Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on California roads. In Modesto, CA, the mix of heavy traffic on Highway 99, McHenry Avenue, and Briggsmore Avenue makes semi-truck crashes a serious risk for local drivers. When a tractor-trailer collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic—ranging from life-altering injuries to fatalities.
Because of their complexity, truck accident cases require careful investigation to determine who is legally responsible. Liability is rarely limited to just the driver. A skilled Modesto truck accident lawyer can help victims identify every responsible party and pursue maximum compensation.
Unlike typical car crashes, truck accidents often involve multiple layers of liability. Commercial trucks are governed by state and federal trucking regulations, and multiple entities may contribute to a collision. Additionally, trucking companies and their insurers often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts.
This makes it essential to work with an experienced semi-truck crash attorney who understands both personal injury law and trucking industry rules.
The most obvious party is the driver of the semi-truck. A trucker may be at fault for:
Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Fatigue from violating federal hours-of-service limits
Speeding or reckless driving
Failure to check blind spots when changing lanes
If a driver’s negligence causes a crash, they can be held personally liable.
Often, the trucking company itself shares responsibility. Companies may be liable if they:
Fail to properly train or supervise drivers
Push drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, leading to fatigue
Neglect truck maintenance or safety inspections
Hire drivers with poor driving records or inadequate qualifications
Under the legal principle of “respondeat superior”, employers can be held responsible for their employees’ actions while on the job.
In some cases, the truck or trailer may be owned by a separate party from the driver or company. If the owner fails to maintain the vehicle, they may also share liability.
Improperly loaded cargo is a frequent cause of truck accidents. Overloaded trailers or unsecured freight can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or spilled cargo accidents. Cargo loading companies may be liable if negligence contributed to the crash.
If a defective part—such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components—caused or worsened the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability law.
Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or dangerous intersections may contribute to truck accidents. In such cases, a government agency responsible for road maintenance could share liability. However, claims against government entities in California have strict deadlines—sometimes as short as six months.
Victims of truck accidents in Modesto may be entitled to compensation for:
Current and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Rehabilitation and long-term care
Wrongful death damages (for families who lost a loved one)
Because of the severe injuries often involved in semi-truck crashes, these cases typically result in higher settlements or verdicts compared to standard auto accidents.
Trucking companies and their insurers often have teams of lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Without representation, victims risk being pressured into low settlements that don’t cover their needs.
A skilled Modesto truck accident lawyer like Aaron O. Anguiano can:
Investigate the crash thoroughly, including driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records
Identify all liable parties
Work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists
Negotiate aggressively with insurers
Take the case to trial if necessary
By hiring an experienced semi-truck crash attorney, victims level the playing field against powerful trucking companies.
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, as noted, cases involving government liability may have much shorter deadlines. Speaking with an attorney immediately ensures your rights are protected and deadlines are met.
Truck accidents in Modesto can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, financial strain, and emotional trauma. Because liability often extends beyond the driver, it’s critical to work with a lawyer who can identify every responsible party and fight for maximum compensation.
telIf you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck crash, contact Attorney Aaron O. Anguiano today for a free consultation. As a trusted Modesto truck accident lawyer, Aaron is dedicated to helping victims and families throughout the Central Valley recover the justice and compensation they deserve.