Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liable parties can include: The truck driver The driver’s employer/the trucking company The truck manufacturer Other drivers

How Can You Prove Fault/Negligence in a Truck Accident in California?

To prove a negligence claim in California, you have to establish five elements: The defendant had a duty to act a certain way. They breached that duty. Their breach was the cause of your injury. They should have foreseen that their breach could harm someone. You suffered actual damages.

Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyers

Q: What Can a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?

A Sacramento truck accident attorney handles essential aspects of your case that can be difficult to manage on your own, including: Determining which parties are likely to be liable Communicating and negotiating with parties or insurance companies Gathering evidence to support your claims Developing a strong legal strategy to help you get compensation for your damages Making sure to consider all applicable laws Providing you with legal advice regarding your claims and possible settlement

If you or a loved one incurred injuries in a commercial vehicle accident, reach out to an experienced Sacramento truck accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights and the possibility of monetary recovery.

Truck accident cases are unique because your claim can potentially name multiple defendants (e.g., the driver, a truck company, or other third parties), potentially liable for your injuries and sharing in the responsibility for your resulting damages. A skilled Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help determine who you can recover from in a personal injury case to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Featured on Forbes Advisor 2025 List

Attorney Brooks Cutter was listed on Forbes Advisors’ Best Truck Accident Lawyers Sacramento, CA Of 2025.

“Brooks Cutter has devoted his career to advocating for consumer justice and protecting the rights of the severely injured in truck accidents.” – Forbes Advisors

See the full list here.

Who is Liable in a Sacramento Truck Accident?

Even though some truck drivers might own their truck and be self-employed, more than one party may be liable for trucking accidents. Cases involving more than one person named as a defendant can be incredibly complicated, requiring a truck accident attorney with knowledge of relevant laws and experience handling similar claims or lawsuits.

Liable parties can include:

The truck driver
The driver’s employer/the trucking company
The truck manufacturer
Other drivers

How Can You Prove Fault in a Truck Accident in Sacramento?

To prove a negligence claim in Sacramento, you have to establish five elements:

The defendant had a duty to act a certain way.
They breached that duty.
Their breach was the cause of your injury.
They should have foreseen that their breach could harm someone.
You suffered actual damages.

Evidence to Support Your Claim

Your attorney will likely use medical records, medical bills, incurred medical expenses, police reports, and witness statements as evidence for your negligence claim. A Sacramento truck accident attorney can use the following types of evidence to support your claim:

Medical records: Medical records are the most crucial piece of evidence to prove your injuries and resulting damages from the accident. These records show that your injuries were a direct result of the crash and not due to an underlying condition.
Police reports: These reports include information about individuals or vehicles involved in the crash, details about road conditions or other contributing factors, injuries sustained by drivers and passengers, and names or statements of possible witnesses.
Witness statements: Depending on when and where the accident happened, there may be one or more witnesses who were not involved in the crash that can provide another perspective on what happened.
Photographs or video: These visual pieces of evidence include pictures of your injuries following the accident and photos of your vehicle or the truck involved in the accident.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive After a Truck Accident?

Compensation varies significantly on a case-by-case basis and usually depends on several factors, including:

Your medical bills related to the accident
The amount of any lost wages or employment benefits if you’re unable to work temporarily or permanently
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of activities you actively pursued and participated in before the accident
Costs related to vehicle damage and repairs

California adheres to comparative negligence principles, meaning you can still receive compensation even if you are partially at fault for the truck accident.

Confidential

Brooks Cutter obtained a large settlement on behalf of a worker who suffered a pelvic fracture as a result of an industrial incident.

$1 Million

Our attorneys obtained a $1 million dollar settlement on behalf of a client who sustained burn injuries to her abdomen and leg in an accident.

What Can a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?

A Sacramento truck accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and assess your damages. They will handle gathering evidence, including police reports and medical records, and communicate with your insurance company regarding your claims.

A truck accident lawyer handles essential aspects of your case that can be difficult to manage on your own, including:

Determining which parties are likely to be liable
Communicating and negotiating with parties or insurance companies
Gathering evidence to support your claims
Developing a strong legal strategy to help you get compensation for your damages
Making sure to consider all applicable laws
Providing you with legal advice regarding your claims and possible settlement

Dealing with Insurance Companies

It’s always a good idea to contact an attorney after a serious truck accident because you shouldn’t have to deal with the insurance companies alone.

Insurance companies often try to avoid paying damages claims, if possible. To do this, they might attempt to use your statement about the accident to argue that you were a contributing cause to the accident, thereby limiting your recovery amount they must pay eventually. They might also try to convince you to take a lower settlement offer than what you deserve to avoid paying more or risking getting an attorney involved.

A truck accident lawyer will communicate with insurance companies regarding damages claims, subrogation claims, or issues regarding fault and protect you from tactics the insurance company might use to avoid paying fair compensation.

When Should You Contact a Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer?

The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Claim

Victims of truck accidents generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Courts can sometimes extend the deadline if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, in which case the statute of limitations would start to run once the victim turns 18. An extension might also apply if you discover an injury later that you were not aware of at the time of the accident.

If you or someone you love fell victim to a truck accident in Sacramento, contact Cutter Law for a free case evaluation.

Testimonials

This is a family owned business and extremely friendly. The whole crew is very profession and reputable. They are highly knowledgeable in their trade and bring a top level of expertise to any inquiry. I would highly recommend this Law firm. These are wonderful people and they will help you get the justice you deserve.

The staff are professional, responsive, and passionate about their clients. Highly recommend this law firm.

There's this thing about lawyers ... they often forget the first word in their title, Counselor at Law. Well, Margo Cutter practices the full spectrum of her profession. Though she has not represented me in litigation, I have benefited from her kind support and sound counsel regarding a traumatic injury I sustained due the negligence of others and the subsequent unbearable pursuit for justice. Thank you, Margo.

Their people were professional, thorough, and expressed true consideration in their deliverance. I highly recommend them to anyone.

CL took on my personal injury injury case without me needing to put in a retainer fee all while making sure I was prepared and on time for my court dates. You can always try submitting a case evaluation to see if they are the right attorneys for you before committing.

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Our Office Location

401 Watt Avenue Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95864
Phone: 916-290-9400