Ventura Truck Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Truck Accident in Ventura County?

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, we understand the devastating consequences that can result from a truck accident. Whether you were driving a car, riding a motorcycle, or walking on the street, a collision with a commercial truck can cause serious injuries and significant financial losses.

Our team of Ventura attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to investigate the accident, identify the liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Call (866) 634-4525 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our Ventura truck accident lawyers.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in California

Immediate Actions

• Ensure Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location.
• Call 911: Report the accident, regardless of the severity.
• Medical Attention: Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Injuries may not manifest immediately.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, injuries, and any traffic signs or road conditions.
• Exchange Information: Gather contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and any other involved parties.
• Police Report: Obtain a copy of the police report.

Post-Accident Steps

• Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance provider about the accident.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a truck accident attorney to understand your rights and options.
• Medical Follow-up: Continue with recommended medical treatment and keep detailed records.
• Gather Evidence: Collect any additional evidence, such as repair estimates, medical bills, and lost wages.
• Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious about what you say to insurance adjusters.
• Protect Your Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as it could be used against you.

Truck Accident Hotspots in Ventura County

Highway 101 is the primary culprit for truck accidents in Ventura County. The road's combination of steep inclines, sharp curves, and heavy traffic creates challenging conditions for truck drivers. Areas like the Conejo Grade are particularly notorious for accidents.

Other areas with a higher incidence of truck accidents include:

• State Route 33: Known for its mountainous terrain and winding roads.
• Highway 1: Scenic but challenging with its coastal curves and potential for fog.
• Urban areas: While less frequent, accidents can occur in cities like Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks due to traffic congestion and driver error.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Trucks, especially large commercial trucks like tractor-trailers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more. When these heavy vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars or motorcycles, the force of impact can be enormous, leading to catastrophic damage.

Additionally, trucks have large blind spots, or "no-zones," where the driver's view is obstructed. Smaller vehicles may be hidden in these blind spots, making it challenging for truck drivers to be aware of their presence.

Common types and causes of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it, often due to the truck's longer stopping distance.
• Jackknife Accidents: This happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, resembling a partially opened jackknife. It typically occurs during hard braking or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks can tip over, especially when taking sharp turns at high speeds or if the cargo is improperly loaded, leading to a shift in weight distribution.
• Underride Accidents: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe damage to the passenger vehicle.
• Lost Load Accidents: Cargo that falls off a truck can create hazardous conditions for other drivers and lead to accidents.
• Wide Turns: Trucks often require wide turns, and when drivers don't account for this, they can collide with other vehicles or obstacles while turning.
• Fatigue-Related Accidents: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents due to impaired reaction times and decision-making.
• Distracted Driving: Like all drivers, truck drivers can also be distracted by using electronic devices or engaging in other activities, leading to accidents.
• Driver Error: Mistakes such as speeding, aggressive driving, and failure to yield the right of way can contribute to truck accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make it even more challenging for truck drivers to control their vehicles and react to unexpected situations.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth in CA?

The value of a truck accident case in California depends on several factors, including:

• Severity of injuries: More serious injuries typically lead to higher settlements.
• Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle will be factored in.
• Lost wages: You may be compensated for income lost due to the accident.
• Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills related to the accident are recoverable.
• Pain and suffering: This is compensation for physical and emotional hardship.
• Liability: The extent to which the truck driver or their company is at fault.

It's important to consult with our truck accident attorney in Ventura to get a realistic estimate of your case's worth. We will assess your specific circumstances and guide you through the legal process.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Ventura, CA?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be a complex process, and multiple parties can potentially be held responsible, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Liability is typically established by examining various factors, including the actions or negligence of individuals or entities involved.

Here are some parties that can be held liable in a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver is often the first party to be considered for liability. If the driver's actions, such as speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating traffic laws, are found to have contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver may also bear responsibility. If the company failed to properly screen, train, or supervise the driver, or if they pressured the driver to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet delivery deadlines, they could be held liable.
• Owner of the Truck: If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a separate entity from the trucking company, the owner may share liability if there were maintenance issues, such as brake or tire failures, that contributed to the accident.
• Cargo Loaders/Shippers: Those responsible for loading and securing the truck's cargo may be held liable if improper loading or cargo securement led to the accident. Cargo that shifts or falls off the truck can create dangerous conditions on the road.
• Manufacturers: If a defect in the truck or its components, such as brakes, tires, or steering, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held liable. This falls under product liability law.
• Maintenance Companies: If a third-party company is responsible for maintaining the truck and failed to identify or address mechanical issues that contributed to the accident, they may share liability.
• Government Entities: In some cases, poorly designed or maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other factors related to the road infrastructure may contribute to accidents. In such cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance and design might be held liable.
• Other Drivers: If another vehicle or driver's actions contributed to the accident, they can be held liable for their share of responsibility. For example, if a passenger car driver made an unsafe lane change in front of a truck, leading to a collision, they could be partially liable.

How Are Truck Accidents Different Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents are significantly different from car accidents due to several key factors:

• Truck size: Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles.
• Impact force: The sheer size and weight of a truck can cause catastrophic damage in a collision.
• Long hours: Truck drivers often work long hours, increasing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
• Regulations: Federal regulations govern the number of hours truck drivers can operate a vehicle, but violations are common.
• Unsecured cargo: Improperly secured cargo can shift during an accident, causing additional damage and injuries.
• Hazardous materials: Truck accidents involving hazardous materials pose significant risks to the public.
• Multiple parties: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and equipment manufacturer.
• Insurance complexities: Determining liability and insurance coverage can be more complex in truck accident cases.
• Increased risk: Due to the force of impact, truck accidents often result in more severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death.

California Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

Generally, you have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit in California. This is known as the statute of limitations. It's crucial to start the legal process as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become less reliable over time, and delaying can harm your case.

Let Our Firm Fight for Your Entitled Compensation

No matter where your truck accident occurred, our Ventura truck accident attorneys are here to help. We have successfully represented clients in a wide range of truck accident cases, from rear-end collisions to multi-vehicle accidents. Our team understands the nuances of federal and state trucking laws. We offer compassionate, personalized legal services and will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Ventura or the surrounding areas, don't hesitate to contact us at (866) 634-4525 for a free case evaluation.