Alhambra Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Determined Alhambra Truck Accident Lawyers Will Get You The Compensation You Deserve
The grim reality is that negligent truck drivers can cause harm to anyone on the road. If a truck hits you or someone you know, causing injuries or death, speak with our Alhambra truck accident lawyers so that you can obtain maximum compensation. You can avail of our free initial consultation to talk about your case by calling us today at (888) 488-1391.
Alhambra is among the oldest suburbs in Los Angeles County that have witnessed the rise of transcontinental railroads. When talking about its robust economy, Alhambra points out that auto dealerships contribute much to its advancement. Some big names like BMW and Chrysler are found in the city’s Auto Row district. Such a situation implies that the trucking industry is also thriving in the area. Big rigs are the major means that companies use to transport their products, such as cars.
Although trucks are beneficial to the progress of Alhambra, they carry a downside as well. Truck accidents can injure or kill people. Victims and their families often deal with great pain and suffering, but our Alhambra-based truck accident lawyers can help relieve some of it. With our vast array of specializations, our Alhambra personal injury law firm can successfully handle cases like yours. We advocate for your best interests and achieve a favorable settlement for your damages and losses.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Alhambra For Your Claim
Arash Law understands the intricate details of trucking regulations, insurance policies, and the legal system. But, with our decades of combined experience, our lawyers can manage and win even complex cases. We also believe that accidents are unique to each individual. Thus, we employ a tailored approach to build you a compelling case that will help you win compensation.
Our truck accident lawyers in Alhambra will work closely with you to address your concerns and keep you informed throughout the legal process. You can trust our team to diligently advocate for your interests and pursue the highest compensation possible on your behalf.
Truck accidents take a toll on victims. Whether they’re minor or fatal, they have to deal with their injuries and losses. It’s for this reason that many pursue compensation for their present and future damages. Unfortunately, navigating the claims procedure can be complicated, particularly without legal representation. That’s where hiring our Alhambra truck accident attorneys can make a difference.
We can step in to provide the support and representation that you need. Our success record can attest to this, as we have recovered over $500 Million in compensation for our clients.
What Can Our Alhambra Truck Accident Lawyers Do To Win Your Case?
Our team of truck accident attorneys in Alhambra will dissect every detail and angle of the accident that left you injured. We will present a strong case to get you maximum compensation. We are ready to take your case wherever it may lead us, whether on the negotiation table or in court.
Moreover, we go the extra mile in our duties, which include:
- Ensuring effective communication with all parties involved to maintain the integrity of your case
- Collecting and compiling strong evidence, such as testimonies, reports, and documents, that can support your claim
- Holding the negligent parties accountable by establishing their liability
- Demonstrating the extent of the damages and losses you incurred
- Negotiating with insurers to guarantee reasonable compensation, particularly if they initially offer a minimal settlement
- Taking your case to trial and advocating for your rights if negotiations with insurers fail
Our attorneys in Alhambra, who specialize in truck accident cases, are available 24/7 for your legal needs. You may also reach us online by filling out our “Do I have a case?” form.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Alhambra is a bustling city that welcomes a lot of truckers. Given this, its locals commonly witness a significant number of truck incidents that occur in various forms. These are some of the most common types of truck accidents that our Alhambra lawyers have worked with before:
Jackknife Accidents
In some crashes, trailers swing out to form a 90-degree angle, leading to jackknife accidents. These may happen after a sudden loss of vehicle control due to excessive braking, speeding, or abrupt lane changes.
Jackknife accidents are dangerous because trailers may sweep multiple traffic lanes, increasing the likelihood of a multi-vehicle collision. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) posted that in 2020, the U.S. recorded a total of 4,482 fatal jackknife incidents. Empty trailers are more vulnerable to these accidents as they have less friction.
If you get injured in a jackknife crash, call our Alhambra truck accident lawyers to understand your rights. We’ll help you receive a settlement for your medical bills and other damages.
Rollovers
Massive rigs like semi-trailers and semi-trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds are prone to rollovers. This happens when they turn over onto their sides or roofs. Possible factors leading to these incidents are improperly loaded cargo, loss of vehicle control, and collisions with other cars or barriers. Authorities classify these accidents into two types:
- Tripped Rollovers – These crashes happen when the tires of big vehicles stumble upon damaged surfaces, like curbs, soft shoulders, guardrails, or uneven pathways.
- Untripped Rollovers – On the contrary, these incidents occur due to the design and dynamics of the trucks, such as the high center of gravity and improper weight distribution. The vehicle doesn’t have contact with external forces.
Whether tripped or untripped, rollover accidents can crush smaller vehicles and lead to pileups. These events can cause property damage and severe injuries or fatalities.
Tire Blowouts
These incidents occur when truck tires lose air pressure and rapidly deflate. Consequently, drivers lose control of their vehicles and may shift to other lanes, making them susceptible to collisions. Various reasons for these accidents include poor vehicle maintenance and old or defective tires.
Tire blowouts are common occurrences throughout the United States. The Department of Transportation (DOT) stated that in 2020, the country recorded 14 trucks involved in accidents caused by tire blowouts. Accordingly, seven vehicles each got into single and multiple collisions.
Tire blowouts can be attributed to negligent maintenance. Our lawyers in Alhambra for truck accidents can determine the cause of the accident. We’ll investigate your case and ensure negligent parties are held liable.
Rear-End Collisions
Normally, trucks take more time to brake as compared to passenger cars. They can rear-end smaller cars, especially when truck drivers tailgate. That’s why drivers must be extra cautious and give themselves more space during a traffic stop.
For passenger cars, rear-end collisions involving trucks are catastrophic because of their impact. Trucks have more force than lighter vehicles, which means the occupants of the latter are at a higher risk of getting injured or killed.
Dealing with the consequences of rear-end collisions is traumatic. Nonetheless, you may be able to get compensation. Talk with our truck accident attorneys in Alhambra so we can pursue a claim.
Unsafe Loads
Hazardous loads are among the reasons why truck accidents take place. As such, authorities require truckers to secure their cargo properly, or else their trucks will get bulky or unbalanced.
Aside from the risky weights, unsafe loads violate cargo safety rules, which strictly consider the nature of freight. These rules ensure loads are properly secured and distributed. If truck drivers do not follow these regulations, their trucks are more prone to rollovers, especially when navigating sharp turns or steep inclines.
Moreover, open trucks with loose cargo due to improper tie-downs serve as hazards. Improperly secured loads can shift during transport, leading to the truck’s sudden and unpredictable movements. These can also fall off the trailer and hit nearby vehicles, causing physical and property damage.
Different Kinds Of Trucks
The roads of Alhambra also make way for trucks of various kinds, such as the following:
- Tractor-Trailers – These large commercial 18-wheelers commonly travel across states. They have two main components: the truck cab and the trailer. The first part contains the engine, while the latter comes in different types depending on the cargo they transport. These may be:
- Flatbed Trailers – Carry large freight that doesn’t fit on conventional semi-trailers
- Tanker Trailers – Transport liquid or gaseous cargo
- Livestock Haulers – Ship domesticated animals and other agricultural materials
- Refrigerated Trailers – Transport temperature-sensitive and perishable goods such as food, medicine, and cosmetics. They are also known as reefers.
- Delivery Trucks – These are responsible for delivering a wide range of consumer products across the U.S. Delivery trucks play an essential role in transporting packages from popular carriers like UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Postal Service to residences.
- Working Trucks – Specialized and heavy-duty vehicles also exist to serve specific purposes. These may be in the form of dump, cement, or furniture trucks.
Legally, you can consider vehicles as trucks if they have a gross vehicle weight rating beyond 10,000 pounds. Imagining this size, you can really tell how catastrophic the repercussions heavy transports may bring, regardless of their nature. Our lawyers for truck accidents in Alhambra can help you if you have been injured in one. We work diligently to get your damages and losses compensated.
Typical Causes Of Alhambra Truck Accidents
Trucks can cause devastating accidents. Common factors contributing to them are:
- Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers frequently travel long hours to meet tight deadlines, leading to exhaustion and decreased alertness on the road. With this, fatigued truckers are more likely to make errors in judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving – Using mobile phones or other devices can take a truck driver’s attention away from the road, potentially leading to accidents.
- Driving Under The Influence – When truckers are intoxicated, their reaction times slow down, their judgment is impaired, and their coordination is affected. This impairment leads to traumatic consequences when operating a vehicle of massive size.
- Speeding – Compared to smaller vehicles, trucks require longer distances to stop, making speeding even more dangerous. This behavior reduces drivers’ ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, which becomes the reason for crashes.
- Improper Loading – Loading cargo incorrectly can lead to trailers weighing too much or cargo shifting during travel. Eventually, all of these can have catastrophic effects on the road, such as causing rollovers.
- Truck Driver Error – Accidents normally occur whenever truck drivers carelessly maneuver their gigantic vehicles. Their negligence may encompass aggressive driving, unsafe lane changes, or excessive braking.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Trucks undergo significant wear and tear due to their long hours on the road. If drivers don’t check their vehicles regularly, issues with brakes, tires, and other crucial components can arise, and accidents can ensue.
Victims like you may demand accountability from liable parties if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Seek the help of our Alhambra truck accident attorneys in obtaining compensation for all the harm you sustained.
Usual Injuries Sustained In A Truck Accident
As truck accidents can be disastrous, they result in minor to life-threatening injuries. Among these are the following:
- Head & Brain Injuries – During collisions with big rigs, the occupant’s head can hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or other surfaces. Flying debris or shattered glass can also strike the head and cause damage. As a result, victims may obtain head concussions, contusions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Back & Neck Injuries – Occupants of vehicles crashing into trucks may incur neck or back injuries. The sudden jolts and impacts from the accident can cause the spine to twist, bend, or compress in unnatural ways. Some of the most common back and neck injuries are whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal injuries.
- Internal Injuries – In the case of truck accidents, the strong impact can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Examples are blood vessel ruptures, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
- Broken Bones – The collisions between large commercial trucks and smaller vehicles or pedestrians can create a catastrophic situation. The force can easily cause bones to break, shatter, or even pierce through the skin.
- Lacerations – In truck accidents, lacerations occur due to different factors, such as broken glass, sharp metal edges, or even flying debris. All these can easily lead to deep and jagged cuts and wounds that may require immediate medical attention.
- Wrongful Death – The worst consequence of truck accidents is when victims perish, leaving their loved ones in complete emotional destruction. Grieving families may pursue wrongful death claims in these cases.
When you suffer from these devastating injuries due to negligent truckers, know that you can count on our Alhambra truck accident lawyers. We can advocate for your rights and get due compensation for all your losses.
How To Establish Negligence In A Truck Accident Case
It’s important to establish the negligence of the responsible parties to receive compensation. We will do a thorough investigation to prove the following elements:
- Duty Of Care – Similar to other road users, California law also grants duty of care to all truck drivers, especially since they’re controlling massive vehicles. Trucking companies, truck manufacturers, and cargo loaders also receive the same obligation. This duty of care must push the parties mentioned to act in a way that every reasonable person should in similar situations.
- Breach Of Duty – When truckers and other responsible parties don’t act appropriately, they breach their duty of care.
- Causation – Victims must also demonstrate that the truck accident inflicted their injuries. It links their damages and losses to the liable parties’ negligence.
- Damages – The final step in winning the case is proving that the victim suffered damages and losses after the accident. This element will then be the basis for determining how much the victims’ compensation will be.
Establishing these elements may be tricky, but our truck accident attorneys in Alhambra are experts in this field. We will back up your case with compelling evidence.
What Damages Can Victims Recover After A Truck Accident?
Getting compensation for your damages provides some relief to help you recover. Our Alhambra lawyers for truck accidents can help you obtain compensation for the following:
- Economic Damages – After getting into accidents involving big rigs, victims may incur various tangible and monetary losses, which are also known as economic damages. These can include a range of costs, such as hospital fees, follow-up medications, treatments, missed wages, and property repairs or replacements.
- Non-Economic Damages – Truck accidents don’t just inflict physical harm; they also cause intangible damages. They may not be easy to calculate, but liable parties must settle these to help victims recover from the accident’s negative impacts. Non-economic damages may include disfigurements or disabilities, emotional trauma, loss of consortium, or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages – Courts in Alhambra, and generally in California, rarely award these damages. It is because they require the existence of drivers’ intent and gross negligence. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages do not aim to compensate victims. They only serve as punishments so that guilty parties will learn from their mistakes.
What Should I Do After An Alhambra Truck Accident?
It’s important to know what to do after a truck accident to ensure your safety and protect your rights. You can follow these steps, provided it’s possible, and you’re able after the crash:
- Stay calm. Although this may seem difficult, keep your composure. This way, you remain clear-headed and can carefully assess whether the accident injured you or the people around you. Move to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 and law enforcement agencies. Truck accidents usually lead to devastating injuries. Get help from first-aid responders to get immediate and necessary treatment. Moreover, you should cooperate with the Alhambra Police Department. Make sure you also get a copy of the police report. Our Alhambra lawyers can help expedite the process if you have issues getting your truck accident report.
- Collect proofs and information. Note the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of all parties involved. To help with your claim, photograph the accident scene, the damages to your property, and your injuries. Take videos of your surroundings and anything else that can help your case later on.
- Notify insurance companies. You must give them the required details but avoid oversharing. They may use your words to reduce the amount of your settlement. Additionally, insurers are notorious for lowball offers. Don’t accept anything from them or sign legal forms without consulting a lawyer first. Doing so may compromise your goal of attaining high compensation.
- Hire our Alhambra truck accident lawyers immediately. As experienced legal advocates, we know the next steps to help you. We will be your adviser and ally as you pursue your claim for damages.
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
Who Can Be Held Liable For The Damages Of A Truck Accident?
Determining the entities responsible for your injuries and damages is a crucial step in achieving compensation. In truck accidents, several parties can be held liable, depending on the circumstances. These may include the following:
- Truck Drivers – As stipulated in California’s negligence law, courts may declare truck drivers responsible for accidents if they are reckless in their actions. For example, they are driving while intoxicated or tired, overspeeding, or violating traffic rules.
- Trucking Companies – If the responsible truck drivers are employees of particular companies, the latter can also answer for the accidents. Under the legal doctrine called respondeat superior, employers must ensure that their workforce behaves professionally and appropriately while performing their job duties. Improper actions or behaviors are their responsibility to manage and address.
- Truck Manufacturers – These entities can be liable if the accident occurred due to defects in trucks’ designs or manufacturing processes. A manufacturer is responsible for making sure these vehicles are safe to drive.
- Cargo Loaders – Truck drivers don’t necessarily load the cargo themselves. If unsafe loading causes accidents, those in charge of it may receive consequences.
Overall, the process of determining who is responsible for the accident can be complicated and requires a thorough investigation of the facts. Our reliable Alhambra personal injury attorneys, specializing in truck accidents, can help you identify all liable parties.
Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Claims In California
According to California law, victims of truck accidents can push for personal injury claims within two years after the incident happened. If the injuries are not discovered instantly, they may initiate their cases one year after their discovery.
However, if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will be paused until they turn 18. Meanwhile, if the liable individuals are out of state or still in jail, plaintiffs must wait for them to return to California or get freed first. The deadline is also tolled for mentally incapacitated people. They must first return to their sensibility to commence the legal process.
Going beyond the set time frame may mean the dismissal of the case. To avoid this from happening, hiring our truck accident lawyers in Alhambra would be the best move. As time-conscious legal advocates, we stick to the deadlines and ensure we observe timeliness in document submission.
Statistics Of Truck Accidents In California
Based on the 2021 statistics from the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes on the country’s roads. Such figures were said to reflect an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% growth in the previous ten years.
Moreover, in the same year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 71% of large vehicles involved in catastrophic crashes were heavy trucks weighing up to 26,000 pounds. Accordingly, 5,788 road users perished, which was a 17% increase from the 4,945 cases in 2020. Out of these, 72% of the casualties were occupants of other vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents In Alhambra
Do I Need To Call A Lawyer After Getting Into A Truck Accident?
Victims of any accidents, including those involving large trucks, can opt to file for damage claims with or without a lawyer. However, handling the legal process with no legal representation can prove disadvantageous, as insurance companies are known to offer low settlements. In situations like these, hiring our Alhambra truck accident lawyers is an advantage.
Our legal advocates will enlighten you about your rights and the best options when pursuing a lawsuit. Moreover, we will build you a strong enough case. We’ll ensure we successfully establish the negligence of the responsible parties and how the damages you incurred changed your life.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Hiring our Alhambra truck accident lawyers will have no upfront costs. Arash Law offers a risk-free and no-obligation initial consultation. Once we determine that you can pursue a claim, we’ll work with you on a contingency basis. It means we’ll only deduct our fees from the compensation you’ll win. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
Consult The Expert Truck Accident Lawyers Alhambra Trusts!
Dealing with the impacts of truck accidents is daunting, especially when you’re still in the healing process. However, you don’t have to bear all these alone. Let our Alhambra truck accident lawyers take charge of your case and recover payments for your damages.
Arash Law has a lineup of dedicated and experienced legal advocates who understand the intricate details of various cases. With our skills, you can expect to receive the financial recovery you’re due. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your case is in the hands of experts. Dial (888) 488-1391 to discuss your claim with our personal injury lawyers today.
We also cover neighboring locations of Alhambra, including San Gabriel, Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Temple City, El Monte, South El Monte, Montebello, East Los Angeles, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Altadena, and Commerce.
