Trucking Accidents

The Law Offices of Esteban Valenzuela represents plaintiffs throughout Southern California in personal injury lawsuits arising out of trucking accidents. With over thirty years of combined personal injury experience, our attorneys have the skills and expertise to help injured victims and grieving families obtain the financial and emotional solace they deserve. Our Santa Maria personal injury attorneys assist clients in the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield, Tulare, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Bakersfield, Riverside, Coachella, and Indio.

Trucking Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 50% of trucking accidents in the U.S. involve a truck striking or rear-ending a passenger vehicle. Due to the enormous size and weight of the average commercial truck, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths.  Trucks are also especially likely to cause accidents due to such issues as driver fatigue, drug use, speeding, improper training, poor maintenance, or defective parts. For more information on accidents caused by defective truck parts, visit our auto accidents page.

Federal and State Trucking Laws

Trucking accidents are highly complex, involving a mix of federal and state vehicle regulations and laws. Trucks engaged in interstate travel are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which cover all commercial activity, including:

• Loading and driving trucks
• Limiting driving to 11 hours in any 14- hour period, followed by ten consecutive rest hours
• Keeping trip documentation for at least six months and vehicle maintenance records for at least one year
• Requiring employers to conduct background checks on each driver
• Commercial truckers maintain minimum insurance coverage, which varies between $750,000 and $5 million depending on the type of cargo and size of the truck

Federal law also requires interstate truckers or their employers to keep detailed travel logs and record the amount of time spent resting and driving. When we take on a trucking accident case, we perform a comprehensive investigation aimed at obtaining all pertinent documentation which may show the cause of an accident or any contributing factors, such as drivers failing to follow rest or maintenance requirements.

Multiple Deaths

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,808 people were killed in accidents involving trucks in the U.S. in 2007, and 3,950 of those deaths involved multiple vehicle crashes.  Trucking or auto accidents involving multiple parties and multiple wrongful deaths can be far more complicated than two party crashes. Often, more than one party is at fault and proving the percentages of liability can require extensive investigative work and the support and testimony of outside experts. In addition, multiple insurers may be involved, including personal automobile liability insurers or workers' compensation insurers.

Experienced Representation from Lawyers Who Care - Se Habla Español.

Our Santa Maria personal injury law firm is sensitive to the many issues involved in trucking accidents and are dedicated to helping you towards a full legal and emotional recovery. Contact the Law Offices of Esteban Valenzuela today at 888-341-3891 for a free initial consultation.