Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Sacramento, California in 2024 – Forbes Advisor

According to current truck accident statistics, California is one of the most dangerous states for fatal truck accidents. If the worst happens and you or a loved one suffers injuries in a truck accident in Sacramento, it is important to know the laws that impact your case.

California statute of limitations for truck accidents

The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a semi-truck accident lawsuit in California. If you file a lawsuit after the deadline, you risk losing your right to compensation for your injuries and damages.

Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain situations, such as when the defendant is a government agency or employee, can significantly shorten the time to file a lawsuit. On the other hand, the law can be suspended in rare cases, such as when the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) is a minor or incapacitated.

California Truck Driver Laws

If you are seeking justice and compensation after an accident, knowing the relevant California laws that apply to truck accidents can be crucial.

• No damage caps. California does not impose caps on truck accident damages, including pain and suffering, meaning victims can recover the full extent of their damages.
• Minimum Insurance Requirements for Trucks. California insurance law requires commercial vehicles to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance, with higher limits for oil tankers and vehicles carrying other dangerous goods.
• Working hours regulation. Truck drivers in California must adhere to strict federal and state hours of service regulations that determine their driving hours and require rest periods.
• Liability of the shipping company. California follows a “respondeat superior” doctrine, meaning employers, such as trucking companies, can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees. In an at-fault accident, victims could sue both the driver responsible and their employer.

Identifying Fault in Truck Accidents in California

Truck accidents are typically more complex than car accidents because multiple parties may be responsible for the accident. For example, the truck driver, the transport company, a repair or maintenance shop, or even the truck manufacturer could be responsible for an accident. Determining fault usually requires extensive investigation and evaluation of evidence, such as: B. Driver logs, maintenance records and police reports.

In California, you can recover damages under the pure comparative negligence system even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault. For example, if you are 20% responsible for the accident, you can only recover 80% of your damages.