Barstow Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Barstow Truck Accident Lawyers Stand With The Injured Through The Legal Process
The consequences of truck accidents can be devastating, and some even result in the death of a family member. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck collision, you may seek legal advice from our experienced Barstow truck accident lawyers. We can help you with your case and guide you throughout the legal process. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation.
The city of Barstow is a historic inland locality situated in San Bernardino County. It has a rich heritage and houses several fascinating tourist sites, such as Rainbow Basin Natural Area, Mother Road Museum, and Historic Route 66. Visitors and locals can also visit nearby Calico Ghost Town, the Early Man Archaeological Site, and the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex.
Additionally, Barstow is renowned for its past as a mining center and railroad town in California’s Mojave Desert. Since then and until now, its location has been at the confluence of three primary highways – Interstate 15, Interstate 40, and State Highway 58.
Considering the major routes found here, Barstow witnesses heavy traffic involving various types of vehicles. Thus, truck accidents may likewise happen and result in serious injuries and fatalities.
When you get injured in such circumstances, our experienced truck accident attorneys in Barstow can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and other losses to the full extent of the law.
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
What Can Barstow Truck Accident Lawyers Do?
When facing a legal battle, especially after sustaining traumatic injuries in a truck accident, you might start asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” Here are some of the services we offer:
- Our lawyers establish effective communication with all parties involved in accidents. This way, our clients can focus on their recovery instead of handling the rigorous truck accident claims process.
- We conduct thorough investigations with the help of other experts in the field, like accident reconstructionists and private investigators. Our legal team is hands-on in gathering proof and details of the case.
- Our personal injury attorneys negotiate and advocate for the welfare of our clients. We deal with insurance companies, and if we can’t negotiate with them, we escalate the case to court.
Our truck accident lawyers in Barstow are available to answer your questions and concerns. Fill out our “Do You Have A Case?” form, and we will get back to you to discuss your legal options.
Why Hire Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Barstow
Our Barstow lawyers work on truck accidents and have extensive knowledge of the laws involved in identifying negligence. Moreover, our law firm handles negotiations with insurance companies. We take a meticulous approach, examining every case carefully and building a strategy tailored to your situation.
Our legal team recognizes the significance of collecting evidence from crash sites as soon as possible. For our clients, we waste no time in gathering essential proof, such as photos, videos, and witness accounts. We take the cases we handle seriously and apply our knowledge and experience in advocating for our clients.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Big rig incidents are not unusual in this city, causing numerous injuries and deaths each year. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents our lawyers handle:
Jackknife Accidents
Sometimes, trucks can cause accidents when their cabs and trailers fold in on each other like a closing jackknife. These catastrophes are common on the highways of Barstow. They can also sweep multiple lanes, increasing the risk of hitting numerous vehicles and road users.
In most cases, jackknife incidents result from the negligence of drivers. Driver errors, such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, or driving while distracted, can lead to these incidents. However, factors beyond the drivers’ control can also cause these accidents. For example, they can be due to poorly maintained vehicles or manufacturing defects in the braking system.
Rollover Accidents
There are various factors contributing to rollover accidents. Examples are speeding, driver error, insufficient training, and poor maintenance. Big rigs pose a serious risk when their center of gravity throws them off balance, resulting in a rollover. Overloading or unbalanced loading can also increase the risk of rollover accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require a longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars due to their large size and heavy weight, which puts more pressure on their braking systems. Therefore, truckers must give themselves more space while driving in traffic. They should maintain a larger distance from the vehicle in front of them to maintain a safe stopping distance. The same goes for other motorists who drive near trucks.
However, some may be distracted, irresponsible, or reckless and may not be able to brake in time. These situations result in rear-end collisions, which can be extremely dangerous for passengers in the vehicle in front.
If you’re among the victims of these types of truck collisions, approach our truck accident lawyers in Barstow. We can give you guidance on building your case and pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
Different Types Of Trucks
The trucking industry includes various commercial vehicles designed for specific tasks on our roads. These may include the following:
- 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers – These common big rigs are known to be among the most dangerous vehicles on the road. They transport heavy goods from Barstow to any location that owners or trucking companies specify.
- Delivery trucks – While Barstow enjoys the presence of shipping companies such as UPS, FedEx, the United States Postal Service, and now Amazon, delivery trucks have also become more rampant on the roads.
- Waste disposal truck vehicles – Commonly named dump trucks, waste disposal vehicles usually run through the neighborhoods to collect residential garbage.
- Tanker trucks – Large vehicles that transport liquid cargo are commonly known as oil tankers. Gasoline is the most frequently loaded here, with companies delivering it in large quantities. It’s a highly flammable substance, making their vehicles a risk on the roads.
- Emergency vehicles – Fire trucks and other rescue vehicles may exhibit dangerous driving behaviors in order to reach an emergency immediately. These may include driving on the wrong side of the road or going through red lights.
- Flatbed trucks – These vehicles ferry heavy equipment and cargo. As such, they are more prone to unsecured loads, like logs, pipes, and other freight. When these become loose, trucks may swerve and hit other road users.
- Agricultural trucks – Some farm equipment vehicles, like harvesters and livestock haulers, are naturally large and bulky. They carry live animals, like horses, cows, chickens, and others.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Several factors contribute to truck accidents in Barstow and California. Our Barstow truck accident lawyers have handled cases involving the following common causes over the years:
- Speeding — Trucks are much heavier and larger than standard vehicles, making it more difficult to stop at once. Hence, drivers should follow posted speed limits. Excessive speed can also lead to loss of control and rollover accidents.
- Truck Driver Errors — Some truckers may recklessly operate their vehicles, endangering others. They might mistakenly change lanes or violate traffic laws.
- Mechanical Breakdown — Accidents may happen due to malfunctioning truck parts. These cases may be due to poor vehicle maintenance or faulty manufacturing.
- Unsafe Loading — When cargo is not safely loaded, secured, or restrained, it may shift inside the trailer and make the driver lose control. It may also fall from the truck and cause accidents for other motorists.
- Blind Spot Crashes — When changing lanes, truck drivers must consider the areas around them, especially those that they can’t see. Otherwise, they may cause situations like side-swipe accidents.
- Steep Slopes — Trucks are susceptible to losing control while going downhill because of their weight. When they don’t control their speed, they risk being unable to slow down or stop.
- Wide Turns — The turning radius of big rigs is wider compared to other vehicles. Accidents may happen if drivers don’t give the proper attention or are inexperienced with operating larger vehicles.
- Weather Conditions — Bad weather, such as storms, snow, or fog, can impact the ability of drivers to operate their trucks safely to prevent accidents. Maneuvering vehicles during said conditions can be challenging due to reduced visibility and slippery roads, which increase the risk of accidents.
Common Injuries In A Truck Accident
Injuries from truck accidents can result in life-altering conditions and disabilities. However, even minor ones could still lead to high medical expenses and long-term pain & suffering. Some common examples are:
- Whiplashes – These are neck injuries that occur when abrupt movements suddenly jerk the head back and forth. Whiplashes involve strain on the muscles and ligaments, which may cause dizziness, neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Serious and potentially life-threatening consequences, such as brain injuries, may arise after truck accidents. These injuries happen when foreign objects hit or penetrate the victim’s head. The usual symptoms of TBIs are mild concussions, cognitive impairment, and coma.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Truck accidents can also result in spinal cord injuries, affecting the mobility and quality of life of victims. These bodily harms can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.
- Internal Injuries – The forceful impact of collisions can harm internal organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Internal bleeding and organ damage are both fatal if not treated immediately.
- Broken Bones – Truck accidents may also break the bones of the victims. Fractures can occur in any body part, but the arms, legs, and ribs are more vulnerable. Severe conditions may require surgery and a prolonged recovery period.
- Wrongful Deaths – In the worst situations, truck accidents may result in the demise of the victims. Here, their remaining family members get the courage to pursue wrongful death claims to cope with their survival and healing.
These injuries will cause victims to suffer physical, emotional, and financial harm. As such, it’s crucial to identify the liable parties to pursue compensation for your damages. Our Barstow truck accident lawyers can help you through the process and in seeking a fair settlement under the law.
What Damages Can You Pursue After A Truck Accident?
Accidents involving big rigs can cause catastrophic injuries, leading to extensive damage and losses. Truck accident victims may initiate claims for the following damages:
- Economic Damages — These refer to tangible financial losses that typically include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Truck accident lawyers in Barstow can prove these losses using receipts and similar documentation.
- Non-Economic Damages — These are more subjective and designed to pay for the intangible losses victims experience. Non-economic damages may cover emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and consortium, and wrongful death.
What To Do Following A Truck Accident
Following a truck accident, injured victims may follow some steps to protect their rights. Here’s what you can do:
- Call 911 — Notify the law enforcement authorities so they can come to the scene quickly and make an incident report. You must also ask for a copy of this document.
- Seek Medical Attention — Your health and safety must go above anything else. Even if you think you’re fine, you must still see a doctor. Other injuries aren’t evident after truck accidents, as they only emerge after some time has passed.
- Gather Evidence — If possible, secure photos and videos of the accident site, injuries sustained, and damaged property. Also, get the contact details of witnesses and all parties involved.
- Report The Accident To Your Insurance Provider — Relay the necessary details, but don’t offer more information than what’s necessary.
- Don’t Admit Fault — Avoid making any statements that opposing parties can use against you later on.
- Talk With Our Barstow Truck Accident Lawyers — We have experience handling similar cases and can help assess your situation to determine appropriate next steps. Our legal team can manage communication with insurance companies and other involved parties on your behalf.
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
Large Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 4,354 fatal crashes involving trucks in 2023 nationwide, representing a 38% increase from 2009.
The following percentages represent the resulting fatalities:
- 16% were truck occupants
- 65% were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles
- 17% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists
When looking at the states with the most fatalities from these truck crashes, California ranked second with 392 deaths in 2023. In 2023, 114,552 large trucks were involved in crashes that led to injuries. Since 2016, the number of injury-related truck crashes has risen by 12%, but the involvement rate per 100 million miles driven by large trucks has stayed constant at 35.
Whether you’re in Barstow, Tustin, Santa Clara, Carlsbad, or any other city in California, incidents involving trucks can pose a risk of injury. If you’re seeking legal support, our Barstow truck accident lawyers at Arash Law are ready to explain and protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Truck Accidents
How Can Lawyers Help Me With My Truck Accident Claim?
Our renowned truck accident attorneys will provide the following legal services to pursue compensation from the liable parties:
- Determine the responsible parties and hold them accountable
- Demonstrate the elements necessary to prove your truck accident claim
- Gather sufficient evidence
- Establish a solid case
- Pursue compensation for your damages
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance providers
- Represent you at trial if your case escalates to court
Victims won’t have to worry about pursuing legal action because our truck accident attorneys in Barstow don’t charge upfront fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means our payment will be deducted from the compensation you’ll receive. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. You may still need to shoulder other case-related costs. Our attorneys will gladly go over the details of our fees during your consultation.
How Is My Truck Accident Claim Calculated?
Your compensation will depend on both the economic and non-economic losses you have incurred as a result of the truck accident. These may include damages such as medical expenses, missed earnings, property repairs, and emotional suffering.
However, the settlement you’ll receive may vary depending on the specific details of your case. The amount will be based on factors like the severity of your injuries and insurance policy limits. Consult with our Barstow truck accident lawyers to review applicable insurance policies and evaluate your legal options.
How Much Time Do You Have To File A Case?
According to California’s statute of limitations, plaintiffs may initiate their claims within two years from the date of their truck accident. If, for instance, the injuries were not discovered instantly, the deadline would be one year from the reported discovery date.
Courts and all parties adhere to the mentioned regular deadlines, but for some special cases, they follow some exceptions. For minor victims, their statute of limitations will run once they reach the legal age to proceed with the case. When the defendants are out of California or in jail, the deadlines are paused until they return to the state or get out of prison. Moreover, mentally incapacitated individuals can’t defend themselves until they are back to their senses.
The statute of limitations can be tricky and daunting. You can contact our truck accident lawyers in Barstow to know what applies to your case.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Barstow
Our team is committed to providing compassionate and respectful legal representation to individuals who have sustained injuries. We take a thorough approach to advocating for our clients’ rights and helping them navigate the process of pursuing compensation.
If you have sustained injuries, reach out to us for a free initial consultation. Call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our online form, and we’ll get back to you right away.
Arash Law also offers our services in other places in San Bernardino County, including Apple Valley, Victorville, Adelanto, Hesperia, Big Bear Lake, Crestline, Highland, San Bernardino, Rialto, Redlands, Colton, Yucaipa, and Loma Linda. We also serve nearby cities and counties, such as West Covina, Roseville, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Redding, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
