Experienced & Top-Rated Truck Accident Lawyer — Fresno, CA

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is committed to providing the best legal representation to our clients. Allow our Fresno personal injury lawyer to assist you and your family with your truck accident case.

With a 99% success rate, Daniel and his team of legal professionals are confident in the outcome of every case we take on. To learn more about our award-winning firm, contact us today. We can be reached day or night, including on weekends and holidays.

Our truck accident attorneys proudly serve nearby neighborhoods and surrounding cities near Fresno, CA including: Downtown Fresno, Clovis, Las Palmas, Herndon, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Monterey Bay, San Simeon, Visalia, Merced, Chowchilla, Squaw Valley, Mendota, Los Banos, Santa Cruz, Salinas, Hollister, Watsonville, Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Modesto, Stockton, Turlock, San Joaquin Valley, Central Valley, Manteca, Bishop, Woodward Park, Tower District, Fig Garden Loop, Sunnyside, Pinedale, Biola Junction, Jefferson, Cincotta, Lowell, Mural District, Fort Washington, Brookhaven, Hammond, The Bluffs, and Cameo.

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Did You Suffer Injuries From a Truck Accident in Fresno, CA?

Legal terminology can be confusing, as some terms and phrasing possess a different meaning than how they are used in the everyday world. For instance, “truck accidents” can involve a collision between a small passenger vehicle and a commercial motor vehicle, like a semi-truck or big rig. Trucking accidents involving large commercial trucks pose more threatening outcomes than a collision with a standard pick-up truck.

If you or a loved one were involved in a Fresno truck accident, you have the right to financial compensation. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim can help you file a personal injury claim against a negligent truck driver, the trucking company, and any other liable party. We maintain a 99% success rate and can help you seek justice by recovering maximum compensation.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Fresno Truck Accident Attorney?

Personal injury law covers a broad variety of subjects. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, our skilled legal team only focuses on auto-related accidents, which is vital in order to recover damages in a truck accident case. Our dedication to our clients and legal expertise have earned us a 99% success rate.

Additionally, the firm has garnered nationwide recognition from the National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC), the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA), and a top 10 client satisfaction rating by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys.

To avoid bestowing any more stress on injured victims and their families, we offer our legal services with no upfront costs. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that clients pay nothing until the personal injury cases we take on are won.

When working with Daniel, all documentation will be completed correctly and submitted on time. In the state of California, how paperwork is filed can significantly affect the outcome of a case. The statute of limitations only allows a two-year period to file a truck accident claim, and in some cases, only six months are allotted if a governmental commercial vehicle is involved.

Victims injured in truck collisions have a legal right to pursue damages. To learn more about how insurance claims with the trucking industry are handled or how our firm plans to build your winning case, schedule a free case evaluation here.

How Fresno Truck Accident Lawyers Help

Filing a truck accident claim can be approached a couple of different ways, bringing to question if working with Fresno truck accident lawyers is actually necessary.

While legal representation is not required, it is strongly recommended, especially when pursuing a legal battle with trucking companies and their defense team. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer after a semi-truck accident is beneficial in many ways, such as:

• In-depth assessment of damages to maximize compensation
• Access to expert witnesses and private investigators to prove liability
• Expertise in negotiating with insurance companies
• Professional insight on when to file a claim and when to proceed with a lawsuit
• Court preparation if the case should go to litigation
• Collecting sufficient evidence to support your case
• Personalized service with access to a legal team 24/7 for all inquiries and concerns

It’s understandable to have concerns when considering whether or not to work with an attorney. This is why our firm offers free case consultations, allowing potential clients to meet with our legal team in Fresno. During the consultation, we will discuss how we plan to approach your truck accident claim with the insurance company.

In addition, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you will not be responsible for any legal fees if your case does not result in a win. Truck accidents are traumatic and dealing with the aftermath is demanding. Daniel Kim and our legal team in Fresno will handle all aspects of your case, giving you the opportunity to focus on your recovery.

What Losses Can I Recover From a Truck Accident?

Fresno truck accident victims can suffer major losses, resulting in more than just financial damage. Sometimes, their physical and mental well-being is also affected.

Economic damages cover financial losses, like vehicle repairs, and non-economic damages cover emotional losses, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These types of damages are meant to compensate truck accident victims.

The party or parties who contribute to a truck accident will be liable for the cost of the crash. Whether a truck company did not enforce federal regulations or a truck driver’s negligence is to blame, a Fresno truck accident lawyer can help injured clients recover compensation for:

• Property damage
• Lost wages for time missed off work
• Lost earning capacity from serious injuries that prevent working capabilities
• Current medical bills for sustained injuries
• Medical expenses for ongoing treatment, like physical therapy
• Mental trauma affecting the quality of life
• Physical pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses after fatal crashes

Accuracy in calculating the full extent of damages is pivotal to the outcome of a case. Allow our legal team to gain insight into the truck accident details, so we can begin constructing your winning case. To learn more about your unique situation, schedule a free case evaluation with our accident lawyers today.

What Are the Common Causes of Fresno Truck Accidents?

The commercial vehicles that run through Fresno County can range from 18-wheelers to semi-trucks. Due to the large size and substantial weight of commercial trucks, state requirements are in place to protect the safety of all motorists, including truck drivers.

For instance, these vehicles can only be operated by professional truck drivers who maintain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). California also has strict regulations for trucking companies. Still, trucking accidents do occur and are commonly due to the following reasons:

• Distracted Driving – This applies to all drivers. Multitasking behind the wheel, like texting or adjusting a GPS map, can cause a serious truck accident and severely harm all parties involved.
• Driver Fatigue – Driving while tired is equivalent to drunk driving. To combat this, employers are obligated to grant their truck drivers rest breaks. When this is not enforced, the driver involved may become less alert on the road or even fall asleep at the wheel, resulting in a collision.
• Reckless Driving – Hauling heavy cargo at excessive speeds or cutting off other drivers to make a delivery deadline time can result in losing control of the truck or coming to an emergency stop, thus resulting in a major crash.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo – If cargo is not packed into the trailer properly, the materials can shift and cause an imbalance in weight, forcing a truck rollover accident. Materials may even spill onto the roads and cause accidents with other drivers.
• Maintenance – The owners of the trucks, regardless if they belong to a company or are being leased, are responsible for vehicle maintenance. The truck owners will be liable if their vehicles are not regularly serviced and experience equipment failure.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Before filing a truck accident claim, the at-fault party must first be identified. This can be complicated, because truck accidents often have multiple parties involved. Ultimately fault can fall on any person or entity whose negligence caused the accident. Examples include:

• Truck Drivers – Like all drivers, commercial truck drivers must follow traffic laws and not breach their duty of care. Additionally, they must follow federal and state truck regulations.
• Employers/Trucking Companies – The company is responsible for the actions of its drivers, so if a truck accident occurs, both parties can be found liable. Truck companies are also responsible for ensuring that their drivers possess a valid CDL and are following California’s hours-of-service laws.
• Vehicle Manufacturers – Defective auto parts can lead to a truck accident if the truck malfunctions. If a defect causes a truck accident, a lawsuit can be filed against the company that produced the part.
• Third Parties – Any party that contributes to a truck accident can be liable for damages. This includes other motorists who were driving negligently (speeding, drunk driving, or texting and driving).

In an effort to keep all parties accountable, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set a mandate for commercial vehicles to have an electronic logging device (ELD) installed.

These electronic devices log data pertaining to a truck’s engine, location, speed, and miles driven. Therefore, if a truck driver failed to take a rest break or if the trucking company was not regularly servicing the vehicle, that evidence will be apparent in the EDL. An attorney will be able to obtain this data and utilize it as evidence of negligence.

Pure Comparative Negligence Laws

In California, any party who conducts reckless behavior which led to an accident can be liable for damages. This is referred to as pure comparative negligence. If the case goes to trial, the courts will decide the percentage of blame all at-fault parties had in causing the truck accident.

For example, if an accident is worth $50,000 in damages, a trucking company could be found 20% at fault, with the truck driver being found 80% at fault. Therefore, the trucking company would owe $10,000 and the truck driver would owe $40,000. These laws hold all parties responsible for their actions.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Fresno, CA

The actions to take following a truck accident will differ from the average car accident. Because these types of collisions often involve oversized big rigs, they result in serious damages and catastrophic injuries. To improve victims’ likelihood of recovering fair compensation, the following steps must be taken.

1. Get to Safety: Move off the road and away from the crash. However, do not leave the crash site unless severe injuries that are life-threatening have been sustained. Between oncoming traffic and trucks that may be hauling flammable materials, there are many looming dangers directly next to an accident scene. Therefore, all of those involved must ensure safety.
2. Call 911: Contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Fresno and report the accident. Local CHP is available to local cities of Clovis, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Kingsburg, Kerman, Parlier, Orange Cove, Mendota, Fowler, Firebaugh, and Del Rey. A police report will be created and can be used as evidence in a truck accident claim.
3. Receive Medical Attention: Always seek medical treatment, either at the crash site or after. Even if the injuries suffered appear minor, only doctors can confirm serious injuries, as some may be internal or underlying. Doctor visits are vital to preserving health and well-being. In addition, the medical records will indicate the extent of injuries and how much it costs to treat those injuries.
4. Compile Evidence: Secure evidence and speak to witnesses, if physically capable. Photos and videos of vehicle damage from the commercial truck, the roadways, and visible injuries are helpful. Witness statements are also vital, so log their contact information. Much of this information will be logged in the police report and can be accessed at a later time. However, it’s always beneficial to have a personal record.
5. Collect Contacts: Exchange contact information with the truck driver. Regardless of fault, exchange names, contact numbers, and insurance information with everyone involved in the truck accident. The employer information will also need to be collected from the truck driver.

This is a general overview, and it’s important to know that every auto accident is unique, so not all steps may apply. Consulting with experienced truck accident lawyers will be the best course of action. Legal counsel will provide clarity on personal injury law and can confirm the complexities of the case.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

The aftermath a commercial truck causes in an accident can be severely damaging, especially in comparison to smaller car accidents. Regardless of what may be presumed a minor injury, always seek medical attention. Some of the most common sustained injuries include:

• Back injuries
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Skull fractures
• Burns
• Lacerations and scarring
• Amputation

Compensation for these types of injuries and others is attainable with the right legal representation. In addition to reimbursement for current medical bills, our firm also takes future medical treatment into account. If the truck accident caused fatal injuries, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed and the surviving family can seek damages. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim will pursue maximum recovery on behalf of your family and seek justice for your loved one.

Fresno Truck Accident Statistics and Facts

Commercial vehicles can be medium-sized or heavy vehicles. Recent studies in the US have found that these large trucks have been involved in over 100,000 injury crashes. Additionally, nearly 400 of those accidents resulted in fatalities in California. Because truck accidents are so catastrophic, it’s important that victims and their families seek proper legal guidance to ensure they are appropriately compensated.

Common Fresno Commercial Trucks

Because accidents with commercial vehicles follow a unique set of standards compared to their car accident counterpart, it is important to differentiate what qualifies as a commercial truck versus a standard pickup truck. These types of trucks are categorized as vehicles that are used (primarily) for the purpose of the “transportation of property.” This includes the following:

• Construction Trucks
• Moving Trucks
• Delivery Trucks
• Mail Trucks
• Garbage Trucks

Types of Truck Accidents in Fresno

Reckless driving can lead to major auto accidents, especially involving trucks. Common types of Fresno truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents – Jackknifing is when a truck’s trailer swings forward and folds at a sharp side angle.
• Rollover Accidents – 78% of these accidents result from human error and typically occur when a driver makes a sharp turn, throwing off the truck’s stability.
• Cargo Spilling – Unsecured cargo or materials that are not loaded properly can spill onto the roadways, causing vehicle pile-ups.
• Tailgating Accidents – Considered reckless driving, truck drivers who do not keep a safe distance are unable to make abrupt stops and will aggressively collide or run over smaller cars that are in front of them.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Fresno neighbors Highway 99, correlating much of the city’s daily traffic with regular truck accidents. Some of the heavily impacted roads that prove to be more threatening to motorists and where truck accidents occur are typically on the following roads and intersections:

• Blackstone Ave.
• Shaw Ave.
• Cedar Ave.
• Clinton Ave.
• Shaw Ave. and Valentine Ave.
• First St. and Angus Ave.
• Ashlan Ave. and Blackstone Ave.
• First St. and Tulare Ave.

Directions to Our Fresno Office

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — Fresno, CA
Address: 1221 Van Ness Ave, Suite 406, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 552-7711
 
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