Experienced 18-Wheeler, Semis, Tractor-Trailer Truck Accident Lawyers in Redding, California

The most serious traffic accidents occurring on California highways are those involving commercial tractor-trailer trucks and small passenger vehicles. When an 18-wheeler collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the height and weight difference can result in catastrophic injuries or even death for the passengers of the smaller passenger vehicle.

Risk Factors That Contribute to Truck Accidents

The operation of large commercial trucks has unique set of challenges. For instance, while bad weather can make driving more difficult for anyone, an 18-wheeler truck will have more trouble stopping abruptly on wet or icy roads than a car will.

When it comes to commercial truck drivers, risks can be increased by the long hours truck drivers spend on the road. Truck drivers are allowed to drive 11 hours per day and can do so for an entire 7-day week, and even still, many truck drivers admit to driving additional hours. This amount of time on the road can lead to driver fatigue. Driver fatigue means that the driver vehicle might not be as alert as he or she should be.

Proving Negligence After a Truck Accident in California

Even though truckers are facing some risks above those faced by other drivers, this does not mean the truck driver is always to blame when accidents occur. In order to collect compensation, a person injured in any accident will have to show that the other party was negligent. Negligence occurs when a person does not act as a reasonably prudent person would under a given set of circumstances. The fault for an accident might even be shared between two or more drivers. Even if the injured person was negligent, he or she can still collect compensation under California law, but the damages will be reduced to reflect the injured person’s own share of the fault.

Who is Liable For Damages in a Truck Accident Case?

If the truck driver was negligent, there is still a question of whether he or she is liable for the damage done, or if the company the trucker was driving for is liable. In determining whether the company can be considered liable, the most important question is whether the driver was an employee or an independent contractor. If the driver was an employee, then under the legal concept of “respondeat superior” the company can be held liable. If the driver was an independent contractor, then the company may not be considered liable, and the driver may be the only person responsible for the harm caused in the accident.

If you were injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, contact Maire & Deedon to speak with an experienced 18-wheeler truck accident injury attorney.

Call For Your Free Consultation With One Of Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys

Commercial truck accidents often lead to severe injuries that bare significant medical expenses. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers rigorously defend against truck accident claims. If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, you need effective legal representation. Our personal injury attorneys excel at civil litigation and we have won millions for our clients. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Maire & Deedon at 530-246-6050 for more information and  a free consultation.

Maire & Deedon
2851 Park Marina Drive
Suite 300
Redding, CA96001
Telephone: 530-246-6050
Fax: 530-246-6060

Email: info@maire-law.com

Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/respondeat_superior