Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers
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Trust Our Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers to Win The Compensation You Deserve
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes across California. Palm Springs, a city known for the number of big rigs seen on its highways, is no exception. Given the large number of commercial trucks on the road, it is no surprise that a large number of traffic accidents also happen within the city. If you suffer from injuries after a truck collision, call Arash Law’s Palm Springs truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Commercial trucks play a large part in California’s economy. These vehicles keep the economy going by helping move products in and out of the state. In Palm Springs, the economic opportunities have both steadily increased the city’s population and the number of truck and passenger vehicle accidents.
The legal team at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has decades of experience helping injured Californians get the compensation they need after a truck accident. We want to help you, too, just as we helped all our previous clients recover over $750 Million in settlement awards with the right legal support. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get your life back on track.
Morales v. Construction Group Staffing (settled on 7/23/2020) – settlement involving a client who was catastrophically injured when he fell from a height of 4 stories down a shaft. This is a record breaking California Workers’ Compensation settlement. Read more about this case on Yahoo! Finance News
– TINA ESHGHIEH
U.S. and California Truck Accident Statistics
California is a dangerous place for motorists and has the highest number of truck accidents in the nation, second only to Texas.
A Forbes article reported the following key truck accident statistics:
- In 2021, over half a million truck accidents across the U.S. were reported.
- Truck accidents increased by 26% from 2020 to 2021.
- 6.7% of truck accidents involved impaired driving.
- 13% of truck accidents involved poor weather conditions.
- 79.6% of truck accidents took place in the daytime.
- 7.3% of deadly truck accidents involved speeding.
- Drunk and distracted driving or inattention were the second most common causes of fatal truck accidents.
- 5,788 deaths were the result of truck accidents in 2021.
- Majority of the deaths were occupants of the other vehicle (72%).
- 26.6% of deadly truck accidents happened at an intersection.
- Texas leads among all the states, with 568 fatal truck collisions. California is second with 364 deadly truck crashes.
California Truck Accident Laws
Each state has its own truck accident laws, and the laws regarding truck collisions and personal injury claims in California are straightforward. All drivers need to know the rules of the road to ensure that they are safe.
Knowing who is potentially liable for causing a truck accident can help you resolve your accident claim. Identifying the at-fault party depends on the facts of the case. Working with truck accident attorneys in Palm Springs can help you spot who is at fault for the accident and whether they can be brought to justice under the law.
Potentially responsible parties in traffic accidents include the following:
- The Truck Driver
- The Trucking Company
- Maintenance Providers
- Manufacturers
- Government Entities
Common Causes of Truck Accident Cases in Palm Springs, CA
Truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons in Palm Springs. Commercial truck drivers should be aware of their surroundings and properly maintain their vehicles to avoid traffic accidents. Below are some of the most common reasons that truck accidents happen in Palm Springs:
Poor Road Conditions
You may have a claim against a local, state, or federal government if the truck accident you got involved in was caused by improperly maintained roads. A collision can happen if there are cracks in the road, for example. Suing a government entity can be difficult, so getting legal counsel is imperative to the success of your accident claim.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents that involve large trucks. Trucks typically need much more time to come to a complete stop. So when speeding is involved in a commercial truck collision, the results can be devastating. A speeding big rig, for instance, can cause a crash with catastrophic results.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Truckers and trucking companies are required to properly maintain their commercial trucks. Maintenance can include checking tires, changing oil, checking brake lines, etc. If an accident is caused by improper truck maintenance, your claim may be against the driver, company, owner, and maintenance provider.
If there is a necessary repair, it should be made promptly. Commercial trucks are usually on the road for more miles than the average passenger vehicle. A big rig driver should take the time required to inspect their vehicles more than other drivers to ensure proper maintenance.
Overloading and Improperly Balanced Loads
Trucking companies and the cargo loaders that the company employs are responsible for ensuring that the load is properly loaded to avoid rollover accidents.
There is a legal limit for the maximum weight that a commercial truck may carry at any one time. The reason for this restriction is the more weight a truck has, the easier it is for a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. An overloaded truck can cause a rollover accident or a crash that leaves debris all over the road causing serious traffic incidents.
Inadequate Training and Supervision
Trucking companies must adequately train their drivers. Putting untrained drivers on the road may lead to the company facing legal liability. Adequate training can, for example, help ensure that drivers are aware of the number of hours they are federally allowed to work.
Improper Lane Changes and Traffic Violations
Everyone must make sure they follow the rules of the road, including when to make a proper lane change. A fast or improper lane change can lead to an accident, especially if the passenger vehicle is in the truck driver’s blind spot.
Improper Turning
Commercial trucks have trailers that can be hundreds of feet long. It can take a long time for these vehicles to make a complete turn. An improper turn can cause a multi-car accident.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is negligent. No one should ever drive while impaired as it’s dangerous for everyone on the road, especially when the driver is operating a commercial vehicle. An impaired commercial truck driver is essentially wielding a deadly weapon.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is any action that involves operating the vehicle without reasonable caution. This includes passing another vehicle unlawfully, overspeeding, driving while impaired, and driving while distracted.
Poorly Made Parts
Sometimes, accidents happen because the truck is made of poorly made parts. In cases like these, the truck driver may not be held legally liable, as you might have a claim against the manufacturer. Accident plaintiffs often have trouble suing the manufacturer, so having experienced Palm Springs truck accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights to financial compensation after an accident.
Using a Trucking Company With a Poor Driving Record
The company that causes a truck accident may have a record for unsafe practices. If the company happens to have a record of making their drivers work long hours or of not adequately training them, the company may face legal penalties for causing the accident.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions can cause serious accidents especially when large commercial trucks are involved. While none of us can predict the weather, drivers are still obligated to operate their trucks safely and exercise extra prudence.
How is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident Case?
Hiring Palm Spring truck accident attorneys will help you pinpoint the most likely potential defendants for your claim. Truck accidents are among the most complex traffic incident cases. Only an experienced lawyer can help you prove a defendant’s liability.
There are many potentially responsible parties. The following are examples of defendants that may be listed in a personal injury claim or lawsuit for damages in a truck accident case:
The Truck Driver
A truck driver may face legal liability for causing a truck accident. Any crash can happen if there is a driver error. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Commercial trucks are essentially killing machines when they are operated by negligent or untrained drivers. Even a small mistake can cause a serious result.
The Trucking Company
A trucking company will face legal penalties if the driver was employed when the accident happened or if the company’s negligence somehow caused the accident. It may find itself paying if the driver has no assets to pay off a jury award or settlement.
Trucking companies will also face legal repercussions if they cut corners on maintenance and employee safety to increase profits, force their drivers to work long hours to complete tight deadlines, fail to perform proper maintenance, or are otherwise negligent.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Palm Springs, California?
The steps that you take after a truck accident in Palm Springs are crucial to the success of your accident claim. There is no way to avoid sharing the road with commercial trucks, so we must learn to safely interact with these vehicles. However, there are times when traffic accidents cannot be avoided. When a collision happens, consider doing the following to protect your physical well-being and your legal compensation claim.
Call 911
California state law requires drivers who have been in a traffic accident to call 911 and make an accident report. If an accident happens that involves a large truck, the police are likely to come to the scene of the crash immediately.
The police play an important role in the aftermath of a truck accident. The accident report that the officer will compile will contain an initial finding of fault and a narrative about how the accident happened. That could be vital to your case.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Seek medical attention immediately after a crash. The most valuable things that you can hope to leave a truck accident with are your health and well-being. Protect yourself by getting a physical examination by a medical professional immediately. It does not matter if you feel “fine” after a crash. You need to see a doctor to check for injuries. Some injuries, like internal bleeding and organ damage, can only be determined after an evaluation.
Take Pictures and Videos
To help establish the facts of your case, you will need photos and videos. If you can take pictures at the scene, do so immediately. Useful pictures and videos will be of tire marks, road signs, property damage, injuries, and all other relevant information.
Gather Evidence
In addition to videos and pictures, you will need additional evidence to help prove your case. Examples of relevant information include names and contact information of the other driver, their passengers, and other witnesses to the crash. You should collect the other driver’s insurance information, specifically the name of their insurance company and their policy number. This information will be pertinent as your case continues.
Call Arash Law’s Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers
Speak to an attorney before you talk to anyone about the accident, especially before you speak to a defense lawyer or insurance company. These entities are not on your side and do not have your best interests at heart. They may even try to shift the blame and accuse you of causing the accident.
Unrepresented truck accident victims usually have a hard time protecting themselves from the tactics of the insurance company and other attorneys. Hiring truck accident lawyers in Palm Springs for legal guidance will protect you from being taken advantage of by an intimidating defense team.
Types of Compensation Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers Can Recover for Victims
There are three major categories of compensation for Palm Springs truck accident victims. Accident plaintiffs can expect to receive a combination of economic, non-economic, and punitive damages if available. Palm Springs truck accident attorneys can help you prove these damages so you receive full compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damage is physical losses that cover all types of compensation. These losses are usually obvious, like cuts and bruises. Despite their somewhat obvious nature, many accident victims do not know that they have certain damages. Examples of economic damage include medical expenses, the cost of rehabilitation services, current and future lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and other accident-related losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include accident-related losses that are less obvious than economic damages. These losses cannot be seen by the victim. Examples include loss of enjoyment of life, diminished quality of life, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and trauma. An personal injury attorney can help you identify and collect these damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are special damages that are not available in every case. California law allows a plaintiff to collect punitive damages in cases where there is proof of malice, fraud, or oppression. The amount of punitive damages is determined by the court. An attorney with experience representing truck accident victims in Palm Springs can help you identify whether punitive damages are available in your case and how to prove you deserve them.
Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers and Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are responsible for paying for injuries sustained by accident victims. They do not have your best interests in mind because they want to avoid paying out claims to maximize profits.
An attorney can help you get what you need and deserve after a truck accident crash. For example, they might be able to get you the medical care you need after a serious injury. An insurance company will not go above and beyond to make sure that you get the care you need.
Being unrepresented and injured after a truck accident can mean you leave money on the table when dealing with insurance providers. You may be settling for a meager amount of financial recovery without an attorney. To make sure that all your losses, injuries, and damages are covered by a settlement or jury award, work with Palm Springs accident lawyers immediately after an accident.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The total value of your Palm Springs truck accident case is determined by the facts surrounding the claim. Typically, the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries. Often truck accidents are more monetarily valuable, but just because your claim involved a commercial truck does not mean it is worth hundreds of thousands or maybe millions of dollars. Consult the truck accident lawyers Palm Springs trusts to learn the true value of your claim.
How Can Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers Help Me Prove Fault in a Truck Accident Case?
An attorney has professional experience standing up against insurance companies and defense attorneys in truck accident cases. Your Palm Springs truck accident attorneys can help you protect your legal rights by doing the following:
- Help you prove and collect repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
- Collect current and future medical expenses, including the cost of rehabilitative care and medical equipment.
- Help prove current and future lost wages and lost earning capacity, which includes the inability to return to the same type of work that you could before the accident.
- Help collect damages for mental health care, trauma, distress, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and companionship, and other accident-related expenses.
Some of the practical ways that Palm Springs truck accident lawyers can help a truck accident plaintiff include the following:
Investigating the Accident
California law requires accident victims to prove their claims for damages after a traffic accident. Proving your claim will likely require a thorough investigation. Your attorney will help you investigate your case and gather the facts that will help you resolve your matter successfully.
Decide on a Case Strategy
Getting legal counsel can help you develop a winning case strategy. For example, you must identify the at-fault party in truck cases because they get complicated quickly. An attorney can help you complete this task.
Filing a Claim Against Your Insurance Company
The first step to getting compensation after an accident is filing a claim with the insurance company. Filing an insurance claim can take time and will take a lot of technique to get the best results for your case. A lawyer knows what is required to file a compensation claim, and their support will help you avoid complications later.
Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Even your insurance company wants to keep costs low by avoiding paying out claims. Most accident claims are settled out of court, so it is important to have an advocate who understands how to best negotiate with insurance providers. Hiring an attorney will help you accomplish this goal.
Litigation
If an agreement for a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached between you and the insurance company, your case will continue to litigation. Filing a civil claim in court can be intimidating, especially if you have never been involved in a civil case before. An attorney will help you by representing your cause at every stage of the court process.
How to Choose the Best Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers
If you find yourself at the center of an accident claim, you will need the skills to pick the best attorney to represent you. Consider the following as you decide who the best Palm Springs truck accident lawyers and law firm is fit for you:
- The attorney has experience representing big rig accident victims.
- The attorney has a proven track record of success in helping injured truck accident victims get compensation.
- The attorney listens to your concerns and considers your goals for the outcome of the case.
- Your legal team keeps you updated about your claim.
- You feel confident about your attorney’s skill and ability.
Can Palm Springs Truck Accident Attorneys Help Me Prove the Truck Driver was Negligent?
An attorney can certainly help you prove that the truck driver was negligent. The Palm Springs truck accident lawyers you choose to represent you must prove the following to prove liability:
The Driver Failed to Exercise Due Care
The driver’s duty includes doing everything they can to avoid a traffic accident. Failure to try and avoid an accident puts everyone on the road in jeopardy.
The Driver’s Failure to Exercise Reasonable Care Caused the Accident
Drivers must exercise their duty of care. Your attorney will help you determine if the driver’s failure is a direct result of the accident.
Damages from the Accident
Your attorney will help you determine if your losses and injuries are caused by the accident. There must be evidence of a link between the accident and the injuries that you suffered.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Truck Accident in Palm Springs, California?
You do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a truck accident claim to recover for your damages. California state law requires accident plaintiffs to comply with the statute of limitations, a deadline that gives an accident victim a set amount of time to either settle their claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. Each state has a different statute of limitations.
In California, accident victims have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If an accident victim fails to file a claim, the law bars their right to file an action permanently. It is critical to speak to an accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal right to sue a trucking driver or company.
If you were a minor when the accident happened, you may have a different period of time to file a lawsuit. California state law allows a minor two years from the day they turn 18 years old to file a lawsuit.
If you have a potential claim against a local, state, or federal government entity, the California statute of limitations only provides an injured person six months from the date of the accident to file a claim.
California state law bars a claim in either of these special circumstances if the victim does not comply with the applicable statute of limitations.
Other Types of Truck Accidents
In addition to commercial truck vehicles, other large vehicles cause similar outcomes, including:
- Garbage disposal trucks
- Landscaping trucks
No matter the type of large truck or commercial vehicle you or a loved one was in an accident with, you need legal representation to ensure you have access to the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a truck, contact our Palm Springs truck accident attorneys immediately.
Call Us Today to Speak with Award-Winning Palm Springs Truck Accident Lawyers
Pursuing a compensation claim after a truck accident can be intimidating for the victim. Creating a legal team that you know can support you from the beginning until your case is resolved can make you feel more confident about going after the compensation you deserve.
The lawyers at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of experience getting Palm Springs truck accident victims the full and fair compensation they need to start putting their lives back together.
We want to help you, too. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact the Palm Springs truck accident lawyers at Arash Law. We have the skills and expertise you need to get the best results on your claim.
Call us today at 888-488-1391 or contact us online to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation. At Arash Law, we are here to help.
