Ventura Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Ventura Truck Accident Lawyers Offer Personalized Legal Support For Every Client
Were you involved in a truck accident in Ventura, California? Call Arash Law’s Ventura truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your situation and legal options. We are experienced in representing truck accident victims and seeking compensation for our clients. With years of combined experience in personal injury law, our skilled attorneys can provide you with legal representation.
Ventura, a hidden gem between Malibu and Santa Barbara, offers a relaxing charm and a calm small-town atmosphere. However, the city is no stranger to truck accidents, especially on busy roads like Highway 126 and the US-10. Unfortunately, some collisions involving trucks may result in severe injuries and fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a devastating truck crash in Ventura, our truck accident attorneys can help you. Our attorneys can offer legal support and walk you through the complexities of your case. Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you pursue just compensation for your injuries and losses.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial agricultural defendant – client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Benefits Of Hiring Skilled Ventura Truck Accident Lawyers
No matter how bad your injuries are or how strong the evidence is against a trucking company, you may still encounter a problem during the claims process. Insurance companies conduct a thorough investigation into your specific circumstances. They may raise defenses to contest the extent of their responsibility. As such, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer in Ventura to guide you through handling truck accident claims.
Aside from that, hiring a truck accident attorney offers various benefits. Particularly, skilled truck accident lawyers in Ventura have:
- Experience helping clients with cases similar to yours.
- An understanding of California’s personal injury law.
- Access to a network of doctors, accident reconstructionists, and other expert witnesses.
- The capability to identify and gather evidence, like the truck’s black box.
- Knowledge of federal trucking regulations that may pertain to your situation.
- Negotiation skills, which we use when communicating with insurance companies and their adjusters.
- Authority to represent you in court if you decide to proceed to trial for your truck accident case.
Knowing which firm is the right fit for your case can be beneficial when looking for legal representation. Personal injury attorneys have a duty to uphold their clients’ interests. Your lawyer can help you seek compensation and negotiate with insurers and other relevant parties. This way, our team can handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from your accident-related injuries.
Why Hire Our Ventura Truck Accident Lawyers After An Accident
Searching for experienced truck accident attorneys in California? Consider calling a law firm for assistance. At Arash Law, our experienced attorneys serve injured truck collision victims throughout California, from Ventura to Los Angeles.
Our skilled Ventura truck accident attorneys can handle the legal aspects of your claim and work diligently to pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Here’s why you should consider working with our Ventura truck accident lawyers:
- We provide individualized attention to your case and treat each client with care and compassion. Ultimately, we are committed to advocating for your rights.
- Our attorneys have years of experience helping clients navigate personal injury cases throughout California.
- With our experience, we aim to help injured clients in California pursue fair compensation.
- For many years, we have represented individuals and handled various claims in court, including truck accidents.
If you’re thinking of pursuing compensation, our legal team can evaluate your case and explain your options. Contact us for a free initial consultation. Our lines are open 24/7 to help address your questions and concerns regarding your situation.
Truck Accident Statistics
Large truck incidents are alarmingly frequent. The National Safety Council’s data shows that in 2021 alone, there were a staggering 5,700 fatal crashes involving large trucks. Additionally, there were 117,300 truck accidents resulting in injuries.
Additionally, according to the NSC report, Nebraska (16%), Iowa (16%), Kansas (14%), and Wyoming (14%) have the highest proportion of fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2021. On the other hand, Texas recorded the highest number of deaths from large truck crashes in 2021, with 806 deaths, followed by California with 437 deaths, and Florida with 373 deaths.
Causes Of Truck Collisions In Ventura, CA
Truck accidents can result in devastating outcomes. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle like a car, the car can be crushed like an accordion. The fatality rate is alarmingly high, with approximately 5,000 Americans losing their lives in truck accidents in 2021 alone.
Here are some of the common causes that lead to these tragic truck incidents:
- Drowsy driving
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating, reading, adjusting controls, etc.)
- Driving after or while drinking alcohol
- Driving after taking drugs or prescription/over-the-counter medication
- Aggressive driving, including speeding, tailgating, etc.
- Improper driver training
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Environmental factors (e.g., water or objects on the roadway, glare from the sun, thick fog and poor visibility, storms, etc.)
- Improper truck fleet maintenance
- Hours of service violations
- Stroke, heart attack, or falling ill while driving
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Ignoring traffic regulations, such as running red lights or stop signs
- Not looking before changing lanes
- Vehicle rollover
- Defective truck or malfunction
- Improper driving technique
- Failure to adapt to weather and road conditions
Common Injuries From A Truck Accident In Ventura County
With their immense size and high speeds, commercial trucks pose a significant threat to passengers, pedestrians, and car drivers. The sheer force of impact from a truck can cause catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, some victims don’t survive truck collisions.
Typical injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Torn arteries (arterial dissection)
- Vision or hearing loss
- Burn injuries
- Broken or fractured bones/limbs
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
If a truck accident leads to a tragic loss of life, we’re committed to supporting and helping any eligible survivors and representatives in pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Truck collisions can have long-lasting effects on the survivors. Coping with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when victims and their loved ones are unsure about their rights or where to find help.
At Arash Law, our team of truck accident lawyers in Ventura offers support for you and your family, regardless of the type of injuries sustained. We’re committed to advocating for your right to seek financial compensation, using legal strategies tailored to your case.
Damages You Can Seek In A Truck Accident Claim In Ventura
If you were hurt in a truck accident because of someone else’s carelessness, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your injuries and other harm caused by the accident. Generally, it’ll depend on the financial and non-financial losses you suffered due to the crash.
Whether it’s through an insurance agreement or a court decision, you may be able to pursue the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and future earnings
- Vehicle and property damage
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the accident
If the victim succumbed to their injuries, their family may be able to seek wrongful death damages. The husband or wife may also pursue compensation for the emotional pain and suffering they experience. If you’re unfamiliar with the laws surrounding your case, our Ventura truck accident attorneys will guide you every step of the way.
Want to learn more about the compensation that may be available after a truck accident in Ventura? Contact our office and schedule a free initial consultation with our Ventura truck accident lawyers.
Who Is Responsible For Truck Accidents In Ventura, CA?
Every case is unique, and various factors determine liability for each accident. Additionally, truck accidents in Ventura can happen due to the negligence of an individual or multiple parties, including the following:
- The Truck Driver — Whether the driver is driving too fast or has fallen asleep while driving, their negligence may be a factor in the truck accident.
- The Truck Company Owner — Truck companies have specific responsibilities regarding hiring drivers and ensuring they follow state and federal laws. The truck company may be held responsible for any injuries if accidents occur.
- The Truck Part Manufacturer — Truck accidents can involve product liability issues, as faulty auto parts like airbags or tires can play a significant role in causing fatal accidents.
- The Shipping Company — If a shipping company fails to establish safety standards and causes an accident, it may be held responsible.
All the parties mentioned could be responsible for the accident, or just a couple of them. Whatever the case may be, sorting everything out might require a detailed investigation. Most of this investigation will happen after a civil lawsuit starts. That’s why seeking assistance from experienced Ventura truck accident lawyers who can conduct a comprehensive investigation may benefit your case.
Typically, financial responsibility for trucking accidents involves more parties than in regular car accidents. While the truck driver may be responsible for the collision, several factors could have played a role in causing it. As a result, identifying who may be responsible for truck accident cases may be more complicated than it seems at first glance. So, having experienced and dedicated representation may be beneficial in establishing that the accident happened because of other people’s negligence.
What Evidence Is Necessary In Truck Accident Cases In Ventura, CA?
As an injured victim pursuing a truck accident claim, you have the burden of proof. In other words, you (and your attorney) are responsible for proving your case. It’s how the insurance system works in California. The state follows a fault-based approach, requiring victims to establish fault to be eligible to seek an insurance settlement.
You can present the evidence available in your case to a judge or jury, showing that the trucking company or defendant may have been responsible for the crash. Concrete and supporting evidence may include:
- A comprehensive police accident report.
- The truck’s data recorder, commonly known as the “black box”.
- The trucking company’s track record of compliance with regulations.
- Detailed records of truck maintenance and repairs.
- Reports from thorough inspections conducted on the truck.
- The truck driver’s employment and driving history.
- Video footage from surveillance cameras capturing the incident.
- Photos of the vehicle damage, other property damage, and the accident site.
- Statements from eyewitnesses who have signed their accounts.
- Testimony from expert witnesses in various fields.
- Relevant medical records of injuries sustained in the accident.
If we take on your case, our Ventura truck accident attorneys can return to the crash site, speak with witnesses who saw what happened, obtain copies of accident reports and cell phone records, and conduct other investigations to gather evidence for your truck accident case. We can help you build a case aimed at seeking accountability from the potentially liable party for your losses and damages.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
Differences Between Car And Truck Accidents
Indeed, there are significant differences between car and truck accidents. If you are a victim of one of these incidents, understanding the legal procedures for each type of accident may be helpful. Note that truck accident claims are considerably more complicated than car accident claims. Here are some of the differences between car and truck accidents:
Severity Of Injuries
Needless to say, truck accidents are typically more catastrophic than car accidents. The force of a semi-truck is much stronger, leading to significant damage to other vehicles involved. Not to mention, they’re likely to cause severe and lasting injuries.
Since the costs of injuries from a truck accident are higher, the insurance company may look at your circumstances closely to negotiate, scrutinize claims, and challenge the extent of their responsibility.
Federal Regulations
The federal government strictly regulates the trucking industry. One example is the “Hours of Service” rules, which indicate how long a truck driver can work before taking a break to rest. There are also regulations regarding licensing, employment, maintenance, and more.
Issues Of Negligence
Different types of negligence can cause truck accidents, just as they can lead to car crashes. However, there are specific issues that are more prevalent in truck accidents, including the use of medication, driver fatigue, and negligent hiring or training.
Mechanical Issues
Trucks are bigger and have more complicated machinery than other vehicles on the road. They present particular dangers, such as jackknifing, collisions with runaway trucks, and accidents caused by overloaded cargo and overturned trailers.
Parties Involved
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, employers, shipping and cargo companies, and various insurance providers.
Evidence
Truck accident claims often involve more extensive and complex evidence than typical car accident claims. This evidence can range from complex medical reports that require expert testimony to “black box” recordings and electronic metadata.
Federal Regulations On Commercial Vehicles
The FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is in charge of regulating commercial trucks. They have established rules that truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to. These rules cover various aspects of trucking, including inspections, maintenance, hours of service, and the maximum size and weight of trucks. It’s essential for the safety and efficiency of the trucking industry that these regulations are strictly adhered to.
Here are some federal regulations from the FMCSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow:
Federal Regulation 49 CFR 382.303: Post-Accident Drug And Alcohol Testing
In specific situations, truck driver employers are obligated by federal law to conduct alcohol and controlled substances tests on their employees. These tests are necessary if the accident resulted in deaths, the trucker received a citation within 8 or 32 hours of the collision, and the accident involved a tow-away or injury. These tests should be carried out as soon as reasonably possible after the truck accident.
Federal Regulation 49 CFR 395.8: Driver’s Duty Status Record
Under federal law, truck drivers and their employees must maintain drive logs or driver’s duty status records. Drive logs should be kept for 6 months and should include the following information:
- Date
- Distance Traveled
- Vehicle Type and Number
- Carrier Name
- Driver’s Signature/Certification
- 24-hour Period Start Time
- Main Office Address
- Remarks
- Co-Driver’s Name
- Total Hours
- Shipping Document Number(s) or Shipper’s Name and Commodity
Federal Regulation 49 CFR 396.11: Vehicle Maintenance And Inspection
Truck drivers are obligated by federal law to create a written report detailing the specific truck they were operating after completing their day’s work. These reports must be kept on record for a period of three months. The report should include an overview of the various parts and accessories of the truck, including:
- Service brakes
- Parking brake
- Tires
- Wheels and rims
- Horn
- Windshield wipers
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Rear vision mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Emergency equipment
Our Ventura truck accident lawyers thoroughly investigate the circumstances behind the crash. We meticulously examine whether any FMCSA regulations were violated, as one or more violations could be linked to the root cause of the crash. Furthermore, a track record of regulatory violations may support a claim that the truck driver or company consistently acts negligently. Our process includes a detailed investigation to build a well-supported case for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Accept The Insurance Company’s Offer After A Truck Accident?
Consider seeking legal advice before agreeing to a settlement or speaking with an insurance company. Settlement agreements are legally binding. Accepting one means you cannot seek further compensation if you incur additional accident-related costs in the future.
For example, if your medical bills skyrocket or your injuries worsen suddenly. You may be left with limited options if you have already accepted the insurance company’s offer. That’s why it may be wise to consult our experienced truck accident lawyers in Ventura County before speaking to an insurance adjuster.
Our Ventura truck accident attorneys can handle correspondence with insurers on your behalf. If they call, you can defer them to your attorney instead. We can help you navigate the legal aspects of your case, all while keeping you informed about its progress.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer?
We can represent clients who have suffered from truck accidents under a contingency fee arrangement. This means you will only pay attorney fees if we secure compensation for you. Although you’re not obliged to pay if no settlement is obtained, certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome.
One of our Ventura truck accident lawyers will discuss our fee structure and other potential costs during your free initial consultation. Contact us to schedule a meeting.
How Long Does A Truck Accident Claim Take?
Truck accident claims can take considerable time to resolve due to their intricacy. While some claims may be settled within a year, more complicated cases can take longer. The duration of the claim depends on various factors and the complexity of your specific situation. During your initial consultation with our truck accident lawyers in Ventura, we can give you an assessment of your claim’s challenges and an estimated time frame.
Contact Our Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyers In Ventura!
Truck collisions can occur in various locations, ranging from the busy highways of Southern California to the local roads of Ventura. If you have suffered injuries in a big rig crash, contact Arash Law’s team of skilled truck accident attorneys serving Ventura. Call (888) 488-1391 to connect with us. Our dedicated legal representatives offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
We also represent injured truck accident victims in the following areas: Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Barbara, and Bakersfield.
