Bakersfield Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Bakersfield Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers Offer Determined And Relentless Representation
You could be driving peacefully and suddenly find yourself in a tractor-trailer accident. If that happens, call our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We’re dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
The weight disparity between a tractor-trailer, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and an average car (3,000 to 4,000 pounds) can lead to devastating injuries, even at low speeds. We understand the range of damages you may face, from medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering. Let Arash Law handle the legal aspects while you focus on healing. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
How Our Bakersfield Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers Help
Filing an accident claim in Bakersfield can be challenging without the help of experienced tractor-trailer accident attorneys. In reality, the majority of people lack the resources to take on powerful trucking businesses and their insurance providers. You need skilled advocates by your side. Our team won’t back down until you receive the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Our Bakersfield injury law firm can help you after a tractor-trailer accident in the following ways:
- Determining liability by thoroughly investigating the cause of the accident.
- Coordinating with reputable healthcare providers to ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
- Working with financial and economic specialists to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
- Pursue every avenue to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
- Offering a contingency fee arrangement so you pay nothing upfront and only owe us if we win your case, ensuring access to justice without financial strain.
Contact our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers now to arrange a free initial consultation if you were hurt in a collision. Tractor-trailer accidents are complicated, and you need a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side to make all the difference in how your case turns out. We have helped thousands of injured victims and their families, and we can help you, too.
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
Some Of Our Successful Truck Accident Cases
We’ve handled numerous truck accident cases. Here are some of our notable case results:
- We secured a $5,000,000 settlement for our client, who was walking in the street and was within the crosswalk when he was struck by a large truck.
- Our lawyers were able to obtain $1,150,000 for our client, who was rear-ended on the freeway by a truck owned by a top-rated and large delivery truck company.
- A family’s peaceful drive turned into a nightmare when a reckless truck driver crashed into their vehicle, causing life-altering consequences. Our injury law firm secured a settlement of $1,000,000 for them.
Common Causes Of Tractor Trailer Accidents
It’s a good idea to allow big commercial trucks as much room as possible when driving in Bakersfield. They need more space to stop completely and have significantly greater blind spots because of their size. However, even when drivers take precautions, tractor-trailer accidents can still happen.
Our Bakersfield accident lawyers are aware that these collisions occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common factors include:
- Distracted Driving — Tractor-trailer drivers may occasionally use their phones while driving, along with distractions like eating, drinking, and external factors such as billboards. These distractions can lead to serious, headline-making accidents.
- Driver Fatigue — Federal regulations allow truck drivers to operate a vehicle for 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty. However, some may ignore this rule due to deadline pressure, risking dangerous consequences like speeding or drowsy driving.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance — Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the safe operation of heavy-duty vehicles. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to mechanical failures that result in dangerous accidents.
- Unsecured Loads — Properly loading and securing cargo is essential for safe transportation. Unsecured loads can cause accidents when the cargo shifts or falls from the vehicle.
- Alcohol Or Drug Use — Similar to distracted driving, a tractor-trailer driver who is intoxicated is a fatal danger to everyone in their vicinity.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, our Bakersfield lawyers for tractor-trailer accidents are here to help. Our truck accident attorneys will assist you in identifying the cause of the accident and determining who is at fault. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case. We will guide you on what to do and what to avoid during this difficult time.
Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents and Associated Injuries
Various types of tractor-trailer accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities, each presenting unique challenges in terms of physical impact and legal complexities.
- Wide Turn Accidents — These occur when a tractor-trailer swings out and may hit vehicles in adjacent lanes. A common scenario is the “squeeze play,” where a vehicle attempts to pass a truck making a right turn. As the truck shifts left, the vehicle might think it’s changing lanes. When the truck then swings right, the car can get trapped between the truck and the curb, potentially leading to severe injuries.
- Rollover Accidents — Tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping over, particularly on sharp turns at high speeds, often leading to serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and significant destruction to other motorists.
- Jackknife Accidents — These occur when a tractor-trailer brakes abruptly, causing its trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, including spinal cord injuries and crush injuries.
- T-Bone Accidents — Typically, T-bone collisions happen when a tractor-trailer jumps a red light or stop sign, colliding perpendicularly with another vehicle, causing brain injuries, facial injuries, and fatalities due to the severe impact.
- Blind Spot Accidents — Tractor-trailers have large blind spots, referred to as “no-zones,” where other vehicles can disappear from the truck driver’s view. Failing to check these areas before changing lanes or making turns can lead to collisions, resulting in soft tissue injuries and whiplash.
- Tire Blowout Accidents — If a truck’s tire blows out, it can veer uncontrollably, leading to collisions with other vehicles. These big-rig accidents can cause burn injuries, nerve damage, and lacerations.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, our Bakersfield truck crash lawyers are here to help. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for expert legal assistance and risk-free case evaluations. We’ll guide you through this challenging time and help you understand your options.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Tractor Trailer Accident
Arash Law has sought damages from the following parties in tractor-trailer accidents and injuries:
- The Driver — Tractor-trailer operators have obligations on the road, much like drivers of automobiles. A tractor-trailer driver may be held accountable if they are careless or irresponsible, causing an accident that leaves a person seriously injured.
- The Trucking Company — Tight deadlines from trucking companies can lead to driver fatigue, a major cause of tractor-trailer crashes. If we find that the company’s negligence contributed to the accident, our attorneys will pursue damages to hold them accountable.
- Cargo Handlers — Cargo loaders can be held responsible for an accident when their negligence in loading or securing the cargo contributes to the crash.
- Vehicle Or Parts Manufacturers — Vehicle or parts manufacturers can be liable for a truck accident if a defect in the truck or its components contributes to the crash. This falls under product liability law, which holds manufacturers accountable for harmful and defective products.
Our lawyers in Bakersfield passionately believe that victims hurt in tractor-trailer accidents shouldn’t have to face their struggles alone. We’re here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and ensure you receive the support you deserve.
Proving Negligence In Tractor Trailer Accidents
In order to obtain compensation following a tractor-trailer collision, you will either have to show that the responsible party was negligent in their actions or that they acted with the intent to cause harm. You must demonstrate the existence of these four elements to prove negligence.
- Duty Of Care — To establish fault, you must show that the responsible party owed you a duty of care. Truck drivers are required to exercise high levels of care for public safety. Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are trained and certified and that their trucks are well-maintained.
- Breach Of Duty — To establish negligence, it’s essential to show that the responsible party breached their duty of care. Evidence that a manufacturer took shortcuts in production or failed to conduct adequate safety testing can support a breach of duty in personal injury claims.
- Causation — Next, you must demonstrate that the party’s breach of their duty of care to you directly caused the losses you suffered.
- Damages — Finally, you must prove that you suffered injuries and other losses. You need to present documentation such as medical records, medical bills, or vehicle repair estimates to provide unmistakable proof of the harm you sustained.
So what if you were partially at fault for the accident? In California’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still receive compensation even if you’re partially at fault for an accident. Your compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of your fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by that amount.
Our experienced attorneys for tractor trailer accidents in Bakersfield can help present a compelling argument to the court that clearly demonstrates the connection between all these elements. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Types Of Compensation You Can Recover In An Accident
California’s personal injury laws allow victims to pursue compensation for their losses, which typically fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are designed to compensate you for the financial losses you have suffered as a direct result of the accident. These are tangible expenses and can be calculated with relative precision based on bills, invoices, and other documentation. Some examples are:
- Property damage
- Medical expense
- Long-term care
- Home modifications
- Mental health counseling
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Physical rehabilitation
Non-economic damages compensate you for the more subjective, non-monetary losses you’ve experienced. These damages are harder to quantify as they relate to the emotional and psychological toll the accident has on your life. Here are some examples:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
If you need assistance estimating the value of your claim, our skilled Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers are ready to help. We are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, taking into account the profound effects the collision has on your life and well-being.
Steps To Take After A Tractor Trailer Accident
There are several actions you can take to safeguard your health and finances in the initial stages of a tractor-trailer accident. If you are physically capable of taking these steps, you may strengthen your claim and improve your chances of getting fair compensation.
- Check For Injuries — Assess yourself and others for injuries; call 911 if needed.
- Move To Safety — If safe, move vehicles off the road and turn on hazard lights.
- Collect Evidence — Take photos, gather vehicle and scene details, and exchange insurance info. Here’s a list of other evidence you’ll need for your case:
- Accident Report — Contains key details about the collision, including vehicle information, driver statements, and the officer’s fault assessment.
- Photos — Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries, highlighting the accident’s severity.
- Electronic Logs — Data from ELDs show if truck drivers complied with federal regulations on work hours and breaks.
- Witness Statements — Eyewitness accounts that support your version of events and help establish liability.
- Phone Records — Cell phone data can reveal if the truck driver was distracted at the time of the accident.
- Blood Or Breath Tests — Tests that measure blood alcohol content to determine if the truck driver was under the influence during the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Inform Your Insurer — Notify your insurance company with factual details about the accident.
- Hire A Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney — Work with a Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyer to improve your chances of getting fair compensation.
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
Understanding Statute Of Limitations
Victims of car accidents and tractor-trailer collisions face strict time limits for filing claims. Insurance companies often require prompt reporting so that delays can lead to denied claims. In California, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date, making timely action essential to preserve your right to compensation. Injured victims and their families should contact our experienced Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers as soon as possible for a case evaluation and to pursue maximum compensation.
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the National Safety Council, 5,837 big trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2022, which is 1.8% more than in 2021 and 49% more in the last 10 years. Since 2021, the rate of involvement has gone up by 3% per 100 million miles traveled and by 24% in the last decade. Large trucks were responsible for 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal collisions and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
In 2022, 120,200 large trucks were involved in collisions that resulted in injuries, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. The number of large trucks in injury-related collisions has gone up by 18% since 2016, and the involvement rate per 100 million miles traveled has gone up by 5.7% to 37.
Furthermore, there were 5,936 fatalities resulting from large truck crashes, representing a 2% increase from the previous year and a staggering 49% rise over the past decade. The majority of these fatalities involved occupants of other vehicles, accounting for 70% of the deaths. Truck occupants comprised 19% of the fatalities, while non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists, made up the remaining 11%.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, don’t face this challenging time alone. Our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers understand the profound impact these incidents can have and are dedicated to fighting tirelessly for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers Cost?
Lawyers for tractor-trailer accidents in Bakersfield usually work on a contingency fee basis, taking 33% to 40% of the settlement or court award. The percentage varies based on factors like case complexity and trial status. This structure allows clients to afford legal representation without upfront costs, ensuring access to justice for all.
What Is My Tractor Trailer Accident Case Worth?
Factors like lost pay, pain and suffering, property damage, and medical costs, influence the value of your case. More severe injuries usually lead to higher settlements. Consult top Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers to assess your situation and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Does Federal Law Play A Role In A Tractor Trailer Accident Claim?
Federal law plays a key role in tractor-trailer accident claims, as the trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Important regulations include maintenance requirements, service hour restrictions, and driver qualification standards. Violations of these can help establish negligence in an accident case. Our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers will investigate any potential federal law infractions to build a strong case for you.
Will My Tractor Trailer Case Go to Trial?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court between insurance companies and victims. A car accident lawyer may resolve the case through negotiations or mediation, saving time and money. Whether a tractor-trailer case goes to trial depends on the specifics and parties’ willingness to negotiate. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, a trial may be necessary. Experienced Bakersfield tractor-trailer attorneys are crucial for negotiating and preparing for trial, ensuring you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Should I Accept An Insurance Settlement For My Tractor Trailer Accident Claim?
It’s advisable to consult a lawyer before accepting a settlement, as doing so waives your right to seek further compensation for injuries or damages. Once accepted, you usually cannot request additional funds if injuries or losses are greater than initially thought. Speak with our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers to evaluate your case and determine if the settlement offer is fair.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim Following The Accident?
A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your claim, assess whether you have a strong case, and assist you in pursuing the maximum compensation possible for your particular situation. Give our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident lawyers a call if you or a loved one was hurt in a collision. It’s best to get started on your case as soon as possible.
I Lost A Close Family Member In An Accident. Can I Sue Those Responsible?
Yes, if you lost a close family member in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to sue those responsible. California law allows surviving family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, to seek compensation for their loss through a wrongful death claim. This claim can cover various damages, including:
- Funeral or burial costs.
- Loss of parental supervision.
- Loss of support and companionship.
- Loss of future financial assistance.
- Loss of household services the deceased supplied (such as cooking, cleaning, and home repairs).
Speak to our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident attorneys as soon as possible. We will advocate for your rights at every stage of the process, ensuring that you are informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your future.
Consult The Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers Bakersfield Trusts
If you’re injured in a tractor-trailer accident and need expert legal assistance in pursuing compensation, reach out to one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California. We have a track record of success and have recovered more than $500 million in settlements for our clients.
Our Bakersfield tractor-trailer accident attorneys will fight on your behalf against the careless tractor-trailer driver, the trucking business, or another accountable party. We will stand by you and fight for the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to.
If you suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, do not hesitate to call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We handle a wide range of vehicular crashes, including bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, hit-and-run accidents, and collisions involving ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Our lawyers also work on personal injury cases involving slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and more.
We extend our services to neighboring locations, including Arvin, Corcoran, Delano, Exeter, Farmersville, Fillmore, Lamont, Lindsay, Oildale, Porterville, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, Tulare, and Wasco.
