Bringing You Justice After an Accident
There isn’t much on US roads larger than an 18-wheeler truck. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds and reaching lengths of up to 75 ft, these massive shipping vehicles pose one of the greatest threats to other drivers. Many find it terrifying just passing a truck on the highway, so being struck by one can be a very traumatic event. As a busy transportation hub, Sacramento unfortunately sees many 18-wheeler accidents each year. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident. The 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys in Sacramento at BD&J will help support your recovery and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Call the BD&J team 24/7 to schedule a free case consultation and talk to a legal expert about getting the compensation you deserve.
Trends in Truck Accidents in California and Nationwide
The shipping industry has grown substantially in recent years, resulting in many more semi-trucks on the road. This has led to increased traffic congestion, accidents, and even deaths. National Safety Council data shows that in 2023 153,452 people were injured and 5,472 people died in large-truck crashes across the US; this is a decrease from 2022 numbers but an increase of around 40% in the last 10 years. While trucking regulations have been put in place to try to prevent crashes, these efforts have not been enough to protect the many thousands of people that are lost each year in accidents with semi-trucks.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that, in California, 11,604 truck crashes occurred in 2024, causing 5,159 injuries and 348 fatalities. This data also shows a decrease in recent years, notably 26% fewer injuries and 33% fewer deaths since 2021. While Sacramento specific truck accident statistics are not available, it’s likely that these issues impact California’s capital city as well. As a terminal on the transcontinental train system and sitting at a crossroads of two major interstates and a few major state highways, large numbers of semi-trucks find their way in and around Sacramento every day.
Primary Causes of Truck Crashes in California
Sacramento is a significant transportation hub in California, falling at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Interstate 80, many state highways, and even railways. However, the increase in truck traffic alone does not result in serious injury accidents and death. It’s likely that increased shipping demands put pressure on drivers and others that lead to mistakes, poor judgement, and oversights that can cause accidents that result in catastrophic injury or wrongful death. The team of BD&J semi-truck accident attorneys in Sacramento have worked on accidents caused by:
- Driver Fatigue
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Impaired Driving
- Improperly Loaded Cargo
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance
- Adverse Weather or Road Conditions
- Brake or Tire Failure
- Inadequate Training or Experience
Identifying Who is Liable After a Truck Accident
Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Sacramento?
As commercial vehicles, 18-wheeler trucks involve a handful of people in their daily management and operation. This means that when an accident occurs any one of these parties, or even multiple parties, can be found responsible for the accident. Keep in mind that the accident may not be the fault of the 18-wheeler at all and can be a result of poor conditions and other drivers. 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers in Sacramento will investigate the following parties for potential liability:
- Truck Driver
- Other Driver(s)
- Trucking Company
- Truck Manufacturer
- Cargo Loaders
- Mechanic or Maintenance Technician
How is liability determined in a semi-truck accident?
To file an accident claim and win compensation for your losses, you must prove that the accident was caused by negligence and prove who was responsible for the negligence. A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to find the cause of the accident and identify the negligent party. This investigation involves collecting documents like the accident report, hours of service logs, and maintenance logs from the truck as well as witness statements, expert testimony, and truck black box data. BD&J lawyers will tirelessly investigate every aspect of the accident until they have sufficient evidence to hold liable parties responsible for the damages they caused you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being hit by a big rig?
After being struck by a big rig, immediately contact emergency medical services to tend to injuries suffered in the accident. Due to the massive size and weight of big rigs, they tend to cause serious injuries that require extensive treatment, and quick access to medical care can mean the difference between injury and disability. Cooperate with local authorities like the Sacramento Police Department or California Highway Patrol to complete a traffic accident report but be sure to avoid speculation or admitting any error on your part when giving a statement to the authorities. Finally, get in touch with a Sacramento truck accident attorney like the BD&J team to fight for your right to compensation and help you get the funds you need to pay your medical bills and repair costs.
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident claim in Sacramento?
Sacramento victims of 18-wheeler collisions have two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit and sue the driver, truck company, or other at fault party. Two years is the standard statute of limitations for all personal injury lawsuits in California, which includes 18-wheeler accidents. There are a few exceptions to this time limit; the first is if the accident was caused by poor road infrastructure that is the responsibility of a government entity. An accident case involving a government entity must be filed within six months of the date of the accident. Additionally, if the truck accident resulted in wrongful death, the two-year timeline starts at the date of death. BD&J 18-wheeler accident lawyers recommend filing your claim as soon as possible.
What compensation can I claim after a semi-truck accident?
If you were injured in a semi-truck crash, you have a right to collect compensation for all damages suffered. Eligible compensation applies to economic damages which cover the financial burdens of an accident like medical bills, property repair, and lost wages. You also have a right to collect non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. Additionally, if you lost a loved one in a semi-truck collision you can collect compensation for funeral and burial costs as well as loss of financial support among others. A semi-truck accident lawyer can help you assess all the damages and losses incurred in your accident and make sure you don’t leave any possible compensation on the table.
Why do commercial truck accident cases typically take longer to resolve than standard car crash cases?
Commercial truck accident cases are generally more complex than if the crash involved two cars. The factors that make these cases more complicated are the various potential liable parties, dealing with corporate insurance teams, and the increased severity inherent in these crashes. The case may require an extensive investigation to identify liable parties as well as the need to file separate lawsuits against multiple liable parties. Large trucking companies have skilled insurance teams that will attempt to dispute liability or devalue your claim and require more negotiations to reach a settlement. Finally, the severe injuries suffered in a commercial truck collision often involve long term medical care, which can also result in delays in the case.
Why is a truck accident attorney essential?
Attempting to handle a truck accident claim on your own will likely lead to stress, frustration, and a lower settlement offer than you would receive if you worked with a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Finding negligence and liability in these cases usually requires an in-depth investigation and gathering documents from the trucking company, local authorities, experts, and witnesses. Lawyers are experienced in these kinds of investigations and can organize necessary evidence efficiently. In addition, the corporate insurance representatives will likely start with low-ball offers and require aggressive negotiation to push for the compensation you deserve. Lawyers are trained in strategic negotiation tactics to counter unfair settlement offers. In the end, you ought to focus on getting the medical care you need and recovering after the accident and let someone else handle the stresses of an accident claim.
The team of truck accident lawyers at BD&J are dedicated to securing just compensation for every client. We will help you receive a sufficient payout to cover medical bills, property repairs, and get you back on your feet.
Defending the Rights of Sacramento Truck Accident Victims
When you have been hurt or have lost a loved one in a terrible truck collision, make sure to have a trusted attorney at your side. Our team of Sacramento truck accident injury lawyers are not afraid of standing up to large trucking companies and their corporate insurance teams to demand fair compensation on your behalf. BD&J offers free, no-obligation truck accident injury consultations to review crash details and discuss legal options with victims. You don’t have to face the physical and financial burdens of an accident alone. Call the Sacramento personal injury attorneys at BD&J today to find out how much compensation you can win.
