Fresno Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Fresno Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Are Ready To Help You Explore Your Legal Options
Hurt in a semi-truck accident? Our Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers can assess your case and help you understand the options available to you. With years of experience in personal injury law, we can provide legal guidance to victims. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
Under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our team has the capability and resources to support victims in pursuing claims. We can help you identify the potentially liable parties, calculate all your losses, and seek compensation that may be available to you under the California statutes. Let Arash Law represent your interests and build your case.
Why Hire Our Fresno Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
Our Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Here are some of the reasons to hire our attorneys:
- Our semi-truck accident lawyers have experience handling truck accident and personal injury cases.
- Our attorneys can handle the different aspects of your case. They can collaborate with private investigators and other experts to investigate the crash, utilizing their knowledge and experience to negotiate with insurance companies.
- We are aware of the challenges that come with pursuing claims against trucking companies. Our lawyers can help you navigate these challenges and represent your interests during negotiations.
- Our attorneys focus on their clients’ needs and priorities. Whether you prefer an in-person meeting or a phone consultation, we offer flexible options to fit your needs and schedule.
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 Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Determining liability in truck accident situations can be quite complicated. Managing it alone can be difficult, particularly if you’re still recovering from a serious injury. Here’s how our semi-truck accident lawyers in Fresno can help:
- Collect and preserve crucial evidence from the crash scene, including police reports, photos, skid mark measurements, and video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.
- Gather vital records related to the truck, its driver, and the trucking company, such as black box data, vehicle maintenance logs, driver training records, and results of any drug or alcohol tests.
- Connect you with a healthcare professional who can assess the full extent of your injuries, including immediate and long-term effects.
- Collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists and other expert witnesses to support your case and demonstrate liability.
- Calculate the potential value of your claim, including out-of-pocket expenses and future costs related to your injuries.
- Negotiate with insurance providers to seek appropriate compensation.
- Represent your rights in court if a settlement agreement cannot be reached with the insurers.
Get in touch with our Fresno injury law firm. We’ll evaluate your situation and explain your options based on the facts of your case.
Common Causes Of Semi-Truck Accidents & Potentially Liable Parties
The trucking industry is the backbone of our economy, moving goods hundreds of miles every day across Fresno, California, and the entire nation. However, the same trucks that fuel commerce can also pose serious dangers on our roads. When safety measures are overlooked or when regulations are violated, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Some of the common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Truck Driver Negligence — Speeding, driving under the influence, aggressive or reckless driving, or distracted driving can lead to catastrophic collisions. When truck drivers exhibit negligent behavior behind the wheel, they may be held liable for the resulting crash.
- Trucking Company Negligence — Companies may cut corners by hiring inexperienced drivers, failing to provide proper training, or neglecting to conduct thorough background checks. Some trucking companies may even pressure drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits or violate federal safety regulations, increasing the risk of accidents. In these scenarios, the trucking company may be held responsible.
- Defective Equipment — Brake failures, transmission problems, and tire blowouts can cause serious accidents. When poor maintenance or manufacturing defects are involved, liability may be attributed to the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, or the vehicle manufacturer.
- Improper Loading Practices — Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to lose balance, leading to rollovers or other dangerous situations. Liability may extend to third-party freight loaders or the company responsible for loading the truck.
- Negligence of Other Motorists — Sometimes, the actions of other drivers on the road contribute to or cause accidents involving semi-trucks. These drivers may be held partially or fully liable.
Trucking companies and their insurers often have experienced legal teams that work to protect their interests. There may be challenges involved when dealing with these parties. To protect your rights, work with a semi-truck accident attorney in Fresno. They can conduct a thorough investigation, identify possible liable parties, and build your case.
Truck Accident?
How Our Lawyers Prove Fault And Negligence In Semi-Truck Accidents
A key principle in personal injury law is negligence, which is essential to establishing fault in semi-truck collisions. When one party fails to use reasonable care and causes injury to another, that is considered negligence. The following elements need to be demonstrated in order to prove negligence in a semi-truck accident case:
- Duty of Care — The plaintiff (the victim) must demonstrate that the defendant (the at-fault party) owed them a duty of care. For example, truck drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles with the utmost care to protect others on the road.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant violated their duty of care. Examples include driving while intoxicated, texting behind the wheel, or speeding.
- Causation — The plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused their injuries. This means showing that the accident and the resulting harm would not have occurred if it weren’t for the defendant’s actions.
- Damages — The plaintiff must show that they suffered losses due to the defendant’s negligence. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial or emotional losses.
Significant evidence is necessary to demonstrate the elements of negligence, including surveillance film, black box data, witness statements that may be crucial, vehicle and maintenance logs, hours of service logs, vehicle inspections, and photographs and videos taken at the scene just after the collision.
If you believe that someone else’s negligence caused your accident, schedule a free case review with our semi-truck accident attorneys in Fresno. We can listen to your side of the story, evaluate your situation, and assess the viability of your claim.
Compensation You Can Pursue After A Semi-Truck Accident
Compared to the average passenger car, trucks are substantially bigger and heavier. The average car weighs 4,156 pounds, whereas a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The occupants of a passenger car are likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision involving a truck due to the significant weight difference. The kinds of injuries sustained in a truck accident frequently require months or years to heal and may require significant medical costs.
After a truck accident, victims often face substantial medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional trauma. Under California law, they can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages and, in some cases, punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the monetary losses directly resulting from the accident. They may include:
- Medical Expenses — Victims may pursue damages for past and ongoing medical bills for injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, broken bones, amputations, or neck and back injuries. Some victims may require costly treatments like physical therapy, rehabilitation, or chiropractic care.
- Lost Wages — If your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently, you may seek reimbursement for lost income and diminished earning potential.
- Property Damage — This may provide compensation for damage to your vehicle, personal belongings, or property (e.g., damage to your home).
Non-Economic Damages
Depending on the facts of your case, non-economic damages may compensate for the intangible losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. These damages are often harder to quantify but are equally important. Examples include:
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish defendants whose actions were grossly negligent or malicious. These damages are rarely awarded and are reserved for instances of extreme misconduct.
Determining the full extent of your damages may require in-depth knowledge of the law and the ability to build a compelling case. Experienced semi-truck accident lawyers in Fresno can assess the value of your claim and gather evidence to establish the facts of your case.
What You Can Do After A Semi-Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident or any collision involving a commercial vehicle, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. It’s highly recommended that you follow these steps:
- Check for Injuries — Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if needed.
- Move to Safety — If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle off the road and turn on hazard lights.
- Collect Evidence — Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with all involved parties.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately felt and apparent.
- Inform Your Insurer — Notify your insurance company. Stick to factual details and avoid making assumptions or admitting fault.
- Hire a Fresno Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer — A lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim. They can investigate the situation, analyze relevant laws, and identify any potentially liable parties to help you understand your legal options.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
The Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the trucking company, driver, or any other responsible party. Failing to act within this timeframe may prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether.
While the two-year rule applies in most cases, certain exceptions may alter this deadline, including:
- If the injured party was under 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year period begins when they reach the age of 18.
- If the victim was physically or mentally unable to file a claim within the deadline, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they regain capacity.
- In cases where injuries were not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may start from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation. Working with Fresno semi-truck accident attorneys can help you understand the importance of these legal timeframes and the ramifications of missing them.
Semi-Truck Accident Statistics
In 2022, there were 4,764 fatalities from heavy truck accidents. Truck occupants accounted for 17% of these fatalities, followed by automobile and other passenger vehicle occupants (66%) and pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists (16%). There were 51% more fatalities from heavy truck crashes than in 2009, the lowest number since fatal crash data collection started in 1975. There were also 83% more truck occupant deaths than there were in 2009.
- Large truck crashes accounted for 11% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2022.
- Tractor-trailer crashes accounted for 73% of large truck crash fatalities in 2022, while single-unit truck crashes accounted for 28%. Some collisions involved both a tractor-trailer and a single-unit truck.
- Major highways, excluding interstates and freeways, accounted for 49% of heavy truck crash fatalities. Interstates and freeways accounted for 35%, and small roads for 16%.
- Passenger vehicle occupants accounted for 96% of the fatalities in two-vehicle collisions between a passenger car and a large truck.
These statistics show the frequency and severity of semi-truck accidents, highlighting the risks faced by drivers and passengers on the road. Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers can help the victims of such incidents. They can assess their situation and provide legal insights that can guide victims in making informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Speak With Insurance Representatives For The Trucking Company?
It is generally advised that you avoid speaking directly with insurance representatives. Instead, refer them to your semi-truck accident attorney in Fresno. Some insurance companies may use different approaches when evaluating compensation for injury claims. Without legal representation, you may receive settlement offers that are potentially lower than your actual losses or needs. Let your attorney handle all communications to protect your rights and work to present your claim accurately and fairly.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Semi-Truck Accident Claim?
The timeline for settling a semi-truck accident claim varies depending on the specifics of each case. While some cases are resolved quickly through out-of-court settlements, others may require extensive negotiations or even go to trial, which can take significantly longer. To better understand how your case might unfold and what to expect, consult Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers for legal insights.
What If I Have Lost A Loved One In A Semi-Truck Collision In Fresno, California?
Losing a loved one in a semi-truck accident can be a painful and overwhelming experience. While no amount of compensation can truly fill the void left by their loss, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim against the negligent party to seek financial support for your family. Our semi-truck accident attorneys in Fresno are here to provide support and legal guidance during this difficult time. We can handle the legal complexities on your family’s behalf.
How Much Do Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Near Me Cost?
Most personal injury attorneys, including our truck and car accident lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t pay any upfront costs for legal representation. You only pay if we win your case. During your onboarding, we will discuss the terms of the contingency fee arrangement, along with other possible case-related costs, so that you fully understand how it works before proceeding. Clients may be responsible for costs regardless of outcome.
Consult Our Fresno Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
A semi-truck collision can change lives in an instant, leaving victims and their families overwhelmed. At Arash Law, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. Our Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers are committed to helping you navigate this difficult time.
As a personal injury law firm in California that has handled different accident cases, we have experience developing legal strategies tailored to the facts of each client’s case. We aim to help victims understand their options and pursue compensation that might help cover their actual losses.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation. Our law firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including motorcycle collisions and pedestrian accidents. We also take complex accident cases involving Uber, Lyft, DUI crashes, hit-and-run collisions, and more. We represent clients throughout California, including those in Lemoore, Clovis, Selma, Hanford, Parlier, Reedley, Kerman, Mendota, and Sanger.
