Beaumont Truck Accident Attorneys
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Our Beaumont Truck Accident Attorneys Support Clients From The First Call To Recovery
Even if you’re cautious when driving alongside large commercial vehicles like trucks, you can still get into an accident if other drivers engage in reckless behavior. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a crash, Beaumont truck accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. They can assist you in pursuing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other accident-related losses. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Beaumont has long been a transportation hub. In the past, it served as a stop for people traveling along the Southern Pacific Railroad. Today, Beaumont Avenue acts as an interchange for crucial highways, helping motorists move across California using the I-10, SR 60, and SR 79. Consequently, it’s a major route for trucks hauling various types of goods. Unfortunately, the high number of these large vehicles on the road increases the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Victims of truck accidents often face serious injuries, financial challenges, and emotional distress. Our Beaumont truck accident lawyers can provide guidance on gathering relevant documentation, communicating with insurers, and seeking financial recovery for the losses resulting from the accident.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Can Beaumont Truck Accident Lawyers Do For You
Truck accident claims can be complex due to the size of the vehicles, the potential for multiple liable parties, and the severity of injuries involved. Here are some of the ways Beaumont truck accident lawyers may assist:
- Case Evaluation and Evidence Gathering — A lawyer can review the accident details, assess potentially responsible parties, and collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis. They can also consult with doctors to evaluate the full extent of injuries and related losses.
- Negotiation With Insurance Companies — Attorneys can handle communications with insurers and defense representatives. They can present relevant information and help protect the client’s interests during settlement discussions.
- Court Representation — If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can see your case through the court process. Beaumont truck accident attorneys can assist you in organizing evidence and explaining relevant legal procedures. During litigation, they can present evidence, question witnesses, and advocate for your side.
Working With Our Attorneys For Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident claims can be complex, and handling them on your own may be challenging. A lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the steps involved in seeking financial recovery for your damages.
Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can help gather evidence, review accident details, and organize the documentation needed to support your claim. They can also handle communications with insurance companies and other parties. They manage the legal matters for you so you can focus on your health.
If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys can also guide you through litigation. They can help prepare the case for court, present evidence, and explain legal procedures. With legal guidance, you can navigate the claims process with a clearer understanding of your options and move forward with confidence.
What Are The Different Types Of Trucks?
Trucks come in different sizes, but they are generally larger and heavier and offer more cargo space than other types of vehicles. Their primary function is to carry goods and freight, but some trucks also transport people and livestock. Here are the different truck types you may encounter on Beaumont’s roads:
- Light Trucks — Pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, and vehicles that weigh up to 8,500 pounds
- Medium Trucks — Box trucks, flatbeds, moving trucks, delivery trucks, and fire trucks
- Heavy Trucks — Dump trucks, garbage trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and big rigs
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
The following are some types of truck accidents our lawyers can handle in Beaumont, CA:
Jackknife Accidents
These accidents can happen when a big rig driver hits the brakes too quickly or too hard, causing the cab and trailer to skid sideways and form a 90-degree angle. A jackknifing truck often causes collisions when it hits other vehicles before coming to a full stop.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers occur when the driver loses control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn onto its side or roof. These accidents could be due to several reasons, such as speeding, taking turns too quickly, avoiding a road hazard, and overloading cargo beyond the trailer’s capacity. In some cases, they result from mechanical failures. Rollover accidents are extremely dangerous, as the trucks could strike multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and even properties in the process. When they tip over, they could also crush and fatally injure victims.
Rear-End Accidents
Large trucks take longer to come to a full stop because of their size. As such, drivers must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them, allowing themselves enough time and space to brake. Drivers can cause rear-end collisions when they can’t brake in time after the vehicle ahead of them stops. These accidents can cause significant damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
T-Bone Accidents
A negligent driver who ignores traffic lights and runs a red light while crossing intersections can get into an accident. They might crash into the side of another vehicle, going perpendicular, forming a T-shape. Side-impact collisions also happen when drivers make improper or illegal turns.
Unsecured Load Accidents
When cargo loaders fail to secure the shipment, it could fall or topple over while in transit, which could hit other vehicles or pose serious road hazards. Worse, it could move inside the trailer, shifting the balance of the truck and causing it to fall on its side or roof. Drivers may cause this accident if they travel at unsafe speeds and fail to maintain their vehicle’s balance, especially when turning.
Underride Accidents
An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slams into the rear or side of a large truck and becomes trapped beneath the trailer. These accidents can happen when a truck stops suddenly or when a smaller vehicle cannot slow down in time. Because the point of impact is higher than the protective structures in most passenger cars, underride crashes can lead to severe or fatal injuries, particularly for occupants of smaller vehicles and motorcycles.
Wide-Turn Accidents
Semi-trucks are harder to maneuver because they have two parts: the tractor and the trailer. When turning, drivers must consider the size of their vehicles and the movement of the cargo behind the cab, especially in right turns. When they don’t exercise extra caution, they can cause wide-turn accidents. Additionally, failure to use proper signals raises the risk of other motorists colliding with or being caught under the truck.
As is the case in most collisions involving large vehicles, the occupants of smaller cars are the ones who get more seriously injured.
The type of accident can affect the evidence to collect, the severity of injuries, and how damages are calculated. A Beaumont truck accident lawyer can help assess the specifics of the accident you’ve experienced. They can gather documentation, consult experts when needed, and provide guidance on available legal options.
Usual Causes Of Truck Accidents
Different factors explain why truck accidents happen, but most of them can be attributed to driver errors and negligence. Other common causes are improper cargo loading, vehicle defects, weather conditions, and road issues.
Let’s look at each of these causes in more detail:
Driver Errors
Drivers may commit errors while driving, such as changing lanes without using proper signals, miscalculating distances, and failing to check blind spots. It’s dangerous to dismiss these errors because, when operating large vehicles, even a small mistake can lead to devastating consequences.
Reckless Driving
One of the most common causes of fatal truck accidents is reckless driving. Some examples would be speeding, beating the red light, ignoring traffic signs, and cutting off other vehicles. These reckless behaviors give other road users little to no time to react and avoid accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distractions like using phones, eating, or talking to passengers while driving take attention away from the road. Distractions might also include looking at objects outside, reading billboards, and even conversing with other drivers. When drivers don’t focus on what’s ahead of them, they are likely to cause accidents.
Drunk And Drugged Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is dangerous for any motorist, but more so for truck drivers who operate large vehicles. These substances significantly affect an individual’s ability to judge distance and speed. They also have slower reaction times to hazards and critical road events.
DUI truck accidents can cause permanent injuries to victims. Injured individuals and their families may file a claim to seek compensation for their medical expenses and other losses. If you were recently injured in a drunk driving accident, contact our lawyers to know what legal options you might have for compensation.
Driver Fatigue
California and the federal government regulate how many hours a trucker can drive to avoid the potential issues caused by fatigue. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers can only operate property-carrying trucks for a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour window. The Hours of Service regulations also impose a mandatory 30-minute period after eight hours of consecutive driving.
Nevertheless, tight schedules might force truck drivers to disregard these rules. Long-haul truckers, especially those who work late-night or early-morning shifts, might fall asleep behind the wheel and swerve into the opposite lane or crash into an object.
Poor Driver Training
Truck drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), but this doesn’t always mean their employer has properly trained them in specific trucking rules and regulations. Violating these rules, like disregarding the maximum hours of driving, might lead to collisions. Sometimes, drivers cause accidents when they don’t know how to handle large vehicles properly.
Vehicle Defects
Not all truck accidents are caused by drivers. Sometimes, these collisions occur due to auto defects or mechanical failure. These include defective tires, brake failures, steering wheel problems, and non-functional airbags.
Weather And Road Issues
Some collisions happen because of external factors, such as inclement weather and road issues. For one, rainy weather increases the risk of accidents due to slippery roads and low visibility. Dangerous road conditions like potholes or loose debris may also cause even careful drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
In a truck accident claim, a personal injury attorney can help assess the specific cause of the collision and identify who may be legally responsible. They can also advise you on the types of evidence and documentation relevant to your case and how the cause of the accident can affect the compensation you may seek under California law.
Typical Injuries In Truck Accidents
Collisions with large trucks can result in severe consequences. While some victims sustain minor injuries such as bruises and sprains, there is always a risk that these injuries could develop into more serious conditions. Here are the most common injuries our Beaumont truck accident lawyers can address in a claim:
- Abrasions and Cuts — These injuries are mostly minor and can fully heal in a few weeks. However, deeper cuts require stitches, and some put victims at risk of developing infections.
- Broken Bones and Loss of Limbs — The recovery period for fractures usually takes a few months. In some cases, limbs are so severely injured that doctors have no choice but to perform surgical amputation.
- Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries — The impact of the crash often causes the victim’s head to move back and forth forcefully, resulting in neck injuries. These usually heal in a few weeks, but some cases of whiplash can lead to nerve damage.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries — Back injuries are common in traffic accidents, but colliding with a truck can lead to more serious spinal cord injuries, resulting in the loss of sensation and paralysis.
- Brain and Head Injuries — Mild concussions may be treated in a few weeks, but traumatic brain injuries cause further complications and lead to more expensive treatments.
- Wrongful Deaths — Some truck accidents result in fatalities. Losing a loved one in such a collision can be devastating. Wrongful death lawyers can help families understand their legal options under California law and assist with pursuing potential compensation for damages such as funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other losses related to the death.
Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can help connect you with qualified medical specialists for thorough evaluations and treatment. They can also assist in documenting your injuries, organizing medical records, and explaining how these injuries may be considered when seeking financial recovery for medical expenses, lost income, and anticipated costs for future treatment or rehabilitation.
Who Is At Fault For A Truck Accident?
Truck collisions are often attributed to driver errors, but they’re not the only ones who can be held liable. Our Beaumont truck accident lawyers acknowledge the possibility of multiple at-fault parties, including the trucking company, manufacturer, mechanic, cargo loader, or even a government agency.
Let’s look into the instances when these parties can be held accountable for damages:
- Truck Drivers — Truck drivers can be liable for negligent driving, which can range from an intentional violation of the law to errors behind the wheel.
- Trucking Companies or Operators — Because they are responsible for their drivers, truck companies and operators may be liable for the wrongful actions of their employees. Additionally, they may be directly liable for negligent training or screening of their drivers.
- Manufacturers — The fault can lie with truck manufacturers if the vehicle defects caused the accident.
- Mechanics — If the mechanical issue appeared after a repair or maintenance check, the mechanics who worked on the truck may be assigned partial liability.
- Cargo Loaders — The ones responsible for properly loading freight and goods into the trailer can share liability if they fail to secure the shipment and follow the guidelines.
- Government — Truck accidents also occur because of road issues. The government agencies responsible for road maintenance may face accountability in these cases.
Our attorneys can review the circumstances and analyze the available evidence. If you have questions about how liability might be determined under California law, our lawyers can answer that for you. Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can help assess which parties may be responsible for your accident. They can also help you explore potential avenues for seeking fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
What Are The Types Of Compensation You Can Claim?
In a truck accident claim, victims may seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Examples of compensatory damages that may be claimed in a truck accident in Beaumont, CA, include:
- Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses you incur for the treatment of your injuries.
- Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement.
- Lost wages from missed workdays while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
- Lost earning capacity, quality of life, and consortium because of permanent injuries.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded by the court in a lawsuit. However, these rare awards are intended to address particularly egregious conduct, rather than provide direct financial compensation.
Our Beaumont truck accident lawyers can help identify which types of compensation may apply to your situation. They can assist in documenting your losses, gathering evidence, and estimating the total value of your claim. They can also explain how economic and non-economic damages may be evaluated based on the specifics of your case and applicable coverage.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
The moments following a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re injured or in shock. Knowing the steps to take can help protect your rights and preserve important evidence.
Here are some recommended actions after a truck accident:
- Move to a safer place at the side of the road, if possible.
- Keep calm and assess your injuries. If someone is severely injured, refrain from moving them unless they’re still in immediate danger.
- Call 911 to get law enforcement on the scene. Give your statement only to the police, and make sure to stick to the facts. Do not add details you’re unsure of or apologize for the incident. These could be used against you.
- Get yourself assessed by paramedics. Even if you feel fine, make sure to submit yourself to an initial medical evaluation.
- Collect visual evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, especially vehicle damage and physical injuries.
- Get the truck driver’s name, contact number, truck company, and insurance plan. If there are witnesses around, ask for their contact information as well.
- Never agree to any settlement offers that insurance companies or truck operators give you. As much as possible, refrain from discussing the accident with anyone.
- Consider reaching out to truck accident lawyers in Beaumont. They can explain your legal options, provide guidance on the claims process, and advise on steps to protect your rights.
Proving Negligence For A Truck Accident Case
To pursue a truck accident claim, it is necessary to establish the negligence of the responsible party. Establishing negligence involves demonstrating several key elements:
- The at-fault party had a duty of care to the victim. For example, truck drivers have a duty to care for other road users. This is supported by the truck regulations and restrictions mandated by the government.
- There was a breach of duty. A breach can come in many forms. One example would be a truck driver working past the allowable hours of service, leading them to fall asleep behind the wheel due to exhaustion.
- The breach caused the accident. It is important to establish that there was a direct causal relationship between the negligent action and the accident. In the example above, falling asleep should have directly caused the driver to crash into another vehicle.
- There was damage from the accident. Any injuries or losses suffered by the victims from the accident count as damages.
Documenting and understanding these elements is essential for a truck accident claim. Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can assist you in gathering evidence, reviewing accident reports, and consulting experts to clarify how negligence contributed to the crash.
Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Claims
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases states that victims generally have up to two years from the date of the truck accident to file a claim. If you miss the deadline to sue, you may forfeit your right to claim compensation.
Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can help explain the applicable time limits, any exceptions that may apply, and the steps to take to preserve your legal rights.
Truck Accident Statistics
According to 2021 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were a total of 5,788 people killed in large truck accidents. Around 72% of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, while 11% were non-occupants. Truck occupants accounted for 17%.
Moreover, 31.7% of traffic accidents involving large trucks were head-on collisions. In fatal two-vehicle crashes, both the truck and the other vehicle were going straight 43.1% of the time.
Interestingly, other vehicles have struck large trucks in the rear in 23.6% of the accidents. T-bone or side impact collisions also made up 21% of the accidents, of which 12.9% were caused by the truck crashing into the other vehicle from the side.
Most of these truck accidents happened on a weekday, during the day, and on rural, non-interstate roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our Beaumont truck accident attorneys often get from injured victims and clients who consult with us:
How Long Does It Take To Settle Truck Accident Claims?
Settlements for truck accident claims can take months or years. It usually depends on the severity of the victim’s injuries or the duration of the negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, the claim may proceed to litigation, which typically extends the timeline. Our attorneys for truck accidents in Beaumont can help guide you through each step and explain what to expect throughout the process.
How Much Is The Average Settlement For Truck Accident Claims?
The compensation a victim may receive in a truck accident claim varies widely based on factors such as the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the degree of fault of each party involved.
While every case is unique, a Beaumont truck accident attorney can help assess the specifics of your situation, review your losses, and provide guidance on the potential range of compensation you may seek under the law.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge For Truck Accident Claims?
Many personal injury firms in California, including Arash Law, handle truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis. This means legal fees are typically a percentage of any compensation recovered, and clients usually do not pay upfront. You generally have no obligation to pay attorney fees unless a recovery is obtained. However, you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs.
Consult Our Truck Accident Attorneys In Beaumont For Legal Help
Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially given the size and impact of commercial vehicles. Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can help manage the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They can guide you through the claims process, review the details of your accident, and explain your legal options so you can make informed decisions.
To discuss your situation, call (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.
We also serve the nearby areas in Riverside County and San Bernardino County, including Banning, Yucaipa, San Jacinto, Hemet, East Hemet, Moreno Valley, Redlands, Perris, Loma Linda, Highland, Sun City, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Big Bear Lake. Our lawyers also represent victims in Los Angeles, San Gabriel, Tustin, and Orange County.
