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Or perhaps you have questions about a truck accident and have not been able to get satisfactory answers. Whatever the reason, attorneys at The Choyce Law Firm can help. Call us at (707) 422-1202 or contact us online for a FREE, no obligation consultation.
The Choyce Law Firm represent clients in the Solano county who have suffered personal injuries or property damage from truck accidents. Such accidents include collisions with negligent drivers but also those involving drunk or hit and run drivers, uninsured or underinsured drivers and tired truck drivers.
We also represent Solano area residents injured in truck accidents, collisions or crashes resulting from drunk truck drivers, unsafe driving conditions, defective products or designs in trucks.
Have you or someone you loved been in a truck accident that resulted in serious injury? At The Choyce Law Firm, our team of experienced Fairfield truck accident attorneys are dedicated to providing quality legal advocacy to help the injured seek the financial support they need to recover.
At The Choyce Law Firm, our goal is to utilize our resources to investigate the cause of your trucking accident and hold negligent parties accountable. We aim to build an effective legal strategy so that you can focus on moving forward. We boast more than 50 years of legal experience and will not accept any payment until we recover what you deserve!
The first question that must be asked and answered before pursuing a personal injury claim is “who is at fault?” The legal term that addresses this question is negligence, which is a term that applies to the disregard for the safety or well-being of others.
Some of the most common examples of negligence in trucking accidents include:
Negligent parties in a truck accident can include the driver of the truck, the driver of another vehicle on the road, the trucking company, or other entities. It is also important to note that California adheres to the concept of “comparative negligence,” which means that if it is determined that an individual contributed to the accident, it will affect the total damages he or she can pursue.
For this reason, it is essential to have a Fairfield accident attorney on your side who can aggressively pursue the maximum compensation that you need and deserve.
The Choyce Law Firm has the experience, resources, and dedication that you need to face truck drivers, companies, and their insurance providers with confidence. We understand the devastating nature of truck accidents and want to provide you with competent and effective legal counsel so that you can focus on your recovery.
Given the large size and weight of trucks coupled with the growing population, truck accidents are fairly common. In fact, in one minute, there are over three fatal truck accidents in the United States. Unfortunately, a large majority of them occur in rural parts of California. There are many causes of truck accidents, such as dangerous road conditions, distracted driving, unanticipated changes in traffic, etc.
Some accidents, however, are the result of impaired ability caused by the use of drugs or alcohol. A study by the National Transportation Safety Board in conjunction with the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that of 168 fatally injured truck drivers, one or more drugs was detected in 67% of them. Cannabis or alcohol were detected in 14% of these drivers. If the driver is fatigued, as they often are, the use of drugs or alcohol has an even more severe effect on their capabilities as a driver.
We’ve all heard the dangers of driving under the influence. Truck drivers should be held to a much higher standard due to the size and weight of the vehicles they operate. If you have been injured or know someone who has been injured in a truck accident caused by drugs or alcohol, speak with a semi truck accident attorney in Vallejo immediately.
Federal law has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving while operating a commercial vehicle. Commercial trucks are much larger than a typical car and may contain dangerous materials, increasing the potential for serious damage in the case of a collision. For this reason, trucking companies and individual drivers are held to a higher standard and tighter restrictions have been placed on their actions behind the wheel.
Driving a truck is a very stressful job given the dangerous nature of the work and the tight schedule most drivers are on. Because of this stress and the long hours, some drivers resort to drugs or alcohol to alleviate their stress. Sitting for long hours can also be very uncomfortable, causing individuals to self-medicate. There is never an excuse for someone to get behind the wheel while under the influence. If you have suffered pain, injuries and financial loss, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with a semi truck accident lawyer in Vallejo for legal help.
Vehicle accidents in general can cause an assortment of injuries. Because of their size, trucks can cause much more severe injuries including:
Federal law requires trucking companies to test their employees at several points to be sure they aren’t abusing drugs or alcohol. Truckers go through extensive background checks as well as a pre-employment drug screening. They are subject to random drug tests during employment and at any time they are suspected to be abusing drugs or alcohol. Following a serious collision, truck drivers are tested for drugs or alcohol. Some of the substances they are tested for are:
It is federally illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher if you are over the age of 21. Each state has additional laws to combat drunk driving. In California, these laws include:
In order the prove the driver is guilty of a DUI, you must prove the driver holds a commercial license AND violates one of the above three laws. If you have been injured because of a drunk truck driver, speak with a Vallejo truck accident attorney who can help prove your case.
In the case of a collision with a commercial vehicle, a plaintiff may seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering and mental anguish. In the case that the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or another drug, it is possible to also seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are fines applied to a defendant found guilty as a form of punishment for their actions. These damages are awarded to the plaintiff in an attempt to reform the behavior of the defendant and to deter the party from repeating whatever action was deemed legally dubious.
In the case that a commercial truck driver is convicted of a DUI, their license could be suspended, they could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Trucking companies are responsible for the behavior of their employees and may also have some liability.
Directly after a collision, the first idea a person has isn’t usually legal battles. It’s important to act quickly and prudently to protect yourself and prevent a big trucking company from taking advantage of you and minimizing the compensation you receive. If you experience a collision with a commercial truck, it’s important to contact a knowledgeable and dedicated semi truck accident attorney in Fairfield to get the compensation you deserve. Immediately after an accident, take the following precautions when applicable:
The injuries and financial burdens can cause lifetime pain and suffering. If you have been injured due to a truck driver’s negligent behavior in driving under the influence, don’t wait a second longer to speak with a Vallejo truck accident lawyer who can represent you in court and get you the compensation you deserve.
In 2010, there were nearly 3,000 car accidents that involved a fatality in California alone. According to a study released in July 2009, more than half of US highway fatalities related to deficient roadway conditions. This is more than drunk driving, speeding, or not using a seat belt. Another study found the annual cost of roadway-related crashes to be as much as $217 billion, vastly more expensive than what the government actually spends to maintain these roads – a measly $59 billion according to the Federal Highway Administration. These shocking studies prove that vehicle collisions as a result of improper road design or maintenance is completely due to negligent behavior. Speak with a Fairfield truck accident attorney if you have been involved in a collision due to unsafe conditions.
There are several road conditions that may increase the risk of a car collision:
Even more dangerous than simply improperly maintained or designed roads and construction is when a semi-truck is added to the equation. Semi-trucks have a lot of routes up and down California due to the proximity of the Mexican border and the fact that Los Angeles is a large hub in the area.
In 2009, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that one out of every 10 traffic fatalities in the United States was due to a collision involving a truck. When highways and other roads are poorly designed or unmaintained, this increases the risk of a large semi-truck losing control and colliding with an inanimate object or another car.
Trucks are extremely large and heavy vehicles that require much more force and time to stop than a normal four-door sedan. Their size also makes the force of impact and potential to cause damage much higher, making collisions very dangerous. The typical four-door car weighs about 4,000 lbs, while semis can weigh upwards of 80,000 lbs. A collision involving a semi truck can be catastrophic, with the potential to do great damage to a normal four-door car. Speaking with a Dixon truck accident attorney can help you maximize the compensation for your injuries and property damage if you have been hit by a truck this weight.
Due to their size, dangerous road conditions can be especially risky for trucks as they are harder to stop and maneuver. Some events that may occur to trucks in dangerous road conditions that may not happen to cars include:
Every case involving a dangerous road condition or design is unique so it’s always best to consult with a Fairfield truck accident attorney, but the most common parties that may be held liable include:
Truck drivers and the companies they work for should still be held liable for incidents resulting from less than ideal road conditions. There is always information available regarding the state of roads and current construction. Trucking companies are obligated to do whatever is possible to minimize the risk of a collision with one of their vehicles. Truck drivers themselves are also held to a higher standard as they hold special licenses called Commercial Driver’s Licenses that require them to adhere to certain regulations. Being a responsible truck driver involves being knowledgeable about the route to which an individual is assigned and being aware of any known dangerous conditions. There are of course exceptions and a legal expert such as a Fairfield truck accident attorney should always be sought for advice.
Government entities may try to evade liability by using the “government immunity” defense. This law prevents the court from second-guessing the decisions made by the government regarding road design. This immunity may be thrown out of the actual construction if the road deviates enough from the approved plans.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a truck due to poor road design, construction, or maintenance, it’s important to contact a knowledgeable and motivated law office as soon as possible. Having an attorney on your side can help you navigate the complex process of seeking damages and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a truck due to poor road design, construction, or maintenance, it’s important to contact The Choyce Law Firm and speak with a Dixon truck accident attorney who is knowledgeable and motivated. Having an attorney on your side can help you navigate the complex process of seeking damages and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
America has an immense network of roads and highways that are used and enjoyed by the everyday American to travel as they please, but many these transportation corridors are also used by large commercial vehicles. If we had a way to do it all over again, we may have opted to separate these two types of traffic, but as it stands today, we must share the road with these large tractor trailers, big rigs, and semis. The people driving these large vehicles are commercially licensed operators and it is their job to drive the vehicle safely. These people are no different than the rest of us, and may decide to work late or clock some overtime to meet monthly expenses in the same way that we do. The only difference is we aren’t driving a multi-ton vehicle down the road!
Over 30,000 Americans lose their lives on our Nation’s roads every year. Of that total, 4,000 are killed as a result of collisions with a large truck, big rig, or tractor trailer. Often times it is the commercial vehicle operators themselves that are killed, and a significant causal link has been established with driver fatigue. If you have been in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, fatigue and negligence could have played a part and an experienced injury attorney in Fairfield can help you with your case.
Truck drivers are not afforded the same liberty as the rest of us when it comes to how much they can work every week. Because it has been proven that the human mind’s reaction times and motor skills are significantly reduced by fatigue and lack of sleep, the federal government felt it necessary to intervene and set rules and regulations regarding the operation of commercial vehicles. The U.S. Department of Transportation is tasked with regulating and enforcing commercial vehicle operation, and they have set strict rules governing the number of hours truck drivers can work every day and week, and this includes mandatory breaks and “rest periods”. The rules are very complicated, but to make it simple, truck drivers must have a 30-minute break in their first 8-hour shift and they must use a 34-hour rest period known as the restart once every seven days. Effectively, these rules in combination with a couple others limit the number of hours a truck driver can work to 72. If you’re like us, then you are saying WOW, that’s still a pretty long work week! The truth is, no amount of regulation will end driver fatigue and large truck accidents, and we all need to make sure and hold responsible parties accountable.
Accidents with large tractor trailers and semi trucks often prove fatal. The size and weight of these vehicles compared to the rest of the automobiles and motorcycles on the road make them far more dangerous in the event of collision. Injuries sustained during an accident with a large commercial truck can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and severe internal injuries. Fatalities occur at a higher probability in these crashes and they often involve multiple vehicles. People involved in these events often experience extreme anxiety and fear when they get back on the road and are forced to continue interacting with these large commercial trucks. The psychological trauma is damaging and lasting, often staying with large truck accident injury victims for years.
Call our Vacaville truck accident lawyer at The Choyce Law Firm today for a free consultation. We can help if you were injured during an accident with a big rig – we fight to secure just compensation for those injured during accidents with large commercial trucks. We are Solano County’s leading personal injury firm and have a team of Fairfield car accident lawyers that will fight for you!
With over years of experience providing exceptional legal service throughout northern California, you can trust the attorneys at The Choyce Law Firm to handle your case aggressively and professionally. We fight diligently and strategically to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (707) 422-1202 to speak to an accident attorney.
This is my second time hiring Mr. Choyce for my son, who was charged with a criminal act. Both times that I hired Mr. Choyce, I was very impressed with his knowledge of the law, his professionalism, and the fact that he was relatable. He is trustworthy, tells you the truth about what you are facing. He is organized, he is a very good listener, came up with strategies that were appealing.I can’t say enough good about Mr. Choyce! I knew that he was going to give my son’s case everything he had, and he did!
Hiring the Choyce Law Firm was the best decision I made while trying to decide what to do after getting charged with a 3rd DUI. I tried to use a lawyer that I had previously used when in trouble with the law, he was near retirement and wasn’t able to give my case the attention I was looking for understanding that I was facing jail time. When contacting Mr Choyce we discussed my case and he told me he could help, he even knew my previous attorney. Mr Choyce was aggressive in fighting my case with filing motions on my behalf an trying to get my case dismissed, I was very pleased that he was not just looking to get the first deal the D.A. offered but was aggressively trying to win my case. Although we were not able to get the dismissal we were looking for he was able to keep me out of jail an I was able to serve my sentence on the EHD Program, which allowed me to keep my job an that was very important to me. Mr Choyce also handled a second case for me, I was charged with driving on a suspended license and no registration. Once again Mr Choyce was aggressive with this case and took it to trail an was able to get a not guilty verdict, which saved me a great deal of money in fines that would be pending with a guilty verdict. Overall hiring Mr Choyce and his team was the best decision I made, he provided great service at a respectable rate, an explained things as they were happening and with the charges I was facing I was very happy with the outcome of my cases that he handled. I would strongly recommend Mr Choyce and his team to anyone I know that needs legal representation he knows the law and will provide you with the best service you could hope for form a lawyer that wants to win.
“This is my second time using Mr. Choyce, and I would choose no one other than him. Both times that I hired him, it was for my son, and they were very serious cases. Mr. Choyce is smart, professional, practical, and relatable. He is a serious person, who listens, speaks in laymens terms, so that you understand what is going on. Not like some that I have experience, who talk over you, and dont take the time to really answer your questions.The second case got very close to going to trial, however, I was confident that I had the best of the best representing my son. Thank God that after willing to go to trial, we got a deal that, I think was a win win.I would definitely, without a question, hire Mr. Choyce again!”