Truck Accident Attorney Oxnard
Any motor vehicle accident can be terrifying, painful, or fatal, but the impact can be especially devastating when a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck collide.
The King Law Firm has represented many people in Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and across Southern California who have been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, including large commercial trucks. Because of our experience, we understand the unique challenges they can pose.
Contact The King Law Firm Today
The King Law Firm is here to help you if you’ve been injured in an accident with a big rig. Our experienced and aggressive personal injury lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success in truck accident cases, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Oxnard
Many factors can contribute to an Oxnard truck accident, but some of the most common causes include:
Driver Fatigue
Speeding
Speeding is a factor in many accidents, but it can be especially dangerous when a large truck is involved. The increased weight and momentum of a speeding truck can make it difficult for the driver to stop or avoid an accident. Negligent truck drivers who ignore speed limits while operating a big rig must be held accountable, and our legal team will work to gather the necessary evidence to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a danger for all drivers, but it can be especially hazardous for large vehicles like trucks. The large size of their vehicles means that it takes them longer to stop, and their blind spots are larger. This makes it more difficult for them to see other vehicles and more likely to cause an accident if they’re not paying attention.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always dangerous, but it’s especially hazardous when operating a large truck. The size and weight of the vehicle make it more difficult to control, and the driver’s reaction time may be slowed. In addition, federal regulations limit a CDL driver’s BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) to half that of an adult operating a car due to the risk of serious accidents, meaning that 0.04 is the legal limit instead of 0.08.
Brake Failure
The large size and weight of commercial trucks mean that brakes are constantly under a lot of stress. If they fail, the results can be devastating as a truck driver cannot slow or stop as they approach a hazardous situation, leading to significant property damage, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. Truck accident lawyers understand how to review evidence of an issue like this for a personal injury claim.
Mechanical Failures
Truck accidents can also be caused by a mechanical or equipment failure. For example, the brakes may fail, or the tires may blow out. This can cause the truck to lose control and collide with other cars. As a result, truck drivers and/or trucking companies must keep up with a wide range of maintenance and care routines for their trucks since these checks are so crucial to the safety of other motorists.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather can make it more difficult for truckers to see the road, and it can also make it more difficult for them to control their vehicles. Rain, fog, and wind can all contribute to a truck accident in Ventura County, and our Oxnard truck accident attorneys are prepared to help you in your fight against the insurance company or trucking companies.
Types of Truck Accidents
There are many different types of truck crashes that Ventura personal injury attorneys commonly represent, but some of the most common include:
Rear-end Collisions
These accidents occur when a truck rear-ends another car. Due to the notable difference in size between a car and semi-truck, even a rear-end collision at low speeds — like in a parking lot — that would usually be considered a “fender bender” between two like-sized trucks or cars can lead to catastrophic injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages when a truck is involved.
Head-on Collisions
These accidents occur when a truck collides with another vehicle head-on. The impact can be severe, and it can cause serious injuries to the occupants of both vehicles — particularly to occupants of a car when they collide with a massive semi-truck or tractor-trailer.
Rollover Accidents
These types of accidents often happen when a truck driver loses control of their truck. The results can be catastrophic, leading to devastating injuries that include internal injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death.
Jackknife Accidents
These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out from behind the cab, often due to brake failure or improper turning. When this happens, the trailer can collide with multiple victims at high speeds, leading to significant injuries and damage.
Side-Impact Collisions
These accidents occur when a truck driver fails to see a smaller automobile in their blind spot and sideswipes it. The force of the impact can be catastrophic, often leading to serious injuries or even death.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What are the most common causes of truck accidents in California?
The most common causes of truck accidents in California are driver error, mechanical failure, and weather conditions. Driver error can include things like speeding, falling asleep at the wheel, or distracted driving. Mechanical failure can be caused by problems with the truck itself, like brake failure, or problems with the load, like an unsecured load shifting. Weather conditions can make driving conditions more difficult, and can be a factor in accidents even when drivers are taking precautions.
What are the consequences of being involved in a truck accident?
The consequences of being involved in a truck accident can be severe. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, and even death. They can also result in significant property damage. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. And, of course, you will want to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Who is responsible for a truck accident?
The responsibility for a truck accident can depend on the circumstances. If the driver was at fault, then they may be held liable. If there was a mechanical failure, then the trucking company or the truck’s manufacturer may be held liable. If weather conditions were a factor, then the company who hired the trucking company may be held liable. In some cases, multiple parties may be held responsible for a truck accident.
What should I do if I am involved in a truck accident?
If you are involved in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
Accident Claims Involving Truck Drivers
Determining who is liable for your Oxnard truck accident can be a difficult process, as the driver may work for themselves or a company, may be subcontracted, and the accident may have been caused due to the negligence of a partner and not the driver themselves (such as a mechanical failure or accident caused due to improper loading by a warehouse crew).
Making sense of these details can seem nearly impossible for someone who is not experienced with personal injury cases — especially someone who is trying to recover from the pain and trauma of a serious accident. This is why working with a truck accident lawyer in your fight against the insurance company or trucking company. A personal injury accident lawyer will work to ensure that the trucker or trucking company is held liable for your accident while you are able to focus on recovering from your injuries and moving forward with your life.
Contact The King Law Firm Today
Each potential new client is entitled to a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. Fill out the contact form on our site and leave your name, phone number, email, and a brief description of your situation, and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Working with a personal injury attorney after an accident in Santa Barbara, Oxnard, or elsewhere in California is one of the best ways to ensure that you are taking the proper steps to recover damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and many other personal injury damages you may be owed. We understand truck accidents. Trucks complicate an accident due to their size and commercial status, but we are here to help. Contact The King Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.