Petaluma Truck Accident Lawyer - 100% Free Consultation

A collision with a large truck can turn your life upside down in an instant. Medical bills, missed work, and physical pain often pile up quickly. Knowing where to turn is challenging when the accident wasn’t your fault. If this sounds familiar, a Petaluma truck accident lawyer can help you take steps toward justice, recovery, and peace of mind.

If a truck hit you on Highway 101, Lakeville Street, or near one of Petaluma’s industrial areas, you may have the right to seek compensation. Let’s explore what you need to know after a truck crash in Petaluma and how Henderson Law can support you.

Truck Accidents in Petaluma Can Be Especially Dangerous

Petaluma lies along a major commercial route connecting the Bay Area with Northern California. It’s a frequent passage for large trucks, especially on roads like the Redwood Highway and East Washington Street. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when they crash, the injuries are often severe or fatal. Although California enforces strict safety rules, not all drivers or trucking companies comply. When negligence causes harm, a truck accident injury lawyer in Petaluma, CA, like Michael Henderson, can help you pursue justice and compensation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Petaluma

Several factors contribute to truck crashes in and around Petaluma. While each case is unique, many accidents involve one or more of the following issues:

Driver fatigue. Truckers often drive long hours under pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the risk of a crash.
Distracted driving. Texting, eating, or using a GPS device while behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention off the road.
Improper loading. Unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to tip or jackknife.
Poor vehicle maintenance. Worn-out brakes, bald tires, or broken lights can make a truck unsafe and lead to accidents.
Driving under the influence. Some drivers use alcohol or drugs, including stimulants to stay awake, which impairs judgment and coordination.
Speeding or reckless driving. Failing to obey traffic laws or driving too fast in certain conditions is especially dangerous for a heavy commercial vehicle.

A thorough investigation by a trucking accident attorney at Henderson Law can reveal whether these factors contributed to the crash. Based on that information, they can help build a strong case for compensation.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Petaluma?

After a truck crash, your safety and legal rights should be your top priorities. Taking the following steps can protect both your health and your potential claim:

Call 911 and report the crash. First responders can provide medical care and document the scene, which may be substantial evidence later.
Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear right away. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record to support your claim.
Gather information. Collect the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance info, and license plate if you can. Take pictures of vehicle damage, injuries, and the scene.
Look for witnesses. Bystanders may have seen what happened. Get their contact information in case you need their statements.
Don’t admit fault. Avoid discussing blame at the scene or with the trucking company. What you say can be used against you.
Talk to a lawyer. A truck accident lawyer can help you protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and build your case.

Every accident is different, and you may not be able to follow each step. That’s okay. Attorney Michael Henderson can help fill in the gaps and guide you through the legal process from wherever you’re starting.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

When someone else’s negligence causes truck accidents, attorney guidance can help you recover damages for financial and personal losses. These may include:

Medical expenses. This includes ER visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and more.
Future medical costs. Ongoing treatment for chronic pain or long-term injuries may be covered.
Lost income. You can seek reimbursement for lost wages if you miss work while recovering.
Reduced earning capacity. If your injuries limit your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Pain and suffering. Physical pain and emotional distress are real harms that the law recognizes.
Property damage. You can recover costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any damaged belongings.
Wrongful death damages. If a loved one died in the crash, surviving family members may be able to recover funeral expenses and other related losses.

Calculating these damages is complex, especially when insurance companies push lowball offers. A truck accident attorney at Henderson Law can review your case and help you understand the full value of your claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

In California truck accidents, lawyers can provide guidance on which parties may share responsibility. A thorough investigation will help identify everyone who may be liable and open more avenues for compensation. Depending on the facts, you may be able to pursue claims against:

The truck driver. If the driver was negligent or broke the law, they can be held responsible.
The trucking company. Employers may be liable for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to supervise, or ignoring safety violations.
The cargo loader. If improperly secured cargo caused the accident, the party responsible for loading may be at fault.
Vehicle or parts manufacturers. Defective equipment, such as brakes or tires, can make manufacturers liable.
Maintenance providers. A company that negligently serviced the truck could also be responsible.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault. However, the court can reduce your recovery based on your share of responsibility. Henderson Law’s experienced Petaluma truck accident lawyer will know how to build a strong case and advocate for the maximum compensation.

Time Limits and Other Considerations

California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly is critical because if you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages.

Your lawyer will also consider whether federal trucking laws apply, especially if the truck was in interstate commerce. These rules are complex, but violations can significantly strengthen your case.

Why Choose Henderson Law for Your Truck Accident Case?

For nearly 30 years, Michael Henderson has served the people of Petaluma and the greater Sonoma County area. He has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and has helped clients recover millions of dollars for injuries, wrongful deaths, and other life-changing losses.

Clients choose Henderson Law because we:

Live and work locally—we know the roads, court system, and community in Petaluma;
Have extensive experience with truck accident litigation—we understand what makes these cases different;
Treat every client with compassion—we listen, communicate, and advocate fiercely on your behalf; and
Get results—our record of successful settlements and trial verdicts speaks for itself.

Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Talk to a Petaluma Truck Accident Lawyer Today

You don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. Henderson Law’s experienced trucking accident attorney can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether your injuries are minor or life-altering, your story matters, and at Henderson Law, we’re here to listen.