Sierra 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 Sierra County Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here For You When You Need Us Most
While Sierra County’s scenic roads are breathtaking to drive on, they can also be dangerous, especially when a reckless truck driver causes an accident. Their victims would suffer from physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. In such cases, our Sierra County truck accident lawyers can help. If you or someone you know has been injured due to an accident and needs legal guidance, contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Sierra County is one of California’s most pristine jewels, boasting 962 square miles of woodland forests, large valleys, and a wealth of natural beauty. It’s the state’s second-least-populated county, with a small population of just above 3,000. Despite its relatively small community, it is not exempt from devastating events, particularly truck accidents.
If you’re injured in a truck accident, our Sierra County attorneys are here to help. Don’t let the impact of someone else’s negligence go unanswered. We will listen to your story, assess the merits of your case, and develop a practical approach tailored to your particular circumstances. We only succeed when you do.
Our Sierra County personal injury law firm has extensive experience representing victims in a wide range of cases, including truck accidents. As such, our lawyers are committed to advocating for your interests throughout the legal process.
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 Can Our Truck Accident Attorneys In Sierra County Protect Your Rights?
The truck accident lawyers at Arash Law will advocate for your rights at every step of the process. We will identify all negligent parties, protect your claim from insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary.
We understand that accidents involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other heavy commercial vehicles can catch anyone off guard. Victims often feel lost and uncertain about their next steps. But don’t worry; our attorneys will help you in the following ways:
- Negotiate With Insurers — Arash Law will communicate and negotiate with the other party’s insurance companies. We will advocate for a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Offer Compassionate Support — Our legal team will provide you with personalized attention and guidance throughout the process. We’ll discuss all your concerns, find solutions to your problems, and keep you updated on the progress of your case.
- Provide Legal Representation to Those in Need — If the victim is unable to file a claim due to severe injuries or death, their family members may need legal representation. Our truck accident lawyers in Sierra County will provide clear guidance on their next steps.
- Represent You in Court — Our attorneys are well-prepared to take your case to trial. We will present compelling evidence of the other party’s negligence to help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Arash Law offers its services on a contingency fee basis to remove financial barriers to pursuing your rights. There’s no need to pay any upfront fees. Although we work on a contingency fee basis, clients may still need to cover certain court costs or additional expenses. Our lawyers will review the fee agreement and answer any cost-related questions during your consultation.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Sierra County
Truck accidents often occur due to the driver’s recklessness or negligent maintenance of the rig. In Sierra County, the common causes we’ve observed are:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Alcohol and drugs can significantly affect a person’s cognitive function. As a result, truckers who are under the influence of these substances might behave recklessly and unpredictably on the road. Our DUI lawyers in Sierra County can use available evidence, such as the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at the time of the incident, when handling truck accident cases.
- Failure to Comply With Safety Measures — Trucking companies sometimes offer incentives based on the amount of cargo or the speed of delivery. As such, truck operators may overload their trucks or exceed the speed limit to increase their earnings.
- Driver Fatigue — Commercial drivers often have to travel long hauls, and many of them use SR 49 as a route to enter and exit Sierra County on their way to Madera, Tuolumne, and El Dorado. These vehicles often travel even longer than the entire length of this highway without taking proper rest breaks, which can lead to fatigue and other health issues. This drowsiness can cause a delay in their ability to react quickly and operate an 80,000-pound vehicle safely.
- Ignoring Traffic Laws — Truckers have a duty to respect other motorists. When they blatantly disobey traffic laws, they neglect this duty and become a risk to other road users.
- Improper Maintenance — Trucks are more susceptible to mechanical problems because of the long distances they travel and the heavy loads they carry. As such, they must undergo regular and rigorous maintenance to help promote safe and reliable performance. Failing to take necessary precautions might result in accidents caused by faulty brakes, falling cargo, and engine failure.
Common Injuries In Truck Accidents
Trucking incidents usually result in severe injuries, such as brain trauma, deep cuts, loss of limbs, and spinal cord damage. In Sierra County, some of the common cases our truck accident lawyers encounter are as follows:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
An impact from a truck can cause a violent shaking of the head, resulting in brain injuries. It may also cause victims to slam their heads on a hard surface, dealing blunt trauma to the brain. In mild cases, TBIs can cause symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or loss of balance. Severe conditions can have long-term effects, disabilities, and even death.
Broken Bones
The impact of a truck accident can cause fractures all over the body. The most commonly affected body parts are:
- Face — A broken nose, jaw, or cheekbone can impair function and result in a deformity, seriously affecting the victim’s confidence and quality of life.
- Arms & Legs — Broken bones in the limbs severely limit the victim’s mobility as they heal. They are also prone to not recovering fully or correctly, leaving an individual with lifelong issues with carrying objects, standing, and walking.
- Ribs — Fractured ribs usually cause severe pain while breathing or coughing.
Lacerations And Cuts
During a truck accident, broken glass and flying debris can result in cuts and lacerations on your body. Although you might think these are just minor injuries, they can also lead to infections or disfigurement.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The massive force of a truck collision can break your spine or damage the nerves, causing chronic pain and paralysis. Spine injuries usually require a longer time and more extensive medical treatment to heal. During recovery, victims will likely need assistance with daily activities, such as eating and bathing.
Internal Injuries
Truck accidents can damage internal organs, such as your heart, lungs, and liver. In such cases, you would need to undergo surgical treatments, incurring high medical costs during hospitalization and rehabilitation.
If you sustained such injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have grounds to seek compensation. Talk to our truck accident lawyers in Sierra County to know what damages you may be entitled to.
Amputations
Catastrophic accidents might result in traumatic amputations, such as when the truck traps and crushes the victim’s limb. In some cases, doctors will need to surgically remove the injured arms or legs to prevent further infection. These injuries will significantly decrease mobility and lead to substantial lifestyle changes.
Wrongful Deaths
In some tragic cases, truck accidents may result in the loss of a loved one. The surviving family members will be left to deal with the medical bills, funeral & burial expenses, the loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
If you have a loved one who unfortunately lost their life in a truck accident, reach out to our wrongful death lawyers. We will assist you in pursuing your legal options on behalf of your loved one’s death.
Liable Parties In A Truck Accident Case
Complex trucking incidents usually involve multiple parties who have shared responsibility for your injuries and damages. And in the experience of our personal injury lawyers in Sierra County, truck accidents are rarely simple. Here are some potential individuals or companies that might be liable:
- Truck Driver — A truck driver may be held liable if they were driving recklessly, violating traffic laws, or driving while fatigued, which contributed to the accident.
- Trucking Company — Commercial truck companies are responsible for the trucks and truck drivers they employ. If the company fails to provide adequate training, it may be held responsible for the actions of its employees. Similarly, if a trucking company is forcing its drivers to work beyond their legally allowed working hours, it could be held liable for any accidents resulting from fatigue.
- Cargo Loaders — If the loader fails to inspect the cargo or secure it properly, they may be liable if boxes or equipment fall off the truck and cause an accident.
- Truck Manufacturers — Faulty parts could lead to various dangerous situations, such as tire blowouts, brake failures, or steering problems. While auto defects could be a maintenance issue, they could also be attributed to the manufacturer. Under product liability laws, manufacturers and distributors are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products’ design and manufacturing processes.
- Other Third Parties — Sometimes, a trucking accident may also involve other drivers on the road, truck mechanics, or even the property owners where the incident occurred.
The at-fault party could be one of them, all of the above, or even other entities not mentioned here. Our Sierra County truck accident attorneys can help identify who may be responsible for your injuries.
How Is Liability Established In A Truck Accident
There are four elements to proving a defendant is liable in a personal injury case:
Duty Of Care
The first step is establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to you, the victim. For example, a commercial truck operator has a duty to abide by state and federal trucking regulations.
Breach Of Duty
Once our Sierra County truck accident lawyers establish the duty of care, then we must prove that the defendant breached that duty. In our example above, a big rig operator would have failed to follow the regulations by improperly loading the cargo, among other scenarios.
Causation
Our lawyers must demonstrate a link between their breach of responsibility and your injuries. If the uneven distribution of weight caused the trailer to tip over to its side and fall onto your vehicle, then that’s a direct causation.
Damages
Lastly, personal injury claims must show that you incurred damages as a result of the accident. Included are medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Your case must prove all of these elements to be eligible for compensation. However, the legal battle ahead is likely to be a challenging one. Trucking companies often employ defense lawyers and insurance providers whose primary objectives are to maintain the companies’ profitability. They will scrutinize your claim, which may lead to them offering a settlement that may be inadequate to cover your losses.
In such cases, you may need the more experienced personal injury attorneys at Arash Law to handle your case. Our truck accident attorneys in Sierra County will advocate for your rights and pursue compensation that reflects the impact of your injuries. With our extensive knowledge of relevant laws and investigative skills, we can help you prove the negligence of all parties responsible for your injuries.
April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.– BRIAN BEECHER
Damages You Can Pursue From Truck Accidents
If you are hurt in a truck accident, you may be able to seek reimbursement for your expenses and losses. This can include medical bills from the past, present, and estimated costs for future care if needed.
Any out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the injury are valid, including the costs of home modifications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, vehicle repairs, and so on. Our Sierra County lawyers handling truck accidents can also help you pursue damages for lost wages and lost future earning capacity.
Lifelong disabilities don’t only lead to increased expenses. In most cases, the victim’s quality of life is significantly reduced. You may be unable to perform activities you previously enjoyed, or you might miss some significant events because of your injuries. These types of losses fall under non-economic damages. Some other examples are pain and suffering or a decrease in interests and hobbies. Mental trauma arising from the accident can also be considered in your claim.
The challenging part is attaching a monetary amount to these losses. Nonetheless, our truck accident lawyers in Sierra County have experience in calculating fair compensation based on your specific damages. We can also connect with economists and medical experts who can help assess the damages you have incurred.
Truck Accident Laws And Regulations In California
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a set of regulations to protect the safety of both truckers and other road users. According to these rules, truck drivers nationwide:
- Can only work a maximum of 14 hours a day.
- Should take rest or meal breaks totaling 3 hours in their workday.
- Must rest for at least ten consecutive hours at the end of each workday.
- Must take days off work at regular intervals, depending on the trucking company’s hours of operation.
California also has specific rules to mitigate the risk of truck accidents. In the state, trucks must observe the following weight limits:
- Combined — 80,000 lbs
- Single Axle — 20,000 lbs
- Double Axle — 34,000 lbs
Within the cities, there are designated truck routes where truckers are allowed to pass through. Some highways also have truck-only lanes. These restrictions enable the respective governing body to enhance road safety and stabilize traffic flow.
Apart from these rules, cities and counties might also enact emergency bans and programs to decrease accidents involving big rigs. Sierra County, for example, has started cracking down on semi-trucks that use narrow mountain roads.
Our Sierra County truck accident lawyers are knowledgeable about local, state, and federal laws. We can review your case to identify any potential violations that may be relevant to your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sierra County Truck Accident Claims
How Common Are Truck Accident-Related Deaths In California?
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that truck accidents are responsible for a significant number of deaths in California. In 2021, around 416 large trucks were involved in fatal car crashes. Additionally, California recorded 4,285 deaths due to traffic accidents that year, making it the state with the second-highest fatality rate in the U.S.
What Percentage Do Lawyers Take In Truck Accident Cases?
The specific percentage varies depending on the attorney’s skill and the case’s complexity. Some might charge a sliding scale fee, where the percentage might be lower if the case settles early and higher if it proceeds to trial. Nevertheless, it will be discussed and agreed upon during the onboarding process.
On a contingency fee basis, our lawyers will only claim their fees once we successfully recover compensation for you. This payment arrangoffersovides vi with the opportunity to pursue a claim without incuupfront rring legalpfront. Note that you may still be responsible for case costs, whether or not you have a successful case. Our lawyers will address any cost-related inquiries during our consultation.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accidents In California?
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the negligent truck operator and their employer due to the statute of limitations. If уоu exceed this time limit, уоu will likely lose your legal right to pursue damages related to the accident. The liable parties may no longer be held accountable for their wrongful actions that led to your loss.
Contact our Sierra County lawyers after a truck accident. We’ll explain all applicable deadlines and possible exceptions during our free case evaluation.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
How much compensation you can pursue will depend on a variety of case-specific factors, including:
- The nature and severity of your injuries.
- Whether you will fully recover.
- How long will your recovery take.
- Your wage losses.
- Medical bills.
- Other case-specific factors.
When you meet with our truck accident lawyers in Sierra County, we will analyze the facts and evidence to calculate a value for your claim. We will meticulously consider all these factors and more to estimate a potential settlement that can help cover your losses.
Consult With Our Sierra County Truck Accident Lawyers
Arash Law is prepared to offer experienced legal representation to clients with truck accident cases in Sierra County. At the same time, we are committed to providing compassionate support to our clients throughout the process.
Under California law, every victim has a right to seek compensation for their injuries. Whether you’re a legal resident or an undocumented immigrant, you can contact us for a free case review.
Need legal support for your truck accident case? Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here. Aside from handling truck accidents, our lawyers also deal with other personal injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian and motorcycle accidents, dog bites, slip and fall incidents, and workers’ compensation claims.
Our lawyers also serve clients in nearby areas, including Portola, Graeagle, and Clio in Plumas County, as well as Truckee, Soda Springs, Nevada City, Grass Valley, and Penn Valley in Nevada County. We also serve truck accident victims in Placer County, including Emigrant Gap, Dutch Flat, and Tahoe City.
