California Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our California Truck Accident Lawyers Offer Dedicated Support For Injury Victims.
Our California truck accident lawyers work to guide clients through the legal process after a serious crash. These cases may involve multiple parties, strict industry regulations, and elaborate evidence. We have the experience and resources to guide you through every step. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a member of our team.
Several factors are at play in a truck accident. Specific laws and regulations govern the trucking industry, which may affect your claim. Additionally, proving liability against the at-fault parties can be complicated. You’ll need to analyze different pieces of evidence to find out who is responsible for paying you.
Our California truck accident attorneys at Arash Law understand that you need someone on your side when pursuing fair financial recovery. We’re familiar with the complex legal landscape of truck regulations and personal injury.
We’ve represented clients injured in crashes involving big rigs, commercial trucks, and other heavy vehicles. Although outcomes vary by case, our experience shows how seriously we take client advocacy. We work on a contingency fee basis, offering injured parties the opportunity to pursue justice without upfront attorney’s fees.
What Our California Truck Accident Lawyers Can Do For You
Truck accident lawyers fight for the rights of injured victims and families who’ve lost loved ones in fatal crashes. Here’s how we can assist you with your claim:
Assessing The Full Extent Of Your Losses
Truck accidents carry a great risk of serious injury for victims. After a truck collision, you might need to stay in the hospital. You may also require surgeries and rehabilitation, which means time off from work. Additionally, you may suffer emotional trauma. We will evaluate your immediate and long-term damages. We help calculate the value of your claim, but the actual compensation depends on the facts, negotiations, and legal process.
Building Up Your Case
California truck accident lawyers understand the local and federal regulations that govern the industry. They can work with reconstruction experts and forensic specialists to identify violations that may have contributed to the crash. They can gather evidence, such as:
- CCTV footage
- Dashcam footage
- Black box data
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Police reports
They will also obtain medical records and other documentation to prove your losses. Our attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice. They work to gather and organize evidence to support your claim.
Identifying Responsible Parties
A thriving industry like the trucking sector, generating $940.8 billion in the United States in 2022, involves many entities. With thousands of trucks on California roads transporting goods across the country, the risk of accidents is always present. These incidents often lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, making truck accidents among the most catastrophic types of roadway collisions.
In the event of a truck accident, trucking companies, parts manufacturers, drivers, and insurance companies may be liable. Your attorneys will pinpoint all potential at-fault parties. They will evaluate how much responsibility each party has. This assessment can influence your compensation.
Our truck accident lawyers at Arash Law know what they’re up against. They prepare your claim and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Negotiating Fair Compensation
We represent injured victims in the Golden State. Our truck accident attorneys will explain your rights and help you understand your legal options while building your case. We’ll deal with insurance companies on your behalf, working to pursue compensation that reflects your injuries and losses.
Filing a lawsuit in court may be necessary if the insurance company continues to give you the runaround. We won’t hesitate to escalate if they refuse to negotiate in good faith or insists on a lowball offer. We can help you file a lawsuit. Our truck accident attorneys know exactly how the process plays out. Their experience allows them to create a tailored legal strategy for their clients.
$2,000,000.00
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – Settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward. So it’s natural to have a few questions if you got injured in a collision with one. Our truck accident lawyers in California answer the most frequently asked questions about these injury cases. Our legal team is at your service around the clock if you have any specific concerns. Reach out to us at (888) 488-1391. Help is just a phone call away.
How Much Does Hiring Truck Accident Lawyers Near Me Cost?
Our truck and car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Their fee comes as a percentage of the recovered amount.
For transparency, ask a lawyer during your initial appointment about their fee structures and other potential expenses. Our California truck accident lawyers offer a complimentary consultation to discuss the details of your case. You are under no obligation to hire us afterward.
What Is The Average Truck Accident Settlement In California?
Settlement amounts in truck accidents vary from case to case. Because of this, it’s hard to say how much compensation victims usually get on average. Here are some of the factors that might affect the amount you can get:
- The Injuries You Sustained — Serious injuries often lead to higher damages because of greater medical costs and long-term effects, but settlement amounts can still vary by case. Our personal injury attorneys can show how the accident affected your health, work, and personal life.
- Medical Bills & Estimated Future Costs — Treatment can be expensive, especially if you need long-term care or rehabilitation. Your settlement may cover current and future medical bills.
- Assignment of Fault — Under California’s comparative negligence rules, multiple people may be responsible for a crash. Each liable party must pay depending on their share of the fault.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of a personal injury claim, including those involving truck collisions, depends on the circumstances surrounding the case. Lawyers for truck accidents in California can review your case and help you understand what your claim may be worth.
One of the main factors determining how much compensation you may claim is the severity of your injuries. Common types of injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal trauma
- Amputation injuries
- Burn injuries
These injuries can change a person’s life. They often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Victims with serious injuries may be eligible for significant compensation, not just for current medical bills but also for future treatment, lost wages, reduced ability to work, and emotional suffering.
If you want to know what damages you can recover from a truck accident, your attorney can also verify whether you’re entitled to the following:
- Economic Damages — Also known as special damages, these losses represent quantifiable out-of-pocket expenses directly resulting from an accident. They include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Transportation expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
In wrongful death cases, the family of the deceased victim can also recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of financial support
- Non-Economic Damages — Under California law, you can also receive compensation for emotional and physical pain. These are also called general damages and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement or disability
- Punitive Damages — These damages can be pursued when the at-fault party acted with willful disregard for the rights of others and was intentionally reckless. Punitive damages not only punish such conduct but also discourage similar behavior.
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Truck Accident Claim In California?
The statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. In California, the general time limit is two years from the date of the injury. Injured parties may lose their chances to claim damages for a truck accident if they let this period pass.
The courts may extend the deadline in certain situations. Here are the main exceptions:
- Minor Victims — If the person injured in the truck accident is a child, the two-year countdown doesn’t begin until they turn 18. A parent or guardian can take legal action on their behalf before then.
- Government Involvement — If the truck involved belongs to a government agency (like a city maintenance truck), you usually have to file a government claim within six months.
- Defendant Is Out of State — If the at-fault driver is not in California after the crash, the statute of limitations won’t begin while they are out of state or until they are found and served.
- Delayed Discovery — Sometimes, injuries don’t show up right away. In those cases, the two-year limit starts when you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
If you want to understand how this legal deadline applies to your case, seek counsel from one of our California truck accident lawyers.
When Should I Speak With California Truck Accident Lawyers?
Here are some signs you might need to speak to a lawyer about your truck accident claim:
- You need help securing evidence to build your case.
- You sustained severe injuries, leaving you to deal with high medical bills.
- Insurers are disputing your claim, or you feel like they are attempting to shift the blame to you.
- You received a lowball offer from an insurance company.
- You are not sure about your rights and what you can recover.
If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by someone else, it’s wise to speak with one of our attorneys as soon as possible. In addition to determining whether you have a valid case, truck accident attorneys can help protect your right to compensation.
How Do I Know If I Found The Right Lawyer For My Truck Accident Case?
Before choosing a truck accident lawyer, consider their expertise, experience, resources, communication, and testimonies from former clients. You may want to keep the following things in mind when making your decision:
- Professional Knowledge — Your California truck accident lawyers should be familiar with local and federal trucking regulations, the challenges of establishing liability, and the technicalities involved in such cases.
- Wide Range of Resources — A seasoned attorney is usually well-connected within the legal and forensic communities. Their established reputation means they have access to a vast network of resources, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists, which can be crucial in building a strong case on your behalf.
- Effective Communication — Look for accident lawyers who maintain an open line of communication with you. They should ensure that your concerns are heard and addressed.
- Client Testimonies — Reviews from past clients help you understand a lawyer’s track record and reputation. They can show you how the lawyer communicates, handles cases, and treats clients.
How Can Attorneys Prove My Truck Accident Claim?
To prove a truck accident claim, your injury lawyers must demonstrate that the incident resulted from negligence. This process involves establishing four essential elements:
- Duty of Care — The defendant had a legal obligation to act responsibly. For instance, truck drivers have to observe the highest standard of care while behind the wheel.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant violated that duty through carelessness or unsafe behavior. Examples are improper vehicle maintenance or failure to follow road safety protocols.
- Causation — The breach of duty directly led to the accident that caused your injuries.
- Damages — You or your loved one suffered actual harm, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses, as a result of the incident.
To support your claim, attorneys rely on concrete evidence to demonstrate that these elements are present. As part of building a strong case, your legal team will carefully gather and examine critical evidence, including black box data, traffic camera footage, and your medical records. Our attorneys will also look into documentation showing your income loss and potential trucking law violations, if any.
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Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Different types of traffic collisions involving trucks occur on California roads. Tragically, truck accidents are often catastrophic, ending in severe injuries and fatalities. Most of these crashes are caused by factors such as:
Driving-Related Errors
Many of the cases our truck accident lawyers in California handle involve crashes due to common driver errors. Speeding, distracted driving, overcorrecting, and poor control of the vehicle can lead to the following types of incidents:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Wide-turn accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Underride accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Sideswipe collisions
Here are some of the driving behaviors that might lead to accidents:
Speeding
On California’s highways, the general speed limit is 65mph. Trucks are limited to 55 mph, but they are expected to go even slower when it’s raining to avoid accidents. Driving too fast in poor road conditions can increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Speeding drivers might not have enough time to brake or react properly to sudden changes in traffic.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol consumption and drug use impair the senses, which can be detrimental behind the wheel. In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has strict rules on drunk driving. For commercial driver’s license holders, the blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold is 0.04%, as opposed to 0.08% for regular drivers.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue and driving through seemingly endless roads cause drowsy driving. In some cases, operating a vehicle while exhausted is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fatigue can cause a driver to:
- Accidentally drift off into other lanes
- Have difficulty maintaining a safe speed
- Fail to respond properly to obstacles and hazards
- Fall asleep behind the wheel
Distracted Driving
Some drivers seek distractions to stimulate their minds and avoid dozing off while driving. However, certain distractions take away the focus needed for driving safely. Texting, calling someone on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or grooming becomes dangerous when driving. Mere seconds of inattention cause drivers to lose control and crash into other vehicles.
Unsafe Driving Behavior
Trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Driving near one can be intimidating, especially for novice drivers. Inexperienced drivers can make unsafe decisions when sharing the road with these massive vehicles. Another common issue for motorists is aggressive driving. Bad driving habits include:
- Tailgating
- Careless merging
- Lane blocking
- Running red lights
- Cutting other drivers off
- Refusing to yield the right-of-way
- Driving in the wrong lane
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical problems can occur in even well-maintained trucks and other vehicles. Our truck accident lawyers can investigate and determine whether any of the following played a role:
- Tire blowouts
- Brake failures
- Malfunctioning safety driving systems
- Faulty steering
- Out-of-alignment wheels
- Broken signal and brake lights
Vehicle maintenance is important. It becomes more critical during rainy months. Heavy rain can make roads slippery, especially during the first few minutes when the accumulated oil on pavements is washed away by rainwater, creating a slick surface. Because there is less traction, drivers could easily lose control of their vehicles. Besides driving defensively, all drivers should ensure their vehicles meet safety standards.
Cargo-Loading Mistakes
California has a weight limit of 80,000 pounds for large trucks. Specifically, trailers with one set of wheels (single axles) can only carry 20,000 pounds. On the other hand, trailers with two sets of wheels (double axles) have a limit of 34,000 pounds, provided they are fitted with tires with adequate weight-bearing capacity.
Some companies overload their trucks to minimize trips and meet delivery deadlines. The excess weight causes more pressure on vehicle parts, like the tires and brakes, leading to premature wear and tear. An accident may occur if these parts fail while the truck is moving.
Not to mention, heavier trucks are much harder for the driver to maneuver properly, increasing the chance of rollovers. Uneven cargo distribution can make handling underloaded trucks even more challenging. Loose freight may constantly move inside the trailer, causing the vehicle’s balance to shift. Unsecured cargo can also fall off and hit other cars or pedestrians. Our truck accident lawyers can examine whether loading errors caused the collision you were in.
Ways To Strengthen Your Claim After A Truck Accident In California
Each case is unique. However, some practical steps may help you better support your case:- Seek Prompt Medical Care — Some injuries may not appear immediately. Seeing a doctor soon after the accident can help document any injuries you may have sustained. Following your treatment plan and keeping a personal record of your symptoms and limitations may be helpful if disputes about your condition arise later.
- Collect Relevant Information — Take photos or videos of the scene, the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Try to gather contact information from other drivers and witnesses. If you cannot do this yourself, a lawyer may be able to assist later.
- Report the Incident — A police report may objectively summarize what happened. You may let your insurance company know about the accident. Keep your communication straightforward and avoid going into detailed statements until you understand the situation more clearly.
- Consider Speaking With California Truck Accident Lawyers — Attorneys can explain your options and help you understand your rights. They can assist you in pursuing compensation against potentially liable parties, such as other motorists, truck companies, insurance providers, and auto part manufacturers.
California Truck Accident Statistics
Trucking accidents remain a serious threat across U.S. roadways, and California is no exception. In 2023, the state recorded approximately 392 fatalities in large truck collisions, ranking second in the nation behind Texas.
Compared to national figures from 2023, the risks become even more apparent. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,354 people died in large truck crashes across the country that year.
The statistics on fatal truck accidents show that:
- Occupants of other vehicles accounted for the majority of deaths, comprising 65% of the total fatalities.
- Truck occupants made up 16% of the individuals killed in these crashes.
- Vulnerable road users like pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists accounted for the remaining 17%.
These statistics highlight how devastating large truck crashes can be, with fatalities affecting not only truck drivers but also the occupants of other vehicles and vulnerable road users.
Our truck accident lawyers in California understand the impact these numbers represent. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck crash, we can help you seek justice and fair compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to get free accident lawyer advice. You can also fill out our contact form.
Seek Legal Help From Truck Accident Lawyers In California
After a truck crash, you may ask, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” Truck accident cases often involve complex laws, multiple parties, and powerful insurance companies. Let us help you understand your rights and the legal steps you may need to take. Our team is ready to guide you through every stage of the process.
Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a free consultation with no obligation. We can evaluate your situation and discuss your legal options thoroughly and clearly.
Founded and led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., Arash Law provides legal support to injured individuals and their families across the state. We serve clients in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Fresno, Oakland, Riverside, Orange County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, and other areas.
