Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Sonoma

Commercial vehicles—such as tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, buses, and construction vehicles—are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars, making accidents involving them particularly devastating. Due to their size and weight, collisions with commercial trucks often result in:

• Severe injuries (spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, fractures)
• Fatalities
• Extensive property damage
• Long-term financial and emotional hardships

Sonoma’s highways, including Highway 101, Highway 12, and Highway 116, see heavy commercial truck traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Factors like driver fatigue, speeding, improper loading, and poor vehicle maintenance contribute to these crashes.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Sonoma

1. Driver Fatigue – Federal regulations limit truck drivers’ hours, but violations are common, leading to drowsy driving.
2. Distracted Driving – Truck drivers using phones or GPS devices while driving can cause catastrophic accidents.
3. Speeding & Reckless Driving – Large trucks require more stopping distance; speeding increases collision risks.
4. Improper Loading & Overloading – Unbalanced cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
5. Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires, and defective parts lead to mechanical failures.
6. Drunk or Impaired Driving – Some truck drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
7. Inadequate Training – Inexperienced drivers may mishandle large trucks in Sonoma’s winding roads.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Commercial Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident is complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The Truck Driver – If they were speeding, fatigued, or violating traffic laws.
• The Trucking Company – If they pressured drivers to exceed legal driving hours or skipped maintenance.
• Cargo Loaders – If improperly secured cargo caused the accident.
• Vehicle Manufacturers – If defective truck parts (brakes, tires) led to the crash.
• Government Entities – If poor road conditions in Sonoma contributed to the accident.

At Flahavan Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Sonoma

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms appear later.
2. Report the Accident – Call 911 and ensure a police report is filed.
3. Gather Evidence – Take photos, collect witness statements, and document the scene.
4. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies – They may try to minimize your claim.
5. Contact a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer – Flahavan Law can protect your rights and build a strong case.

Why Choose Flahavan Law for Your Sonoma Commercial Vehicle Accident Case?

• Decades of Experience – We know how to navigate complex truck accident claims.
• Aggressive Advocacy – We fight for maximum compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Thorough Investigations – We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability.
• No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Compensation Available for Commercial Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to:

✔ Medical Expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)
✔ Lost Wages & Future Earnings (if injuries prevent you from working)
✔ Pain & Suffering (physical and emotional distress)
✔ Property Damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
✔ Wrongful Death Damages (if you lost a loved one in the crash)

Contact Flahavan Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Sonoma, don’t wait to seek legal help. Insurance companies will try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Flahavan Law will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you need to recover.