Alameda 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 Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers Focused On Justice Through Due Process
Large trucks and heavier vehicles are a common sight on our highways and roads. Although we all try to be extra careful around these large vehicles, accidents may still occur. Having Alameda truck accident lawyers on your side during this challenging time can help you move forward. We help clients pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
In the Alameda area, you’ll often share the road with commercial trucks, delivery trucks, vans, and utility vehicles like garbage trucks. In case of an accident involving these vehicles, we are prepared to assist you. We can deal with the legal challenges while you focus on healing and recovery.
We will work with you to determine the cause of your accident and keep you informed throughout the process. Reach out to our team in Alameda to learn more about your legal options.
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
What Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Alameda Can Do
Alameda truck accident lawyers help injured victims seek justice after a truck collision. Whether you need semi-truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, commercial, delivery, moving, tractor-trailer, or dump truck attorneys, we can guide you through the legal process.
Here’s what our lawyers for truck accidents in Alameda can do:
- Case Investigation — We review your accident and help you build a case based on facts.
- Damage Evaluation — We review your losses and estimate their value based on California law to support your claim.
- Evidence Collection — We gather key evidence, such as photos, videos, police reports, and medical records, to help support your claim. We also work with accident reconstructionists to have a better understanding of how your accident happened to help identify the liable parties.
- Settlement Negotiation — We deal with insurers who may try to delay or undervalue your claim. We work for a justifiable payout according to our assessment of your damages under the law.
- Court Representation — If negotiations with the defendant or insurance are unsuccessful, our personal injury lawyers can represent you in court.
Why Hire Our Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers
If you sustained injuries in a truck collision, you might be thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer.”
Here are a few reasons to hire our Alameda truck accident attorneys:
- Knowledge of Local Laws — We stay up-to-date on state laws and apply that knowledge to every case we take.
- Case Management — We handle all stages of the claim, from filing to hearings and settlement discussions. We take care of the paperwork and submit the required documents on time.
- Client-Centered Approach — We focus on understanding the physical, financial, and emotional challenges our clients may encounter after an accident. We value the attorney-client relationship and treat each case with respect for the individual involved.
- No Upfront Cost — Our lawyers only get paid if we recover compensation for you. We will discuss fees and case-related costs during your initial consultation, so you know what to expect if you decide to work with us. Case results may vary, and one of our attorneys will review the details of your situation to explain your options.
Common Questions About Truck Accident Claims In Alameda
You may be confused about what to do following a truck collision. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the claim process. If you have questions regarding your case, call our team at (888) 488-1391.
How Long Do Truck Lawsuit Cases Usually Last?
In most jurisdictions, a lawsuit can last from a few months to over a year. If you suffered serious injuries, you might want to wait until you’ve mostly healed before starting a lawsuit. That way, doctors know how serious your injuries really are, and you can ask for compensation according to your damages under the law.
The California statute of limitations gives injury victims two years to file a claim after an accident. If they fail to do so, the court may dismiss the case. Furthermore, certain exceptions may require you to file sooner or later.
These exceptions include:
- Minors — Injured individuals under the age of 18 can’t file lawsuits by themselves. A parent or guardian has to do it for them. If no one files, the child usually has until age 20 to file after turning 18.
- Government Agencies — If you’re suing a government entity (like a city or school), you must file a special claim within 6 months of the injury.
- Defendant Is Out of State — If the person you’re suing leaves California, the time limit to file your case pauses until they come back or are found.
Due to this, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. You can talk to our Alameda truck accident lawyers to understand your legal options based on your specific circumstances and how to proceed with your claim.
Do Lawyers Only Get Paid If They Win? How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Truck Accident Attorney?
No. The cost of hiring a truck accident attorney depends on several factors, such as:
- The attorney’s fee structure.
- The complexity of your case.
- The amount of time and resources needed.
- Court filing fees and other case-related expenses.
The actual cost will vary depending on the agreement you make with your lawyer. Most truck accident attorneys, including those at Arash Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees unless your case results in compensation. However, other case-related expenses may still apply. Your lawyer will discuss the fee structure and any additional costs during your initial consultation so you know what to expect.
What Happens If I’m Partly At Fault?
If you are partly at fault for a truck accident in California, you may still recover compensation. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you may still recover $80,000.
Since a fault can be complex to determine, speaking with a truck accident lawyer in Alameda can help you understand how these rules may apply to your case.
Proving Negligence In A Truck Accident Claim In Alameda, CA
Businesses, companies, and maintenance workers must follow the safety and DOT compliance regulations to comply with preventative safety measures on trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), trucking companies, officers, drivers, and employees are liable for properly inspecting, repairing, or maintaining commercial vehicles. A trucking company or business that fails to comply with regulations and properly train its drivers and maintenance personnel may face a lawsuit in the event of an accident.
Our Alameda truck accident lawyers at Arash Law advocate for the rights of victims of truck collisions. We examine every aspect of the accident to establish the four key elements of negligence to help you pursue damages to the full extent of the law.
- Duty of Care — The at-fault party has a legal responsibility to act safely and avoid putting others, like drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, at risk.
- Breach of Duty — The defendant failed to meet their responsibility by acting carelessly or recklessly. Examples include texting while driving, failing to maintain a vehicle, or not properly training commercial drivers.
- Causation — You must show a direct link between the accident and your injuries. For example, the at-fault party’s negligence led to a collision that caused you to suffer injuries like broken bones or a traumatic brain injury.
- Damages — You must prove that the accident caused real losses. These damages can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair costs.
Several parties may be responsible for a truck accident, including:
- The driver of a truck
- The trucking company
- Staff responsible for maintenance and repair
- Companies that manufacture trucks and parts
- Business owner or company owner
Potential Compensation In A Truck Accident Claim
The term “damages” is used in the law to describe all the financial and other losses resulting from your accident, both in the past and future. Our Alameda truck accident lawyers can help you assess your total damage and work towards a fair settlement according to the law.
- Economic Damages — Measurable damages or monetary losses, including:
- The cost of medical care, including therapy, long-term treatment, chiropractic care, and surgery.
- Property damage and loss of use of the vehicle.
- Loss of earnings.
- Lost earning capacity.
- Expenses or lost opportunities incurred by your accident.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages — Losses with no specific dollar amount, such as:
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Pain and suffering
- Distress due to emotions.
- Loss of support, companionship, and love.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues due to the accident.
- Other non-economic losses incurred as a result of your auto accident.
To prove damages in truck, pedestrian, car accidents, or other personal injury incidents, you might need the assistance of a medical team of doctors and providers, along with accident reconstruction experts. Our car accident lawyers can help you connect with these professionals to help show the full extent of your injuries and losses.
What Are The Different Types Of Trucks?
While big rigs are often depicted in news reports about truck accidents, they are not the only truck type that poses a risk on our roads. Various trucks, including smaller ones, can cause severe accidents and injuries.
- Big Rigs
Also known as 18-wheelers, semis, or tractor-trailers, they are classified as commercial vehicles and require experienced drivers to operate, especially when fully loaded. Due to their large size, accidents between big rigs and passenger cars are typically more severe.
- Delivery Trucks
Thousands of Amazon trucks and vans navigate the roads daily, delivering millions of packages to customers. Drivers face the pressure of meeting tight deadlines, and this pressure can lead to speeding and reckless driving, increasing the risk of severe accidents and injuries.
- Tractor Trucks
Also known as a bobtail truck. It is where the engine and driver cabin are located. Our freeways are frequently occupied by tractor trucks without cargo trailers or flatbeds attached. Even when unattached, the size of these vehicles can result in severe injuries and damage.
- Utility Trucks
These include street cleaning trucks, ambulances, garbage trucks, postal trucks, fire trucks, construction trucks, and more. Unlike big rigs, a utility truck can go over the posted speed limit in an emergency. One other unique fact you need to be aware of if you get into an accident with a utility truck is that most of these trucks are owned by public agencies or cities. As a result, anyone involved in an accident with a utility truck has only 6 months to file a claim for damages. Having our Alameda truck accident lawyers at your side will help you understand and navigate the legal process.
- Tanker Trucks
Tanker trucks may burst into flames upon impact, making any serious accident even more painful. Besides the crash itself, drivers who are unfortunate enough to get into a collision with a tanker truck could suffer lung damage from smoke inhalation, burn injuries, as well as death.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers are allowed to drive continuously for a maximum of 11 hours under federal regulations. However, many drivers might exceed this limit to cover long distances and meet tight deadlines.
Alameda truck accident lawyers often handle cases where the following factors contribute to collisions, including those relating to municipal trucks such as fire trucks and ambulances.
- Human Error — Aside from driver fatigue, the following are the other leading causes of truck accidents:
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Dealing with significant blind spots
- Insufficient amount of training
- Vehicle Problems — A well-maintained truck carrying a full load can require up to 525 feet, which is about the length of two football fields, to come to a complete stop at highway speeds. That’s significantly more than a passenger vehicle and highlights the dangers when something goes wrong.
Truck drivers also deal with wide blind spots, which make it harder to see nearby vehicles. When maintenance is poor, the risks increase even more.
Here are some common truck maintenance issues that can contribute to accidents:
- Unsecured or shifting cargo
- Failure to follow the scheduled maintenance
- Brake malfunctions
- Overloaded or improperly balanced trailers
- Worn or defective tires
- Weather Condition — While California generally enjoys mild weather year-round, unexpected rain or snow can occur, especially in high-altitude areas. These sudden weather changes can significantly increase the risks for truck drivers, particularly if the driver is already fatigued.
Adverse conditions like rain, snow, or ice can cause trucks to hydroplane or lose control when making sudden maneuvers, such as swerving. This can lead to rapid destabilization, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
Types Of Truck Accidents In Alameda, CA
According to the data provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), people traveling in smaller vehicles are most vulnerable to large truck crashes. The main problem is that in accidents involving big rigs and passenger vehicles, 97% of the deaths occur in passenger vehicles.
- A truck usually weighs 20-30 times more than a car and has higher ground clearance, so it can underride smaller vehicles in a crash.
- In 2023, there were 4,354 fatalities in large truck accidents, which is 38% higher than in 2009.
- Also, in 2023, 51% of large truck crash deaths occurred on major roads. 34% of deaths occurred on interstates and freeways, and 15% on minor roads.
Here are some of the most common types of truck incidents Alameda truck accident lawyers handle, including:
- Rollover Accidents — Trucks are especially prone to rollover accidents, which is why there are signs advising drivers to slow down during tight turns.
- No-Zones/Blind Spot Accidents — This occurs when a truck driver makes a lane change without noticing a car in its blind spot. Large vehicles tend to have more significant blind spots than smaller vehicles.
- Jack-Knife Accidents — In a jack-knife accident, a semi-truck trailer loses traction and slides towards a tractor because of poor road conditions or negligent driving. During this type of accident, due to the impending impact of both sides of the trailer on the car, any vehicle caught in the truck’s path can be seriously injured.
- Underride Accidents — This can happen if the car is rear-ended by the truck or if the truck makes a sharp turn. Underride accidents are often fatal because the car’s occupants are crushed by the truck’s weight. Drivers should avoid tailgating trucks and be aware of their surroundings.
- Head-on Collisions — Head-on accidents are among the most serious types of truck accidents. They occur when two trucks collide head-to-head. There are many factors that contribute to these accidents, such as distracted driving, drunk driving, or speeding. Drivers should avoid distractions, stay sober when driving, and obey the speed limit.
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
Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
The injuries sustained in truck accidents are often severe since the vehicles involved are relatively large. The following is a list of some of the most common types of injuries suffered in truck accidents.
- Broken Bones — Truck collisions often lead to broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. While you can treat broken bones, they are usually painful and may take months to heal.
- Emotional Trauma — A truck accident can cause physical and emotional injuries. As a consequence, many people suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder after such an incident.
- Head and Brain Injuries — The impact of truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures that may require long-term treatment.
- Internal Injuries — Internal injuries can result from the impact of a collision with a truck, including organ damage, abdominal injuries, and internal bleeding.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation since they can cause paralysis and loss of motor function.
What Should You Do After An Alameda Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, things can be confusing and scary. You might be hurt badly and unsure what to do next.
You may take the following steps to stay safe and protect your rights:
- Get a Thorough Examination — After your initial medical evaluation, it’s important to schedule a follow-up check-up to identify any delayed or hidden injuries. Some conditions may not show symptoms right away, and early detection ensures proper treatment. Follow-up visits also help document your injuries, which can be essential to support your legal claim.
- Collect Evidence — If you couldn’t take photos or videos at the scene, try to get copies from someone who did. If law enforcement responded to the accident, be sure to obtain a copy of the police report as well.
- Gather Important Information — Collect the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved. If there are any witnesses, be sure to record their contact information as well.
- Consult an Attorney — Before speaking with the insurance company, you may consider consulting with our Alameda truck accident lawyers at Arash Law. Insurers can potentially use statements made early on to reduce or dispute your claim. We can help you avoid accepting initial settlement offers that may not fully reflect the extent of your losses.
Call Our Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers
Our Alameda truck accident lawyers are committed to providing accessible legal representation, allowing you to pursue justice while recovering from the aftermath of a truck collision. We can guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review. In addition to truck accidents, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including Uber and Lyft accidents, car crashes, and slip-and-fall incidents.
We also offer our services to clients in nearby cities such as Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, San Leandro, Orinda, and Moraga, as well as major cities throughout California, namely Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Bakersfield, and San Diego.
