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 Can Help You Pursue Compensation For Your Injuries
Accidents involving large trucks are common in Baldwin Park, especially near the Interstate 10 and 605 freeways. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a truck crash, our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers can provide legal guidance and support. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for assistance with your personal injury claim.
Baldwin Park is known for its international manufacturing companies. The city is home to several manufacturing plants, including Motek Industries, Meritek Electronics Corporation, and Lighting Technologies International. As an essential part of its operations, it uses several heavy cargo and delivery trucks. As a result, truck accidents are more likely to occur.
Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his legal team have helped accident victims pursue compensation for damages under the law. Our firm has the resources and experience in handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including complex truck accident claims.
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?
Truck accident cases often involve complex liability issues, multiple parties, and large insurance companies. Our Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation and can manage the claims process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Here’s how we assist clients in a truck accident case:
- Handle the Claims Process from Start to Finish — Our team manages all aspects of the claims process, including gathering evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, communicating with the at-fault party’s insurer, and filing necessary documentation.
- Assess Liability — Truck accident cases are generally more complicated than car accidents. They can involve more than one responsible party. We assess the details of your case to help identify potentially liable individuals or entities, which may include the driver, trucking company, or others involved in vehicle maintenance or cargo loading.
- Evaluate the Scope of Your Damages — Our attorneys can help you understand the range of losses that may be considered in a claim, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other related costs.
- Pursue Compensation — We assist in seeking compensation for all accident-related losses by pursuing claims against the responsible parties.
- Engage with Trucking Companies and Their Legal Teams — Trucking companies often have experienced legal representation. We advocate on your behalf in negotiations and respond to legal challenges that may arise during the course of your claim.
- Provide Ongoing Legal Updates and Communication — We keep clients informed throughout the process, explaining relevant legal issues and the current status of the claim in clear and accessible terms.
Our truck accident attorneys have represented individuals in truck accident cases in Baldwin Park and the surrounding areas for years. We are experienced in negotiating with insurers and are prepared to represent your interests throughout the claims process.
Types Of Truck Accidents Our Baldwin Park Lawyers Handle
Our law firm focuses on different kinds of accidents involving big rigs, delivery trucks, dump trucks, 18-wheelers, and more. Below are some of the types of truck accident cases our Baldwin Park lawyers handle:
- Head-On Truck Accidents — A head-on accident occurs when two vehicles are moving directly toward each other and collide. Due to the size and weight discrepancy between large trucks and smaller cars, a head-on collision can result in devastating injuries or untimely death. Factors such as 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. Contributing factors include sudden braking, oversteering, poor road conditions, and 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 preventive measures, such as proper driver training, regular truck maintenance, and maintaining safe driving habits, can help reduce the likelihood of these incidents.
- Rear-End Accidents — Rear-end accidents occur when a vehicle collides with the back of the vehicle in front of it. The common reasons are tailgating or distracted truckers not braking in time. Specific circumstances, such as rainy conditions, may 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 can 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. These can occur during lane changes or when a truck drifts due to inattention or fatigue. While often less severe than other types of crashes, sideswipe accidents can still lead to serious injuries, especially for occupants seated on the impacted side of the vehicle.
Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can result from a wide range of factors, many of which involve driver behavior, mechanical issues, or external conditions. Below are some of the common causes of truck accidents:
- Fatigued or Drowsy Driving — Long hours on the road, overnight driving, and tight delivery schedules can contribute to fatigue among truck drivers. Skipping rest periods or driving while drowsy can reduce reaction time, impair judgment, and increase the risk of accidents.
The effects of fatigue can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. According to the National Safety Council (NSC) data, being awake for 20 consecutive hours can impair driving ability to the same extent as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. This is twice the legal limit for commercial drivers, who are required to stay below 0.04 percent.
Approximately 6,400 motorists die every year from drowsy driving. To prevent truck accidents due to this issue, the government has established a rule requiring truck drivers to take a 30-minute rest after eight hours of driving.
- Distracted Driving — Distractions such as texting, using a phone, adjusting controls, eating, or interacting with navigation devices can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to severe collisions. As per the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 148 people killed in California in 2022 because of distracted driving.
- Exceeding the Speed Limit — Speeding is a contributing factor in many commercial truck accidents. Some trucking companies set delivery quotas or offer performance-based incentives that may encourage drivers to exceed posted speed limits. In other instances, tight or unrealistic delivery schedules create pressure to make up time by driving faster than conditions safely allow.
For large commercial vehicles, speeding significantly increases stopping distances and reduces the driver’s ability to respond to traffic changes or unexpected hazards. Even slight increases in speed can result in loss of vehicle control, rollovers, or severe collisions due to the size and weight of the truck.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair a truck driver’s coordination, judgment, and alertness. In a study released by AAC, 27.6% of truck drivers in the United States use drugs. Some commercial drivers have reported using stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine to stay awake during long trips.
Substance use can lead to side effects such as slowed reaction time, impaired decision-making, blurred vision, and hallucinations. These impairments increase the risk of accidents. According to data from 2022, about 5,936 people died due to truck collisions, and approximately 3% were linked to alcohol impairment.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance — Commercial trucks require regular maintenance due to long hours on the road and heavy cargo loads. When maintenance is skipped or done improperly, mechanical issues can develop and lead to serious accidents. Common problems include tire blowouts, brake failure, steering system defects, engine trouble, and malfunctioning underride guards or trailer hitches. These types of failures can significantly affect a truck’s safety and performance on the road.
- Defective Parts — Some truck accidents are caused not by poor maintenance, but by defects in the truck or its components. These may arise from design flaws or manufacturing errors. Common defective components include braking systems, tires, and coupling devices. In such cases, liability may rest with the manufacturer, distributor, or another party in the supply chain.
- Inexperienced Drivers on the Road — Driving a truck requires special skills and training because its large size and heavy weight make it more challenging 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 roads could cause them to tip over. Sharp curves, narrow roads, and sudden obstacles can also catch drivers off guard, particularly in unfamiliar territory or adverse weather conditions.
Our Baldwin truck accident lawyers help injured victims by investigating the cause of the crash, identifying all potentially liable parties, and preserving critical evidence such as driver logs and maintenance records. They handle communications with insurance companies, apply federal trucking regulations to support the case, and estimate damages based on documented losses.
Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
Individuals involved in truck accidents are at a significantly higher risk of sustaining severe or catastrophic injuries compared to those in regular traffic collisions. The injuries commonly resulting from these incidents include, but are not limited to:
- Whiplash
- Cuts & lacerations
- Amputations
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- 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 help you find qualified medical professionals who can provide the appropriate medical care and support you may need for your recovery. Moreover, we can assist you in pursuing compensation to cover your medical-related expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications, depending on the specifics of your case.
Types Of Damages Available In Truck Accident Claims
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 may pursue under California law:
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Car repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a spouse
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental health problems
- Disfigurement
Our truck accident lawyers in Baldwin Park can help you seek compensation for damages, including any anticipated losses in the future. Keep all receipts and bills related to your accident. For non-quantifiable damages, such as PTSD and emotional distress, our lawyers may consult with financial advisors to help estimate the value of these losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Truck Accident?
While the truck driver is often responsible for the accident due to negligence, liability can also extend to several other parties, including:
- The trucking company.
- The warehouse staff 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 work to identify all potentially liable parties. We carefully review evidence and may consult truck mechanics or accident reconstructionists to understand the factors involved in the crash and help establish liability.
Important Trucking Regulations In California
California and the U.S. have specific rules and regulations governing truck drivers, operators, and companies. For instance, individuals must obtain a commercial driver’s license to operate large vehicles, such as 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.
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 inspect their cargo load before departure and must do so every 3 hours during the journey.
- 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 limited to driving a specified number of hours per week to prevent fatigue-related driving accidents.
Any violation of these regulations may constitute negligence, which is essential to establish when pursuing compensation after an accident. Our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers apply their knowledge of these laws and industry standards to thoroughly investigate each case. With experience handling accidents involving big rigs and tractor-trailers, they work to gather evidence of regulatory violations and wrongful conduct to build a solid foundation for your claim.
What Should I Do If Contacted By Someone From A Trucking Company?
After a truck accident, you may receive calls from the trucking company, their insurance adjusters, or legal representatives. These calls often seek information about the accident and may include early settlement offers. Since anything you say can affect your claim, it is important to handle these communications carefully.
Truck accident lawyers can manage all contact with these parties, review any offers or statements before you respond, and advise you on what information to provide. This helps protect your interests and prevents unintentional statements that could impact your case.
Why Should I Get A Lawyer For My Truck Accident?
Due to the complexity of a truck accident case, we recommend that 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 legal groundwork on your behalf. Without legal guidance, some claimants may not be aware of the available compensation they could pursue, or they might face challenges when dealing with insurance companies and opposing parties.
Our Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and the compensation you may be eligible for based on the specifics of your case. We carefully assess the extent of all your losses and estimate the potential value of your claim. We work to protect your interests and help address challenges that may arise.
If you wish to know if you have a claim, feel free to fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer In Baldwin Park Cost?
Some lawyers might charge depending on their experience. However, many truck accident attorneys in Baldwin Park and throughout California operate on a contingency fee basis, where they take a certain percentage of the compensation awarded to the victim. This approach allows injured victims to pursue justice and compensation without immediate financial costs.
At Arash Law, our team works on the same payment arrangement. We don’t charge any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. However, case-related costs may still apply. Our fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or court award. Our payment terms will be discussed during the onboarding process. You can contact us if you have any additional 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 To Do At The Scene Of A Truck Accident?
Following an accident, it is important to stay calm and check for any injuries. Here are suggested steps on what to do if you get hit by a commercial truck:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe to move, get to a secure location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights if you’re in a vehicle. Avoid standing too close to the wreckage, especially if there’s a risk of fire, leaking fuel, or debris. Call 911 for police and medical assistance. Describe the accident and your injury briefly, as this may help responders arrive prepared.
- Cooperate with the Emergency Responders — Once the local law enforcement arrives, explain what happened, focusing only on 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 injuries and the surrounding area. Capture important details like property damage, the road condition, and anything else that might be related to the accident. Then, get the truck driver’s information, including their complete address, telephone number, insurance details, company name, and plate number. If you can locate eyewitnesses, gather their details, and obtain their permission to provide their testimony 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 as soon as possible. A full medical evaluation can reveal hidden injuries and create a medical record that may be important for your claim.
- Report the Accident — Notify 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 a Truck Accident Attorney — Consider reaching out to our Baldwin Park attorneys after your truck accident. We can evaluate your case to determine if you have a valid claim for compensation. Our team can also provide guidance on your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Considered A Commercial Vehicle?
Commercial vehicles refer to any 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.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
The value of a truck accident injury case can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses (both past and future), loss of income, reduced earning capacity, and other related costs all play a role in assessing your potential compensation.
To better understand what your case may be worth, you can speak with one of our Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys. During a consultation, we can review the details of your situation and help you evaluate your legal options.
Will I Receive Punitive Damages For The Accident?
Punitive damages are a type of sanction imposed on the at-fault party. They are non-monetary and are considered very rare in California. They are designed to punish a defendant for malicious, oppressive, or grossly negligent behavior.
Who Do I Sue For Compensation After A Truck Accident?
Before filing a lawsuit, it’s important to determine who is legally responsible for your injuries and property damage. In truck accident cases, liability is often complex and may involve multiple parties. Our Baldwin Park truck accident lawyers can assist in identifying all potentially liable individuals or entities based on the facts of your case. Naming the correct parties is essential, as including the wrong ones may delay or weaken your claim.
Do I Need To Recover Before Seeking Compensation?
You do not need to fully recover before pursuing a personal injury claim. In fact, it’s important to begin the legal process as soon as possible due to California’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to seek compensation. A truck accident attorney can handle the legal work on your behalf, including gathering documentation, assessing damages, and filing your claim within the required 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, 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 may not willingly give up footage without a court order.
Our Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys can gather evidence on your behalf. We can assist you in obtaining relevant documentation to support your case and help you pursue compensation to cover your injuries and other losses.
When Can I Obtain My Settlement Or Award?
The timeline for receiving a settlement or court award after a truck accident varies depending on the complexity of the case. Several factors can prolong the truck accident claims process, including investigations, negotiations, settlement disputes, and funding issues. Based on our Baldwin Park lawyers’ experience handling truck accident cases, the duration can range from several months to years.
Will My Truck Accident Case Go To Trial?
Many truck accident cases are resolved through settlement and do not go to trial. However, a case may proceed to court if the parties involved cannot reach an agreement on liability or compensation. This can happen when the at-fault party disputes responsibility or refuses to offer a fair settlement. In such situations, a trial may be necessary to resolve the matter.
Our Baldwin Park truck accident attorneys are prepared to represent clients in court if litigation becomes the appropriate course of action.
Consult Our Truck Injury Attorneys In Baldwin Park
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, Arash Law offers legal representation and guidance throughout the claims process. Our truck accident lawyers in Baldwin Park are available to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation for damages.
You can reach us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. If you are unable to visit us in our office, 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 nearby cities, like Irwindale, Vincent, West Covina, West Puente Valley, Avocado Heights, Valinda, Glendora, Charter Oak, 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.
