Bakersfield Truck Crash Lawyers
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Accidents involving massive trucks are typically one of the worst types of accidents to be in. Due to their size and weight, these trucks can cause significant property damage, injuries, and even death. Suppose you or someone you love were injured or killed in a truck accident. In that case, it’s essential to have representation from experienced Bakersfield truck crash lawyers.
Being the largest city in Kern County, Bakersfield is located at the center of an important interstate highway system and spans nearly 150 square miles. Its ample freeways account for about 65% of truck traffic in the county, causing its accident rates to skyrocket. If you suffer injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a right to recover fair compensation under California law. A lawyer will advocate for your rights while you focus on recovering from your injuries or grieving the loss of your loved one.
A variety of factors lead to large truck accidents. In some cases, truck drivers may feel pressure to meet tight delivery schedules and operate under strict deadlines. This pressure can lead to mistakes or lapses in judgment, including noncompliance with safety protocols or federal regulations. When a fatigued or inattentive driver is behind the wheel of a vehicle that weighs significantly more than the average passenger car, the risk of serious accidents increases.
However, responsibility for these incidents does not rest solely with drivers. Trucking companies may also contribute to unsafe conditions by failing to conduct regular maintenance, inspections, or by neglecting to follow federal safety standards. Issues such as worn tires, malfunctioning lights, or faulty brakes can result from inadequate oversight and increase the likelihood of a collision.
Many other factors contribute to large truck or bus accidents. Bakersfield truck crash lawyers can investigate your accident to assess which party or parties might be liable.
Commercial Truck
$1,129,832.00
Verdict for a client who was sideswiped by a commercial truck.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Bakersfield
Motor vehicle accidents can leave those involved in shock and unsure of what to do. However, what you do within the first hours and days of your accident can significantly impact your health and legal case. Here’s what to do if you are involved in a large truck accident:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately — Some injuries aren’t always apparent right after an accident. It is critical to get medical attention, even if it doesn’t seem necessary. Doing so not only protects your health and well-being but also creates timely medical documentation that may be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
- Call the Police — Give your statement and make a police report if you are physically able. Police reports are necessary for making insurance claims and in seeking fair compensation for your injuries. Suppose the truck driver is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or has committed any other crimes related to the accident. In that case, the police might be able to file charges against them.
- Collect Any Witnesses’ Contact Information — Anyone who saw your accident might be able to help substantiate a future personal injury claim. Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone in the area at the time of the crash.
- Take Photos of the Accident — Although the police will likely take pictures and collect other evidence of the incident, personal photographs may also be beneficial. Take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles, including tire tracks, broken lights, and other debris in the area.
- Limit What You Say at the Scene — It’s appropriate to check on the well-being of others involved in the crash, but avoid making detailed statements or discussing who may be at fault. Anything you say at the scene could potentially be used against you later, so it’s important to speak carefully and avoid speculation.
- Call Bakersfield Truck Crash Lawyers — Truck accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options. They will investigate whether the accident resulted from negligence and assist in pursuing compensation from the responsible parties.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other damages. However, pursuing damages requires proving key legal elements. Specifically, you have to show that your injuries were directly caused by the accident and that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. This often involves gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony.
Large And Commercial Truck Accident Statistics
- In 2023, 4,354 people lost their lives in large truck crashes.
- About 16% of the deaths were truck occupants, 65% were occupants of passenger vehicles, and 17% were motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
- There was a 38% increase in deaths from truck crashes between 2009 and 2023, despite advances in technology and safety.
- Truck accident fatalities were the lowest they had been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975.
- Truck occupant fatalities were 58% higher in 2023 than in 2009.
- In 2023, 49% of the fatal truck accidents were rollover accidents.
- In 2023, 5% of fatally injured large truck drivers had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08%.
What Makes Semi-Trucks Dangerous?
More often than not, those who survive semi-truck accidents incur catastrophic injuries. Why are injuries typically worse than those in a passenger vehicle collision? Semi-trucks have many characteristics that make them more dangerous on the road. These include:
- Their Size — When fully loaded, large trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which is 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle. They are typically longer and taller than passenger cars as well.
- Braking Capability — With so much weight, it takes semi-trucks more distance to stop than smaller motor vehicles. This makes it especially risky for other drivers who cut into the lane of travel directly in front of the truck or quickly come to a stop when a truck driver follows closely behind them.
- Slow Acceleration — The weight of a large truck can also impact its acceleration. If a truck driver attempts to merge onto a highway or into a traffic lane and underestimates the speed of other vehicles, and other motorists fail to adjust their speed accordingly to allow the truck to merge safely, accidents can occur.
- Blind Spots — Semi-trucks have large blind spots, often referred to as “no zones,” located directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides of the truck, especially the right side. A good way to determine if you are in a truck’s no zone is to look in its side mirrors and see if you can see the driver’s reflection. If you can’t see their reflection, the driver probably can’t see you either.
- Hazardous Loads — Large truck cargo can become dangerous in several ways. When freight isn’t adequately secured, it can shift, resulting in an unbalanced and harder-to-control semi-truck. If an accident does occur, the truck’s cargo can spill out and become an obstacle in the way of other vehicles. Lastly, sometimes semi-trucks carry hazardous materials such as chemicals and fuel. If a crash happens, these substances can increase the likelihood that a fire will ignite. Toxic spills can also occur on the roadway, requiring special care for cleanup.
- High Center of Gravity — Tractor-trailers are built to be substantially taller than other motor vehicles and have a larger ground clearance. This factor gives them a high center of gravity, making them more susceptible to tipping over. Additionally, the large ground clearance allows space for a small vehicle to slide beneath in the event of a crash.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
A large truck’s size and speed are a deadly combination for smaller vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, compared to the 4,000 pounds of an average mid-size sedan. Even if an accident between a passenger vehicle and a large truck occurs at slow speeds, significant damage can still result. Those who choose a truck driving career need extra training and diligence to keep everyone safe on the road.
Unfortunately, not all truck drivers receive adequate training. Some don’t adhere to federal rules and restrictions. Many accidents are the result of carelessness or negligence. Numerous causes can lead to such an accident, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Driver distraction
- Speeding
- Substance abuse
- Improper loading
- Improper maintenance and inspection
Bakersfield truck crash attorneys from Arash Law can help evaluate your case to identify potentially liable parties. They work with experts in the industry to determine what caused a truck accident and who may be held accountable for the damages.
Our personal injury lawyers can also help you find out if you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle or parts manufacturer, or other parties. Bakersfield truck crash lawyers can estimate the amount of compensation you may pursue for your injuries.
How Bakersfield Truck Crash Lawyers Determine Liability
It’s not always apparent who caused a truck accident. Often, a complete investigation is required to determine the cause. When you contact our firm’s Bakersfield truck crash lawyers, we will begin by gathering key records related to the accident. This may include:
- Black box or engine control module data (shows the truck driver’s action immediately before a crash).
- The trucking company’s inspection reports and compliance with regulations.
- The driver’s logbooks.
- GPS data from the truck.
Our Bakersfield truck crash lawyers also analyze forensic evidence that can give clues as to the cause of the crash. This type of evidence includes skid marks on the road, points of impact, and the road’s curvature.
It’s common for insurance companies to send their representatives directly to the scene of an accident to document evidence and assess potential liability. While their findings may inform the claims process, their primary role is to protect the interests of the insured party.
When you hire our Bakersfield truck accident lawyers, you gain access to a legal team, including investigators, committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive review of the collision.
Trucking Accident
$3,120,000.00
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
What To Do After A Truck Accident
It’s normal to feel scared and traumatized, as well as to be in pain immediately after a truck accident. Victims may feel confused or panicked. Here’s what you can do:
- Health and safety are the priority. If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic lanes and into a safe spot. Call 911 to have them send police and paramedics. Emergency responders will assess the scene, provide medical care, and determine whether you need to be transported by ambulance to the emergency room.
- If you don’t get in the ambulance, remain at the scene until the responding officers give you permission to leave. Then, seek prompt medical attention. Explain to a doctor that you were in a semi-truck collision and need to be checked for any related injuries. If you have injuries, the medical providers will diagnose them and create an individualized treatment plan.
- Don’t miss hidden injuries. Some serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or fractures, may not be immediately obvious. Even a mild concussion can have lasting effects, and broken bones are sometimes mistaken for minor sprains or bruises. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, such as bones healing improperly or the need for more invasive procedures later. Early diagnosis and documentation are crucial for both your recovery and any potential legal claim.
- If you are still at the accident scene, begin to collect the information you will need later. Get the names, insurance, and contact info, as well as the make and model of the vehicle, for all other drivers involved in the accident. Talk to the law enforcement officers about how the accident occurred from your perspective. They can provide you with a preliminary crash report.
- When the full report is ready, you can obtain it from their office. If you have a smartphone with you, take numerous pictures of the accident scene. Include all vehicles involved from different angles, the scene, and other images that might show how the accident occurred, such as skid marks, trees, construction, or broken barriers. Photograph your injuries, as the size, extent, and nature of your injuries can help determine how the accident happened.
- Lastly, preserve and organize all records about the accident, such as the accident report and insurance documentation. You will also need your medical records pertaining to your injuries and treatment. Then, consider reaching out to Bakersfield truck crash lawyers who can guide you through the next steps and assess if you have a valid claim.
How Truck Accident Attorneys In Bakersfield Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Those injured in California truck accidents may have a right to seek compensation from the parties liable for the accident. Bakersfield truck crash lawyers can further explain your two options:
An Insurance Claim
Your first option is to file a third-party insurance claim with the at-fault party's insurance carrier. It's common for truck accident victims to handle their claims this way, but it does have downsides. First, you may not know who the at-fault party is unless you've read the police report. Second, there can be multiple parties responsible for the accident, each with its own insurance policies and coverage limits. Because of these complexities, having experienced Bakersfield truck crash lawyers can be beneficial in navigating the process.
It’s important to understand that insurance companies representing the at-fault parties work to protect their financial interests. They may question fault or the extent of injuries as part of their evaluation. Sometimes, initial settlement offers may be lower than the value of your claim, which can be challenging if you need funds quickly for medical or other expenses.
A Bakersfield truck crash attorney can help you assess settlement offers, negotiate on your behalf, and advocate for your rights throughout the claims process. They can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and related losses.
A California Truck Accident Lawsuit
Your second option is to file a truck accident lawsuit in civil court to seek compensation when claims cannot be resolved through the insurance process. During the lawsuit, both sides present evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury evaluates the facts to determine liability and the amount of damages, if any, to be awarded.
Truck Crash Lawyers In Bakersfield Can Help You Seek Damages
Damages refer to the monetary amount you pursue to cover accident-related expenses, pain, and other impacts on your life. Common types of damages truck accident victims seek include:
- Medical Expenses — Include your medical and related expenses, both already incurred and expected in the future:
- Doctor’s visits
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitative therapy, such as physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Medical and assistive devices
- Home health aides to assist
- Retrofitting your home, such as the necessary construction of a wheelchair ramp.
- Lost Wages & Income — You can seek compensation for past and future income lost from work. It can be income lost due to the crash itself, or the time you need to recover and heal, or attend related medical appointments.
- Loss of Future Earnings — Sometimes injuries sustained in a large truck accident are severe enough that you can’t return to work at all or can’t work in your line of work. In that case, you can seek compensation for your expected lifetime earnings. Your Bakersfield truck accident lawyers can work with economic consultants to help estimate the appropriate amount to pursue.
- Property Damage — You may pursue compensation for any property damaged or lost in the accident. This can include your vehicle, your wedding ring, a bicycle, or other valuable items.
- Pain & Suffering — Since truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, you may be eligible to seek compensation for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life if you are unable to do the things you once enjoyed.
- Loss of Consortium — You can also pursue damages on behalf of your spouse if the truck crash impacted your marriage or rendered you unable to maintain intimate relationships.
You may also pursue additional types of damages. When you consult with Bakersfield truck crash lawyers, they can assist in identifying and seeking compensation for all reasonable expenses and losses related to your case.
Call Our Seasoned Bakersfield Truck Crash Lawyers!
Although its population topped the 300,000 mark in the 2020 census, Bakersfield is still a relatively small community. It can be challenging to find an accident law firm with extensive experience in this particular practice area. Arash Law has experience handling complex personal injury claims and has helped thousands of clients pursue compensation for damages.
Aside from trucking cases, our accident lawyers also handle a wide variety of personal injury cases, including accidents involving Uber and Lyft, dog bites, slip-and-falls, hit-and-runs, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Many of our clients are victims of truck accidents who sustained catastrophic injuries. We work with clients in San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, Riverside, and throughout California.
Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means we don’t charge attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that case-related costs may still apply. If needed, we can arrange for a translator in your preferred language to assist you during consultations.
Call our Bakersfield personal injury lawyers at (888) 488-1391 or use the online form for a free truck accident case review.
