Calabasas Truck Accident Lawyers
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Award-Winning Calabasas Truck Accident Lawyers Who Are Dedicated To Protecting Your Rights
In Calabasas, just off US 101, the presence of tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other big rigs is undeniably scary. Truck accidents are regrettably common, and even a minor collision can lead to severe injuries. At Arash Law, the Calabasas truck accident lawyers advocate for injured victims. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online form for free consultation.
Calabasas is a city where the San Fernando Valley converges with the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s located approximately 30 miles (50 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles. As a pivotal point where roadways meet, Calabasas sees regular interaction between local drivers and large trucks, including tractor-trailers and semi-trucks. These interactions have, regrettably, led to truck accidents, causing varying degrees of injuries and damages in the area. Residents and commuters must know the elevated risk and take necessary precautions when sharing the road with these substantial vehicles.
Our team of Calabasas truck accident attorneys has many decades of collective experience effectively safeguarding victims’ rights in claim filings. Our track record includes impressive settlements and jury awards amounting to millions of dollars in truck accident cases. To explore how we can assist you, reach out today to arrange a free consultation.
Verdict on a premise liability case involving a defective gate– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
The Benefits Of Hiring Truck Accident Lawyers In Calabasas, CA
Regarding the claims process for truck accidents, the stakes are undeniably high. These incidents often result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. The process can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, insurance entities, and potentially other motorists.
Effectively handling the legal aspects of a truck accident case demands specialized knowledge and expertise, which is what dedicated Calabasas truck accident lawyers bring to the table. An imperative reason to hire the services of truck accident attorneys is their capacity to safeguard your rights and secure a fair settlement. With experienced Calabasas truck accident attorneys by your side, you gain insight into all potential avenues for compensation.
Another pivotal aspect of hiring truck accident lawyers in Calabasas is their experience in dealing with insurance companies. Insurance providers often employ tactics to downplay claims, attempting to minimize payouts. Proficient truck accident lawyers understand the strategies employed by insurance adjusters and tirelessly fight to ensure you receive rightful compensation. They take charge of all communication with insurance companies, shielding your rights and preventing any exploitation during the claims process. Our Calabasas truck accident attorneys also extend invaluable emotional support and guidance during this challenging period.
How Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Calabasas Help You?
Our lawyers specializing in truck accident injuries in Calabasas’ mission is to help clients obtain maximum compensation while ensuring a streamlined and painless legal process. We take on insurance companies with tried and tested legal strategies to ensure that you get the justice you deserve.
Entrusting your case to our attorneys allows you to focus on your recovery with the assurance that a seasoned expert is handling your legal affairs. If you or someone you know has sustained injuries, experienced catastrophic harm, or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Calabasas, we are here to provide expert legal assistance.
For a complimentary consultation regarding your injury or wrongful death claim arising from a truck collision, please reach out to us. Your initial consultation with us is entirely free of charge.
Types of Truck Accidents
Our team of Calabasas truck accident attorneys offers aggressive legal representation in various types of cases, including:
Sideswipe Accidents
These incidents typically occur when truckers attempt to overtake or pass other vehicles on the road. In this scenario, the side of the truck comes into contact with the side of another vehicle, often leading to collisions.
Side Impact or T-Bone Accidents
This type of accident involves a truck colliding directly into the side of another vehicle, typically occurring at intersections. The impact resembles the shape of a “T,” resulting in significant damage and often severe injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
A truck strikes another vehicle from behind in a rear-end collision. Various factors, including sudden stops, distractions, or inadequate braking distances, can cause these accidents.
Underride Crashes
In underride crashes, a motorist collides with the rear of a truck, causing their vehicle to slide or go underneath the trailer. This type of accident poses a significant risk to occupants in the smaller vehicle due to the potential for severe underride injuries.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions involve the front ends of two vehicles directly impacting each other. In the context of truck accidents, these often occur on highway entrance and exit ramps, presenting a high-risk situation for those involved.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents result from truckers slamming on the brakes, causing the trailer to swing outward and align with the cab at a 90-degree angle. This configuration resembles a folding jackknife, and it can lead to a loss of control and subsequent collisions.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a truck flips onto its side or roof. These accidents are more common around curves in the road, and factors such as speed, load distribution, and road conditions can contribute to their occurrence.
The proximity of Calabasas residents to major expressways increases the risk of truck accidents. Despite the substantial size and weight of most big rigs providing truck drivers with a degree of protection, other motorists often bear the burden of severe injuries. If you or someone you know has been involved in a big rig accident in Calabasas, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of our experienced truck accident attorneys.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents in Calabasas
While various factors like road conditions, traffic, and weather may contribute to truck accidents, the truck driver’s negligent actions often bear the primary responsibility. Our Calabasas truck accident attorneys frequently encounter cases involving the following common causes:
- Speeding – Instances where a truck driver surpasses posted speed limits, disregarding the legal constraints on the road.
- Failure to Adjust Speed – This pertains to situations where the truck driver neglects to adapt their speed to the specific conditions of the road and weather, such as rain, snow, or reduced visibility.
- Disregarding Traffic Signs and Signals – Involves scenarios where the truck driver fails to observe and comply with traffic signs, including stop signs, yield signs, and other regulatory signals. This disobedience can lead to collisions.
- Tailgating – This occurs when a truck driver follows another vehicle too closely, leaving insufficient stopping distance and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Failure to Yield – Involves situations where the truck driver does not yield the right of way as required, potentially causing accidents at intersections or merging points.
- Unsafe Passing – Includes reckless passing maneuvers that violate traffic rules, jeopardizing the safety of the truck driver and other road users.
- Distracted Driving – Involves activities like talking on the phone or texting while driving. All of these divert the driver’s attention away from the road. Instances where the truck driver manipulates GPS settings while driving contribute to distracted driving and an increased risk of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence – Accidents resulting from truck drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications. Such impairment compromises their ability to drive safely and responsibly.
Common Injuries Associated With Truck Accidents
- Head and Brain Injuries – Truck accidents often yield head and brain injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even minor collisions can cause substantial harm due to the force involved. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to a vegetative state or death, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Severe spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, are a common aftermath of truck accidents. The impact can damage the spinal cord, affecting motor and sensory functions. Immediate medical attention is essential for potential recovery and long-term care, as any spinal cord injury, regardless of perceived severity, can cause catastrophic, life-changing damage.
- Neck and Back Injuries – Sudden impacts in truck accidents frequently lead to severe neck and back injuries, causing long-term pain and discomfort. These injuries can affect bones, muscles, nerves, or other tissues, with recovery often requiring extensive medical and rehabilitative care. Neck injuries, especially, can be challenging to recover from, and victims may experience inconsistent, up-and-down progress.
- Broken Bones and Fractures – Truck accidents can result in broken bones, ranging from simple to severe fractures. The consequences may require surgery, physical therapy, and an extended recovery period. Depending on the severity and location, these injuries can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, or life-threatening complications, adding emotional distress and financial strain due to medical bills and lost income.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, can occur in truck accidents. Blunt force trauma, penetration injuries, or severe body twisting can cause these life-threatening injuries, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Burns and Lacerations – If a truck accident involves fire or hazardous materials, burns and lacerations may result. Burns range from first to third-degree, demanding extensive medical treatment and potential surgeries. Lacerations can cause severe bleeding and scarring, leading to physical disfigurement and prolonged recovery periods.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Calabasas, CA
Encountering a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking prompt and strategic steps is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you deal with the mess after a truck accident in Calabasas:
- Seek emergency response. Call 911 for an ambulance or paramedic if injuries are involved. Avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless necessary to prevent worsening their condition.
- Report to the Police in Calabasas. Call the Calabasas Police Department to report the truck accident and provide your location. Police involvement serves as official documentation, often necessary for processes like Uninsured Motorist (UM) accident claims.
- Do not move your vehicle. Refrain from moving your damaged vehicle unless necessary. Investigators rely on the vehicle’s location, skid marks, tire tracks, and debris to reconstruct the accident.
- Interact with your local law enforcement. Communicate essential facts to law enforcement upon their arrival. Cooperate fully to ensure accurate details are recorded. Never admit fault or even say “sorry,” as your words might be misinterpreted and used against you.
- Gather photographic evidence. Use a camera or mobile phone to capture images of damaged vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries.
- Collect information from drivers and witnesses. Get contact details, license plates, VINs, and driver’s licenses from all involved. Collect insurance info like insurer names, policy numbers, and truck document details.
- Notify your insurance carrier. Inform your insurance carrier about the accident. Prepare and file necessary DMV forms, such as SR-1 and SR-19 forms, in California. If you have legal representation, let your truck accident attorneys in Calabasas handle communication with insurance companies and DMV forms for convenience and to avoid errors.
- Consult with the Calabasas truck accident lawyers at Arash Law. Experienced truck accident lawyers at Arash Law can guide you through the process, handle communication with insurance companies, and assist with the necessary paperwork. Seeking immediate legal advice is essential. Our experienced truck accident injury attorneys offer free consultations and are ready to assist you.
What Compensation Can I Get From A Truck Accident In Calabasas?
- Medical Expenses – Past and future medical costs cover ambulances, emergency rooms, hospitals, doctors, specialists, physical therapy, diagnostic scans (MRI and CT), psychological counseling, medications, prescriptions, and dental charges.
- Loss of Earnings – Past and future loss of earnings and earning capacity, encompassing all time lost from work, even if compensated through sick leave or vacation time.
- Quality of Life – Loss of enjoyment of life and the special activities missed due to the injuries sustained in the truck accident.
- Pain and Suffering – Past and future pain, suffering, emotional distress, and inconvenience experienced due to the accident.
- Property Damage – Property damage, rental charges, and loss of use of a property. This includes compensation for the inability to afford a replacement vehicle and the subsequent loss of use.
- Diminution in Property Value- Any diminution in the value of your property after repair compared to its pre-collision value, entitling you to extra compensation.
- Other Appropriate Damages – Any other applicable damages permitted under California law.
What Is The Applicable Insurance Coverage For Truck Accidents in Calabasas?
Big rigs and commercial trucks typically fall under larger commercial insurance policies. These policies provide coverage for both the drivers and owners of these vehicles, often featuring significantly higher coverage amounts than insurance policies for private automobiles. The need for larger insurance coverage for trucks arises from the potential for more severe injuries and, at times, fatalities resulting from accidents involving these substantial vehicles. Such accidents can cause harm to occupants of smaller cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
It is crucial to refrain from responding to any communication from the trucking company or their insurers until you have consulted with truck accident attorneys. Resist the urge to sign or provide recorded statements to the trucking company or insurer. Disregard any forms they may send and have your attorneys review them first.
Trucking companies and insurers possess considerable resources and may contest your case, even if you are not at fault for the trucking accident. Upon hiring expert Calabasas truck accident attorneys, their responsibility is to examine finer details that contributed to the accident, often going beyond what the police might have overlooked. These factors include negligent hiring practices, inadequate supervision, insufficient training, driver fatigue, driving under the influence, and more.
Your truck accident lawyers can also investigate the driver’s history, uncovering past distracted or aggressive driving violations. Additionally, they can ascertain whether the driver was using prescribed or over-the-counter medications that may have influenced their driving on the day of the accident. Consulting with truck accident attorneys in Calabasas before engaging with the trucking company or their insurers is a protective measure to ensure your rights are safeguarded, and all relevant details are thoroughly examined.
Statute of Limitations In Calabasas, CA
The Statute of Limitations establishes the legal timeframe within which a victim involved in an accident, specifically a truck accident, can initiate legal proceedings. It outlines the period during which victims and their families can file a lawsuit.
In California, individuals have a strict two-year window to initiate a lawsuit for damages resulting from a truck accident. Failure to file your truck accident claim within the designated timeframe may result in forfeiting your right to pursue legal action.
Although the statutory clock begins ticking from the date of the accident, exceptions are recognized in cases where the injured party was mentally incapacitated or unable to file a claim. Additionally, the statutory period is extended for minors under 18. Minors have until their eighteenth birthday and the standard 2-year statutory period to file a lawsuit. Finally, the statutory period may be extended in cases where an injury remains unknown but is later discovered.
Regrettably, many individuals lose their right to legal recourse simply due to a lack of awareness regarding the strict timeline of their accident claims. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the timeframe available to file a truck accident claim, you must promptly seek legal assistance from our expert team of Calabasas truck accident lawyers.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Truck Accident Statistics
Trucks play a crucial role in boosting the U.S. economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and raw materials locally and over extensive distances. However, their substantial size, extended stopping distance, and the inherent challenge of truck drivers working extended hours and being prone to driver fatigue contribute to an increased risk of collisions.
According to the National Safety Council’s data in 2021, fatal crashes involving large trucks reached 5,700, an 18% increase from the previous year and a 49% surge over the last decade. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled rose 7% compared to 2020 and experienced a 22% increase over the past 10 years. For clarification, large trucks include any medium or heavy truck with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds, excluding buses and motor homes. This category includes both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
Key statistics for large trucks in fatal crashes include:
- Representing 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
- Comprising 5% of all registered vehicles
- Accounting for 10% of total vehicle miles traveled
Due to these alarming statistics, representation becomes essential in the event of a truck accident. Our Calabasas truck accident attorneys’ commitment, diligence, and determination enable us to pursue financial recovery for our clients, especially in the wake of devastating truck accidents.
How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Cost In Calabasas?
The legal team at Arash Law boasts extensive experience in handling truck accident cases and claims, comprehending the specifics surrounding injuries and fatalities resulting from such incidents. Whether you find yourself in a collision with a truck while operating your passenger vehicle or if you’re a truck driver facing injuries due to negligence on the part of your employers, you are entitled to compensation.
Arash Law operates exclusively on a contingency basis, meaning our payment is contingent upon the successful resolution of your claim. This approach is important because defendants like transportation companies and insurance carriers can afford top-tier legal representation. The contingency payment system ensures you receive the best possible representation, aiming for compensation covering all damages. This includes injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, trauma, and the challenges of rebuilding your life after a devastating wreck. You only pay once your claim is settled, aligning our interests with securing the maximum compensation for your situation.
Call The Award-Winning Truck Accident Lawyers Calabasas Trust
Truck accidents often result in life-changing consequences, leaving victims with permanent disabilities or worse. In such traumatic situations, victims deserve dedicated legal representation. Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Calabasas possess the necessary skills and experience your case demands.
We aim to deliver top-notch legal services and personal attention to resolve your challenges swiftly. We take pride in securing $750 Million of substantial monetary recoveries for our client’s personal injury claims and establishing a trustworthy point of contact for any legal concerns or questions you may have. Developing a strong and lasting attorney-client relationship ensures that you always have a reliable legal guidance and assistance source.
Arash Law extends our invitation to personal injury victims in Calabasas and nearby cities in California, including Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, San Fernando, Moorpark, Culver City, West Hollywood, Santa Clarita, Burbank, El Segundo, and Inglewood. During the initial consultation, our team of Calabasas truck accident attorneys will thoroughly assess all pertinent aspects of your case, providing specific recommendations on the best course of action. To seek justice and fair compensation, call us at (888) 488-1391 today.
