San Jose Truck Accident Lawyer
At times, it can seem like trucks are dominating San Jose roadways and highways. Trucking is a $700 billion industry, employing almost a million truck drivers in the U.S. Truck drivers face greater responsibility when operating such large vehicles. When a truck accident occurs, the results can be catastrophic and even fatal.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a San Jose truck accident, call the truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm. Our trusted team of attorneys has decades of combined experience helping truck accidents victims and their loved ones. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation and to see how much your truck accident case may be worth.
Why Should I Call a San Jose Truck Accident Attorney at The Barnes Firm?
An experienced truck accident attorney at The Barnes Firm will help you handle all aspects of your personal injury claim. Our attorneys will:
- Provide a FREE case evaluation
- Launch an investigation into your accident to determine liability
- Protect you against counterclaims from other parties
- Negotiate with the insurance company to help you get the best result possible
- Prepare your case and take it to trial, if necessary
If you have been involved in a truck accident, reach out to one of our successful San Jose truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm for a FREE case evaluation 24/7 at (800) 800-0000.
Why do San Jose Truck Accidents Happen?
California ranks second among states with the most trucking accidents. Trucking accidents happen for many reasons and are often associated with:
- Speeding
- Driver Fatigue
- Improper Turning
- Extended brake time
- Unsecured loads
- Vehicle maintenance issues
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
At The Barnes Firm we hold people accountable for their reckless and dangerous behavior. Call us today so we can evaluate your accident and help you get the best result possible.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
18-wheelers are a critical part of our country’s economy, transporting everything from food and packages to vehicles across interstates and highways. However, these massive vehicles also pose major risks to the motorists they share these roads with. Often weighing significantly heavier than standard passenger vehicles, trucks can cause considerable damage when collisions occur. Many accidents involving big rigs result in severe injuries or fatalities.
San Jose Truck Accident Statistics
As of June 2024, the state of California has experienced over 5,000 1crashes involving large commercial trucks and buses. Of these, 60 have been fatal. Although truck drivers are trained to operate safely and are required to use “black boxes” to track their driving, some still act out of negligence. When they do, truck accidents happen and victims are left dealing with severe injury, financial burden, and more. These negligent truck drivers deserve to be held accountable for their actions. If you or someone you know has been wrongfully injured in a truck accident, call San Jose’s trusted truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000.
What Kinds of Trucks Cause Accidents in San Jose?
Despite the prevalence of large commercial trucks on San Jose roadways, not all truck accidents involve 18-wheelers. There are many types of trucks that can be involved in accidents, each with their own associated risks. Our attorneys have identified these different truck categories and their roles in accidents in San Jose:
Utility Trucks. This diverse category includes vehicles such as garbage trucks, street cleaners, and construction trucks. Unlike big rigs, utility trucks have access to all types of roads and encounter pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike, significantly increasing the accident risk.
Big Rigs. These trucks haul cargo trailers, also known as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, or tractor-trailers. Classified as commercial vehicles, they require skilled operation, particularly when loaded. Collisions with smaller vehicles can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, consequences.
Delivery Trucks. These trucks, including those from companies like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and USPS, dominate roadways due to the surge in online shopping. Their frequent stops and strict schedules can lead to accidents caused by speeding, inattentiveness, or reckless driving behavior.
Tractor Trucks. Also referred to as bobtail trucks, these vehicles have their engine and driver cabin at the front. Commonly seen on highways, their substantial size poses significant risks to drivers of passenger vehicles, often resulting in severe injuries and vehicle damage.
Tanker Trucks. Equipped with oversized tanks carrying hazardous materials, these trucks pose dual threats on the road. Accidents involving tankers can escalate due to potential fires or explosions, resulting in injuries such as burns, smoke inhalation, and occasionally fatalities.
Big rig powerful professional industrial blue bonnet semi truck for long haul delivery commercial cargo going with refrigerator semi trailer on the summer road with forest and meadows on the sides
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle at The Barnes Firm
Our experienced San Jose truck accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm have handled truck accident cases involving all types of large trucks, including but not limited to:
- Semi-trucks
- Tractor trailers
- Big rigs
- Fed Ex, Amazon, UPS, and other delivery trucks
- Construction vehicles
- Garbage trucks
- Utility and government trucks
- Cement trucks
- Other large commercial vehicles
And, we have advocated on behalf of victims involved in the following types of truck accidents:
- Rollover accidents
- Head on collisions
- T-Bone accidents
- Sideswipes
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear end accidents
- And more…
If you have been injured, The Barnes Firm is here to help regardless of the type of truck accident. Our team of experienced truck accident attorneys can assist you and your family through this challenging time. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and will be there for you every step of the way. Call us today at (800) 800-0000.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Large trucks, such as a semi or a big rig, can weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds when loaded. This increases the severity of injuries a truck accident victim may receive. Our truck accident attorneys have helped victims, and their families, that have suffered:
- Fatality
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder or knee injuries
- Limb injuries
- And more…
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after you’ve been involved in a truck accident. Even if you don’t feel that you are severely injured, a medical professional will rule out, diagnose, and treat any injuries you may not have foreseen. Insurance companies will see to it that you follow any medical advice after you’ve been involved in a truck accident. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
Compensation to Recover After a San Jose Truck Accident
High medical bills from injuries caused by truck accidents should not distract you while you or your loved ones recover. At The Barnes Firm, our truck accident lawyers will work hard to help you obtain financial compensation for:
- Medical Bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- And more…
Call the trusted truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm today (800) 800-0000 so that we can help you through this tough time.
Truck Accident Investigations
Collisions involving big rigs are different from standard car accidents in terms of how they’re investigated. Aside from a police report, trucking companies usually conduct their own investigation into an accident involving one or more of their trucks. They typically do so to protect themselves from claims or lawsuits. That’s why if you or a loved one have been injured by a commercial truck in San Jose, you need a skilled San Jose truck accident attorney from the Barnes Firm in your corner.
Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
Because of the sheer size and force of large commercial trucks, accidents involving them are far more likely to cause fatalities. When truck accidents cause the wrongful death of a loved one, the state of California enables spouses, children, siblings, and parents to file a wrongful death claim. This allows loved ones to seek financial compensation for the loss of consortium they have endured because of an accident. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one in a truck accident, call the trusted San Jose truck accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
Who is Liable After a Truck Accident and How Long do I Have to File a Claim?
Determining who caused your truck accident, and why, can be challenging. Our experienced attorneys at The Barnes Firm want to help you find the answers so that you can fully recover and be compensated for your damages and injuries. In San Jose truck accident cases, liable parties often include:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Truck maintenance and manufacturing companies
- Truck loaders
- Municipalities
- Third party drivers
- And more…
In California, you have two years from the date of your truck accident, or the date your injuries were discovered, to file a claim. Liability must be proven for compensation. Even if you are partially liable, you may still be eligible for compensation. Call our team of trusted San Jose truck accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm today to see if you have a case.
Why Truck Accidents Are Complicated
San Jose truck accidents can become complicated when there are:
- Multiple Parties Involved. Determining liability in a truck accident case often involves multiple parties, with each potentially sharing some degree of fault. The process of assigning degrees of fault can be lengthy and usually requires an experienced attorney to identify.
- Insurance Coverage Issues. Although most truck companies carry extensive insurance policies, disputes over coverage, exclusions and more do arise, which can complicate the pursuit of compensation for injuries and losses without the help of an attorney.
- Legal Challenges. Federal, state, and local laws all play roles in truck accident cases. Exploring the nuances of each and applying aspects of them to a case can be a complex and extensive process. At The Barnes Firm, our attorneys are knowledgeable in California truck laws and can help navigate the process smoothly.
Contact The Barnes Firm Today
After a truck accident, you are going to want a trusted truck accident attorney at The Barnes Firm by your side every step of the way. For decades, our attorneys have persisted, fought for, and won numerous truck accident cases throughout San Jose, the Bay Area, and all of California. Our team of truck accident attorneys is here to help you get the best result possible.
Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Client Reviews
What our clients are saying about us
Nichole W.
The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.
Answers to San Jose
Truck Accident FAQs
Most people have never needed a lawyer when they find themselves injured and in need of legal advice. We hear the following questions from many of our clients. We hope the answers help clarify your options and considerations.
California has a deadline for truck accident claims. It is two years since the car accident date. This deadline is important because you lose your right to take legal action if you do not file within two years. The strength of your claim will not matter if you wait too long to file. Sometimes, this deadline is shorter, at six months, depending on the parties involved.
The damages you can recover for a truck accident will vary depending on your injuries and other losses. Common damages you can recover from a truck accident claim include:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Hospital bills
- Home and vehicle accessibility modifications
- Medication costs
- Therapy costs
Your medical treatment will heavily influence your damages and case worth. However, there are many damages that injury victims are unaware they can pursue. Your legal team can guide you on what they are and how to recover them.
The costs of hiring a lawyer depend on their contingency fee. They will have a percentage they take from your settlement. This percentage will vary by firm and how far your case goes.
Various parties can be held responsible for truck accidents in CA, including:
- Drivers
- Trucking Company
- Supplier
- Driver’s employer
- Truck trailer owner
- Parts manufacturer
- Maintenance company
- Other third parties
The primary way to show fault is by examining evidence. The goal is to find any signs of negligence from the driver or their employer. Sometimes, this involves FMCSA violations.
Most truck accident cases do not go to trial. They will often settle out of court with the insurance company. In rare cases, they do. Your CA truck accident lawyer will work to settle before trial and advise you on litigation risks.
There is a comparative fault rule in California. So, even if you were partially at fault for a collision, you can still pursue compensation. The court will issue percentages to both parties. Whoever has the higher percentage will pay for damages. Your fault percentage rate will reduce your reward. So, if you were 5% at fault, you would recover 95% of your damage award.
Yes, there are various regulations that truck drivers and their employers must follow. The biggest one is how long a driver can operate. They can only work for 11 total driving hours within a 14-hour window. This is after they have been off duty for at least 10 hours. They can drive for 60 hours total per week.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
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