Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto helps anyone that’s been injured in a truck accident. Given Modesto’s placement in California, it’s not all that surprising that so many trucks pass through the city on their daily routes. But unfortunately, this also leads to accidents, and a truck accident is almost always more serious in terms of injuries and other outcomes. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a truck accident in Modesto, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
How Many Trucks Are There in Stanislaus County?
One way to think about the sheer amount of trucks in Modesto is to look at the statistics behind the transportation industry. Not surprisingly, given that the city and Stanislaus County is located in the heart of the Central Valley, trucking and transportation is a huge industry here.
According to data from the California Employment Development Department (EDD), there is a total of:
- 314 employers in the freight industry.
When you break down trucking employers and companies by individual industry, it’s even more apparent how many trucks you’ll encounter on a daily basis:
- General Freight – 38
- Specialized Freight – 276
- Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, and Fishing – 363
- Building Material and Supplies – 159
- Specialty Trade Contractors -129
Given that agriculture and construction are two of the most profitable industries in Modesto, it stands to reason that trucking (and specifically truck accidents) are fairly common. Specifically, though, it’s the nature of truck accidents themselves that make them so serious, usually because of:
- Size and weight differences with trucks and regular passenger cars
- Dangerous cargo carried on trucks
- Poor maintenance or inexperienced drivers
Even with more trucks on the road, these accidents are still often more serious because of the above factors. But the actual data of truck accidents in Modesto shows just how common they are.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in Modesto?
It’s not just the number of trucks on Modesto’s roads or the specific nature of their accidents that stand out. When a truck accident occurs, various factors come into play. First and foremost, it’s important to consider their frequency. According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), Modesto has seen an average of:
- 30.4 truck accidents per year between 2019 and 2023.
When you break this down by year, it equals out to:
- 2019 – 27
- 2020 – 27
- 2021 – 35
- 2022 – 34
- 2023 – 29
Again, while they might lack the numbers of other vehicle accidents, truck accidents themselves are almost always much more severe.
Are Fatal Truck Accidents More Common in Modesto?
Again, what separates truck accidents from others is the serious nature of injuries for you and other victims. All the risks make truck accidents much more costly in terms of damage and injuries. Sharing the road with trucks is a daily reality in Modesto, but that doesn’t change how serious these accidents are. According to TIMS data, the 152 truck crashes between 2019 and 2023 resulted in the following levels of injury:
- Fatal – 6
- Serious – 15
- Visible – 48
- Complaints of pain – 83
In terms of injuries and other damage that you might face. Even a minor collision with a truck can result in significant or catastrophic injuries like:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Cuts and bruises
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Death in more serious cases
Even though every truck accident is different, these injuries–and their severity–are almost universal. What’s worse, these injuries happen regardless of the type of accident. But the data on the types of truck accidents can also be very telling.
What Kinds of Truck Accidents Are Most Common in Modesto?
Despite extensive rules and regulations, large trucks are still difficult to handle, especially when they are improperly loaded. This imbalance makes driving even harder, and with bad weather or other factors, accidents become more likely. All of this adds up to many different types of truck accidents that happen.
TIMS data for 2019 through 2023 found that the following types of truck accidents were the most common in Modesto:
- Head-on collision – 7
- Sideswipe – 37
- Rear-end collision – 38
- Broadside – 51
- Hitting an object – 9
- Rollover – 1
- Pedestrian involved – 8
Whenever one of these truck accidents happens, a key aspect is figuring out who’s responsible. In legal terms, this is known as “liability.” Unfortunately, liability in a truck accident can be complicated and depends on the details of the crash. If the truck driver was negligent, such as speeding or driving under the influence, they or their employer may be responsible for your damages. However, if a tire blowout or improper loading caused the accident, the manufacturer or cargo company might be liable instead.
Figuring out who’s responsible is just the first step. The other is understanding your options for filing a claim. A truck accident may involve multiple insurance companies, but our experienced team can guide you through this complicated process.
Get Help From Experienced Modesto Truck Accident Lawyers
In a Modesto truck accident claim, you may be eligible for damages like medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and compensation for emotional distress. These damages depend on the extent of your injuries and trauma.
If an insurance settlement falls short, you have the option to file a lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is two years from the date of the accident, so it’s important to act quickly.
Truck accidents can be devastating, and with so many trucks on the road in Modesto, the chances of being involved in one are high. If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, our team at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll handle your claim so you can focus on recovering.