A collision with a commercial truck can alter the course of your life in seconds. The massive size and momentum of 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles often result in severe injuries or tragic fatalities, especially when the accident involves a smaller passenger vehicle. These aren’t just ordinary accidents; they’re high-stakes incidents with long-term consequences.
In Petaluma, where local roads intersect with major routes like Highway 101 and Lakeville Highway, commercial truck traffic is a daily reality. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, the legal team at Flahavan Law Offices is ready to stand by your side, fight for justice, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents
Truck accidents are far more severe than typical car crashes due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs only about 4,000 pounds. This massive difference means that truck accidents often result in:
- Catastrophic injuries (spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations)
- Fatalities
- Extensive property damage
- Long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation
Additionally, truck accident cases involve multiple liable parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and cargo loaders. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation, which our legal team at Flahavan Law handles with precision.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Sonoma
Truck accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which stem from negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday, followed by a 10-hour break. However, some drivers and trucking companies violate these rules to meet tight deadlines, leading to drowsy driving and increased crash risks.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers who use cell phones, GPS devices, or other distractions while operating a massive vehicle put everyone at risk. Even a few seconds of inattention can cause a deadly collision.
- Improper Loading & Overloading: When cargo is unbalanced or exceeds weight limits, it can cause a truck to roll over or jackknife. Fault may lie with the trucking company, loading crew, or shipper.
- Poor Maintenance: Trucking companies must ensure their fleets meet safety standards. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and defective parts often result from inadequate maintenance.
- Speeding & Aggressive Driving: Large trucks require longer stopping distances. Speeding or reckless maneuvers make it difficult to avoid collisions, especially on Sonoma’s winding roads and highways.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous, yet some truck drivers still engage in this reckless behavior.
Contact Flahavan Law Office
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Sonoma
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms (like whiplash or internal bleeding) may appear later.
- Call 911 & Report the Accident – A police report is crucial evidence for your claim.
- Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Gather Witness Information – Independent testimonies can strengthen your case.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters – Trucking companies have aggressive insurers who may try to minimize your claim.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer – An attorney from Flahavan Law can help you navigate the legal process and maximize compensation.
How Flahavan Law Can Help with Your Truck Accident Claim
At Flahavan Law, we have the experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf. Our legal team will:
- Investigate the Accident – We collect black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to prove negligence.
- Calculate Damages – We account for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies – We fight for full and fair compensation, not lowball settlements.
- Take Your Case to Trial if Necessary – If insurers refuse to offer a fair deal, we are prepared to litigate aggressively.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation
Lost wages & reduced earning capacity - Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
