Modesto Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing Victims of Large Vehicle Accidents in the Central Valley

While any motor vehicle accident can cause major changes in your life, crashes involving large commercial trucks, buses, or other oversized vehicles often lead to the most serious injuries. Victims of truck accidents can experience catastrophic injuries and some crashes are fatal.

Major routes like State Route 99 and Interstate 5 pass through Modesto and the Central Valley, serving as critical transport corridors for big rigs, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles. High volumes of truck traffic increase the risks for everyone who drives these roads. The region’s focus on agriculture and goods distribution makes these highways especially busy for commercial vehicles, often creating conditions where truck accidents happen more often than in other parts of California. Knowing your rights—along with the local factors that shape claims in our area—can help you protect your interests after a truck accident.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a collision with a semi-truck, big rig, delivery truck, or bus, reach out to the team at Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC. Since 1989, we've represented injured victims and families throughout Modesto and the Central Valley. Our attorneys have a strong track record and a reputation for quality service among clients and peers. We guide you through the legal process and help you focus on your recovery while we manage your claim.

Learn more about your rights and options when you call (916) 884-6554 and request a free initial consultation with one of our Modesto truck accident lawyers.

What To Do After a Big Rig Accident in Modesto

After a big rig or semi-truck accident, you may feel uncertain about your next steps. Always put safety first by moving out of traffic if possible and calling 911 immediately if anyone needs urgent medical care. If you're able, collect names and contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident. Exchange insurance and contact information with the truck driver, and take photos of vehicle damage, the scene, and any road hazards. Taking these steps, especially after crashes on Highway 99 or nearby corridors, builds a strong foundation for your case.

Report the accident to law enforcement—typically the California Highway Patrol or Modesto Police for commercial vehicle accidents in our area. Timely reporting secures an official record, which can help with insurance and legal claims. Seek prompt medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor, since symptoms can worsen over time. Keep all medical records, bills, and follow-up care information to support your claim. The attorneys at Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC guide clients through these early steps, helping reduce stress so you can focus on healing while we handle the details.

What are the Main Causes of Truck Accidents?

There are many common causes of truck accidents, including but not limited to:

• Driver errors
• Improperly loaded/overloaded cargo
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Driver fatigue
• Unrealistic quotas
• Hours-of-service violations
• Defective truck design/parts

This list does not cover every cause; additional factors may contribute to a truck accident. At Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC, we investigate each collision in detail. Our legal team reviews evidence, accident reports, medical documentation, and other records to build the foundation for your claim.

Truck accidents around Modesto frequently occur near distribution centers and agricultural sites where big rigs and semi-trucks regularly transport heavy loads. Shifts in cargo, tight delivery timelines, and busy rural highways increase risks for both truck drivers and others on the road. We rely on our knowledge of local traffic and logistics to clarify what factors could impact both fault and recovery in your case.

Compensation After a Truck Accident: What You May Recover

After a semi-truck or big rig accident, you may qualify to recover compensation depending on your injuries and financial losses. Many claims request reimbursement for emergency medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing medical therapies. If you sustained a permanent injury, your claim might reflect future lost earning potential and costs for adapting your home or lifestyle. Calculating the true value of a claim helps prevent you from accepting a settlement that falls short of your needs.

Stanislaus County courts may also consider pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress when determining compensation for non-economic damages. Courts often review the record of the driver or trucking company, including any prior safety violations, when assessing claims. If a fatality occurs, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages, such as funeral and burial costs or loss of support. During the claims process, Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC ensures all relevant factors are considered, helping clients understand their recovery options and navigate the process with confidence.

Who Is at Fault for a Truck Accident?

When commercial vehicle drivers cause accidents on the job, their employers often carry legal liability under California’s respondeat superior rule. Under this rule, employers are generally responsible for employees' actions while working. Though a truck driver may be at fault for the accident, you may have the option to pursue compensation from the trucking company, which typically maintains higher insurance coverage.

Other parties, including a school bus operator’s employer, a vehicle parts manufacturer, or a construction crew that modified the roadway, could also be liable. Every case requires close investigation to determine who may be held responsible.

Truck accident claims can become very complex because fault may be shared among multiple parties. Working with a skilled attorney helps you fully understand your rights and options at each stage of the process.

Cases in Modesto often involve California trucking regulations or local Stanislaus County ordinances, which affect liability. Accidents on busy corridors like Highway 99 require a review of local traffic laws and road conditions. Detailed investigation of these factors can help clarify liability and strengthen your claim.

No Fees Until We Win - Contact Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC Today!

The Modesto truck accident lawyers at Rancaño & Rancaño, APLC support clients with commercial vehicle accident claims. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you face no out-of-pocket costs, and our attorneys only collect fees if we recover compensation for you. While most personal injury claims resolve in settlement, we prepare every case for the possibility of trial and advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

Request a free consultation today; call (916) 884-6554 or contact us online.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?

California law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If a government agency plays a role in your situation, you may have less time. Filing quickly helps preserve your right to seek compensation.

Does California require commercial trucks to follow special laws?

Yes, commercial truck drivers must comply with federal and state laws, including rules about driving hours, truck weight, and safety checks. Law enforcement in Modesto and Stanislaus County actively monitor highways and local roads for compliance with these requirements.

What should I do if the trucking company’s insurance contacts me?

You may refer insurance representatives to your attorney. You do not have to accept a settlement or provide a statement without first reviewing your options. Speaking with a lawyer may help protect your interests and support your claim for fair compensation.