accident will be reduced by 25%.
Our truck crash compensation lawyers work tirelessly to minimize any claims of fault against our clients, ensuring they receive the maximum damages possible.
How Shea & Shea Maximizes Compensation
Our Salinas truck accident lawyers employ a wide-ranging approach to secure the maximum damages for our clients:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: We identify all potential sources of compensation, including third-party liability.
- Collaboration with Experts: Our team works with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial analysts to build a strong case.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Insurance companies often undervalue large truck accident claims. We negotiate forcefully to ensure fair compensation.
- Preparedness for Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
Contact Shea & Shea Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, help is just a phone call away. As a leading truck accident law firm in Salinas, we have years of experience with these cases, and we are eager to hear from you. Reach out to our trusted Salinas truck accident attorneys by calling our law office at (408) 292-2434.
Let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Schedule your free truck accident consultation today.
FAQs
Truck accidents can be overwhelming and leave victims with countless questions about their rights and legal options. Shea & Shea has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, our Salinas truck accident lawyers are here to provide personalized guidance.
Can I sue a trucking company after an accident?
Yes, trucking companies can often be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers or vehicles. Common grounds for suing a trucking company include:
- Failing to maintain vehicles properly.
- Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
- Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers. At Shea & Shea, our commercial vehicle crash lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case to determine whether trucking company liability
How long do I have to file a trucking accident claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the deadline is three years. However, if a government entity is involved (e.g., a city-owned vehicle), you must file a claim within six months. It’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Contact our Salinas truck accident lawyers as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Here are the steps to take after a truck accident to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, you should get checked by a doctor to document your condition.
- Document the Scene: Take many photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any visible personal injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- File a Police Report: Ensure the accident is officially documented by law enforcement.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies: Do not provide statements or accept settlements without consulting a qualified truck accident injury attorney.
- Contact Shea & Shea: Our team of semi-truck crash attorneys in Salinas will guide you through the legal process and handle communications with insurance companies.
What if the truck driver denies fault?
It’s common for truck drivers or trucking companies to deny fault to avoid liability. Shea & Shea’s truck crash attorneys in Salinas gather evidence to prove fault, including:
- Reviewing black box data and driver logs.
- Examining vehicle maintenance records.
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts. We build a compelling case to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.
How long does a truck accident case take?
The timeline for resolving a large truck accident claim varies depending on factors such as:
- The severity of injuries
- The complexity of the case
- Whether liability is disputed
- The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate; while some cases settle in a few months, others may take over a year if litigation is necessary
At Shea & Shea, we work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation for your truck accident.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my truck accident claim?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer for a truck accident injury, these cases can be complicated and often involve aggressive insurance companies. To maximize your chances of success, you should have the best truck accident lawyer in your corner. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Salinas should know how to:
- Ensure your claim is valued accurately.
- Protect your rights during negotiations.
- Advocate for you in court if necessary. Hiring Shea & Shea means having a dedicated legal team on your side to maximize your compensation.
How much does it cost to hire Shea & Shea?
At Shea & Shea, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, so high-quality trucking accident legal representation is accessible to all victims.
Contact us today for a trucking accident free consultation from an experienced Salinas personal injury attorney.