Santa Maria Truck Accident Lawyer

Written by: Chad M. Prentice

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, dwarfing the average passenger vehicle, which weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This size disparity contributes to the high risk of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death in accidents involving trucks. At Maho | Prentice, LLP, our Santa Maria truck accident lawyers have successfully recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts. With a 5-star rating in 50+ Google reviews, our personal injury lawyer team has earned the trust of our clients. 

Our experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants gives us a unique advantage—we know how the other side thinks and use that insight to maximize your settlement. When you choose our Santa Maria truck accident attorneys, you get a legal team with the skills and resources to fight powerful trucking companies and insurers. We’re ready to take your case all the way to trial if needed. Get legal help in Santa Maria from personal injury team today from our experienced truck accident lawyers. 

Types of Truck Crashes Our Santa Maria Trucking Accident Lawyers Handle

At Maho | Prentice, LLP, our truck accident lawyers in Santa Maria are fully equipped to handle all types of truck accident claims, including: 

• Jackknife Accidents – These crashes occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle, which may cause multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rear-End Collisions – Large trucks can cause significant damage when colliding with the backs of smaller vehicles due to their size and weight.
• Underride Accidents – This is a deadly crash where a smaller vehicle gets stuck under the truck’s trailer, sometimes leading to traumatic brain injuries or fatalities.
• Rollover Accidents – These accidents occur when a truck rolls over, potentially crushing nearby vehicles and causing severe truck accident injuries.
• Wide Turn Accidents – Trucks require extra space when turning, and failure to do so can result in collisions with surrounding vehicles.
• Blind Spot Accidents – Trucks have large blind spots, and vehicles in these areas are at high risk of being involved in devastating truck accidents.
• Head-On Collisions – These crashes can be fatal for truck drivers as well as truck accident victims due to the force of head-on impact.
• T-Bone Collisions – Generally occurring at intersections, these accidents involve one vehicle hitting the side of another, forming a “T.”
• Tire Blowout Accidents – Sudden tire failure can cause a truck to swerve uncontrollably, leading to serious trucking accidents.
• Lost Load Accidents – Improperly secured cargo can fall off the truck, creating hazardous conditions for other motorists.

FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations for Commercial Trucks

In a truck accident case, our skilled personal injury attorney at Maho | Prentice, LLP will investigate whether the trucking company set unrealistic delivery deadlines or ignored the truck driver’s violations of the federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules to prevent a fatigued, drowsy or distracted driving truck crash. These rules include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Workday Limit: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following a 10-hour off-duty period.
• 30-Minute Break Rule: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days, depending on the employer’s schedule.
• 34-Hour Restart: Drivers can reset their weekly limit by taking 34 consecutive off-duty hours.

Why You Want Our Santa Maria Truck Accident Lawyers at Maho | Prentice, LLP on Your Side

Commercial Truck Accident Claims are Complex

A truck accident claim is far more complicated than a standard car accident claim due to the involvement of vicarious liability of the trucking company. Commercial drivers are subject to state and federal regulations governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and any violations of these laws can directly affect the outcome of your case. Our attorneys have the experience to uncover violations like exceeding the hours of service rules, falsified logbooks, and dangerous trucking company hiring practices.

Financial Stakes are Higher in Truck Accidents

The FMCSA mandates much higher insurance minimums for commercial vehicles than for passenger cars, significantly raising the stakes in truck accident cases. Trucking companies must carry at least $750,000 to $5,000,000 in liability insurance, depending on the type of cargo being transported. Our Santa Maria truck accident attorneys have extensive experience handling high-stakes cases, ensuring that you’re not shortchanged in settlement offers. With so much on the line, our team is prepared to fight aggressively to maximize your compensation.

Evidence Must Be Collected Fast

Trucking accident claims involve vital evidence that must be secured quickly. Black box data, which records the truck’s speed, braking, and other key metrics, is vital in proving fault. However, this data can be erased or distorted if not acted upon in time. Moreover, securing surveillance footage is critical as it can challenge the truck driver’s version of events. Our attorneys may work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together exactly how the crash occurred.

Trucking Companies and Insurers Will Deny Liability

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers are well-prepared to deny liability or twist the facts to make it seem like you were at fault. These companies have vast resources and will try to shift blame to minimize or escape their financial responsibility. They move quickly after an accident to protect their interests, often at the expense of the injured party. Our attorneys know their tactics and are prepared to counter every effort they make to deny your rightful compensation.

Trial Capabilities and Resources to Level the Playing Field

At Maho | Prentice, LLP, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary. With over 85 jury trials under our belts and a 90% success rate, our reputation as tough litigators precedes us. The insurance company may be more willing to settle fairly when they know they are up against a law firm with our level of trial readiness and proven success. This courtroom prowess often leads to favorable settlements for our clients.

Get truck accident legal help in Santa Maria today. To schedule your free consultation, call us 24/7 at 805-774-1410 or contact us online.