Trucking accidents are some of the most devastating incidents on the road, often resulting in severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions with passenger vehicles can lead to life-altering consequences for those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, an experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.

At Knapp Moss, we understand the challenges that victims of trucking accidents face. Our legal team is committed to advocating for your rights and helping you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. 

Understanding Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents involve collisions between large commercial trucks—such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers—and other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. These accidents often occur on highways, where trucks are traveling at high speeds and carrying heavy loads. Trucking accidents can result from a variety of factors, including driver error, vehicle malfunctions, and poor road conditions.

Due to the complexity of these cases, multiple parties may be held liable for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often required to work long hours, and driver fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest, but some drivers violate these rules or push their limits to meet deadlines.
• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technology, leading to accidents. Any distraction, even for a few seconds, can have deadly consequences when operating a large commercial truck.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes by truck drivers can lead to serious collisions. Trucks require more time and distance to stop, making speeding especially dangerous.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—whether illegal substances or prescription medications—can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause trucking accidents. These failures may be the result of poor maintenance or defective parts, for which the trucking company or manufacturer may be liable.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: When a truck’s cargo is not properly secured or balanced, it can cause the truck to roll over or jackknife, leading to a serious accident. Both the trucking company and the cargo loaders may be held responsible for improper loading.

Why You Need a Trucking Accident Lawyer

Trucking accident cases are often complex and require an in-depth understanding of federal and state regulations, the trucking industry, and multi-party liability. Hiring a skilled trucking accident lawyer is crucial for building a strong case and securing fair compensation. Here’s why working with a lawyer is essential:

• Investigating the Accident: Trucking accidents require thorough investigations to determine who is at fault. Your lawyer will gather evidence, including police reports, truck maintenance records, black box data, and witness statements, to build a compelling case.
• Proving Liability: Multiple parties may be responsible for a trucking accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party contractor. Your lawyer will identify all liable parties and work to prove their negligence.
• Navigating Complex Regulations: The trucking industry is governed by a variety of federal and state regulations, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules that limit hours of service, require regular vehicle inspections, and mandate driver qualifications. Your lawyer will be familiar with these regulations and will use them to hold trucking companies accountable.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to minimize payouts in accident claims, particularly when large settlements are at stake. Your lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Calculating Damages: Trucking accidents can lead to significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. Your lawyer will help calculate the full extent of your damages, including both economic and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. Common injuries sustained in trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in trucking accidents and can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Trucking accidents can cause severe spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may require lifelong medical care and assistance with mobility.
• Broken Bones: The impact of a trucking accident can cause multiple fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a trucking accident can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding or organ failure.
• Burns: If a trucking accident involves a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burns, resulting in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and the need for reconstructive surgery.
• Amputations: In some cases, trucking accidents can result in the loss of limbs, either at the scene of the accident or due to complications from injuries sustained in the crash.
• Fatalities: Tragically, many trucking accidents result in fatalities. In these cases, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Proving Liability in a Trucking Accident Case

Proving liability in a trucking accident case requires demonstrating that the negligence of one or more parties caused the accident and resulting injuries. The following parties may be held liable in a trucking accident case:

• The Truck Driver: If the truck driver violated traffic laws, such as speeding or running a red light, or if they were driving under the influence or while fatigued, they may be held liable for the accident.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. If the company failed to properly train its drivers, neglected vehicle maintenance, or violated hours-of-service regulations, they may be held liable.
• The Vehicle Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, such as brake failure or tire blowout, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held liable for the accident.
• Cargo Loaders: If the truck’s cargo was improperly loaded or secured, causing the vehicle to become unstable or unbalanced, the company responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, third-party contractors who provide maintenance or inspection services may be liable for failing to identify or repair dangerous conditions.

Compensation in Trucking Accident Cases

Victims of trucking accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Common forms of compensation in trucking accident cases include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing treatment required as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, compensation for loss of future earning capacity may also be available.
• Pain and Suffering: Trucking accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the non-economic impact of your injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you may seek compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where a trucking accident results in death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Choose Knapp Moss?

At Knapp Moss, we have extensive experience handling trucking accident cases throughout California. Our legal team is dedicated to providing personalized, client-focused representation, and we fight tirelessly to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, hiring an experienced trucking accident lawyer is essential to securing the compensation you need to recover. At Knapp Moss, we are committed to protecting your rights and pursuing justice on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.