Oakland Truck Accident Attorneys
Serving Concord, Stockton, Sacramento & All of Northern California
Motor vehicle accidents involving large semi-trucks and commercial vehicles are incredibly devastating. These trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles, with massive 18-wheelers weighing up to as much as 80,000 pounds. It’s no surprise, then, that they cause extensive damage when they collide with cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and other objects along the road.
If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a large commercial vehicle, you already know the life-altering effects these accidents have. You are likely facing exorbitant medical bills, disability, lost income, and a permanently altered way of life. What you may not realize, however, is that you don’t have to face all of these consequences on your own. At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers we are committed to fighting for the rightful compensation you and your family are owed. Our Oakland truck accident lawyers have over 130 years of combined experience—we know the system, we know how to investigate truck accident claims, and we know how to hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and other liable parties accountable.
Contact Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers Today
If you were involved in a truck accident, we understand that you are likely dealing with catastrophic injuries and immense emotional distress and financial challenges. Our entire team of award-winning attorneys and dedicated legal staff is here to serve as the advocate and guide you need. Our goal is to handle all of the legal details of your situation so that you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Give us a call at (888) 740-6434 today or contact us online to request a free consultation.
We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!
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Thank you for being so kind and completely sympathetic to my case!
“I started my fight against my company's workers comp and after talking to Almarie for the first time I already felt a lot of weight off my shoulders. It feels nice to have someone fighting for your rights but also keeping you in check for your own good.”
Jazzie D. Daly City, CA -
They took care of me!
“Bilal worked on my case and he was very professional, friendly, and kind to me. I was so nervous about my deposition and he made me feel very comfortable and less stressed about the whole situation.”
Gabi O. Sacramento, CA -
The most down to earth team I have ever met!
“They have strong communication and I was respected throughout the whole process. They had never given up on me!”
Nekealla C. Tracy, CA -
I'm forever grateful & thankful to all!
“I especially want to thank Mr. Jason Insdorf, who worked in attaining a settlement I never expected.”
L.S. Union City, CA
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
If you are reading this, chances are, you or someone you care about was involved in a truck accident. If the accident was serious, you have likely already sought or received medical care, including emergency treatment. However, if you were involved in a truck accident and you have not yet seen a medical professional, now is the time to do so. Even if you believe you were not injured or did not sustain any serious injuries, it is absolutely critical that you see a doctor who can rule out or diagnose any underlying injuries.
Next, you should know that you have the right to file a personal injury claim (or wrongful death claim if your loved one died due to the accident) if you were not at fault or only partially at fault for the accident. It’s extremely important that you reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney, as these claims are nearly always very complex. Trucking companies and their insurance providers will go to great lengths to avoid paying out injury claims. Do not speak to the insurance adjuster before first speaking to an attorney. You could accidentally say something or unwittingly admit fault, which could ultimately compromise your claim.
If you were injured or your loved one died due to a truck accident in Oakland, Concord, Stockton, Sacramento, or any of the surrounding areas, reach out to Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers right away to learn more about your legal rights and options. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, so there are no attorneys’ fees unless/until we successfully secure compensation on your behalf.
Learn more about how our team can assist you with your claim; call (888) 740-6434 or submit an online contact form to get started with a completely free and confidential consultation.
What Makes Truck Accident Claims So Complicated?
Truck accident claims are not like typical car accident claims. Unlike other motorists, truck drivers are generally “on the clock” when driving. As a result, their employers—the trucking companies—may be liable for their actions under what are known as respondeat superior laws. Because liability plays such a crucial role in any personal injury case, it is very important that you work with an attorney who can determine who is liable for the accident and your resulting damages.
In any given truck accident case, any of the following parties may be partially or totally liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that employs the driver
- The person/party responsible for truck maintenance
- The manufacturer of the truck (if defective) or of a defective truck part
- A supervising entity
- A third party, such as another motorist, a construction company, etc.
Our Oakland truck accident attorneys know how to conduct quick and thorough investigations in order to determine exactly what happened and who is liable for an accident. We may look at things like the truck’s “black box” recorder, the truck driver’s cell phone records, the design of the road where the accident occurred, whether the trucking company had a history of hiring unsafe drivers, if drivers were encouraged to violate hours-of-service laws, and many other factors in building your case. All of these things help us obtain a clear picture of the accident and an in-depth understanding of who is legally liable for your damages.
Workers' Comp FAQ
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Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
In California, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation with very few exceptions. If you are classified as an “employee” (rather than an “independent contractor”), you are eligible to receive benefits. This is true regardless of how many employees your employer has, how many hours you work, how much you make, whether you work part-time or full-time, or whether you are a seasonal worker. Additionally, undocumented workers are also eligible for workers’ compensation granted they meet all other eligibility requirements. In contrast, independent contractors and certain other workers, including some volunteers, household workers who are employed by a family member, and others, are not able to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
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Can't I Just File for Workers' Compensation on My Own?
Filing for workers' compensation on your own increases the chances that your claim will be denied. One small misstep can prevent you from obtaining the compensation you need for your injuries. In addition, the process is usually complex and tedious, especially for someone with no workers' compensation law experience. It is extremely advantageous that you seek reliable and experienced legal guidance for your claim.
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What Can I Expect from the Workers' Compensation Process?
As soon as you reach out to us for help, we will assign you a full-time case manager and attorney. An application will be filed with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) on your behalf. We will get started on your case immediately to help you receive the medical care you need. If we are unable to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company, we are ready and willing to take your case to trial. After a few months, you will most likely give a deposition. One of our highly experienced attorneys will prepare you and stand at your side the entire time. You don't even have to attend court hearings! One of our trained hearing officers or attorneys can attend on your behalf.
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Can My Employer Tell Me to Use Sick Time or Vacation/Personal Time off (PTO) If I’m Injured at Work?
Following a work-related injury, you may not receive workers’ compensation benefits right away or your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. You may receive a note from your doctor that you may take time off work due to your injuries, but how will you be paid if you are not actively seeking workers’ compensation benefits? Your employer may tell you to use your state-mandated/employer-provided sick time in order to continue being paid while you are out of work. Once this sick time is exhausted, your employer may tell you that the only way you can continue to be paid is if you use your vacation or PTO time. In some cases, this may actually be the only way to continue receiving wages while you are out of work and not receiving workers’ compensation benefits. For more information, check out our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on this topic by visiting our Facebook page!
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Can I Get Workers’ Compensation If I Was Fired?
If you were terminated while already receiving workers’ compensation benefits, this does not necessarily affect your right to receive benefits. However, if you were terminated “for cause” (for example, if you were fired because you were caught stealing from your employer), you will not be able to continue collecting benefits. If you were not fired for cause, but were laid off due to your position being terminated or various other reasons, you may still be able to continue collecting your workers’ compensation benefits. If you believe you were terminated because you filed for workers’ compensation or because you were hurt at work, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim. Learn more, including whether you can continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits if you were laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic, see our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on our Facebook page.
