Baldwin Park 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.
Our Baldwin Park Truck Accident Lawyers Will Get You Compensation For Your Injuries
Accidents involving large trucks are common in Baldwin Park, especially near the Interstate 10 and 605 freeways, often causing traffic congestion. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a truck crash, our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers can help. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 for assistance with your personal injury claim.
Baldwin Park is known for its international manufacturing companies, unlike other California cities that are known for tourist attractions. The city is home to several manufacturing plants, including Motek Industries, Meritek Electronics Corporation, and Lighting Technologies International. As an essential part of their operations, they use several heavy cargo and delivery trucks. As a result, truck accidents are more likely to occur.
With many decades of combined experience in personal injury law, Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his team of lawyers have helped accident victims claim what is rightfully theirs. We have assisted thousands of clients and have won them over $750 Million in settlements and awards. This makes us the top personal injury law firm in Baldwin Park and the entire Golden State.
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 Should You Hire Our Baldwin Park Truck Accident Attorneys?
With our Baldwin Park lawyers on your side, you will only have to worry about your recovery rather than the truck accident claims process. We will take on all of the legwork, like gathering evidence, talking to eyewitnesses, speaking with the at-fault party’s insurer, and filing the actual claim.
Here’s how our truck accident lawyers can further help:
- Identify multiple liable parties, which is usually what makes truck accident cases more complicated than car accidents.
- Make the responsible individuals & entities pay for your medical bills, car repairs, and other losses.
- Face against trucking companies and their legal teams. Asking big corporations to pay for damages is not easy. It could take time and multiple pushbacks. Our seasoned attorneys, however, can help you ensure that your case proceeds and that your chances of getting paid are greater.
- Pursue the compensation you deserve. Insurers for trucking companies will definitely undervalue your claim and resist your demands. It is important to partner with an experienced truck accident attorney who can let you know what your case is actually worth and will aggressively fight for it.
- Update you on the progress of your case. We will explain anything you need to know, even legal details relevant to your case.
Our Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys have been helping victims for decades now. You can review hundreds of client testimonials that highlight our proven track record of success. Our clients can attest to our unmatched litigation skills and exceptional customer service.
Types Of Truck Accidents Our Baldwin Park Lawyers Handle
Our law firm specializes in different types of accidents involving big rigs, delivery trucks, dump trucks, 18-wheelers, and more. Our committed Baldwin Park lawyers have successfully represented victims and their families in these truck accidents:
Head-On Truck Accidents
A head-on accident occurs when two vehicles are moving directly toward each other and collide. If even one of these is a large truck, the results could be catastrophic.
Due to the big size and weight discrepancy between large trucks and smaller cars, a head-on collision can result in devastating injuries or untimely death. In most of these incidents, distracted driving, mechanical problems, and poor road conditions play a major role.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks have two separate parts: the trailer and the tractor. In a jackknife accident, the trailer swings out to one side, creating a sharp angle with the cab and resembling a folded pocket knife. It commonly occurs when the trailer slides or swings out of control, usually because of the following:
- Sudden braking
- Oversteering
- Poor road conditions
- Mechanical failure
A jackknife incident can be very deadly because the trailer may collide with other cars, block multiple lanes of traffic, or roll over, causing substantial damage, injuries, and deaths. Taking preventative measures such as proper driver training, regular truck maintenance, and safe driving habits can help reduce the likelihood of these cases.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents occur when a vehicle collides with the back of the vehicle in front of it. The common reasons for this incident are tailgating or distracted truckers not braking in time. Specific circumstances, like rainy conditions, might also make it more difficult for drivers to stop safely.
Rollover Truck Accidents
When a driver is speeding or if the truck is carrying excessive loads, the trucker might lose control of the vehicle, causing it to tip over onto its side or roof. Rollover accidents could be highly dangerous when the truck falls onto another car. Due to its size and weight, it can easily crush the other vehicle and its occupants.
Sideswipe Truck Accidents
Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of the truck hits or scrapes the side of another vehicle. There is less risk of death in this incident than in those mentioned above, but it could still lead to serious injuries for the passengers seated on the side that was hit.
Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents
The most common causes of truck accidents are:
Fatigued Or Drowsy Driving
Truckers commonly travel from one state to another to deliver their goods. They also spend most of their time driving at night to avoid truck ban hours in certain locations. These conditions make them more prone to skipping sleep and overworking. As a result, they could fall asleep while driving, potentially causing massive accidents and traffic jams.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), driving for 20 hours without taking a rest is equivalent to having a BAC of 0.08%. That’s way above the limit for truck drivers, who must adhere to a strict BAC, which is 0.04%.
These limits help paint a clear picture of how fatigue could be as dangerous as drunk driving. At these BAC levels, drivers would have significantly reduced reaction times and awareness of road hazards. They would also find it more difficult to sustain attention and make good decisions. All these effects are detrimental to driving.
Approximately 6,400 motorists die every year from drowsy driving. To prevent truck accidents due to this issue, the government has set a rule that truck drivers should take 30 minutes of rest after eight hours of driving.
Distracted Driving
Many truck drivers attempt to stay awake during the trip by watching shows or talking to their families using their cell phones. However, these activities present a whole set of different issues. Any kind of distraction, such as eating or fiddling with the radio, could divert the trucker’s attention from the road. Note that using mobile phones while driving is also against the law, including using cell phones at a red light.
When driving, a few seconds of inattention could easily cause collisions, leading to injuries and deaths. As per the Office Of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 140 people killed in California in 2021 because of distracted driving.
Exceeding The Speed Limit
Some companies have quotas for their drivers and offer incentives when they exceed them. This practice is more detrimental than beneficial, however. Incentivizing truckers this way could lead them to overspeed and endanger lives. The drivers might intentionally go beyond the speed limit so they can deliver their cargo ahead of schedule and then go back to their headquarters for another trip.
On the same note, some operators set unrealistic time expectations. Their drivers are then forced to speed up their deliveries to avoid getting reprimanded or losing their jobs. In any case, speeding is a dangerous and reckless behavior, especially for vehicles as big and heavy as trucks. At high speeds, trucks are more challenging to control, and they need even more time and distance to brake safely.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
According to American Addiction Centers (AAC), truckers are normally away from their families for weeks or even months. As such, they tend to fight fatigue, boredom, and homesickness by turning to alcohol and drugs.
In a study released by AAC, 27.6% of truck drivers in the United States use drugs. The majority of them use amphetamines, which are stimulant drugs, to keep themselves up. Some use cocaine for the same purpose. Additionally, 19% of truck drivers in the study reported binge drinking alcohol.
When they combine these habits with driving, it could lead to catastrophic accidents. These substances, including certain medications, produce unwanted side effects, such as:
- Impaired coordination, which makes it harder to steer or react quickly to traffic events
- Poor judgment & decision-making skills lead truckers to misjudge distances or take unnecessary risks
- Blurred vision makes it difficult to see traffic signs, hazards, and other road users clearly
- Hallucinations, which could lead truck drivers to make unexpected and dangerous maneuvers
These adverse effects have contributed to many road fatalities. In 2020, there were 4,965 fatal car accidents involving trucks, and 3% of them were linked to drunk driving. In case of a DUI accident, reach out to our truck accident lawyers in Baldwin Park so we can hold the driver accountable.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Long drives and heavy loads wear out multiple truck parts more frequently and faster than in normal vehicles.
Tires are among the most easily deteriorated parts of a truck. Tires should last 50,000 miles in general, but many factors could make them fail earlier. Maintenance crews often overlook them as well because they look fine on the outside, even if they are dangerously worn out inside. These situations might lead to tire blowouts, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Other parts that might pose serious risks when not maintained properly are brakes, steering mechanisms, engines, underride guards, and trailer hitches.
Defective Parts
Truck accidents can also be caused by problems with the truck itself or its parts, not because of poor maintenance. These problems, called defects, can be caused by mistakes in the design of the truck and its components or by errors during manufacturing. If a defect causes a truck accident, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer could be held liable.
Inexperienced Drivers On The Road
Driving a truck needs special skills and training because its large size and heavy weight make it harder to control. Driving a truck also differs from driving a car in the following ways:
- Big blind spots
- Wider turns
- Higher seats
- Rough driving when empty
- Reverse driving challenges due to the trailer
- Longer braking distances
For these reasons, the government strictly imposes mandatory training courses and special exams on CDL applicants.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Trucks are more easily thrown off balance than regular passenger cars because of their height. As such, driving over road hazards like potholes, obstructions, and damaged streets could make them tip over. When drivers are not careful, the risk of accidents is even higher.
Many times, truckers are also unfamiliar with the roads leading to their destinations. Because of this, hazards and narrow roads may catch them off guard and cause them to lose control of their vehicles.
Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
- Whiplash
- Cuts & lacerations
- Amputations
- Head trauma & Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Back & spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis & temporary or permanent disabilities
- PTSD
- Wrongful deaths
How can our truck accident lawyers in Baldwin Park help with your injuries? First, we can connect you to the top medical specialists in the city and throughout California. They’ll make sure you receive the best possible care and support for your recovery. Moreover, we’ll help you get compensation to cover all medical-related expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.
Types Of Damages You Can Claim
If you’re injured due to negligence, you might be eligible to claim economic and non-economic damages in personal injury cases, including truck accidents. Here are some examples of what you might be entitled to recover under California law:
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Car repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a spouse
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Mental health problems
- Disfigurement
Our truck accident lawyers in Baldwin Park will help you claim compensation, including for any anticipated losses in the future. Just make sure to keep all receipts and bills for expenses related to your accident. For non-quantifiable damages, such as PTSD and emotional distress, trust our team to calculate a monetary value that would accurately represent them. We will do everything to maximize your truck settlement amount.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident?
Most of the time, it is the truck driver who is solely responsible for the accident because of negligence. However, as mentioned above, multiple other parties could be liable, such as:
- The trucking company
- The warehouse staff are in charge of loading the truck
- The maintenance company that services the truck
- The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
- Other motorists and road users
Our Baldwin Park lawyers know what to do to identify all parties to blame for your truck accident. Besides investigating, we carefully examine all the evidence and consult expert truck mechanics to determine those responsible for compensating you.
Important Trucking Regulations In California
California and the U.S. have certain rules and regulations specific to truck drivers, operators, and companies.
For instance, individuals must obtain a commercial driver’s license to drive large vehicles like trucks. Furthermore, they must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL, which is higher than the minimum age requirement for non-commercial licenses.
That aside, here are the other significant rules and regulations for the trucking industry:
- Additional examinations and background checks are required for drivers who will transport hazardous materials.
- Commercial trucks’ maximum length limit is 65 feet, while non-trailers are limited to 40 feet with a weight limit of 80,000 pounds.
- Commercial trucks’ speed limit is 55 mph in California, lower than the 65 mph limit for ordinary motor vehicles. The speed limit is also automatically reduced to 45 mph during rainy conditions.
- Drivers are required to check their cargo load before their journey and must check it every 3 hours.
- While the maximum BAC for motorists in California is set at 0.08%, truckers are limited to 0.04%. If they get a DUI infraction, their CDL will be suspended or revoked.
- Truckers are only allowed to drive a limited number of hours a week to avoid fatigued driving-related accidents.
Any violation of these rules and other regulations is negligence, and that’s what we need to prove to pursue compensation in an accident. Let our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers handle this part. Having dealt with numerous motor vehicle accidents involving big rigs and tractor-trailers, we know just how to find evidence of the misconduct and wrongful actions of the responsible parties.
What Should I Do If Contacted By Someone From A Trucking Company?
The at-fault party will bombard you with calls right after the truck accident for these reasons:
- To offer you a ridiculously low settlement
- To catch you off-guard and blame you for the accident instead
- To discourage you from getting a lawyer
As much as possible, you shouldn’t answer any calls from their side, including from their insurance companies or lawyers.
When you do answer their call, inform them you have a lawyer who will communicate with them on your behalf. Don’t say anything else. It doesn’t matter if you still don’t have a lawyer. Just make sure to get legal representation as soon as the call ends. You can proceed to call us at (888) 488-1391 to get help from our Baldwin truck accident attorneys.
Why Should I Get A Lawyer For My Truck Accident?
Due to a truck accident case’s complexity, we recommend you get in touch with a law firm to help you with your personal injury claim. Having a lawyer allows you more time to focus on your recovery because they can do all the groundwork on your behalf.
Get the help of our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers to pursue the highest compensation you’re entitled to. There have been cases where victims filed their own claims and were left with less money than expected because they didn’t know they deserved more. Some victims didn’t even get a single cent because the other parties made them believe they were at fault, exploiting their lack of knowledge of the law.
Our attorneys will help you understand your rights and the compensation you deserve. We will carefully assess the extent of all your injuries and losses to make the accountable party pay for them. Moreover, we will protect you from intimidation and coercion.
Our award-winning lawyers in Baldwin Park have successfully won numerous truck accident cases. If you wish to know if you have a claim, please fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer In Baldwin Park Cost?
Some lawyers might charge hourly, ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on their experience. However, most truck accident attorneys in Baldwin Park and the rest of California operate on a contingency fee basis, where they take a certain percentage of the compensation awarded to the victim.
This approach allows victims to pursue justice without worrying about the cost of hiring lawyers. After all, many of them seem to think that they can’t afford legal representation. As a result, some choose to let the case go, while others file on their own and receive little to no compensation.
However, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. We believe every victim has the right to pursue justice. That’s why Arash Law doesn’t charge any upfront fees, and we don’t get paid until we win your case. With this, victims can now have the confidence to push their case and get what is rightfully theirs.
Our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers typically charge 33% to 40% of the final amount of your settlement or your court award. The exact amount will be discussed during your onboarding process. Contact us today if you have any further questions or concerns.
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
What Should I Do At The Scene Of A Truck Accident?
In our decades of managing truck accident cases, our Baldwin Park attorneys have identified the best things to do right after the collision. First, stay calm and check for any injuries. Then, follow the instructions below on what to do if you get hit by a commercial truck:
Ensure Your Safety
The majority of truck accidents occur on freeways, where hundreds to thousands of speeding vehicles pass by. To keep yourself from further harm, it is better not to get out of your car. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on. If you’re a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other road user, move away from traffic if you can.
Once you’ve ensured your safety, dial 911 for police and medical assistance. Describe the accident and your injury briefly, which may help responders prepare the correct equipment.
Cooperate With The Emergency Responders
Once the local law enforcement arrives, they will ask you what happened. Share the details, sticking only to the facts. However, be careful with your words, especially when apologizing, as saying sorry might imply that you are responsible. Avoid saying what you think might have happened or any of your opinions, as well. Everything you say at that time will be recorded in the police accident report.
Furthermore, let the EMTs check on you and provide first-aid treatment, even if you don’t think you need it. They are trained to spot injuries that might be hidden or masked by the surge of adrenaline.
Document Everything
Take videos or photos of your surroundings, especially of your injuries. Capture important details like property damage, the road condition, and anything else that might be related to the accident.
Then, get the information of the truck driver, including their complete address, telephone number, insurance details, company name, and plate number.
If you can locate eyewitnesses, approach them, get their details, and seek their permission to give their testimonies to the authorities.
Seek Further Medical Assistance
In addition to an EMT’s initial assessment and first aid application, it is recommended that you visit a doctor immediately. Having an additional diagnosis reveals your true health status and shows any injuries that have occurred.
Report The Accident
You should also contact your insurance company and inform them of your situation so they can prepare the necessary documents for your claim. However, just like with the cops, avoid admitting fault or saying anything unnecessary.
Consult With An Attorney
Make sure to reach out to our Baldwin Park attorneys right after your truck accident. We will evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim for compensation. Our team will also give you advice on how to proceed during our free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Considered A Commercial Vehicle?
Commercial vehicles refer to any type of motor vehicle used for business purposes, including trucks, vans, buses, taxis, and more. Commercial drivers, on the other hand, are professionals who are hired and paid to transport their goods, people, or products from one point to another.
This distinction gives them more responsibilities in the eyes of the law. As such, trucking companies and truck drivers are often held accountable for most accidents.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
Every truck accident case is unique, and so is the compensation amount. It varies depending on the severity of your injury, your capacity to provide for your family after the accident, your past and future medical expenditures, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
To give you an idea of how much your truck accident injury is worth, here’s an example of a previous case we won:
We had a client who was walking in a crosswalk when a truck hit him, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Their camp tried to blame the victim, claiming that he was using his phone at the time. In the end, we won $5 million in compensation for our client.
Do you want to know how much you’re entitled to? Feel free to reach out to our attorneys in Baldwin Park, and we will give you an idea of how much your truck accident case is worth.
Will I Receive Punitive Damages For The Accident?
Punitive damages are a type of sanction imposed on the at-fault party. It is non-monetary and is very rare in California, so it is unlikely that you will receive punitive damages.
Who Do I Sue For Compensation After A Truck Accident?
You have to find out who is responsible for your injuries and property damages before filing a lawsuit. But identifying who is really at fault is more difficult than it seems. You will need our seasoned Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers to help you find out whom to blame. A case can easily be nullified if the wrong party gets involved.
Do I Need To Recover Before Seeking Compensation?
Time is of the essence when filing a personal injury claim because there is a two-year deadline called the statute of limitations.
Delaying the lawsuit is not an option. If you are severely injured, we suggest you find the best truck accident attorneys who will prepare all the necessary documents and file them within the deadlines.
What Do I Need To Prepare Before Talking To A Lawyer?
Before consulting a Baldwin Park truck accident attorney, collect your thoughts and write down what happened to make it easier for them to understand your situation. Collect any receipts, invoices, and bills to show that you’ve incurred expenses as a result of the accident.
What Evidence Is Needed For My Claim?
You’ll need to secure documents and pieces of evidence, such as police incident reports, medical records, medical bills, photos of your injury, and CCTV footage, just to name a few. You might also have to show pay stubs, a certificate of employment, witness testimonies, expert opinions, and car repair estimates.
However, it may be difficult to secure these documents, especially if you are badly hurt and unable to move. When obtaining an accident report, you would have to visit the precinct where your case was filed. For CCTVs, some owners would not willingly give up footage without a mandate.
Leave it to our trusted Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys to gather evidence on your behalf. We will help you obtain everything you need to prove your case and get compensation.
When Can I Obtain My Settlement Or Award?
It takes time to obtain the settlement money. A number of factors can prolong the truck accident claims process, including investigations, negotiations, funding issues, and the other side’s unwillingness to agree to a settlement. Based on our Baldwin Park lawyers’ experience handling truck accident cases, they can take anywhere from six months to four years or even more.
Will My Truck Accident Case Go To Trial?
Truck accident cases don’t always proceed to a trial. The majority of the ones we’ve handled were settled out-of-court. Due to our team’s investigation skills, we are able to prove the negligence of the at-fault parties clearly, forcing insurance companies to agree to our demands.
The only time that we escalate the cases to the court is when the at-fault party doesn’t agree to a fair settlement. Sometimes, they might even attempt to deny their negligence. Even so, our trial attorneys in Baldwin Park are more than willing to present your truck accident case in front of the jury.
Consult The Best Truck Injury Attorneys Baldwin Park Trusts!
You may have other questions regarding your personal injury that we were not able to discuss. If so, feel free to talk to us. Our lawyers in Baldwin Park are on standby 24/7, ready to discuss your truck accident in a free initial consultation.
You can reach us at (888) 488-1391 at any time. If you are unable to visit us in any of our California offices, our lawyers will come to your home or wherever that’s accessible to you.
Aside from Baldwin Park, our attorneys are also available to assist truck accident victims in its nearby cities, like Irwindale, Vincent, West Covina, West Puente Valley, Avocado Heights, Valinda, Glendora, Charter Oaks, West San Dimas, Walnut, South San Jose, San Dimas, El Monte, South El Monte, Temple City, Rosemead, Monterey Park, Alhambra, East San Gabriel, and San Marino.
