Fresno Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident is not just an ordinary traffic incident, but often a catastrophic event. Due to the significantly large size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions involving these vehicles tend to cause devastating injuries and significant property damage.

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your losses. The legal process can be overwhelming in the face of severe injuries, but with a legal advocate walking with you, you can maximize your chances of securing proper recovery.

At Banafshe Law Firm, PC, our firm adopts a client-focused approach and has a proven record of successes in personal injury claims. Contact our Fresno truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

What Are the Different Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents come in various forms. Here are several types of truck accident cases we see most often and how they happen:

Jackknife accidents. Jackknives occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at an acute angle, often leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
Rollover accidents. These occur when large trucks can overturn due to high speeds, sudden turns, or unbalanced cargo.
Rear-end collisions. Due to their weight, trucks require longer stopping distances. As a result, they have a higher risk of rear-ending smaller vehicles on the road.
Underride accidents. Smaller vehicles can become trapped under a truck’s trailer, often leading to fatal injuries.
Blind spot crashes. Trucks have significant blind spots and failing to check them properly can lead to serious accidents.
Head-on collisions. Head-on crashes happen mostly if the truck driver loses control of the vehicle, drifting into the lane of oncoming traffic.
T-Bone accidents. Side-impact or broadside crashes occur at intersections when large trucks disregard traffic signals, colliding with the sides of other vehicles and forming a “T” shape.

A truck accident lawyer plays a key role in investigating the type of crash that caused your injuries. By determining the accident type, they can better establish liability. For instance, in a jackknife accident, the lawyer could investigate the truck’s braking system. If it is established that the brakes failed, causing a jackknife crash, the trucking company may be liable for inadequate truck maintenance.

Who is Responsible for My Truck Accident in Fresno?

Liability in a truck accident is often more challenging than in typical car accidents. This is because in a crash, several parties may bear responsibility depending on the circumstances. The potentially liable parties include:

Truck driver. Liability may fall on the driver if they were speeding, fatigued, distracted, or under the influence.
Trucking company. Trucking companies are mostly liable if they overworked drivers or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Cargo loaders. Improper loading means unbalanced cargo which can destabilize the truck and increase the risk of a crash.
Truck manufacturer. The injured party may have a valid claim against the vehicle or parts manufacturer if the defective part(s) were the cause of the crash.
Government entities. If poor road conditions or missing signage contributed to the accident, government agencies could be held liable.

A lawyer can help identify the person or entities responsible by gathering critical evidence. When determining liability in truck accident cases, we usually examine driver logs, truck maintenance records, and black box data, among other evidence.

Compensation Available for a Truck Accident Case in Fresno

After suffering injuries and losses from a truck collision in Fresno, always remember that you have legal recourse. You can pursue recovery from the at-fault parties, which mainly covers economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to the actual financial costs that result from the accident. These are losses that have a direct monetary value and can be calculated based on bills and records. These include the following:

All current and future medical bills
Lost earnings and inability to earn any income in the future
Damages for property destroyed in the crash
Travel costs and legal fees associated with the claim

On the other hand, non-economic damages denote the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. Unlike economic damages, these are not easily measurable in dollars but are just as important in determining fair compensation. They include the following:

Physical and emotional suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Mental anguish
Loss of care or companionship
Scarring or other disfigurements
Funeral and burial costs if the crash led to wrongful death

Commercial trucks must adhere to federal regulations requiring minimum insurance coverage of $750,000, which is much higher than what is required for standard vehicles. While higher insurance coverage may lead to sufficient compensation for accident victims, insurers will most likely fight claims to avoid liability.

However, your Fresno truck accident attorney has the capacity to fight fiercely to ensure you secure fair compensation. We will accurately calculate your damages so that we can properly value your claims.

When Do I File My Claim After Being Involved in a Truck Accident in Fresno, CA?

In Fresno, California, the filing of claims is governed by the statute of limitations. You have only two years from the date of the truck crash to initiate a claim officially. After two years, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Given the strict timeline, it is best to begin the claims process as soon as possible. This gives your lawyer ample time to deal with insurers and begin fighting for your rights early for timely justice.

However, one important factor to consider before settling your claim is reaching the point where your doctors determine your condition has stabilized. This means no significant improvement is expected, and therefore, you fully understand the current and long-term implications of the injuries on your life and family members.

Given the strict timeline and ensuring that your claim fully accounts for your medical needs, it is always advisable to work with a truck accident attorney in Fresno. They will manage the legal timelines to your advantage without running the risk of missing out on compensation.

A Truck Accident Attorney in Fresno Can Assist With Your Claim Today

Most of the injuries sustained in truck accidents become permanent impairments with hefty financial ramifications. It is therefore recommended to hire a truck accident lawyer to help you seek compensation that reflects your damages. At Banafshe Law Firm, PC, our Fresno truck accident attorneys are focused on helping victims of truck crashes seek justice. We will take on the trucking companies and their insurers to ensure you secure fair recovery. Call us at (855) 997-6599 to schedule a free case evaluation today.