How We Can Help: Our Approach to Trucking Accident Cases
Truck accident cases require top-flight legal skill and aggressive representation to secure the compensation you deserve. At HHT Law, our legal approach covers four primary areas to ensure we build a strong case on your behalf:
Why Truck Accident Cases Demand Specific Legal Knowledge
The trucking industry operates under an additional set of complex laws that drivers of passenger vehicles don’t have to worry about. We’re deeply familiar with these regulations, including California commercial vehicle codes and federal safety requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We also know industry standards and regulations related to hours of service, maintenance records, drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers, cargo loading and securement, and much more. This particular legal knowledge enables us to more accurately determine liability and build a strong case on your behalf.
Here are a few key regulations we examine when establishing liability and fighting for our client’s right to maximum compensation:
Driver Qualification
California commercial truck regulations impose strict requirements on who can operate these vehicles. These regulations include rigorous testing and licensing requirements, minimum age limits, medical screenings, and limitations on the number of consecutive driving hours.
Hours of Service
To combat truck driver fatigue, both state and federal regulations mandate maximum driving times and required rest periods for commercial drivers. Our truck accident lawyers are skilled in analyzing driver logs to expose violations that can increase the risk of a crash.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
Commercial trucks must meet stringent maintenance standards, and trucking companies and drivers are responsible for conducting thorough pre-trip inspections and keeping meticulous records. Failure to follow these standards can lead to faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical failures, forming a clear case for liability.
Required Safety Equipment
Large commercial trucks must have specific safety features that go beyond standard passenger vehicle requirements. This includes reflective markings, proper lighting, functional brake lights, anti-lock brake systems, cargo securement devices, electronic stability control systems, and other technology. HHT Law can identify cases where defects or lacking safety equipment have contributed to a collision.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Truck accidents can happen in various ways, each presenting unique challenges and legal complexities:
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Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer skids and swings out of control, creating a dangerous V shape that can skid across multiple lanes.
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Rollover Accidents
Due to their high centers of gravity, large trucks and tractor-trailers are particularly susceptible to rollover accidents, particularly during sharp turns, unsafe lane changes, or uneven cargo loading.
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Underride Accidents
Smaller passenger vehicles can slide under a truck’s trailer in an incident, often with tragic results for the occupants of the car.
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Head-On Collisions
The force of impact when a truck collides with another vehicle head-on is devastating, making these gravely dangerous and often fatal accidents.
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Rear-End Collisions
The momentum and stopping distances required for large commercial trucks often lead to serious rear-end collisions.
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Lost-Load Accidents
If a truck driver’s cargo isn’t properly secured, objects can fall off, creating dangerous hazards that frequently lead to collisions.
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Tire Blowout Accidents
When a truck’s tires blow out due to improper maintenance or overloading, the driver’s subsequent loss of control can result in serious collisions.
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Accidents Involving Fatigued Drivers
Sadly, many truck drivers exceed their legal driving hours when they’re pressured to meet tight delivery schedules. We are committed to holding trucking companies accountable when their violations of hours-of-service regulations contribute to accidents.
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Accidents Involving Distracted Driving
Cell phone use and other distractions pose dangers on the road for all drivers.
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Accidents Involving Impaired Drivers
When truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put everyone on the road in danger.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — over 20 times the weight of a normal passenger car! As a result, the forces involved in a truck accident are vastly different from those in car-on-car accidents and often lead to much more serious injuries.
At HHT Law, we fight for clients who have experienced a wide range of injuries, including:
No matter the injury you’re facing, our team can help you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
The Costs Associated with a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents often incur enormous medical bills, face time away from work and lost wages, experience significant pain and distress, and deal with long-term limitations or ongoing treatment needs.
At HHT Law, we are committed to helping you secure maximum compensation for the full scope of your losses, including:
