Truck Accident Attorney in Clovis

Justice for Truck Accident Victims in Clovis

Collisions involving large commercial trucks are far more complicated than typical car accidents. Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, even low-speed crashes can cause devastating damage. Truck accident claims often involve multiple liable parties, intricate safety regulations, and aggressive insurance defense teams determined to limit payouts.

In California, commercial trucking operations must comply with specific statutes, such as California Vehicle Code § 34501, which grants the California Highway Patrol authority to adopt regulations ensuring the safe operation of commercial vehicles. These rules work with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), a comprehensive set of federal rules governing commercial trucking across state lines. Violations of either state or federal rules can be used to establish negligence or liability.

Determining fault in a truck crash is rarely straightforward. Responsible parties may include:

The truck driver’s negligence may stem from fatigue, speeding, substance use, or inattention.
The trucking company may have failed to properly train its drivers, enforce safety protocols, or maintain its fleet.
The shipping company, especially if improper loading caused a cargo shift or spill.
The maintenance contractor may be liable for brake failures, tire blowouts, or mechanical malfunctions.
The manufacturer will investigate if defective vehicle components contributed to the crash.

These layered responsibilities make legal representation essential. Identifying all liable parties allows injured victims to pursue full compensation and ensures no source of recovery is overlooked.

Types of Commercial Vehicle Crashes We Handle

Every commercial truck accident presents its own set of challenges and risks. The way a truck crashes, the vehicles involved, the roadway conditions, and the truck’s cargo can significantly influence the severity of injuries and legal liability. At Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, we handle a wide range of commercial vehicle crash types, including:

Jackknife Accidents: These occur when the trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, forming an L or V shape. Jackknifing often occurs during sudden braking or on slippery road conditions. They typically result in multi-vehicle collisions and can block multiple lanes of traffic.
Underride Accidents: In an underride crash, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. These are among the deadliest types of truck accidents, frequently causing decapitation or severe head and chest injuries. The fault may lie with missing underride guards or improper lighting.
Blind Spot Collisions: Large trucks have extensive blind spots on all four sides. Drivers who fail to check these areas when changing lanes or turning may sideswipe cars, motorcycles, or pedestrians.
Rear-End Collisions: Despite their size, trucks can rear-end smaller vehicles, especially if the truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or speeding. These crashes often cause whiplash, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries to those in the impacted vehicle.
Cargo Spill Accidents: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for surrounding drivers. When trucks transport hazardous materials, spills can lead to chemical burns, fires, or long-term environmental damage.

Each of these crash types presents unique legal and investigative requirements. Proving fault often involves reconstructing the crash scene, analyzing data, and consulting experts familiar with commercial vehicle standards and regulations.

Federal and State Safety Violations

Trucking companies and drivers must comply with numerous safety laws designed to protect the public. Violating these laws (intentionally or through negligence) can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.

Common violations that contribute to truck accidents in Clovis and throughout California include:

Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations: Federal rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest. Ignoring these limits can result in fatigue-related crashes. Logbooks, GPS data, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) can reveal violations.
Falsified or Incomplete Logbooks: Drivers must maintain accurate records of driving hours and rest periods. Manipulating these records is a federal offense and may support claims of negligence or recklessness.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: State weight limits are in place for a reason. Overloaded trucks are more difficult to stop and more likely to jackknife. Shifting loads can cause the vehicle to become unbalanced and unstable.
Brake and Tire Failures: Commercial vehicles must undergo regular inspections. Failing to maintain equipment or using substandard parts often results in catastrophic failures.
Inadequate Driver Training: Drivers must be trained not only to operate large vehicles but also to manage cargo, handle emergencies, and comply with federal regulations. Untrained or underqualified drivers are a public hazard.
Improper Lane Use or Speeding: Commercial trucks have reduced maneuverability and require longer stopping distances. Violations of lane restrictions, excessive speed, or failure to yield are major contributors to crashes.

Documenting these safety violations strengthens a victim’s case and often leads to findings of gross negligence or corporate misconduct.

How We Investigate Truck Collisions

Investigating a truck crash requires far more than reviewing a police report. Due to the regulatory framework governing commercial transportation, truck accidents generate a wealth of technical evidence that must be collected, preserved, and thoroughly analyzed. At Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, we collaborate with industry experts to identify liability and construct compelling cases.

Key components of our truck crash investigations include:

Black Box Data (Electronic Control Module): Many commercial trucks are equipped with data recorders that capture vehicle speed, braking patterns, engine throttle, and hours of operation. This data can confirm whether the driver was speeding or failed to brake.
Driver Logs and ELD Data: Reviewing rest periods, shift duration, and route logs helps determine if Hours-of-Service violations occurred. Cross-referencing entries with GPS and fuel receipts can expose falsification.
Maintenance and Inspection Records: Trucks must undergo frequent inspections. We examine maintenance logs to identify overdue repairs and safety issues, such as worn brakes or bald tires.
Crash Scene Evidence: We gather photographs, road debris, skid marks, and witness statements to document the scene. In some cases, we reconstruct the collision with the assistance of accident reconstruction specialists.
Surveillance Footage: Nearby traffic cameras or business surveillance systems may capture the crash. This footage can be vital in determining fault and disputing fabricated statements.
Driver Employment Records: Background checks, drug test results, and training certifications may reveal whether the driver was qualified or had a history of reckless behavior.

This comprehensive approach enables us to identify every potential source of negligence and maximize the possible compensation for our clients.

Severe Injuries Demand Serious Compensation

Given the massive size and force of commercial trucks, collisions often result in severe, life-changing injuries for those in passenger vehicles. These injuries can lead to years of medical care, job loss, and personal hardship. Calculating damages in truck accident claims requires accounting for both current losses and future needs.

Some of the most common and serious injuries caused by truck accidents include:

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, reduced mobility, or chronic pain. Victims may require assistive devices, home modifications, and personal caregivers.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma may lead to cognitive impairment, emotional regulation issues, memory loss, or permanent disability. TBIs often require extensive therapy and ongoing medical oversight.
Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries: High-impact crashes frequently cause broken bones and crushed limbs, which may require numerous surgeries, orthopedic hardware, and rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage organs, cause internal bleeding, or result in life-threatening conditions that require emergency surgery.
Amputations: Loss of limbs due to trauma or infection from crush injuries changes the course of a victim’s life permanently.
Wrongful Death: When truck accidents result in fatal injuries, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support.

We work with economists, medical professionals, and vocational experts to calculate the actual value of your claim. A claim’s value includes not only past medical expenses and lost wages but also future costs, loss of earning capacity, and the emotional toll of long-term disability.

FAQ: Truck Crash Claims in California

Can I sue the trucking company or just the driver?

In many cases, you can sue both. Suppose the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. In that case, the trucking company is typically liable under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.” The company may also be liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or maintenance.

What if the driver was an independent contractor?

Drivers who are independent contractors can complicate liability, but it doesn’t necessarily shield the company from responsibility. Courts will examine the company’s control over the driver’s work. In some cases, companies misclassify employees to avoid liability.

Do trucks carry higher insurance limits?

Yes. Federal regulations require interstate trucking companies to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. The minimum for trucks carrying hazardous materials can be as high as $5 million. California may impose additional requirements for intrastate carriers.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a truck crash?

Immediately. Trucking companies often dispatch rapid-response teams to the crash site to begin building a defense. Prompt legal intervention helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and ensure no critical documentation is lost.

What’s the statute of limitations for truck accident claims?

In California, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. A claim must be filed within six months if a government vehicle was involved. Delaying could permanently bar your right to compensation.

Schedule a Consultation at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian Today

Truck accident claims are among the most serious and complicated personal injury cases. With powerful trucking companies and aggressive insurers working against you, trying to navigate the legal system alone can put your future at risk. At Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, we help injury victims in Clovis stand up to the biggest players in the trucking industry. We uncover the truth, build your case, and pursue full and fair compensation.

Call (559)-545-0383 now to speak with a Clovis truck accident attorney and take the first step toward justice.