Apple Valley Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Relentless Apple Valley Truck Accident Lawyers Are The Voice Of The Injured
Truck accidents result in catastrophic consequences, like serious injuries, loss of life, and severe property damage. If you or your loved ones suffer from these tragedies, seek quality legal services from our Apple Valley truck accident lawyers. We’ll help you receive the highest possible compensation for your damages. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Apple Valley is an incorporated town located in the Victor Valley of San Bernardino County. It’s known as the High Desert due to its 3,000-foot elevation. Horseback riders enjoy the place because of its several trails that are ideal for equestrian trips. The “High Desert” not only promotes unique travel but also dedicates itself to its economic development program. It aims to attract more businesses to invest in the new industrial park surrounding Apple Valley Airport and develop other commercial locations.
The community’s promising initiatives push companies to utilize trucks to deliver different goods and products. These large vehicles commonly pass through main roads, such as California State Highway 18, Interstate (I)-15, U.S. Route 395, and State Highway 247. While these throughways provide easy access to Apple Valley, they also become common routes for reckless truckers who cause truck accidents within the town’s borders.
If you get injured in a truck accident, you can lean on our attorneys in Apple Valley. We can help you file a claim to obtain compensation for your damages. Our personal injury lawyers have gained expertise in various practice areas, including complex truck accidents, so we’re confident of winning your case. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about paying upfront fees because our law firm in Apple Valley offers a contingency-based service. It means that we’ll give you a fair chance to fight for the justice and payment that you rightfully deserve.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Apple Valley Attorneys Win Your Truck Accident Case?
Our lawyers in Apple Valley will exhaust all legal means to ensure the success of your truck accident case. Our law firm is determined to accomplish the following to secure the most desired outcome for your claim:
- Communicate with all parties involved to obtain more information necessary for building a solid case.
- Gather enough proof, like photos and footage of the accident scene, witness testimonies, and other reports demonstrating the liability of the responsible parties.
- Deal with insurance companies where we can discuss your best interests and rights to high compensation.
- Represent you in litigation if insurers don’t agree to a fair settlement.
We understand that unwanted incidents caused by large vehicles can drastically impact your life. That’s why our personal injury lawyers intend to get maximum compensation for your damages. We offer a personalized approach where you’ll be engaged and updated with every progress we make.
Our Apple Valley lawyers can guarantee the effective handling of your truck accident case. Our law firm has dedicated many decades of combined efforts to serving justice to our injured clients. This determination has also yielded positive results, as reflected in our success record, which shows more than $500 Million worth of settlements and awards recovered.
If you’re a victim, you must rely on trustworthy truck accident attorneys like those we have in Apple Valley. Be one of our satisfied clients. Complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and we will get back to you to discuss your legal options.
Common Types Of Trucks
The majority of industries in the town rely on different types of trucks to transport loads across the town. In various truck accident cases our Apple Valley lawyers have handled, these are the most commonly involved types:
- Tractor Trucks – These are also known as bobtail trucks. These enormous vehicles consist of only the front part, where the engine and driver’s cabin are found. Tractor trucks are difficult to maneuver, making them dangerous even without cargo or flatbed trailers. Their full weight goes entirely on their wheels, and they have less friction.
- Big Rigs – These commercial trucks come with many names, like 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers. These large vehicles often operate on flatbeds or closed trailers to secure their cargo.
- Tanker Trucks – Big trucks of this kind usually carry liquid and flammable substances like water and gasoline. Because of these types of loads, tanker trucks are prone to explosions when they get into an accident.
- Delivery Trucks – Transportation and e-commerce companies, such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and United States Postal Services, use delivery trucks to transport different products to specified locations.
- Utility Trucks – These heavy-duty vehicles serve various purposes. They can be beneficial in residential and commercial areas, rescues and emergencies, and even on agricultural sites. Utility trucks may include the following:
- Street Cleaning Trucks
- Emergency Vehicles
- Waste Disposal Trucks
- Farm Trucks
Common Kinds Of Truck Accidents
As Apple Valley transforms into a thriving transportation hub, it also becomes a hotspot for various types of truck accidents, such as:
Jackknife Accidents
These devastating accidents occur when large trucks skid and their trailers swing out of their cabs, forming a 90-degree or acute angle like a pocket knife. Jackknife incidents are extremely hazardous for all road users, as the involved trucks may block multiple lanes of traffic, causing chaos and potential pile-ups. The primary causes of these situations include:
- Speeding
- Improper braking
- Inexperienced driving
- Adverse weather conditions
- Mechanical failures
As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a total of 4,842 fatal jackknife accidents happened in the U.S. in 2020. These incidents injured 107,000 people and damaged 327,000 properties.
Rear-End Collisions
Big trucks also contribute to rear-end collisions, especially when truckers tailgate or drive with less attention. Their vehicles’ enormous size and weight prevent them from stopping immediately and usually lead them to crash into the vehicle in front. Such incidents pose a great danger to the latter, as they may end up trampled by thousands of pounds of equipment. Their occupants may also sustain minor or severe injuries, like:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Fractures
- Permanent disfigurements or disabilities
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions commonly occur at intersections where two or more highways meet. These crossroads witness various vehicular activities, such as turning in different directions and crossing over. With this level of activity, the chances of large trucks and light automobiles colliding with each other also increase.
Rollovers
An FMCSA study explains that large vehicles, like tractor-trailers, are susceptible to truck rollover crashes due to their innate properties. When they travel along curved paths or their wheels touch external obstacles, their outward force and unstable freight may cause them to swerve too much from the road and flip over.
Over the years, reports of rollover accidents have continued to persist in California. Reckless driving behaviors, such as taking wide turns, speeding, and distracted driving, usually contribute to these concerning issues.
Truck accidents may vary from each other, but many of them boil down to one unfortunate outcome – victimizing road users. Our truck accident lawyers in Apple Valley can assess the nature of the accident you’re in and determine all possible instances of negligence. We can help you file a report with the law enforcement authorities and secure an incident report.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Different causes of truck crashes contribute to the incidents mentioned above. Cases managed by our Apple Valley truck accident attorneys usually involve the following:
- Speeding – Truckers must follow strict speed limits for semi-trucks imposed by California law. Unfortunately, many truck drivers disobey this rule and drive fast to beat their companies’ deadlines. This action leads to accidents, harming other road users.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Truckers who are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs can’t drive safely as these substances impair their judgment, reaction, and coordination skills.
- Driver Fatigue – According to the standard hours of service for truckers, they are only allowed to drive for up to 11 hours and within 14 hours. Despite this clear rule, several of them still drive for longer periods because of time pressure. Some truck drivers then experience fatigue, causing them to lose focus on the road and collide with oncoming traffic.
- Distracted Driving – Gadgets like mobile phones have become the primary source of distraction for truckers. They use these devices to track time, their routes, and communications from their employers. Other kinds of distractions also take their attention away from driving, resulting in accidents.
- Reckless Driving – Inexperienced and negligent driving behaviors cause truck accidents. Some careless drivers often overlook blind spots, reverse too much, tailgate, overtake, or take wide turns.
- Unsecured Loads – Truckers must observe the basic cargo safety rules to secure their shipment. Otherwise, the cargo could move inside the truck, causing the balance to shift or potentially getting thrown off the trailer.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance – If the drivers and companies are not up-to-date with inspections, they might not detect auto defects, such as worn-out brake pads, accelerators, tires, and lights. These may fail during trips and make the trucker lose control of the vehicle, leading to accidents.
- Inclement Weather – Heavy rains, snow, fog, and strong winds can significantly increase the possibility of truck accidents. These conditions can reduce visibility, affect road conditions, and make vehicles difficult to maneuver.
- Poor Road Conditions – Poorly maintained roads and pathways are prone to accidents involving big trucks. Potholes, obstructions, and slippery surfaces could make the driver lose control of their vehicles.
What Damages Can You Recover From A Truck Accident Case?
Victims of truck crashes may have legal grounds to recover compensation from negligent parties. Our personal injury lawyers in Apple Valley can help you compute the economic and non-economic damages you’re entitled to. These may cover:
- Emergency room expenses
- Hospital visits
- Follow-up therapies and treatments
- Over-the-counter medications
- Missed earnings
- Medical equipment
- Repairs to damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disabilities
- Disfigurements
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful deaths
Apart from the monetary settlements, courts in Apple Valley may also award punitive damages. In very rare cases, this type of damage can be granted in accidents caused by gross negligence or malicious intent.
To secure the highest amount of compensation, you must hire our Apple Valley lawyers, who consistently win truck accident cases. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve, both for current and future losses.
Typical Injuries In Truck Accidents
Our Apple Valley lawyers frequently encounter the following types of injuries in truck accidents:
- Head & Brain Injuries – Occupants of other vehicles may hit their heads against dashboards, steering wheels, and other surfaces during violent collisions with large trucks. They may also be harmed by flying debris and broken glass. Incidents like these may cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), skull fractures, contusions, and other head injuries.
- Neck & Back Injuries – Victims may also sustain herniated discs, whiplash, and spinal cord injuries. These occur when the strong impact of collisions forces the neck and back to twist, bend, or compress.
- Internal Injuries – Vessels and organs may get ruptured and impaired by the force of a truck collision. These injuries might not be immediately apparent and might take some time to be discovered. However, they could be fatal if not treated right away.
- Broken Bones – Large commercial trucks crashing into smaller vehicles can generate devastating force, which could cause the bones to break or shatter. Fractures may be minor or severe. In some cases, victims may need surgery to heal from these injuries.
- Lacerations – Various objects, like flying debris, sharp metal edges, and broken glass, can cause cuts on the skin. Some wounds are deep, requiring immediate medical attention and surgical intervention.
- Wrongful Deaths – The saddest outcome of truck accidents involves the loss of life, leaving the victim’s family members in total emotional ruin. In such cases, they are within their rights to hire lawyers who can prove the wrongful death of their loved ones.
Count on our lawyers in Apple Valley if you get injured in a truck accident. We’ll help you get proper medical treatment while your claim is ongoing. Our attorneys will also make sure that the negligent parties will pay for all the damages of the injuries you sustain.
Determining Liability In A Truck Accident Case
Establishing liability in truck accident cases can be challenging. Several elements need to be considered to demonstrate the negligence of responsible individuals. Most of the time, truckers get the blame for the accidents on the road. California law states that they must exercise reasonable care when driving to prevent harming other road users. When they breach this obligation, they become negligent and must answer for damages and losses incurred by victims.
However, our Apple Valley lawyers have also frequently identified other liable parties in a truck accident, such as:
- Trucking companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Insurance providers
- Government agencies
- Other road users
The involvement of multiple parties can make a claim even more complicated. Victims should work with our truck accident attorneys in Apple Valley. We are skilled at establishing liability, which means we can take legal action against responsible parties and get you the justice you deserve.
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
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
The consequences of a truck accident aren’t easy to handle, but our Apple Valley lawyers encourage you to remain calm and be wary of your surroundings. Follow these steps to help safeguard your legal rights:
- Check for injuries and get immediate medical aid. Even if you feel fine after the accident, you must still see a doctor. Other injuries, such as whiplash or TBI, may not produce immediate symptoms. But these can have serious consequences if left untreated.
- If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to prevent any further accidents or injuries. Use hazard lights, warning triangles, or flares.
- Call 911 to get law enforcement on the scene. An official police report can provide important details about the accident and help determine liability.
- Document the accident scene. Take shots and videos of the vehicles involved, damages sustained, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. This documentation can be valuable evidence later on.
- Exchange information with the involved parties. Note their names, contact numbers, and insurance details. It’s important to gather as much information as possible for insurance purposes and potential legal actions. You can also collect the contact details of witnesses if there are any.
- Notify the insurance companies about the accident. Provide the necessary details, but don’t overshare or admit your fault. Be careful of every word you say, as opposing parties may use it against you.
- Contact our truck accident lawyers in Apple Valley. We can help you initiate a settlement claim that covers all your damages and losses. Our personal injury law firm will also advocate for your best interests. We’re ready to negotiate with insurers and take your case to trial if necessary.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents throughout the country continue to persist as each year passes by. According to 2021 data from the NHTSA, California had the second-highest number of fatalities due to truck collisions. In the same year, 117,312 big trucks were involved in accidents nationwide, which reflects a 12% increase from 2020. These cases led to 5,788 fatalities, an 18% increase from the prior year and a 49% gain in the last ten years.
Another report mentioned that 72% of the 439,206 large trucks that got involved in police-reported traffic crashes in 2020 weighed more than 26,000 pounds. That year, 4,965 people were killed, of whom 71% were occupants of other vehicles. Meanwhile, 146,930 victims were injured.
The huge number of victims in traffic collisions involving trucks is alarming. As such, our Apple Valley truck accident lawyers advocate for preventative measures to pull these figures down. At the same time, we offer our services to clients needing justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Truck Accidents
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Settlements for truck accident cases may differ depending on the type and causes that led to such incidents. Generally, the compensation for personal injury claims may range from $3,000 to $75,000, while other major lawsuits can win over $10 million. In some cases, our truck accident lawyers have been able to get our clients more than $1,000,000 in compensation over the years.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?
The amount you’re entitled to depends on several factors, like the extent of your injuries and the insurance policy limits. There’s no set amount you can aim for. Even our Apple Valley lawyers, who specialize in truck accident cases, can’t determine an exact value without looking at the specifics. If you want to know how much your claim is worth, feel free to contact our legal team. We’re always ready to answer your questions and concerns.
What Are My Deadlines For Filing A Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Truck accident victims pursuing cases must follow specific timelines set by the statute of limitations. Under this doctrine, plaintiffs have two years from the date of the incident to file their claims. If they don’t immediately discover their injuries, they have one year from the date of discovery to initiate their lawsuits. Apart from these general provisions, exceptions and extensions may also apply in specific instances.
If victims fail to meet these deadlines, their case will likely be dismissed. Reach out to our Apple Valley truck accident attorneys right away. We will submit documentary requirements in a timely manner to ensure you retain your right to compensation.
Contact The Reliable Truck Accident Lawyers Apple Valley Trusts Today!
If you get injured in a truck accident, our team of Apple Valley lawyers is here to support you. We understand the difficulties you are facing, and that’s why we’re committed to advocating for your welfare. Our team will work aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation for all the damages and losses you’ve incurred.
Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our lines are open 24/7 to address your concerns. Don’t hesitate. We’re here to help.
Our law firm also serves neighboring cities and locations, such as Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Crestline, Big Bear Lake, Highland, San Bernardino, Barstow, Rialto, Colton, Redlands, Loma Linda, Fontana, Bloomington, Grand Terrace, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, San Gabriel, Lancaster, Palmdale, Pomona, Santa Clarita, and Orange County.
