Truck Accident Lawyer in Fresno, Fresno County

Semi trucks keep the American economy moving by consistently hauling goods and materials to where they are needed. However, sharing the roads of Fresno County with these massive vehicles can definitely be unnerving. These vehicles easily weigh 20 times as much as a traditional car. Their size and weight can be deadly in an accident. In 2023, more than 4,300 people died in the U.S. as a result of truck crashes. Over 80% of these fatalities were people in other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. With nearly 400 deaths in 2023, California had the gruesome title of second-most deadly state for large truck deaths. Have you been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a large truck accident crash? An experienced truck accident lawyer and Fresno personal injury lawyer like a member of the Silverthorne Attorneys team is an invaluable ally.

Do you suspect that trucker fatigue played a role in your loved one’s semi truck accident? Truck drivers who have spent more than eight hours behind the wheel are more likely to be in a crash, according to research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Long hours are linked to sleep disruption and fatigue, which can lead to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and dozing in the driver’s seat. Current regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limit drivers to 11 hours of driving. This stretch is directed to take place within a 14-hour window after they start their shift. Drivers are supposed to have at least a 10-hour rest period between shifts. Drivers are also required to maintain a logbook listing their hours. If you or a loved one has been injured, reach out to a reputable truck accident law firm to secure a Fresno truck accident lawyer with the expertise to recognize possibilities, gather any necessary evidence, and build the most effective case.

Do you want to share the highway with someone who drives the length of a football field with their eyes closed? At 55 mph, that is how far someone will travel in the time it takes to read or send a text, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted driving can have disastrous consequences, especially if the driver is piloting an eighteen-wheeler. Per 49 CFR Part 392, Subpart H, truck drivers are forbidden to text or use handheld devices while behind the wheel. California reinforces this federal code with Vehicle Code 23123.5, which forbids the use of any handheld communication device while driving. Regrettably, some truck drivers persist in texting or using handheld phones as they drive. This illegal behavior creates a serious risk for everyone on Fresno’s roads. If you believe your truck injury was the result of distracted driving, don’t wait. Connect with a truck accident attorney near you. A knowledgeable truck accident injury lawyer in the Fresno area can help you get the care and compensation you deserve.

Nearly 275 crashes in Fresno County that resulted in injury or death in 2022 involved speed. Speeding increases the risk of trouble for any vehicle. It is particularly dangerous for semi trucks. They are heavier and need a longer stopping distance in ideal circumstances. When speeding reduces reaction time, the danger for everyone on the road increases. California Vehicle Code 22406 sets a top speed of 55 mph for any large vehicle, including a motor truck or truck tractor with three or more axles, on the state’s highways. Have you been harmed by a semi truck driver traveling too quickly in the Fresno area? It’s important to speak with a truck injury lawyer as soon as possible so they can ensure that all relevant evidence is preserved. A semi truck accident attorney can also help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries, future care, and other damages.

When eighteen-wheelers fail to stop, the results tend to be devastating. Fatalities and life-changing injuries are common. A semi truck’s brake failure can be caused by several things. This list includes negligence, defective materials in the brake assembly, overuse of the brakes, or intentional depowering to improve fuel economy. Whatever the cause, a skilled truck accident attorney will know how to gather the proof needed to build a solid case. If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one to a Fresno County semi truck crash caused by brake failure, turn to Silverthorne Attorneys. Our experts will listen carefully and supportively. They work diligently to prove your claim so that you receive the total compensation you’re due. Contact us today for a free consultation.