Hesperia Truck Accident Attorneys
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Our Hesperia Truck Accident Attorneys Can Guide You Through Your Legal Options
Truck accidents often leave victims facing not only serious injuries but also mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional strain. Our Hesperia truck accident attorneys can help guide you through the claims process and pursue damages such as medical expenses, wage loss, and property repairs. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
A traffic accident has the potential to damage cars and other vehicles, as well as cause serious injuries to road users. However, the fallout can increase exponentially when a crash involves a commercial truck. People who suffer injuries or lose loved ones in such crashes may be able to seek financial compensation if negligence was involved.
Truck accident claims can also involve multiple insurance companies, which may complicate the process for injured individuals trying to pursue damages. A Hesperia truck accident lawyer can help by investigating the accident, reviewing evidence, and handling communications with insurers.
At Arash Law, our attorneys assist clients in pursuing claims related to medical costs, lost wages, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. We keep clients informed at every stage and can offer guidance tailored to their circumstances.
Gatewood v. City of Los Angeles (arbitration award granted on 11/4/2020) – arbitration award involving an injured worker that sustained a traumatic brain injury when he fell off a truck. Eshghieh secured a 100% permanent total disability award yielding a present value sum of $1.195 million.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Examples Of Negligence Causing Truck Accidents
Large truck crashes usually cause immense damage not only to motor vehicles but also to the people involved in the accident. In many cases, they occur due to driver negligence.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI).
- Driver fatigue.
- Speeding.
- Failure to maintain a truck or other vehicle.
- Incorrectly loaded trailers.
- Reckless driving.
Victims of truck accidents may be eligible to seek both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. A Hesperia truck accident lawyer can help clarify your options, offer guidance throughout the claims process, and advocate for a settlement that reflects the extent of your losses.
Common Kinds Of Truck Accident Injuries
Any truck accident usually has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries that may disable people for several months or years. Others might have lifelong impacts. People in passenger vehicles are more likely to suffer the brunt of an impact.
Arash Law has experience assisting victims who incurred a wide range of injuries due to truck accidents. If necessary, we can connect clients with medical professionals for further evaluation and treatment to support their recovery. We can also assist them with pursuing compensation for their medical expenses, ongoing medical care costs, and other related losses.
The frequent types of injuries we have seen in truck accidents include:
- Fractures or broken bones.
- Concussions.
- Crush injuries.
- Closed head injuries.
- Back injuries.
- Knee injuries.
- Leg injuries.
- Neck injuries.
- Arm injuries.
- Internal injuries.
- Skull fractures.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Permanent nerve injuries.
- Amputations.
- Paralysis.
- Severe burn injuries.
- Wrongful death.
Determining Liability For A Truck Accident In Hesperia
One major reason to work with a Hesperia truck accident attorney is the issue of liability. While many people may assume that the truck driver alone is responsible, liability in truck accident cases can extend to multiple parties.
For example, a trucking company or employer may share liability if the driver was improperly trained or negligently hired. If the truck itself was defective or poorly maintained, responsibility could also extend to the trucking company, truck owner, or maintenance provider. In cases involving faulty parts, manufacturers or distributors may be named in a claim. Finally, other drivers can also be responsible for a crash.
Because determining liability in truck accident cases can often be complex, legal guidance may help with identifying all potentially responsible parties. Commercial trucks are also equipped with “black boxes” that record data on the vehicle’s operations, which, along with maintenance records and accident reconstruction, might provide evidence to support your case. An attorney can help gather and analyze this information as part of the claims process.
How People Can Hold Trucking Companies Liable
If a trucking company cuts corners, pushes drivers beyond the legal limits, or engages in other unsafe practices that contribute to accidents, the company itself may be held liable. Respondeat superior is the legal phrase that holds employers responsible for the wrongful acts of employees, meaning that trucking companies can be liable for the misconduct of their drivers.
In some cases, liability may also stem from the company’s own negligence. For example, failing to maintain vehicles properly, pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, or hiring unqualified drivers. Proving this kind of misconduct typically requires evidence, which can be complex to collect and analyze. A Hesperia truck accident attorney can assist by reviewing the circumstances and identifying whether a trucking company may share responsibility.
Trucking companies often carry significant insurance coverage, and insurers may offer quick settlements to limit their financial exposure. These offers might not reflect the full extent of a victim’s losses. Speaking with a truck accident attorney before accepting any settlement can help you understand your rights and the potential value of your claim.
Because evidence plays a central role in these cases, it is important to preserve accident reports, driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer can help gather and analyze this information as part of building a case.
Types Of Compensation For Truck Accident Victims In Hesperia
Many truck accident claims are resolved through settlements, as both sides often view this as more efficient than going to trial. Settlement offers vary, and insurance companies may initially present amounts that do not reflect the full extent of an injured person’s losses.
Compensation in Hesperia truck accident cases generally falls into these three categories:
- Economic Damages — These are the kinds of tangible costs people can calculate and prove, such as:
- Medical bills.
- Lost income.
- Motor vehicle damage.
- Non-Economic Damages — These are usually much more subjective. They do not have actual financial values, and may include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages — In rare cases, when there is evidence that the defendant acted with gross negligence or reckless indifference, punitive damages may be awarded to punish misconduct and deter similar behavior.
How The Truck Accident Claims Process Works
The claims process for truck accidents is often multi-layered. It typically involves gathering all relevant evidence, proving negligence, and identifying all potentially liable parties.
Investigations can take considerable time and may require the input of accident reconstruction specialists or other experts. Once evidence is collected, a demand letter is usually submitted to the insurer outlining the damages being claimed. Insurers may respond with counteroffers.
The next stage often involves negotiation with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. If no agreement is reached, filing a lawsuit may be necessary so that the case can proceed in court.
Due to the legal knowledge usually required to go through the claims process, you may wish to have all case-related communications go through an attorney. Insurance companies may ask for recorded statements. If you provide these on your own, you may accidentally say something that may be interpreted as you admitting fault for the crash. Consider consulting a truck accident lawyer before providing one.
In California, the statute of limitations is generally two years for injury claims and three years for property damage claims. Other exceptions may extend or shorten your time limit for filing a claim, making timely action important.
Can People Sue For Wrongful Death In Fatal Truck Accidents?
A wrongful death happens when a person dies because of the misconduct of another person or entity. Wrongful death actions may seek to cover burial and funeral expenses for a decedent, the income the deceased could have earned to support surviving relatives, pain and suffering, disfigurement of the decedent, and compensation for the loss of a deceased person’s companionship and support.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, the following individuals may be eligible to file wrongful death claims: surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, grandchildren (if the deceased person’s children are also deceased), other minor children who depended on the deceased for at least 50 percent of their financial support, and any other person entitled to the deceased’s property under California’s intestate succession laws. Much like personal injury actions, wrongful death claims are often resolved through settlements.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Common Questions People Ask
How Can A Truck Driver Be Negligent?
Truck drivers may be negligent if any of the following actions cause an accident:
- Driving under the influence.
- Driving while fatigued or violating federal hours-of-service regulations.
- Failing to provide the right-of-way.
- Tailgating.
- Distracted driving.
- Driving too fast.
- Driving aggressively.
- Failing to follow basic traffic regulations.
- Carelessly loading a truck.
How Much Can People Expect From Truck Accident Settlements?
There is no set amount for truck accident settlements. The value of a case depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, lost income, medical costs, and liability issues. Because every case is different, settlements can vary widely.
Why Are Truck Accidents A Serious Issue?
These accidents often result in severe consequences because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. They need more space to stop and maneuver, and some carry hazardous materials that can increase risks in a crash. While truck accidents are less common than car accidents, they can cause greater damage and involve complex liability questions.
Why Do Truck Drivers Sometimes Act Carelessly?
It is a mistake to assume that truck drivers themselves are deliberately negligent, as many may make honest mistakes while behind the wheel. A majority of truck drivers actually perform their jobs ably and conduct themselves lawfully at all times.
There are, however, cases of truck drivers who do operate somewhat more recklessly and may be guilty of being ruder on the road. It is important for people to remember that most truck drivers are operating under very tight schedules and feel immense pressure to get their deliveries to their destinations as soon as possible, so they are understandably frustrated when anything delays them.
What Happens When A Person Is Hit By A Truck?
While we often speak of truck accidents from the perspective of people who were in other motor vehicles involved in collisions with trucks, it is important to remember that some truck accidents can involve many other kinds of road users. Pedestrians and bicyclists are two common examples of other kinds of victims of truck accidents.
In pedestrian accidents, the chances are high that the victim will suffer catastrophic injuries. They may have to be confined to a hospital for an extended period of time.
Similarly, most bicyclists will have very little protection in the event of any collision involving a commercial truck. They are also very likely to face extended hospital stays and recovery prospects.
Why Do Trucks Cause Higher Fatality Rates Than Cars?
There can be several different explanations for this question, which include the following:
- Commercial Trucks Are Massive Vehicles — In the United States, commercial trucks often measure 72 feet long, 13.5 feet tall, and 8.5 feet wide while weighing more than 80,000 pounds. The average length of a traditional motor vehicle is only about 15 feet, with smaller automobiles weighing about 2,500 pounds, while sport utility vehicles (SUVs) can weigh as much as 6,000 pounds.
- Maneuverability — The size of large trucks often means that they are much more difficult vehicles for drivers to operate. A commercial truck will usually require far more space than a traditional car to perform a basic turn. It can also mean that a large truck is not as capable as a smaller car of performing certain emergency maneuvers. Commercial truck accidents can be further complicated by tractors hauling trailers because the connection between a tractor and trailer can be a catalyst for a jackknife accident.
- Stopping Distance — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that whereas a traditional passenger vehicle driving 65 miles per hour will need about 300 feet to stop, a fully loaded commercial truck driving 65 miles per hour will need about 600 feet to stop. In other words, truck drivers are going to need to have far more warning and time to avoid certain collisions.
- Difficulty Controlling — Even when truck drivers have the benefit of years of experience, commercial trucks remain incredibly challenging vehicles to control in multiple circumstances. There are many situations in which truck drivers are completely powerless in their ability to avoid accidents.
What Should People Look For In A Hesperia Truck Accident Lawyer?
The first thing a person can look for in Hesperia truck accident attorneys is their experience in handling truck accident cases. An attorney familiar with the complexities of these claims can better navigate the claims process, communicate with multiple parties, and address the unique challenges that may arise when pursuing compensation.
Victims can also consider the payment arrangements they offer. At Arash Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients do not pay upfront attorney’s costs. Fees are only collected if they’re awarded compensation. Certain case-related costs may still apply, but we go over these with clients before we handle their claims.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys In Hesperia For Legal Help
Truck accidents often involve complex legal and insurance issues. If you were injured in a truck accident in Hesperia or a nearby community, you may benefit from speaking with a personal injury lawyer about your rights and options.
At Arash Law, our truck accident attorneys offer guidance to individuals and families injured in such incidents. We assist with the claims process, including reviewing evidence, identifying potentially liable parties, and pursuing compensation for accident-related losses.
You can call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
