Trinity County Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Trinity County Truck Accident Lawyers Offer Dedicated Legal Representation
Trinity County roads can get dangerous once it rains or snows. Hefty vehicles like trailer trucks carrying heavy loads of logs need to be extra careful while traversing the county. But sometimes, even when it’s sunny and the pavements are well-maintained, truck accidents happen. If you get injured in such cases, our Trinity County truck accident lawyers can assist you in filing a personal injury claim. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to get a free initial consultation.
There are three main routes in Trinity County. Trucks of different types frequently pass through these major roads, hauling a variety of loads. Unfortunately, these massive vehicles can easily injure innocent pedestrians and motorists in truck accidents. Their sheer weight and size alone can cause catastrophic injuries that can alter a victim’s life forever.
Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has represented many clients. Our injury attorneys are familiar with California personal injury laws and understand how insurance companies evaluate and process claims.
Learn if you have a valid claim by completing our “Do I Have A Case?” form. One of our lawyers will review your case and get back to you.
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
How Our Trinity County Truck Accident Lawyers Help You Pursue Compensation
Getting compensation can help accident victims recover financially and move forward after the incident. But to pursue a settlement, you may consider working with truck accident lawyers in Trinity County. They can help you with the following:
- Explaining Your Rights — Lawyers can explain your rights, including what your legal options are and what compensation may be available. Still, these depend on certain aspects of your case.
- Offering Legal Advice — With the facts on the table, our lawyers can offer legal advice on what steps you can take next.
- Evaluating Your Case — A knowledgeable attorney considers several factors, including your medical bills and related expenses, to calculate the compensation that may apply to your claim.
- Investigating — Cases require credible evidence to back them up. Without proof, the opposing party may dispute liability. Our lawyers can review available CCTV footage, photos, video, and report to establish negligence and liability.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies — Arash Law can communicate with insurance adjusters on your behalf. We will help protect your rights and pursue a settlement that reflects your losses.
- Preparing for Litigation — If we can’t settle out of court, we will move forward with your case and represent you in front of the judge and jury. We prepare for litigation and build our legal arguments based on facts.
Why Choose Arash Law’s Trinity County Truck Accident Attorneys?
Arash Law Trinity County attorneys have years of experience handling truck accident claims. Whether you have been in a big rig accident or an 18-wheeler wreck, our team can help.
In addition, our lawyers recognize that not every case is identical; therefore, we strive to get to know you better to create a strategy that suits the specifics of your claim.
Moreover, we have experience in dealing with insurance companies and how they operate. These companies may carefully review statements and evidence related to a claim, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Did you say you were “okay” when they asked you how you were doing? Or did you post a vacation picture on your social media? Such details could be interpreted in ways that potentially affect your claim.
Lastly, we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. You won’t be charged for attorney fees unless compensation is obtained through a settlement or verdict. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply.
Use our contact form to get in touch with our lawyers and learn more.
What Should I Do After An Accident With A Large Truck?
It’s essential to protect your health and your rights after a truck accident. Here are some examples of steps you can take:
- Stay Calm & Assess Your Situation — Check yourself and your companions next for any injuries. Take note of wounds and any aches and pains you feel.
- Call 911 — Then, move to a safer location away from traffic, but do not leave the scene. Whether you are injured or not, calling the authorities is a critical step, as a police report can serve as vital evidence for your claim.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention — Emergency medical technicians are trained to give first aid to injured victims. Give them details on what you are feeling and where. Even if you don’t feel anything at first, have them check you for any injuries.
- Cooperate with the Police — Give them as much detail as you can remember. If possible, avoid making any comments to avoid saying anything that the defendants can use against you.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene — Take photos and videos of the damage, especially your injuries. Also, take pictures of the traffic, the road, any signs and marks, and the weather. Record conversations if possible.
- Exchange Information With Others Involved — Get their names, contact details, and insurance information.
- Call Truck Accident Lawyers in Trinity County — They can advise you on what to do next and how to file a personal injury claim. Keep copies of documents and bills related to the accident and your damages.
What Not To Do After A Truck Accident
There are also several things you should avoid:
- Leaving the Scene — Stop at the scene until the police arrive. Only leave when they tell you, and if there is a police report. You’re less likely to get a chance to seek compensation for your damages if you leave. Moreover, you may not acquire enough evidence to help your case.
- Admitting Fault — It’s normal to want to be polite and apologetic to de-escalate situations, even if we’re not at fault. However, this behavior could undermine your rights. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid making statements that could be construed as an admission of fault, including apologies.
- Discussing the Case — As you gather evidence and talk to eyewitnesses, it’s tempting to talk about the case. After all, you want someone to understand what you’re going through. But discussing the case increases your chance of saying something you shouldn’t.
- Posting on Social Media — Even the posts you make can be dissected by the at-fault party and used as proof to limit or prevent you from seeking compensation. As much as possible, limit posting on social media unless you have spoken about it with your lawyers.
Determining Liability In A Truck Accident In Trinity County
Truck collisions can involve several parties, so establishing liability can be tricky. Truck accident lawyers in Trinity County can use evidence to determine the parties that may be liable for an accident.
The following parties may cause a truck accident:
Truck Driver
Motor vehicle accidents usually happen because of human negligence. These are examples of negligent behaviors that could lead to a traffic accident:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Distracted driving.
- Speeding or unsafe lane changing.
- Failure to yield.
- Running red lights or stop signs.
If the court determines that the truck driver caused the accident due to these factors, they may be required to cover the victim’s damages and losses through their insurance policy.
Trucking Company
Trucking companies may also be held liable. You and your Trinity County truck accident attorneys may be able to pursue accountability from them alongside the truck driver. The company may have to cover part of the compensation if it is found guilty of doing any of these:
- Negligent maintenance.
- Negligent hiring practices.
- Overloading trucks and trailers beyond what is permissible.
- Allowing drivers to break hours-of-service laws.
Third-party Drivers
Other motorists may also be included on the list of defendants if they caused the accident. For example, an SUV driver was trying to overtake the car in front of them. However, they did not calculate how close the oncoming truck was, and they were unable to merge into traffic. The truck swerved and rolled over, hitting other cars in the process. In this scenario, the court may assign partial or full responsibility for the crash to the SUV driver.
Truck Manufacturer
Parts of the truck could be defective and could cause catastrophic accidents. If this happens, the truck manufacturer or the maker of that component could be held liable. This usually falls under product liability. That means these companies are responsible for any injuries their products cause, regardless of whether they intended this or not.
Local Governments
You may also be able to sue local government entities for negligence if the accident happened because of the following:
- Poorly maintained roads
- Lack of traffic signs
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Lack of proper lighting
If you’re filing a lawsuit against the government of Trinity County or any of its cities, you must first file an administrative claim within 6 months of the incident. You can seek guidance from our Trinity County truck accident attorneys to learn about the applicable deadlines.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents In Trinity County
There are different types of truck accidents. One of the most common is rollovers. It happens when the driver can’t control the truck during sharp turns, among other reasons.
The following are the other common types of truck accidents:
- Jackknife — This usually happens when the trucker slams on the brakes too hard or when the truck skids uncontrollably. The trailer would then swing outward, which causes a “jackknife” shape.
- Rear-End Collisions — Motorists tend to give trucks a wide berth because these massive vehicles have longer stopping distances. Certain truck drivers follow too closely to the vehicles ahead, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions upon stopping. Since trucks are enormous and often heavy, the impact is stronger and can cause extensive damage. If the trucker is speeding, the impact and consequences are even greater.
- Head-on Collisions — When two vehicles collide head-on, it’s typically because one of them is not in its proper lane. Unfortunately, this type of accident can be fatal, especially to the driver and front-seat passengers. The force is even more powerful when both cars are speeding or are not able to hit the brakes.
- Side Collisions — Also known as T-bone accidents, these generally happen at Trinity County’s intersections. The at-fault driver might have run the red light and ignored stop signs, or did not see any signs. It can also happen if the trucker is not familiar with Trinity County’s roads and does not know they are approaching an intersection.
- Unsafe Loading — You’ll likely see trucks carrying logs along Trinity County highways. If these logs aren’t tied properly, they could fly off and hit oncoming traffic.
Common Injuries Truck Accident Victims Get
Truck accident victims may suffer serious injuries from such incidents. These include spinal cord injuries, amputations, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Victims will have to go through intensive medications and treatments to recover.
Trinity County truck accident lawyers can help you connect with a medical team to get proper treatment. Additionally, these medical professionals can help create a medical report that can support your claim.
Here are the common injuries associated with truck accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Traumatic brain injuries can be anything from a mild concussion to severe brain damage. These can heal within a few weeks or may last a lifetime.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) — Spinal cord injuries could cause temporary or permanent paralysis. Aside from the inability to move, loss of other bodily functions like bladder control is expected.
- Broken Bones — Your bones could get completely crushed or snap in half because of the impact of a truck accident. These severe fractures will require surgery and months to years of recovery.
- Internal Organ Damage — The external force of impact can be so great that it could damage your internal organs. It’s not uncommon for broken bones to puncture organs like the lungs. These injuries are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Amputation — An accident may cause a traumatic amputation, where a limb or part of it is forcibly severed by impact. Although reattachment is possible, being able to use that part of the body won’t be the same as before. However, in most cases, victims will have to live with a missing body part.
- Wrongful Death — Severe accidents can lead to the death of an innocent bystander. Trinity County truck accident lawyers can help legal heirs file for a wrongful death claim.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Damages Victims Can Pursue In A Truck Accident Case
Compensatory damages are monetary compensation people can pursue when they suffer a loss or injury due to another’s wrongful act. Losses can include physical or emotional harm, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses.
These are calculated based on the severity and circumstances of the case. During an initial consultation, truck accident lawyers in Trinity County will assess your case and calculate the approximate value of the damages that may be available. They will consider the economic and non-economic damages the truck accident incurred.
Below are just some of the losses you can pursue:
- Medical Bills — One of the biggest parts of compensation is used to cover medical bills. The more severe your injuries are, the longer you need to be hospitalized.
- Loss of Income — Your injuries might prevent you from working or could permanently cost you the ability to work. These will be added to the calculation.
- Property Loss — You can seek reimbursement for any property damage. Vehicles are usually covered for their market value or the cost of having them fixed.
- Pain & Suffering — Referring to both the mental and physical distress the accident has caused. This is among the intangible losses that are hard to calculate.
- Loss of Companionship — Refers to the loss of companionship or the inability to get intimacy or love from your partner.
- Diminished Quality of Life — You are unable to live independently like before and will require assistance, either from humans or equipment, to do basic tasks.
- Mental Anguish — Sometimes, the body has already healed, but the trauma of the accident remains. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are common among truck accident survivors. These could change the way you live and can even incapacitate you.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing My Truck Accident Case In Trinity County?
California follows the 2-year statute of limitations when it comes to filing personal injury lawsuits. By extension, Trinity County also observes the same deadline. That means victims generally have 2 years to file a lawsuit from the time of the injury.
However, the statute of limitations could change. For example, if you’re suing the government of Weaverville, where the accident happened, you only have 6 months to file an administrative claim. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will only start running as soon as they reach 18.
You may lose your right to pursue your case if you file a lawsuit after the deadline has passed. That’s why talking to Trinity County attorneys handling truck accident claims is advisable.
Truck Accident Statistics In California
According to the Institute for Safer Trucking (IST), truck-related accident fatalities continued to increase from 2014 to 2021. In 2021, 154,993 truck crashes were reported across all 50 states of the USA. Of these, 5,788 were confirmed dead. With 437 deaths, California is second after Texas on the list of states with the most deaths.
Moreover, there is also an increase in the number of pedestrians, including bicyclists, who have died in collisions with trucks. In 2021, there were 549 pedestrians killed, which is 91% more than the 66 bicyclists killed in 2012. Meanwhile, 72% of fatalities in truck accidents were occupants of the other vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Are There Any Federal Regulations Governing Truck Drivers And Trucking Companies?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) covers regulations regarding drug testing, vehicle maintenance, and driving hours. For example, according to § 395.3, drivers can’t go on the road without 10 consecutive hours off duty. Moreover, drivers are limited to driving for about 11 hours, after which they must stop for the day. Drivers also have to take a break for at least 30 minutes every 8 hours of driving.
These intervals are often recorded via a driver’s log. Getting hold of this could help lawyers for truck accidents in Trinity County to establish if there is negligence.
Who Will Pay My Medical Bills In A Tractor-Trailer Accident?
Initially, victims will have to rely on their own insurance policies to cover their hospital bills. However, if another party is found liable for the crash, their insurance may ultimately be responsible for reimbursing those costs. Because expenses often exceed policy limits, consulting Trinity County truck accident lawyers can help you explore additional options for compensation.
What If The Government Owns The Truck?
Trinity County owns trucks that are used for municipal purposes, such as garbage collection. You could pursue compensation from the government entity that owns the truck. But based on the statute of limitations in California, you only have 6 months to file an administrative claim.
Should I Accept A Settlement From An Insurance Company?
Before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company, it may be beneficial to consult with a truck accident attorney in Trinity County. Once you agree to a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation related to the same incident. This means you’re stuck with whatever amount they have offered, which may not be enough for your needs.
Consult Our Trinity County Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck collisions typically result in severe injuries. In many cases, the lives of innocent victims are lost in an otherwise avoidable accident. We know how difficult and painful these times are, and we’re here to help you understand your rights.
Talking to Trinity County truck accident lawyers can help relieve some of the frustrations you feel after a truck accident. We are here to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Get a free initial case assessment by calling us at (888) 488-1391.
We also extend our services to places near Trinity County, such as Fort Jones, Etna, Weed, Mt. Shasta, Dunsmuir, Trinidad, Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, Weott, Whitethorn, Covelo, Laytonville, Orland, Chico, Mineral, Redding, Cottonwood, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, Burney, and McArthur.
