Altadena Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Powerful Altadena Truck Accident Lawyers Are Turning Injured Victims Into Victors
Drivers of large trucks carrying heavy cargo must exercise extra caution when traversing Altadena’s roads. However, accidents happen when we least expect them. If you or your loved ones sustain injuries following a truck accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. Our Altadena truck accident lawyers can help you file a personal injury claim. Our lines are always open; call us at (888) 488-1391 for a case evaluation.
Trucks share roads with other vehicles. They are important for transporting goods from one place to another. However, due to their massive size, they are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries among other drivers and passengers when they get involved in a traffic collision. Truck accidents can alter a victim’s and their family’s lives. In worse situations, these incidents lead to wrongful deaths.
Arash Law can fight for your right to compensation. With in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations governing insurance and the trucking industry, we know how to win your claim. Headed by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our Altadena law firm can protect your rights and recover compensation for your losses. With a proven track record and expertise in the field, we will attain the best settlement possible. Fill out our “Do I have a case?” form to determine whether you have a viable claim.
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
Why Hire The Altadena Truck Accident Attorneys From Arash Law
Hiring a lawyer is not a requirement if you want to file a claim, but retaining one is crucial to getting the fair and maximum compensation you are entitled to. Additionally, the laws and legal processes governing truck accidents can be complicated and challenging to understand. You need our experienced Altadena attorneys for truck accident cases to help you understand your legal rights and options.
The following are additional reasons why hiring our truck accident attorneys is important:
- We Provide Legal Expertise. Our Altadena personal injury lawyers understand the uniqueness of each case. Whether your accident involves multiple parties or not, we will claim fair compensation on your behalf using our skills honed by decades of combined experience.
- We Investigate And Gather Evidence Thoroughly. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation surrounding the incident to determine liability. Also, we will gather relevant proof that can build a compelling claim for you.
- We Have Negotiating And In-Court Experiences. Dealing with insurance companies and other liable parties is challenging. What you say can be used against you. Our attorneys can negotiate at the bargaining table for you. If the settlement you deserve isn’t met, we can take your case to court to attain a favorable verdict.
Having won more than $500 Million in compensation for our clients, you can trust our Altadena lawyers, who work on truck accident cases, to represent you. We will significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Human error typically causes truck accidents. But in some cases, vehicular malfunctions can also lead to these incidents, along with other factors.
The following are the typical causes of truck accidents that our Altadena lawyers see in the area:
- Reckless Driving & Speeding. These behaviors put pedestrians and other drivers at risk. Reckless truck drivers disregard traffic safety and laws, such as running the red light. Meanwhile, speeding decreases the driver’s reaction time to hazards and dangerous situations on the road. Since trucks have a longer stopping time, speeding raises the chances of crashing or colliding with other vehicles or objects.
- Improper Turning. Truckers undergo training to maneuver their large vehicles properly, including turning safely. Wide and fast turns can cause accidents like rollovers.
- Driving Under The Influence (DUI). Alcohol impairment and drugged driving affect the trucker’s ability to drive safely. These substances can affect the driver’s cognitive ability and reaction time, potentially leading to devastating events.
- Parking On Shoulders. Although shoulder parking helps truck drivers rest after a long drive, they must do it safely. They must use their signals to communicate with other road users, both when parking and merging into traffic. Failure to do so can lead to collisions.
- Overloading/Improper Loading Of Cargo. Issues with the way cargo is loaded can cause the trailer to swing around, making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. Improper cargo loads often cause rollovers and jackknife accidents. Furthermore, loose cargo may spill onto the road and hit other motorists or pedestrians.
- Fatigued Driving. Due to long hauls, truck drivers are more prone to fatigued driving. Drowsiness impairs the driver’s alertness, reaction time, and cognitive function, posing a risk to motorists and pedestrians.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Here are the most common types of truck accidents our Altadena lawyers handle:
- Jackknife Accidents – In these accidents, the truck’s trailer and cab create an angle that looks like a folding jackknife, hence the name. They are often life-threatening, particularly when they trap other cars underneath, roll over, or swerve off the roadway. Common causes include reckless driving among truckers, failure to secure cargo properly, and the negligent behavior of other motorists.
- Head-On Collisions – Trucks colliding head-on with other vehicles are among the most fatal kinds of accidents. Head-on collisions usually occur when truckers or other motorists drive while distracted or drunk. Poor road conditions, such as a lack of lighting or center dividers, can also cause these accidents.
- Rear-End Collisions – Trucks are gigantic in size and weight compared to standard cars. When a passenger vehicle hits the rear of a truck, it can get crushed upon impact. Negligence plays a major role in rear-end collisions. In some cases, inexperienced truck drivers fail to slow down or stop on time, causing rear-end collisions.
- Truck Rollovers – Large trucks are harder to operate than smaller vehicles. They are more likely to roll over as they generally have slower stopping speeds. A truck driver who drives too fast or takes turns too sharply may cause the entire vehicle to roll over onto its side, leading to hazardous situations for everyone on the road. Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are typical causes of rollovers.
- T-Bone Accidents – Also called broadside or side-impact crashes, T-bone accidents usually happen at intersections. Large truck drivers who violate the right-of-way, ignore stop signs, or run red lights are at higher risk of causing a collision.
Usual Injuries Sustained By Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, as trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than standard cars. The most typical injuries associated with these incidents are:
- Brain & Head Injuries – The head hitting the dashboard or a foreign object penetrating the skull can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Common TBIs include concussions, contusions, penetrating brain injuries, cerebral hemorrhage, and brain herniation.
- Neck & Back Injuries – Truck accidents are more likely to cause serious back and neck injuries than car accidents. Truck collisions cause jarring motions that can severely damage the tissues, joints, and nerves in the back and neck. Additionally, a damaged spine can lead to lifelong injuries requiring long-term care.
- Internal Injuries – Blunt force trauma can lead to internal injuries such as ruptured blood vessels, internal bleeding, and organ damage. Even though there are no clear symptoms yet, victims must see a healthcare professional following a truck accident to detect internal injuries immediately and prevent further complications.
- Fractures – The extreme force of a truck collision may cause bones to break or shatter. Fractures range from mild to severe. Open fractures, in particular, are serious injuries that can lead to wound and bone infections.
- Lacerations – Severe lacerations can leave victims with permanent scars. They often require stitches to stop bleeding. Victims may need weeks to regain their full strength in areas with deep cuts.
Severe injuries can interfere with the victim’s quality of life, ability to work, and relationships. Our Altadena lawyers for truck accidents will get you compensation for these losses. In a fatal truck accident, the victim’s legal heirs can file a wrongful death claim against the liable parties.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident?
Victims can pursue compensation if someone’s negligence causes their injury or the wrongful death of their loved one. However, determining liability after a truck accident can be complicated. Multiple parties are often liable for these incidents.
The following parties typically bear some responsibility for injuries and damages sustained in a truck accident:
- Truck Drivers – They are generally responsible for accidents caused by their negligent actions, such as distracted driving or not obeying traffic laws.
- Trucking Companies – These companies must follow trucking rules and regulations, such as routinely inspecting vehicles and ensuring employees are well-trained. They can be partially liable for damages if their drivers cause a trucking accident.
- Truck Owners – Failure to perform proper maintenance to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition can make a truck owner liable for damages. This is true even if someone else was operating their vehicle when the accident occurred.
- Cargo Shippers And Loaders – Some trucking companies transport cargo that other entities package and load. These entities may be held liable if an accident occurs due to unstable, incorrectly loaded cargo that shifts during transportation.
- Manufacturers Of Trucks With Faulty Parts – If a defective steering wheel causes a truck driver to veer off and lose control, the manufacturer of the faulty part may be held responsible for the accident.
Our experienced Altadena truck accident attorneys can help pinpoint the liable parties and determine the best legal actions to obtain maximum compensation from them.
How Do I Establish Negligence?
In California, establishing negligence for a truck accident involves proving the following elements:
- The truck driver owed a duty of care to the accident victim.
- The truck driver violated their duty of care through a form of negligence.
- The truck driver’s negligence directly caused the victim’s injuries and losses.
Every truck driver must use reasonable caution while driving to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. For example, a truck driver’s duty of care would require the driver to:
- Operate their trucks carefully while behind the wheel
- Watch out for other vehicles, road obstacles, and pedestrians
- Adjust their truck’s speed and movement accordingly
In strict liability cases, manufacturers of defective vehicle parts can be held liable if the faulty part contributed to a truck accident, regardless of the manufacturer’s intention. Establishing liability in strict liability cases does not require proving negligence. The victim can file a strict liability claim based on defective:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Accelerator pedals
- Engine/transmission parts
- Cargo ties
Our truck accident lawyers in Altadena can establish the liable party’s negligence. If you have questions about negligence and liability laws in California, our knowledgeable lawyers can answer them.
What Damages Can You Recover In A Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accidents significantly affect the lives of the victims due to their devastating damages. Because of this, getting the fair compensation you deserve is essential. The settlement amount you will receive depends on many factors, such as how severe your injuries are, the extent of your medical needs, how the accident affected you emotionally, and more.
Victims can recover economic and non-economic compensatory damages. The former are measurable financial losses, while the latter are intangible ones that are subjective in nature.
The following are the common types of damages you can claim after a truck accident:
Medical Treatment
The more severe the injuries are, the more expensive the medical treatment will be. Therapies, follow-up checkups, and other medical needs do not come for free. The settlement amount can help you pay your present and future healthcare bills.
Getting the right and best treatment for your injuries is crucial. Injuries may require long-term treatment. Unfortunately, your savings might not cover all your medical expenses. Make sure you keep your medical reports and bills so our truck accident attorneys in Altadena can use them as vital pieces of evidence.
Loss Of Income
Recovering includes a good rest. It can take a long time, depending on how severe your injuries are and your doctor’s advice. Most of the time, you have to miss work to recover. If this happens, your family’s expenses are also affected. It may also result in mounting unpaid bills, such as rent and utilities.
In some instances, a devastating injury can result in a permanent disability that may result in future income losses. You need a fair settlement that covers these losses.
Pain And Suffering
Pain and suffering are difficult to calculate, but it is important to compensate for the physical and emotional distress you are suffering from because of a truck accident. You may also develop anxiety or depression, which could further debilitate them.
The emotional impact of a truck accident is difficult to determine and challenging to prove. You may need a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist, to prove that you are suffering from mental health issues following the accident. Our skilled Altadena truck accident attorneys can help prove pain and suffering and quantify it.
Wrongful Death
In the worst cases, the strong impact and massive size of big rigs can kill pedestrians and other motorists, constituting a wrongful death.
If your loved ones died due to a truck accident, then you may file a wrongful death claim. You could suffer from loss of consortium, grief, and other losses and recover compensation for these damages.
How Do I Get Compensated For My Injuries After A Truck Accident In Altadena?
Filing a personal injury claim helps you get compensation for your injuries following a truck accident in Altadena. You can take these steps to help you pursue a case against the negligent parties:
- Seek Medical Attention. Your health and your safety must be the top priorities following the accident. Additionally, your medical bills and records will help build a strong case.
- Report To The Authorities. Call the Altadena Sheriff’s Office at (626) 798 1131 to report the accident. An officer will be dispatched to the scene to investigate and create a police report. Ensure you get a copy of the report.
- Document The Accident Scene. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles, and collect the information of drivers and passengers. You should also get the testimony of any witnesses.
- Report To Your Insurance Company. You should notify your insurance company about the accident. However, before speaking to insurers, hiring a truck accident attorney is an essential step to avoid saying anything that can be used against you.
- Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer. We strongly suggest that you hire the most qualified truck accident lawyers Altadena has to offer. They can take on the bulk of the tasks required to file a claim. Additionally, they can keep you up to date on any developments in your case or lawsuit.
Recovering compensation can be challenging due to the nature of truck accident cases and the laws governing them. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle your claim. We have handled and won thousands of personal injury claims, including those of truck accident victims.
What Can I Do To Strengthen My Truck Accident Claim?
Strengthening your case is crucial to ensuring you get the maximum compensation. The money you get can help you pay medical bills and compensate for the losses after a truck accident.
Below are some additional tips to strengthen your claim:
- Don’t Post Anything On Social Media – One click on your social media account can affect your claim. Posting anything on your social media account following the accident can give them an opportunity to lower the settlement or, worse, to decline the claim. For example, you posted a vacation photo you had taken before the accident. The at-fault insurance company can use the photo as evidence that the incident didn’t harm you.
- Don’t Apologize. Saying a simple “I’m sorry” can jeopardize your claim. Insurers will take this as a sign of guilt and shift the blame on you.
- Don’t Talk While You’re On Hold. Remember, just because you can’t hear the insurance adjuster on the other side of the line doesn’t mean they also can’t hear you. They can, and whatever you say while on hold can be used against you.
- Follow The Legal Advice Of Your Attorney – Follow the legal advice of our Altadena lawyers who handle truck accident cases. We can help you avoid these costly mistakes and ensure you take home the maximum compensation.
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
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 5,700 fatal collisions involving large trucks in the United States in 2021, which is a notable 49% increase in the past decade. The involved trucks were both commercial and non-commercial.
Trucks are any medium or heavy trucks with a total vehicle weight rating above 10,000 pounds. Around 9% of all vehicles recorded in fatal crashes were large trucks, the NSC reported. Additionally, the number of large truck accidents resulting in injuries increased by 12%, from 104,700 in 2020 to 117,300 in 2021.
Among the states with the highest number of deaths associated with large truck crashes in 2021, California ranked second with 437 deaths.
Passenger vehicle occupants were killed in the majority of large truck crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Federal hours-of-service regulations allow large truck drivers to drive up to 11 hours at a time. Studies indicate that many truck drivers work longer than allowed and violate the regulations, increasing the risk of truck accidents.
How Long Do I Have After A Truck Accident To File A Lawsuit?
According to the statute of limitations in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file a claim within the timeframe, you lose the right to demand compensation.
However, there are also certain exceptions. The statute of limitations is “tolled” or paused if:
- The plaintiff is a minor.
- The plaintiff is declared mentally incompetent.
- The plaintiff died within six months of the end of the statute of limitations.
- The plaintiff is performing military service.
Frequently Asked Questions After A Truck Accident In Altadena
What Should I Do If I’m Contacted By Insurers Or Someone From The Trucking Company?
Avoid making any statements because your words can be used against you. Additionally, do not sign any agreement or agree to the settlement money they will offer. Hire our Altadena truck accident lawyers to ensure your rights are protected and that you will get the maximum compensation. We will handle all negotiations on your behalf after you retain our legal services.
How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge In Altadena, California?
In California, the average personal injury lawyer’s fee is 33% to 40% of their clients’ settlements. It is important to clarify any additional fees and expenses associated with the case before hiring a lawyer or signing any agreement with them. We work on a contingency agreement, which means our fees will come from the compensation you will receive.
Here at Arash Law, all discussions about our fees are done during the onboarding process.
Can A Lawyer Settle My Case Without My Consent?
A lawyer cannot settle or close your case without your consent. However, after you receive fair compensation or accept an agreement, the case will be considered closed. Rest assured, our Altadena lawyers, who will handle your truck accident case, will keep an open line of communication with you throughout the process. We will not proceed with any decision without explaining your options and your consent.
Reach Out To The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Altadena Trusts
You can trust our Altadena lawyers to handle your truck accident case. With our experienced attorneys, you can ensure you have superior legal representation during these challenging times. We are committed to guiding you through the process, from filing a claim to attaining fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a truck accident in Altadena, we can help you. You can rely on our expertise to get you the outcome you deserve. Leave the work to us and focus on your recovery. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our Altadena lawyers for truck accidents are also offering our expertise in handling truck cases in these neighboring areas: Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Glendale, San Marino, Arcadia, Los Angeles, and Kinneloa Mesa. Our lawyers also help truck accident victims around California, including Santa Clara, Carlsbad, Lancaster, and Ontario.
