Proving liability in truck accident cases is essential for ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve. Proving liability includes demonstrating severity, extensive damages, and potential for shared liability. Truck accidents are not only more complex than car accidents, but also have a higher likelihood of resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Truck accidents are a significant concern in California, with thousands of incidents occurring annually. The large size and weight of commercial trucks contribute to the severity of these accidents. According to a 2022 report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were a total of 14,052 truck accidents in California that resulted in 507 fatalities and 5,974 injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
In truck accidents, liability can be shared among multiple parties, making it essential to identify all responsible entities. Shared liability occurs when more than one party is found to be at fault, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or even third-party contractors. Here’s who can be held liable:
- Truck Driver: A truck driver can be held liable if their negligence or reckless behavior contributed to the accident. This includes driving under the influence, distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws.
- Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable for several reasons, including poor maintenance of the vehicle, failure to enforce safety regulations, or negligent hiring practices. Companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are qualified, comply with regulations and their vehicles are safe.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or its parts, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable. Product liability laws ensure manufacturers are held accountable for producing safe and reliable vehicles.
- Other Parties: Other parties that could be liable include cargo loaders, maintenance providers, third-party logistics providers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. Any negligence by these parties that contributed to the accident can result in liability.
Proving Liability in a Truck Accident
Proving liability in a truck accident requires comprehensive evidence collection. It’s essential to hire experienced personal injury lawyers with a track record of successfully representing truck accident cases. Rodriguez & Associates has extensive experience and a successful track record in handling truck accident cases and proving liability. Our firm is dedicated to uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
In addition to his thirty-plus years of experience as a Bakersfield, California personal injury lawyer and trial attorney, Daniel’s degree in engineering grants him a unique perspective when it comes to understanding and identifying key elements of truck accidents. This enables our firm to quickly grasp the causes and effects in truck accidents involving the securing and loading of cargo, brake failure and other issues involving speed, weight, and impact.
Proving liability in a truck accident involves several crucial steps: evidence collection, expert testimony, and understanding federal and state regulations.
- Evidence Collection: Our attorneys meticulously gather official accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and photos or video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams. We also utilize data from Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to determine the truck driver’s behavior leading up to the accident. This comprehensive evidence is crucial in establishing fault and supporting your claim.
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the scene to determine the cause and fault, while medical experts link injuries to the accident, demonstrating the extent of the damages. These testimonies provide authoritative support to bolster your case.
- Federal and State Regulations: Our deep understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and California state laws allows us to identify any violations that could indicate liability. These regulations govern truck operations and safety standards, ensuring that all parties adhere to strict guidelines.
Bakersfield, California Truck Accident Attorneys
Our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates are dedicated to establishing liability, gathering critical evidence, and fighting vigorously for fair compensation in personal injury cases involving truck accidents. With a proven track record of success, including a $70 million verdict in a big rig accident, we guide our clients through every step of their legal journey with compassion and determination. Our deep understanding of both federal and state regulations ensures we can navigate the complexities of these cases and secure the compensation victims deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact Rodriguez & Associates for a consultation. Our experienced team will guide you and your family through the process and fight for your rights every step of the way.