Who’s Responsible in a Commercial Truck Accident in Lincoln?

Commercial truck accidents in Lincoln, California, can be catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities, given the size and weight. Victims need to determine who is at fault to obtain justice and compensation. The Law Office of Brian P. Azemika has experience handling truck accidents in Northern California, including those in Lincoln. With over 20 years of experience fighting insurance companies, Brian P. Azemika has secured substantial settlements, including $300,000 for a client injured in a trucking accident resulting in a low back injury. If you've been involved in a truck accident on roads like Highway 65 or local thoroughfares, understanding liability is the first step. Below, we discuss possible liable parties, the determination of liability, relevant regulations, and other relevant considerations. 

Potential Liable Parties in a Lincoln Truck Accident 

Potential Liable Parties in an Accident Involving a Lincoln Truck. In an accident involving a commercial truck, there may be multiple liable parties; therefore, California's fault-based law permits victims to pursue compensation from whoever is liable. One or more of the following parties may be liable for damages in a truck accident: 

• The Truck Driver: The truck driver often is at fault for negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, or DUI. To prevent crashes caused by exhaustion, truck drivers must adhere to stricter hours-of-service regulations. 
• The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers can be vicariously liable for their driver's actions if the accident occurred during work duties. Companies may also be directly liable for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or forcing drivers to violate safety rules. 
• Third Parties: This could include maintenance providers for faulty repairs, cargo loaders for improper securing that leads to spills, or manufacturers for defective parts such as brakes or tires. In fatal cases, third parties like these can be held responsible. 
• Vehicle Owners: California law holds vehicle owners accountable for injuries caused by the negligent operation of their vehicle, even if they weren't driving. 

Identifying all parties is essential, as trucking companies often have deeper pockets for compensation than individual drivers. 

How Liability is Determined in Truck Accidents 

To prove liability in truck collision cases, the injured party must establish negligence, which often requires showing that a party's breach of duty caused the collision and the resulting injuries. This takes place by gathering: 

• Police reports and witness statements 
• Electronic logging device (ELD) data from the truck's "black box" 
• Surveillance footage, dash cams, or photos from the scene 
• Expert reconstructions and medical records 

In Sacramento-area cases, such as those in Lincoln, a lawyer can subpoena records and consult experts to build a strong case. Key evidence types include driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo manifests to prove violations. California's comparative negligence rule allows recovery even if you're partially at fault, but your percentage of blame reduces your compensation. 

California-Specific Rules and Regulations vs. Federal 

Truck accidents fall under both federal and state regulations, creating a layered framework. Federally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes baseline rules regarding hours of service (e.g., an 11-hour driving limit), vehicle inspections, and driver qualifications. 

California supplements these with stricter or unique rules via agencies like Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). For example: 

• Hours of Service: Intrastate drivers in California have different limits, such as a 12-hour daily driving limit for certain operations, which differs from federal interstate rules. 
• Weight and Size Restrictions: California enforces vehicle weights up to 80,000 pounds (with axle limits) and specific size rules that may vary from federal standards, especially on state routes. 
• Environmental and Safety Mandates: California has aggressive emissions standards for trucks, including EV mandates, which can conflict with or exceed federal guidelines. Truck restrictions on highways must be based on safety and engineering principles, as mandated by state and federal law.

 

Violations of these rules can strengthen a liability claim, but navigating the differences requires expertise. 

Why Truck Accident Liability is Complex 

Truck accident cases are more intricate than standard car crashes due to: 

• Multiple Parties and Layers of Insurance: Unlike auto accidents, truck accidents involve commercial policies that potentially cover millions, but insurers fight aggressively to shift blame. 
• Regulatory Overlap: Balancing federal FMCSA rules with California's additions complicates the process of proving violations. 
• Severe Damages: The size of trucks leads to catastrophic outcomes, requiring detailed evidence to assess long-term impacts. 
• Time Sensitivity: Evidence, such as black box data, can be overwritten, and California's two-year statute of limitations adds urgency. 

These factors make professional legal help vital to avoid lowball settlements. 

Common Injuries and Compensation in Truck Accidents 

Truck crashes frequently result in life-changing injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and even death. Victims of truck accidents may have ongoing medical needs, such as surgery or rehabilitation. 

Compensation can cover: 

• Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital stays, rehab) 
• Lost wages and future earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Property damage 
• Wrongful death benefits for families 

In cases like Brian's $2,350,000 auto accident settlement or $300,000 trucking case, full compensation accounts for both immediate and long-term losses. 

How the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika Can Help 

At the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, we provide personalized representation for Lincoln truck accident victims. Brian is your case lawyer, and we provide one-on-one service and proactive litigation strategies to hold responsible parties accountable. We investigate, negotiate with insurers, and litigate when needed. For example, we recently secured a $ 750,000 slip-and-fall settlement, and even after the insurance company initially offered only $50,000 to settle, we secured a jury verdict of $ 400,000. We work on a contingency fee basis: no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you win. Serving Lincoln from our Sacramento and Roseville offices, we offer free consultations to review your case confidentially. 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today 

If you've been injured in a commercial truck accident in Lincoln, don't navigate liability alone. Contact the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika or reach out to us online for a free case evaluation. We're committed to maximizing your compensation and fighting for justice.