Bakersfield Tanker 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.
Bakersfield Tanker Truck Accident Lawyers Protect Your Legal Interests After An Injury
Was your life turned upside down by a collision with a tanker truck? Our Bakersfield tanker truck accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options. We assist in pursuing fair compensation for your losses and advocate for your interests throughout the process. Call us at (888) 488-1391 and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
At Arash Law, we’re committed to building the strongest possible case for you. We’ll gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and work to seek financial recovery of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We have the resources and experience to handle complex personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents.
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 Our Bakersfield Tanker Truck Accident Attorneys
After a serious accident, you may wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” The answer is yes, especially when it comes to tanker truck collisions. These accidents often involve multiple liable parties, extensive damages, and catastrophic injuries.
The lawyers from our Bakersfield accident law firm can help you in the following ways:
- We file preservation orders to protect important records, including trucking logs and inspection reports.
- Our team conducts thorough investigations to identify all liable parties.
- We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to obtain detailed reports and professional opinions to support your case.
- Our lawyers meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages.
- We negotiate fair compensation with insurance companies.
- If both parties can’t reach a fair settlement, we are prepared to represent you in court.
Working with a personal injury law firm in California can provide valuable support. Arash Law represents injured victims with compassion and respect, regardless of language, immigration status, religion, or personal circumstances. Our experience in handling personal injury claims and knowledge of California law allow us to handle complex cases effectively.
Our Bakersfield tanker truck accident attorneys help pursue fair compensation for your losses. We work to protect your rights throughout the process.
Common Causes Of Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks are massive vehicles that carry hazardous materials, such as fuel or chemicals, making them a danger on the road. Unlike standard trucks, these vehicles are designed to transport large volumes of liquid or gas in sealed containers.
Due to their size, weight, and the nature of their loads, tanker trucks are prone to causing serious accidents. The consequences can be catastrophic for anyone nearby. Identifying what factors contributed to these collisions can help you determine who can be held liable for your losses.
Here are the common causes of tanker truck collisions:
- Fatigued Driving — Truck drivers can legally drive for up to 11 hours per shift. However, when drivers are exhausted after long drives, they might fall asleep at the wheel, posing a risk to everyone on the road.
- Distracted Driving — Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited; however, some drivers continue to text or make calls while operating a vehicle. Other distractions, such as eating while driving, also pose the same danger. It only takes a few seconds for a driver’s focus to stray from the road and cause severe collisions.
- Impaired Driving — A driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs tends to react slowly to changes on the road, leading to disastrous outcomes. Our car accident lawyers have handled cases where impaired drivers caused collisions that resulted in fatalities.
- Lack of Vehicle Maintenance — Poorly maintained tanker trucks can develop serious issues, such as faulty tires or brakes, which can lead to accidents and other safety hazards.
- Weather Conditions — Tanker trucks can be affected by dangerous driving conditions caused by fog, rain, and even ice. When trucks swerve due to slippery roads, the potential for rollover accidents increases.
Our Bakersfield tanker truck accident attorneys investigate these and other factors to identify who may be responsible for your injuries. We work with experts, review records, and gather evidence to build a case that accurately reflects the circumstances of the accident.
Truck Accident?
Liable Parties In A Tanker Truck Accident
Unlike typical car accidents, multiple parties may be liable in a tanker truck collision. Our Bakersfield truck crash lawyers can help you hold one or more of the following parties accountable:
- Truck Driver — A driver may be held liable for any accidents that happen if they are reckless, such as when they operate a truck while intoxicated or blatantly disregard traffic laws.
- Trucking Company — If it’s found that the company pressured their driver to meet unrealistic deadlines or failed to maintain proper safety standards, they can be held liable for accidents.
- Cargo Loaders — If the individuals in charge of loading hazardous materials into the tanker fail to follow basic safety measures, they may face liability.
- Tanker Manufacturer — Defective fuel tanks and engines can easily ignite catastrophic fires, endangering everyone on the road. If tanker manufacturers fail to adhere to safety standards, they may be held accountable.
- Maintenance Provider — Ignoring brake issues or signs of wear can make a tanker truck dangerous. If poor maintenance leads to an accident, the provider may be liable.
Our Bakersfield tanker truck accident lawyers review evidence and explore all possible sources of liability to build a thorough understanding of each case. This helps clarify who may be responsible and supports further legal action if appropriate.
Elements Of Negligence In Tanker Truck Accident Cases
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, establishing that another party was negligent is a crucial part of seeking compensation for damages. Our Bakersfield tanker truck accident attorneys can help you prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — It must be shown that the truck driver owed a duty to operate the vehicle with reasonable care. This includes obeying traffic laws and driving safely.
- Breach of Duty — The responsible party failed to meet their duty of care. For instance, if a driver exceeds the speed limit or ignores a stop sign, they are not driving with the care that a reasonable driver would.
- Causation — The breach of duty directly caused your injuries. For example, if you were involved in a collision with a big rig, you need to demonstrate that the driver’s dangerous behavior caused the crash. Our big-rig accident lawyers can use evidence such as accident reports, witness testimonies, and expert analysis to establish a link between the driver’s actions and your injuries.
- Damages — Provide evidence of your losses related to the accident, like medical bills, payslips, vehicle repair orders, and others.
Available Damages In A Tanker Truck Accident Claim
Accident victims may be entitled to recover two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover the financial costs associated with your injuries, while non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional impact of the incident.
Here are some examples of compensatory damages in a tanker truck accident:
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Emotional and mental distress.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of consortium.
- Medical expenses.
- Rehabilitation.
- Disfigurement and disability.
- Lower quality of life.
- Reduced earning capacity.
- Childcare-related expenses.
- Ambulance fees.
The extent of your injuries has a significant impact on the amount of compensation you may be able to pursue. Traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, paralysis, severe burns, and amputations might result in a significant claim value due to their long-term effects on your quality of life and ability to work.
Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation for your medical bills and related losses.
Deadline For Filing A Lawsuit For A Tanker Truck Accident
In California, the general deadline to file a lawsuit for a tanker truck accident is two years from the date of the accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to have your case heard, regardless of the strength of your claim or the severity of your injuries.
There are some exceptions that may extend this deadline. For example, if the injured person is a minor or was legally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled, allowing additional time to file a claim. Moreover, if the accident involves a government entity, a claim must typically be filed within six months of the incident.
Our accident lawyers in Bakersfield are knowledgeable about California’s filing requirements and can help manage deadlines and paperwork.
What To Do After A Tanker Truck Accident
After a tanker truck accident, the steps you take in the aftermath are critical for your safety, documenting the incident, and protecting your legal rights. Following these guidelines may be beneficial in your case:
- Prioritize your safety. If possible, move to a secure area and check for any injuries. For urgent medical treatment, call 911 immediately.
- If the police arrive at the scene of the accident, provide all the facts to the police officer so they can create an official report.
- Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and license plate number. Also, get contact details from any witnesses. Avoid saying “I’m sorry” to the other party, as it could be misinterpreted as an admission of fault.
- Take photos of the accident site, your vehicle, the tanker truck, and any visible injuries you have.
- Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s advisable to see a medical specialist as soon as possible. This helps document any potential damage from the start. Continue your treatments as instructed by your physician.
- Notify your insurance company promptly. Stick to the facts, and don’t provide additional details without first speaking to a lawyer.
- If the other driver’s insurer contacts you, avoid signing any documents or giving statements until you consult with an attorney.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Large Truck Accident Statistics
In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, representing an 8.4% decrease from 2022. Also, the fatal accident rate per 100 million miles traveled by large trucks decreased by 8%.
In the same year, approximately 114,552 large trucks were involved in injury-causing incidents, a decrease of 4.7% from the previous year. There has been a 12% increase in the number of large trucks involved in collisions since 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and your ability to work. Other considerations include property damage, pain and suffering, and any long-term disabilities. Consulting with one of our Bakersfield tanker truck accident attorneys can help you understand how these factors apply to your specific situation and provide a clearer estimate of potential compensation.
If I’m Injured But Don’t Have Health Insurance, Can A Lawyer Still Represent Me?
Yes, a lawyer can still represent you, even if you don’t have health insurance. Our Bakersfield attorneys, who help tanker truck accident victims, understand the challenges injured individuals face in accessing medical care. At Arash Law, we may collaborate with surgeons, chiropractors, and other medical specialists who may be willing to offer treatment under deferred payment arrangements while your case is ongoing. We can help coordinate appointments and provide transportation if needed.
How Do I Pay A Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer?
Many tanker truck accident lawyers in Bakersfield, including those at Arash Law, work on a contingency basis. This means attorney’s fees are only collected if compensation is recovered. The fee is typically a fixed percentage of your settlement or award. While you won’t owe attorney’s fees if there’s no recovery, some case-related expenses may still apply.
How Can I Find The Right Tanker Truck Accident Attorneys Near Me?
Finding the right attorney is an important step in pursuing a tanker truck accident claim. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and handle the complexities of your case.
To determine whether a Bakersfield tanker truck accident attorney is a good fit, consider scheduling a consultation. During the meeting, you can ask questions and assess whether the attorney has the qualifications and approach you’re looking for.
Here is a checklist that can help you make a decision:
- Experience — Do they have a strong background in truck accident cases, especially those involving tanker trucks? Ask about their success rate and approach to handling similar cases.
- Resources — Do they have access to the necessary resources, such as accident reconstruction experts and knowledge of trucking regulations?
- Communication — Are they responsive, clear in their explanations, and committed to keeping clients informed throughout the process?
- Reviews and Testimonials — Do they have positive online reviews and client testimonials?
Contact Our Tanker Truck Accident Lawyers In Bakersfield
As an established personal injury law firm in California, we have the experience and resources to handle even challenging cases. Our Bakersfield tanker truck accident lawyers will do all the legal legwork so you can focus on your recovery.
At Arash Law, we’re committed to pursuing appropriate compensation and will work to protect your rights throughout the process.
If you sustained injuries due to another person’s negligence, call us at (888) 488-1391. Alternatively, you can complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to schedule a free initial consultation.
We have a team of car accident lawyers who can handle a wide range of motor vehicle-related crashes, including pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, hit-and-run accidents, bicycle accidents, and rideshare collisions involving Uber and Lyft. We also help victims who sustain injuries from slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and more.
Our services extend to neighboring locations, including Oildale, Lamont, Arvin, Shafter, Wasco, Taft, Delano, Tehachapi, Porterville, Lindsay, Corcoran, Tulare, Exeter, Farmersville, and Fillmore.
