Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers
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Trusted Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers Helping You Get Compensation For Your Injuries
While large trucks and heavier vehicles are a common sight on our highways and roads, they unfortunately face a disproportionately high risk of accidents. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Alameda, you may need assistance from our Alameda truck accident lawyers to obtain compensation for your injuries. At Arash Law, we have a proven track record of success, having recovered over $500 Million in awards and settlements for our clients. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.
You’ll often share the road with commercial trucks when you drive in the Alameda area. You may encounter delivery trucks, vans, and utility vehicles like garbage trucks. Although we all try to be extra careful around these vast vehicles, accidents occur, and having an attorney on your side during this time of difficulty can help you move forward confidently. We are here to empower you, not overwhelm you. Let us shoulder the burden of legal challenges while you focus on healing and recovery.
You can trust our Alameda truck accident lawyers to get to the bottom of the cause of your accident thoroughly. We will work with you to address all your concerns and keep you informed throughout the process. Contact us today 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
Why Do You Need Alameda Truck Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
Insurance companies don’t always have your best interests in mind, especially with significant claims involving truck accidents. They may try to undervalue your personal injury claim, delay paying you, or even deny it altogether. This is because they know that big rig accident victims are often in a difficult financial situation and may be more likely to settle for a lower amount than they deserve.
Our Alameda truck accident attorneys at Arash Law can help you identify unfair treatment from insurance companies and negotiate a favorable settlement. Our attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. During this difficult and frightening time, we understand your needs and we are committed to providing you with the support you need.
Truck Accident Statistics In California
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 2021, there were 4,714 fatalities in large truck accidents, a 17% increase from 2020.
- Also, in 2021, 48% of large truck crash deaths occurred on major roads. Over 36% of deaths occurred on interstates and freeways, and 16% on minor roads.
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 damages. - 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 crash with a tanker truck could suffer lung damage from smoke inhalation, burn injuries, as well as death.
What Are the Most 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 exceed this limit to cover long distances and meet tight deadlines.
The following factors also contribute to truck accidents, including those relating to municipal trucks such as fire trucks and ambulances.
Vehicle Problems
A well-maintained truck with a complete cargo load requires a distance of 525 feet to come to a complete halt, which is equivalent to two football fields in length.
It is also common for truck drivers to have substantial blind spots, which further increases the risk for surrounding passenger vehicles. If poor maintenance is included, the risk escalates even more. Here are some common truck maintenance issues to keep in mind:
- Unsecured cargo
- Failure to follow the truck’s recommended maintenance schedule
- Brake issues
- Trailers exceeding weight limits
- Having problems with tires
Human Error
In California, truck accidents are frequently caused by two primary factors: truck driver fatigue and speeding. These factors are among the leading causes of truck accidents and human error.
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Distracted driving
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Dealing with significant blind spots
- Insufficient amount of training
Weather Condition
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 sustained in truck accidents.
- Broken Bones – Truck collisions often lead to broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs. While broken bones can usually be treated, they are often 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. Fortunately, the law recognizes how impactful emotional trauma can be on someone’s life, which is why it allows you to seek compensation for emotional trauma in addition to physical injuries.
- Head and Brain Injuries – The impact of truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures. Lifelong effects are often associated with these injuries.
- Seat Belt Injuries – We often recommend wearing seatbelts to protect yourself from injuries like whiplash, bruises, and abrasions. Seatbelts can reduce fatalities by 45% and severe injuries by 50%.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries can result from the impact of a collision with a truck, including organ damage, abdominal injuries, and internal bleeding. In some cases, these injuries do not become apparent at first, so seeking medical attention after an accident is essential regardless of whether or not you believe you have been severely injured.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation since they can cause paralysis and loss of motor function.
Types Of Truck Accidents in Alameda, CA
Truck accidents can be devastating due to these vehicles’ sheer size and weight. Collisions involving commercial trucks, such as semis and tractor-trailers, can lead to severe injuries and property damage. These accidents can occur in various ways, not typically seen in collisions between passenger vehicles.
Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents our Alameda truck accident lawyers encounter when representing victims of these incidents.
- 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 accidents – 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.
What Damages and Monetary Claims Can I Make In My Case?
The term damages is used in the law to describe all the medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from your accident, both in the past and future. Like proving liability, damages must also be proven. These include the following:
Economic Damages
- The cost of medical care
- Property damage and loss of use of vehicle
- Loss of earnings
- Lost earning capacity
- Expenses or lost opportunities incurred by your accident
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including medical insurance co-pays
Non-economic Damages
- The loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- The suffering and pain
- Distress due to emotions
- Loss of support, companionship, love, and many other types of wrongful death
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health illnesses
- Other non-economic losses incurred as a result of your auto accident
To prove damages, you need the assistance of a medical team of doctors and providers, along with lifecare planners, vocational experts, and accident reconstruction experts. Our Alameda truck accident lawyers aim to assemble a winning team of experts to maximize your compensation to the fullest extent possible.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident 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 Sections 396.1 through 396.25 of 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.
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
The Alameda truck accident attorneys at Arash Law advocate for the rights of victims of personal injury accidents. We carefully examine every aspect of the accident to establish liability and negligence and aggressively pursue damages to the full extent of the law.
How Long Do Truck Lawsuit Cases Usually Last?
In most jurisdictions, a lawsuit’s trial date is typically set for 12 to 18 months before filing, which is usually the longest period your case can last. It may be advantageous to wait until your injuries have stabilized before filing your lawsuit, especially if your injuries are severe. This can add time to your case’s length.
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 will dismiss the case. Furthermore, certain exceptions may require you to file sooner or later, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
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
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 not sure what to do next. But it’s important to take the necessary steps to stay safe and protect your rights.
- Keep yourself safe – Taking immediate action after an accident is essential to prevent further injuries. Avoid moving your vehicle until you have been taken to a safe place.
- Call 911 – Call 911 and ask for an officer or an emergency medical technician. You must get checked out right away, even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured. Perhaps you were in shock and didn’t notice your injury, or perhaps you had serious injuries internally.
- Get Medical Attention– The first thing you should do if you have yet to be taken to the hospital by ambulance is seek medical attention. This will ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment and provide you with the documents required to support your claim.
- Collect evidence – You can take pictures while you wait for first responders. If you cannot take photos due to an injury, ask someone else to do so. Get information about the truck, such as the number or code, and contact information from witnesses.
- Contact our Alameda truck accident lawyer – Before providing any statement to the insurance company, you must consult with an Alameda truck accident lawyer from Arash Law. Insurers may be able to use whatever you say to either deny your claim or decrease its value. Any settlement offered immediately after an accident will probably not exceed the value of your claim.
Why Should You Hire Our Lawyers For Your Truck Accident Case In Alameda?
As an accident law firm, we are committed to our clients’ physical, financial, and emotional well-being. We emphasize the attorney-client relationship, embracing and respecting the needs of every accident victim. You can rest assured that Arash Law will treat you as a whole person rather than just an accident victim when you work with our firm. This approach allows us to fully understand the accident’s impact on your life and build a strong case for you.
In California, we offer unparalleled service and results when representing negligent drivers in trucking accidents. Our personal injury lawyers have recovered over $500 Million of compensation for our clients. We understand how truck and insurance companies work and will do everything possible to assist you.
Call The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Alameda Has To Offer For Maximum Compensation
Do not face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys in Alameda, CA, today to take action to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs. With this arrangement, you only pay legal fees if we successfully secure compensation for your case. We are committed to providing accessible legal representation, allowing you to pursue justice without financial barriers.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 if you have questions about trucking accidents. Our skilled Alameda truck accident attorneys extend their expertise to clients in nearby cities such as Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, San Francisco, 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.
