You may not know where to turn for help or advice that you after being seriously injured in a trucking accident. Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can provide legal guidance to help you address the challenges that may follow a truck accident.
Our Bakersfield truck accident lawyers have experience handling personal injury cases in California and representing individuals seeking compensation under the law. Discuss your case in detail with our attorneys at no cost and no pressure today.
Why Choose Us?
- Our team of attorneys, medical case managers, assistants and negotiators assist clients as they navigate the physical and financial challenges that may follow a truck accident.
- We care about our clients. We will bring more than 50 years of experience to your truck accident case to handle it in the most effective way possible. We’ve earned the trust of tens of thousands of clients with detailed and personal case management.
- Jacoby & Meyers has a 50-year history of legal advocacy, with more than $2 billion in total recoveries for our clients. This record includes a $17.5 million recovery in a bicycle-versus-truck incident involving allegations of complex liability and catastrophic injuries.
- Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield Help?
Recovering from a truck accident can be difficult. When you hire a truck accident lawyer in Bakersfield to represent you, your lawyer can handle many of the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery.
A lawyer can investigate the truck accident to determine potential fault and gather evidence related to your claim. Law firms may also work with experts who can analyze accident dynamics and medical issues, such as crash reconstruction specialists and medical professionals.
A lawyer can also communicate with insurance companies regarding potential compensation for documented losses. If a case proceeds to trial, an attorney can represent your interests in court.
Common Causes of Bakersfield Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents may occur for many reasons. Trucking companies and truck drivers are required to follow federal and state safety regulations intended to reduce collision risks.
Common causes of trucking accidents in Bakersfield include:
- Truck driver errors
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving (hours-of-service violations)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too closely
- Legal violations
- Poorly trained truck drivers
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Cargo loading mistakes
- Hit-and-runs
Under California’s fault-based law, determining the cause of a trucking accident is often necessary before pursuing an insurance claim. The person or party determined to be responsible for the crash may be held financially liable.
The Differences Between a Truck Accident vs. Car Accident Case
It is important not to treat a commercial truck accident the same as a standard car accident case in Bakersfield. Trucking accidents can involve unique legal considerations that may affect how claims are evaluated.
Federal Laws
Large trucks are subject to a set of federal laws enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These regulations address driver hours of service, rest breaks, drug and alcohol use, training standards, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, electronic logging devices, and other safety requirements.
Violations of these regulations may be relevant when evaluating liability in a trucking accident case.
Serious Injuries
The physical forces involved in a commercial truck accident are often greater than those in a standard passenger vehicle collision. A fully loaded big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—approximately 20 times the weight of an average car—which can significantly increase the kinetic energy involved in a collision.
Because of this disparity, occupants of smaller vehicles may face a higher risk of severe injuries. Our legal team performs investigations to document injuries and identify potential recovery permitted under California law before settlement discussions with insurers.
Unique Evidence
Truck accident claims often involve specialized evidence. An attorney can help preserve key records that may be relevant to a claim. Evidence may include the truck’s black box information, electronic hour logs, employment and accident records, federal compliance history, cell phone records, and truck maintenance records.
Common Injuries in Bakersfield Truck Accidents
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents may result in serious injuries.
Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Multiple bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Crushing injuries
- Amputations
- Neck and back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Fatal injuries
Some of these injuries may require emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization or long-term rehabilitation.
Understanding the scope of documented injuries may be important when evaluating settlement offers from insurance companies.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Bakersfield?
Another difference between a truck accident and a regular car accident case is the question of liability. Instead of only another driver being responsible, multiple parties may be involved. Potentially responsible parties can include: a truck driver, a delivery truck, a trucking company, a truck owner/operator, a cargo loading company, or a maintenance crew.
In some cases, a trucking company may be liable for accidents involving its vehicles or drivers. Companies may also face liability for their own conduct, such as inadequate training or safety practices, as well as vicarious liability for employee actions.
How Much Is the Average Truck Accident Case Worth?
Every personal injury case in California is unique. Potential recovery depends on the specific facts and documented evidence of the incident rather than an “average” value.
Under Civil Code § 1431.2, damages may be categorized as economic or non-economic. Economic damages include verifiable losses such as past and future medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are subjective and do not follow a fixed formula.
Factors that may influence potential recovery include injury severity, medical costs, lost income and documented disability.
Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, recovery may also be adjusted based on each party’s share of responsibility for the incident.
An attorney at Jacoby & Meyers can conduct a case evaluation to explain potential recovery permitted under California law based on the available evidence.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation in Bakersfield
If you were injured in a trucking accident in Bakersfield, you may wish to speak with a lawyer about your legal options.
Jacoby & Meyers provides legal representation to individuals navigating truck accident claims and the associated insurance and legal processes.
Schedule a free consultation at our local Bakersfield office to learn more. Call (661) 402-8934 or contact us online and a member of our team will respond.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bakersfield
2020 Eye St,
Bakersfield, CA 93301
24/7 Hotline
(661) 402-8934