Oxnard Truck Accident Lawyers

Aggressively Pursuing Negligent Truck Drivers & Trucking Companies

Large trucks are particularly dangerous because of their size. Truck accidents cause devastating personal injuries. At Crane Flores, LLP, we understand how overwhelming the emotional and financial burden can be for injury victims and their families. Our dedicated Oxnard truck accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate your case, and zealously seek the compensation you deserve.

Call Crane Flores, LLP today at (805) 628-4967 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our truck accident attorney in Oxnard!

Truck Accident Facts

Accidents involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler tractor-trailer, or other large truck differ significantly from more minor vehicle accidents. An 18-wheeler can weigh over 80,000 pounds and be more than 60 feet long. Large trucks are more difficult to maneuver. They take longer to stop, have large blind spots, and need a wide turning radius. Small mistakes can have serious consequences when big trucks are involved.

Large trucks are more likely to be involved in fatal multi-car accidents than smaller vehicles. In 2011, more than 3,700 people died in large truck crashes, while 88,000 were injured. Like motorcycle accidents, truck accidents can cause spine, neck, and back injuries, head trauma, broken bones, lacerations, and internal injuries.

It can take a long time to recover from injuries sustained in a severe truck accident. Our lawyers help accident victims in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and Ventura work to recover compensation for their financial losses and pain and suffering.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The government has implemented new rules to ensure that commercial truck drivers get proper rest by reducing the number of hours they can work weekly. Regulators also banned all hand-held cell phone use by commercial drivers. Truck drivers and companies still exercise carelessness and poor judgment despite these safeguards.

Some of the most common causes of trucking crashes include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers work long hours. If they do not take the necessary breaks between shifts, they risk falling asleep at the wheel and causing a drowsy driving accident.
• Driver error: Large trucks leave little margin for error. Dangerous driving behaviors include speeding, driving aggressively, failing to check blind spots, tailgating, and improperly changing lanes.
• Driver impairment: The use of alcohol or drugs behind the wheel of a big rig slows reaction time and impedes other skills needed to drive the truck safely. Trucking companies must regularly screen drivers for signs of substance abuse problems.
• Driver distraction: Cell phones do not just cause car and pedestrian accidents. While illegal, some truck drivers still talk and text behind the wheel. They may also take their eyes off the road to eat or smoke.
• Inadequate driver training: Driving a large truck takes a particular set of skills. If drivers are not well trained, they may not know how to react to poor weather, congested roadways, or equipment problems.
• Equipment malfunction: Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to run smoothly. Faulty brakes and worn tires can cause serious accidents.

To determine the exact cause of an accident, our meticulous accident attorneys investigate the truck driver’s logbook, vehicle maintenance records, inspection reports, and witness accounts. Once we determine who is responsible, we build your case against the negligent truck driver or trucking company.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in Truck Accident Claims in California?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for different damages. These can include economic and non-economic losses in California, and punitive damages may also be available in certain situations.

• Economic Damages:
  • Medical Costs: Includes expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care.
  • Rehabilitation: Covers physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any specialized treatments required.
  • Lost Wages: You may be compensated for the income you’ve lost due to being unable to work, as well as for any future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
  • Property Damage: This includes coverage for the costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and any other personal belongings affected by the accident.
• Non-Economic Damages:
  • Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, suffering, and discomfort experienced as a result of the accident.
  • Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts caused by the accident.
  • Loss of Enjoyment: When your injuries affect your ability to enjoy everyday activities or hobbies.
  • Loss of Consortium: The effect of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family members, including the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy.
• Punitive Damages:
  • When a truck driver or company has acted recklessly or with intentional disregard for safety, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are intended not only to penalize the wrongdoer but also to discourage similar behavior in the future.

Understanding these damages can help you pursue a claim that fully reflects the accident's impact on your life.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in California

In California, specific deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, determine how long you must file a lawsuit after a truck accident. For personal injury claims, the general rule is that you have two years from the accident date to take legal action. If the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, you have two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death claim. If your case involves a government entity, such as a city or state agency, the window to file a claim is much shorter—typically just six months from the accident date. Failing to meet these deadlines can bar you from recovering any compensation, so it’s essential to speak with a lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed on time and your rights are preserved.  

How an Attorney Can Assist After a Truck Accident

Working with an experienced attorney can greatly increase your chances of receiving the fair compensation you deserve after a truck accident.   Here are some of the ways a lawyer can help:  

• In-Depth Investigation: A lawyer will conduct a comprehensive investigation into your truck accident, gathering essential evidence such as driver logs, vehicle inspection and maintenance records, and witness statements to build a solid case on your behalf.
• Insurance Negotiations: Attorneys manage all interactions with insurance companies, advocating for a settlement that fully accounts for your losses. They help ensure you don’t settle for something short of what you truly deserve.
• Navigating Complex Regulations: Truck accidents are governed by intricate federal and state regulations for commercial drivers and trucking companies. A knowledgeable attorney is well-versed in these regulations and can identify all parties who may be held responsible.  
• Court Representation: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, your attorney will be ready to take your case to trial. They will advocate for your rights in court, striving to secure the full compensation you are entitled to through litigation.

By taking these steps, your attorney helps alleviate the burden of legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Contact Our Oxnard Truck Accident Attorney Today

Truck accidents often involve several different parties. Trucking companies, owners, and drivers all have legal obligations and can be held accountable for your injuries. While the driver may be to blame for failing to follow the rules of the road, the trucking company is also responsible for the driver’s negligence because of the employment relationship. If the tractor-trailer’s equipment malfunctioned beforebefore the accident, the companies that made or maintained the vehicle may also be liable.

At Crane Flores, LLP, our Oxnard truck accident attorneys evaluate your trucking accident claim free of charge. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t charge attorneys’ fees unless we win the case for you.