Compassionate Truck Accident Attorneys with Offices in Vallejo and Fairfield-Suisun

About trucking crashes

Truck accidents are far too common. Of course, trucks are much larger vehicles than cars, so it should come as no surprise that a crash involving a truck will, more often than not, cause a much higher level of damage than a car accident. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash involving a semi, tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler, you know the financial burden of a serious injury. At Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC, our knowledgeable attorneys can help you initiate a lawsuit seeking coverage for the to-date and future financial, physical and emotional losses of your injury.

Truck accident statistics

According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), large vehicles — semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles — make up only three percent of total automobiles on the road and only seven percent of total miles traveled in a given year, yet twelve percent of all road fatalities occur in truck crashes. Large trucks are also more likely to be involved in fatal multiple vehicle accidents than any other type of vehicle. In 2009, there were 5,110 accidents in California that led to injury or fatality. In those collisions, 6,982 individuals were injured and 271 were killed.

Causes of serious accidents

Tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler and semi truck accidents can occur under any number of circumstances. When negligence is a factor in a serious accident, the results — whether fatal or not — are even more tragic because they could have been prevented. Consider how negligence plays a part in the following leading causes of trucking crashes:

  • Driver error — Mistakes resulting from factors such as fatigue, aggressive driving, driver inattention or distraction, improperly loaded cargo or lack of proper training.
  • Equipment error — Vehicle failure often involving poor maintenance, cargo loading errors, tire issues or general component malfunction. If a tire tread separates or the brakes fail, it becomes even more likely that a large vehicle may jackknife, roll over, or that the driver will lose control in some way.
  • External conditions — In any type of inclement weather, trucks become even more prone to accidents. Snow, rain and even fog can seriously limit visibility and make roads slick or icy. It becomes much easier for the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, especially if the roads have not been properly treated.

When the underlying cause of a crash is negligence and you sustain serious personal injury such as spinal cord or brain injury, or experience the wrongful death of a loved one, our lawyers are here to help you seek the compensation to which you are entitled.

Consult an attorney today about your options for filing an auto accident injury claim

At Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC, our lawyers provide clients with the representation they need to gain the compensation they deserve. When a truck accident leaves you injured, call 707-552-3630 or contact our law firm online and schedule your free initial consultation.

Our attorneys maintain flexible hours and are happy to schedule appointments outside the normal workday when needed. Members of our staff speak Spanish, and we also offer Tagalog and Ilocano translation services. Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC has offices located in Vallejo and Fairfield-Suisun, and we serve clients throughout Solano, Contra Costa and Napa Counties in Northern California.