Temecula Truck Accident Lawyers
Experienced Attorneys Serving Clients in Hemet & Surrounding Areas
Truck accidents are often more serious because of the immense size and weight of 18-wheelers in comparison to smaller motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and, of course, pedestrians. When you work with our family of Temecula truck accident attorneys at Sweeney, Sweeney & Sweeney, APC, you will ensure that your rights and interests are protected. Since 1986, our firm has effectively handled thousands of cases in which we have helped clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries and damages.
Put our years of experience and technical knowledge to work for you by dialing (951) 800-7731 now. You can also contact Sweeney, Sweeney & Sweeney, APC online.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only owe us fees if we recover monetary damages for you. Our offices are conveniently located in Temecula and Hemet, and we are also available to meet at your home. We would love to meet with you in person for a free consultation.
Understanding Truck Driver Hours of Service Regulations
Truck drivers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in an effort to prevent accidents and keep motorists safe. The FMCSA has many rules, regulating drivers and their trucks, one of these important regulations is called the hours of service regulations. The hours of service regulations outline how many hours a trucker is allowed to be on the road and when they must take breaks or rest. The main goal of these regulations is to make sure truckers are not driving while fatigued as much as possible since tired drivers are much more likely to cause an accident.
The hours of service regulation allow truck drivers to work up to 14-hour in a day. However, only 11 of these hours can be actually spent driving, the remaining time must be spent on meal breaks or rest breaks. Of these break periods, the FMCSA requires that drivers take a 30-minute break by their eighth hour of starting work. After the workday is over, drivers are required to rest for at least 10 consecutive hours.
Truck drivers are also required to take days off work at regular intervals. These days off are determined by the hours of the company a trucker works for, also called the 60/70 rule. If a trucking company is open seven days a week a driver is only allowed to work 70 hours in an eight-day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. If a trucking company is open less than seven days a week than a driver is only allowed to work 60 hours in a seven-day period before taking 34 hours off.
All too often truckers are caught breaking these rules, either through their own negligence or at the urging of the company they work for. In rare circumstances, the hours of service regulations can be modified in times of national emergency, such as in the recent COVID-19 crisis. Whatever the reason these rules were not followed, our team can launch a thorough investigation into your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
Expert Investigation for Truck Accident Claims in Temecula
These types of collisions can result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and paralysis.
There are many forms of negligence that can result in a truck accident, including:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Tire blowouts
- Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- Defective truck parts
- Excessive speed or driving too fast for road conditions
- Improperly maintained equipment
It is crucial to have a law firm on your side that knows how to effectively carry out the proper investigation to find the evidence to support your claim. Our truck and car accident attorneys in Temecula can help you prove that your injuries were a direct result of the trucking accident and that the other party was acting negligently.
Contact Temecula's Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or other large truck, contact Sweeney, Sweeney & Sweeney, APC.
What Our Clients Say About Us
5 / 5 stars
- Robert P.
Our Temecula truck accident lawyers are committed to pursuing the fair compensation that you that you so justly deserve.
Call (951) 800-7731 today to schedule your free consultation with one of our skilled lawyers.
Questions? We Have Answers!
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Should I provide a recorded statement to the insurance company?
It is our strong recommendation that this not be done without legal representation so as not to jeopardize your claim. The reality is that insurance claims adjusters are skilled at asking questions that are designed to result in the reduction or denial of your claim. Insurance companies are businesses, and they are in business to make money. Their lawyers often try to use recorded statements in order to minimize or deny the value of accident claims. You need us to help you.
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Should I inform the other party's insurance company about the accident?
To pursue the claim, the other party’s insurance company needs to be contacted. However, the other party's insurer — and likely your insurer — may take something that you said and manipulate your statement in order to minimize or altogether deny your accident claim. Again, contact us as soon as possible after your accident, as we can handle any further communication with the insurance companies to ensure no misunderstandings occur and you claim is not jeopardized. Also, if the other party's insurer contacts you for information, you are not obliged to make any statements. Instead, refer the insurer to your attorney.
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Should I inform my insurance company that I was involved in a crash?
Yes. Waiting to notify your insurer could result in your accident not being covered. However, when you contact the insurance company, provide only the facts of the case and avoid making any statements about who was at fault. You should contact a personal injury lawyer before making any more statements to the insurance company.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
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Very professional office with great service.- Robert P.
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Thank you for your efforts and expertise in all the hours you spent in settling our case.- Pauline B.
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From the intake of the facts of my situation through to the final resolution with the insurance company, they covered every base.- Former Client
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I am pleased with what I consider to be a fair settlement.- Corolean S.
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I certainly know who to go to if I'm ever in need.- Joyce J.
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Thank you for the professional manner in which everything was handled.- Caryl S.
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Thank you for being there for me when I needed help the most!- Eleanor C.
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I really appreciate your honesty and everything you have done for me. God bless you and thank you.- Esmeralda T.