We Stand With You
When a Truck Accident Turns Your Life Upside Down
A crash with a commercial truck is different from an ordinary car accident. A fully loaded big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That is about 20 times more than the average passenger vehicle. When something goes wrong, the results can be devastating.
We offer free consultations and do not charge attorney fees unless we win your case. Call one of our truck accident lawyers at DJC Law for guidance on what to do next. Speak with our team at (512) 888-9999 for your no-cost consultation.
If you or someone you love was injured in a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial vehicle crash, DJC Law is ready to help. Our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys pursue claims against negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers. We work to help you recover the compensation you need.
Why Hire One of Our Truck Accident Lawyers?
Truck accident claims can be difficult to handle. You may be dealing with a truck driver, a trucking company, insurance companies, and defense lawyers.
DJC Law provides:
- Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
- Access to accident reconstruction experts
- Knowledge of federal trucking regulations
- Strong negotiation with commercial insurers
- Trial-ready legal representation when needed
We step in early to protect your rights and help level the playing field.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex
Truck crashes can involve several responsible parties and different insurance policies. Finding out who is responsible requires a careful investigation.
We may look at:
- Driver conduct
- Employer policies
- Vehicle maintenance
- Cargo loading
- Federal safety violations
An experienced truck accident lawyer knows what evidence to look for and how to identify every party that may be responsible.
Our legal team works quickly to secure important evidence. This may include driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and company safety records.
If you were injured in a serious truck crash, do not wait to protect your rights. Contact a truck accident lawyer at DJC Law today for a free consultation.
Inside the Trucking Company Playbook
After a serious truck accident, you may be dealing with more than just the driver. Trucking companies and their insurance providers often act quickly after a crash. Their goal is to limit what they have to pay.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights from the start.
One common tactic is to blame the injured driver. They may claim that you stopped too quickly, changed lanes improperly, or caused part of the crash.
A trucking company may also try to avoid responsibility by saying the driver was an “independent contractor” instead of an employee. They may also blame the crash on a sudden mechanical problem.
Insurance companies may make a quick settlement offer soon after the crash. The offer may seem helpful, but it may not cover the full cost of your injuries. This is especially true when you need long-term medical care or cannot return to work.
A skilled truck accident lawyer can review any settlement offer before you accept it. Your lawyer can also consider future medical costs, lost income, and other losses.
Trucking companies may also question how serious your injuries are. They may argue that you do not need future treatment or that an old injury caused your current problems.
At DJC Law, we prepare for these tactics. We work to preserve evidence, review company records, and build a strong case against every responsible party.
Common Injuries in Bakersfield Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can cause serious and life-changing injuries. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe fractures
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Serious scarring or disfigurement
- Neck and back injuries
- PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress
We pursue compensation for both physical injuries and emotional trauma after a serious crash.
One of our truck accident lawyers can also work with medical experts to estimate your future medical costs. These costs can then be included in your claim when appropriate.
Where Truck Accidents Frequently Occur in Bakersfield
Bakersfield sits near several major roads used by commercial trucks. Heavy truck traffic can be found along routes such as:
- Interstate 5
- State Route 99
- State Route 58
- State Route 178
Heavy freight traffic, high speeds, and busy roads can increase the risk of serious truck crashes in and around Bakersfield.
Federal and California Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucking companies must follow safety rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover areas such as:
- Hours-of-service limits
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Vehicle inspections
- Cargo securement
- Driver qualifications
Breaking these rules may provide important evidence in a truck accident claim.
California also allows commercial trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds on certain highways. When safety rules are ignored, the size and weight of these vehicles can make crashes much more dangerous.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
Driver Fatigue
Drivers who do not get enough rest may have slower reactions and trouble staying alert.
Speeding or Deadline Pressure
Tight delivery schedules can pressure drivers to speed or take other unsafe actions.
Distracted Driving
Texting, using a phone, communicating with dispatch, or using other devices can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
Poor Maintenance
Brake problems, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems can cause serious crashes.
Inadequate Training
Truck drivers need proper training to safely operate large commercial vehicles.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain medications can affect a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely.
Improper Loading
Unbalanced or overloaded cargo can cause trucks to roll over, jackknife, or become difficult to control.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Rain, poor visibility, damaged roads, and other hazards can increase the risk of a crash.
Finding the real cause of a truck crash often requires a detailed investigation. DJC Law works quickly to find out what happened.
When a Truck Forces a Car Off the Road
A truck does not always have to hit your car to cause an accident. A large truck may move into your lane, drift toward your vehicle, or make a sudden turn. You may have to swerve to avoid a collision. That could send your car into another vehicle, a guardrail, or off the road.
In these cases, the truck driver or trucking company may still be responsible for the crash. A truck accident lawyer can review the accident scene, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage to determine what happened.
A large trucking company may also be responsible for the actions of its driver. This can depend on the driver’s relationship with the company and the circumstances of the crash. Even without direct contact between the truck and your vehicle, evidence may show that the truck caused the accident. A truck accident lawyer can investigate the events leading up to the crash and identify who may be liable for your injuries and losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
The truck driver is not always the only person responsible for a crash. Other potentially responsible parties may include:
- The trucking company
- The driver’s employer
- The truck or trailer owner
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance provider
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer
- A leasing company
- A freight broker
Each party may have different insurance coverage. Our truck accident lawyers work to identify every possible source of compensation.
Comparative Negligence in California
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 10% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $90,000.
Insurance companies may try to place as much blame on injured victims as possible. An experienced truck accident lawyer can challenge unfair claims and work to reduce the amount of fault placed on you.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
Serious injuries may also require long-term care. Your claim may include these future needs when supported by the evidence.
California Statute of Limitations
In most truck accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing your claim. Certain cases may have different deadlines, so it is important to act quickly.
Starting your case early can also help preserve important evidence.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
After a truck crash, take these steps when possible:
- Seek medical care right away.
- Preserve photos and other documents.
- Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance representatives alone.
- Contact one of our truck accident lawyers as soon as possible.
The steps you take after the crash can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Speak With a Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A serious truck accident can leave you with medical bills, missed work, and concerns about your future. You do not have to deal with trucking companies and their insurers alone.
DJC Law stands with injured victims in Bakersfield. We investigate crashes, deal with insurance companies, and prepare cases for trial when needed.
Call one of our truck accident lawyers at DJC Law today at (512) 888-9999 for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case.
