Eureka Truck Accident Lawyers

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Eureka experiences consistent vehicle traffic, further heightened by its strategic location along a major highway. Frequented by numerous large commercial trucks daily, these highways are prone to truck accidents. If you find yourself in such, Eureka truck accident lawyers can help you file a compensation claim. For a free and no-risk case review, contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our online “Do I Have a Case?” form on our website.
California witnesses thousands of truck accidents annually, with Eureka being no exception to these unfortunate incidents. We sincerely hope you and your family never encounter the aftermath of a catastrophic truck accident. However, should you suffer the consequences of a truck accident, taking prompt action is critical.
The Eureka truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are prepared to help you obtain compensation for the pain and suffering you are experiencing because of the accident. Take the first step toward justice by reaching out for your free case evaluation today.
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.
– ARASH KHORSANDI
Truck Accidents Statistics in Eureka
As per data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), heavy vehicles caused 4,965 fatalities in 2020. Heavy vehicles were responsible for 4,965 fatalities in 2020. In 2021, their estimates indicate that truck accidents led to 5,610 deaths, marking a 13% increase from 2020 and a staggering 52% rise from 2010.
Despite the critical role semi-trucks play in supporting California’s economy, they concurrently pose a significant risk to drivers, pedestrians, and all road users. Data sourced from reputable agencies, including the Eureka Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, reveals that between 2008 and 2020, 232 individuals suffered injuries, and 23 lost their lives in truck accidents within Humboldt County.
What Makes Big Rigs Dangerous?
Large commercial trucks, commonly known as big rigs, possess substantial weight, with the maximum allowable weight for a commercial truck in California set at 80,000 pounds. The immense size of these vehicles amplifies the potential for severe damage in the event of car accidents. Even incidents that might be considered minor in standard circumstances can escalate into catastrophic and fatal outcomes when involving big rigs.
The extended stopping distance for big rigs further compounds safety concerns, as drivers find it challenging to promptly bring these massive vehicles to a complete stop. As per the NHTSA, the alarming statistic reveals that nearly 100,000 large commercial trucks are implicated in accidents causing injuries in the United States annually. As projected, this spike may contribute to the escalating fatalities resulting from truck crashes.
Eureka's Commercial Truck Road Safety Risks
California holds the unfortunate ranking of being the second-highest state for fatal commercial truck accidents nationwide, following Texas. While most of these incidents unfold in the state’s southern regions, it’s important to recognize that northern areas like Eureka also contend with their fair share of accidents involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, or tractor-trailers.
Semi-trucks, the colossal vehicles central to these accidents, boast dimensions of approximately 72 feet in length, 13.5 feet in height, and 8.5 feet in width. When fully loaded, a semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, a staggering 20 to 30 times more than a standard passenger vehicle. The substantial size of these vehicles introduces various hazards for other users of the roadway, including:
- Significant Blind Spots – These blind spots hinder the driver’s ability to promptly detect other roadway users in close proximity to the truck.
- Wide Turns – The necessity for wide turns can lead the truck’s front tires to encroach into an adjacent travel lane, posing a risk to nearby vehicles.
- Extended Stopping Distance – The time it takes for the brakes to bring the significant weight of a commercial truck to a safe stop results in an increased stopping distance.
- Higher Center of Gravity – This characteristic renders the truck susceptible to rollovers when the driver attempts emergency maneuvers, such as swerving or navigating sharp corners or curves at speed.
- Higher Ground Clearance – During an accident, the elevated ground clearance of the truck can cause smaller vehicles to slide beneath it.
- Premature Wear of Parts – The substantial mileage accumulated by heavy vehicles accelerates wear and tear on essential components like tires and brakes.
- Driver Fatigue – The extensive hours logged by long-haul truck drivers can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of their involvement in accidents.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Eureka
Drivers operating commercial trucks are required to obtain a specialized license, commonly known as a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The acquisition and retention of a CDL entail comprehensive training on fundamental vehicle operation and adherence to random, periodic drug and alcohol screenings.
Truck drivers may succumb to distractions such as texting, using hand-held devices, eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting GPS or other controls, conversing with dispatchers, and interacting with other people or vehicles.
Excessive speed extends the stopping distance required for the truck and complicates the maneuvering of these substantial vehicles.
Impairment
Instances of impairment by alcohol or drugs, which include both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Failure to Yield
Truck drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections or when merging into a new travel lane.
Neglect of Safety Protocol
This includes neglecting pre-trip safety inspections or failing to adhere to routine service schedules for the truck.
While the majority of truck accidents in Eureka result from the negligence of road users, including truck drivers, certain cases stem from defective vehicle components. In such instances, the responsibility lies with the manufacturing chain, encompassing distributors or retailers associated with the faulty product. With the guidance of Eureka truck accident lawyers, understanding the causes contributing to truck accidents is key to enhancing safety measures on the roads of Eureka.
Eureka Commercial Truck Safety Laws
Insurance Minimums for Commercial Trucks
- $1,000,000 for transporting oil
- $5,000,000 for transporting hazardous materials
- $750,000 for carrying general freight
- $300,000 for transporting household goods
- $300,000 for vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds
- $750,000 to $5,000,000 for vehicles over 10,000 pounds
- $5,000 per truck carrying household goods
- $10,000 per accident for household goods transportation
What To Do After a Truck-Related Accident
You will likely experience a significant impact on many areas of your life as a result of a truck accident. If you have been involved in a large commercial truck accident, it is imperative to follow a set of specific procedures in order to safeguard your legal rights and guarantee that you receive the appropriate compensation that you are entitled to:
- Promptly seek medical attention. Your primary concern should be seeking immediate medical attention for your well-being and safety. Large truck accidents frequently result in severe injuries, necessitating immediate and comprehensive medical treatment. It is crucial to get medical assistance immediately in order to preserve evidence for your legal case.
- Report your big rig accident to the police. Please notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities regarding the incident involving your large commercial vehicle. The police report filed by the officer holds significant value as evidence in your case pertaining to the big rig accident, aiding in seeking compensation for damages.
- Talk to witnesses and collect their contact information. Engage in communication with witnesses and gather their pertinent contact details. The presence of witnesses to the accident might significantly enhance the strength of your legal claim.
- Take photos at the scene. In the majority of instances, law enforcement personnel capture photographs upon their initial arrival at the location. Nevertheless, it remains advantageous to capture photographs as well personally. Capture images of all the participating vehicles from various perspectives, encompassing skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and other pertinent elements. Documentation and tracking of expenses are key factors in determining damages. Maintaining thorough documentation is essential for victims or their family members, even in cases of minor injuries.
- Avoid admitting fault. When conversing with other individuals who were there during the collision, it is advisable to use caution and mindfulness in the content of your statements. It is advisable to refrain from engaging in speculative discussions or making statements that may be perceived as an acknowledgment of responsibility.
- Notify your insurance company. It is advisable to inform your insurance provider. Insurance companies necessitate that clients promptly report motor vehicle accidents. The claim denial may occur if the insured party fails to inform their insurer about the accident promptly.
- Call Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Eureka. Contact a legal professional specializing in big rig accidents in California. You must retain the services of a competent legal professional to thoroughly examine your circumstances, explore potential courses of action, and ascertain the extent of responsibility concerning your case. Eureka truck accident lawyers from Arash Law will assist in pursuing the entitled compensation.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Seeking Compensation After a Eureka Truck Accident
As a truck accident victim in California, you can pursue a legal claim through the civil court system within a two-year timeframe following the injury. Many claims are resolved through negotiation before reaching the courtroom, with the most common resolution being a mutually agreed-upon settlement.
Typically, the process for a personal injury or wrongful death claim initiates with your truck accident lawyers presenting a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. In response, the insurance provider may choose to accept the claim, reject it with an explanation, or propose a settlement amount that might be less than the claim’s assessed value, aiming for a swift resolution outside of court.
Compensation for a Personal Injury
Following a truck accident in Eureka, those who have suffered injuries are entitled to seek compensation for various types of damages. These include:
- Medical Expenses – Covers costs related to healthcare treatment, doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and any necessary medical procedures resulting from the accident.
- Wage Loss – Addresses the income lost during the recovery period, which may include both current and future wages.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – Compensates the diminished ability to earn income in the future due to the long-term impact of the injuries sustained.
- Property Damage – Accounts for the repair or replacement costs of damaged personal property, such as vehicles, that occurred as a result of the truck accident.
- Physical Pain and Suffering – Addresses the physical discomfort and anguish experienced by the victim due to the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Emotional Distress – Compensates for the psychological impact, mental anguish, and emotional suffering resulting from the truck accident.
Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury
As previously discussed, truck accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, notably traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. These injuries often result in permanent disabilities, hindering the affected individuals from sustaining gainful employment. While catastrophic injury claims adhere to the standard personal injury process, they require more substantial compensation. This is to accommodate the anticipated future medical expenses the claimant may face and compensate for the diminished ability to earn income in the future due to the lasting impact of these catastrophic injuries.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death
If you have lost a spouse, domestic partner, parent, or another loved one in a Eureka truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses through a wrongful death claim. This type of claim allows you to pursue compensation for various expenses and impacts, including:
- Medical expenses incurred for the treatment of the deceased’s final injuries.
- The costs associated with the funeral, burial, or cremation.
- The loss of income and other benefits the deceased would have likely earned if they had survived.
- The loss of financial support that the deceased provided to their family members.
- The loss of companionship, affection, love, guidance, and moral support that the deceased offered to their family members.
Trust Arash Law’s Eureka truck accident lawyers as they will engage in negotiations with the insurance provider to bridge the gap between the settlement offer and the actual value of the claim. In cases where a fair offer is not reached, you have the option to file a lawsuit. It’s worth noting that settlement offers can be proposed at any stage before the court issues a decision, and it’s not uncommon for negotiations to continue even during ongoing court proceedings. Whether you have suffered from personal, catastrophic, or wrongful death, our Eureka truck accident lawyers will guide you through the legal process. Start your journey with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eureka Truck Accidents
Is the Truck Driver Always Liable in Eureka Truck Accidents?
- The truck driver. The individual operating the truck can be held liable for the accident.
- The trucking company. The company employing the driver has responsibilities to ensure proper licensing, training, maintenance, and insurance for the truck.
- The shipper. In some instances, the shipper may share responsibility for ensuring compliance with regulations and proper cargo loading.
- Other drivers. Reckless actions of drivers involved in an accident, especially in pile-up scenarios, can contribute to liability.
- Manufacturers, distributors, or retailers. Those responsible for defective parts on the truck or other vehicles involved may also bear liability.
What is the Average Settlement for Eureka Truck Accidents?
- The severity of the injuries sustained
- The insurance coverage held by the at-fault party
- The pre-injury income of the claimant and the potential impact on their earning capacity
- The claimant’s willingness to await a fair compensation offer
Considering the various factors that can influence the outcome of a successful personal injury case, it is recommended to seek the expertise of truck accident attorneys at Arash Law for a precise evaluation of the overall potential assessment of your claim. Our dedicated Eureka truck accident attorneys at Arash Law are devoted to securing the compensation necessary for our clients to achieve full recovery from their injuries. We strive beyond average settlements.
In our recent case involving a truck accident, our client, who was rear-ended by a highly-rated and large delivery truck, sustained neck and back injuries. Through effective legal representation, we achieved a substantial $1,150,000.00 settlement, resolving the matter through mediation without the need for a trial.
What Types of Services Can Lawyers Provide for My Eureka Truck Accident Claim?
- Valuing your claim – This involves a thorough assessment of the various elements that contribute to the worth of your case. It includes evaluating medical expenses, lost wages, future earning potential, pain and suffering, and other relevant factors.
- Determining liable parties – Identifying and establishing legal responsibility for the accident is paramount. This may involve investigating the actions of the truck driver, the trucking company, the shipper, other drivers, or even manufacturers of defective parts.
- Managing communication with the at-fault party’s insurance provider – Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts. Truck accident lawyers can negotiate with the insurer, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive a settlement that fairly addresses your damages.
- Gathering evidence and witness testimony – Building a strong case requires collecting evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and available surveillance footage. Witness testimony can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your position.
- Guiding you in making informed decisions – Truck accident attorneys provide expert advice on legal strategies, potential outcomes, and the implications of decisions you may need to make throughout the legal process. This guidance empowers you to make informed choices.
- Litigation services – If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, litigation involves taking your case to court. Truck accident lawyers will represent your interests in legal proceedings, presenting evidence and arguments to support your claim.
- Assistance collecting your settlement or award – Even after a settlement or court award is granted, administrative tasks and legal processes may be involved in ensuring you receive the compensation owed to you in a timely manner. Eureka truck accident attorneys can facilitate this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient collection of your settlement or award.
I Cannot Afford To Hire Eureka Truck Accident Lawyers. Can I Still File A Claim?
Yes. You still have the option to submit a claim. Additionally, our use of the contingent fee billing approach makes it financially feasible for you to engage our services. Truck accidents are intricate, necessitating thorough investigations to secure the essential evidence for substantiating your claim.
Schedule A Legal Consultation With Seasoned Eureka Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Arash Law is prepared to support you in exploring your legal options after a substantial collision involving an 18-wheeler, big rig, tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or any other commercial truck. Our team of truck accident attorneys in Eureka, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is devoted to optimizing the potential of your case, aiming to secure the highest compensation possible. Our commitment is to instill confidence in your future by facilitating a substantial recovery through either a settlement or an award. You can trust us to focus on ensuring a smooth and financially secure post-accident journey for you.
With decades of experience handling truck accident cases and a demonstrated record of success, our adept Eureka truck accident attorneys are well-versed in determining the appropriate legal course of action. Our primary focus is ensuring you receive exceptional legal assistance and representation against your insurance company and other parties.
We extend our legal services to neighboring locations across California, including cities surrounding Eureka, such as Arcata, Fortuna, Redding, Shasta Lake, Anderson, Red Bluff, Grants Pass, Ashland, Ukiah, Medford, Central Point, Chico, Clearlake, Paradise, and Magalia. Our Eureka truck accident attorneys are available around the clock, providing accessibility when you need assistance.
Take prompt action by reaching out to us. Initiate the first steps toward resolution by contacting us at (888) 488-1391 for a complimentary case evaluation. Our outstanding track record of securing over $750 Million in client compensation attests to our legal expertise. Your journey toward justice starts with a phone call.