Beaumont Truck Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Beaumont Truck Accident Attorneys Who Are Personally Committed To Securing Your Justice
Even if you’re cautious when driving alongside large commercial vehicles like trucks, you can still get into an accident if truck drivers are negligent. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one due to their carelessness, we can help you get compensation. Call the Beaumont truck accident attorneys from Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation today!
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 usually suffer from devastating injuries, significant financial burdens, and severe PTSD, along with other mental health problems. As an injured victim, you need our skilled and dedicated lawyers to help you recover compensation. You can trust us to fight for the financial recovery you deserve. We have a proven track record of success, which shows our capacity to win your case.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Our Beaumont Lawyers Win Truck Accident Claims
Our Beaumont law firm handles all aspects of truck accident claims, from investigating to making sure all negligent parties are held accountable. Here’s how our truck accident attorneys in Beaumont can win your injury case:
- Build a strong case – Our lawyers will determine where the fault lies in an accident and build a compelling case against the at-fault party. We will collect evidence and work with accident reconstruction specialists to prove their liability and get you maximum compensation. Additionally, we’ll consult medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries and losses. This will help us identify how much your claim is worth.
- Negotiate with insurance companies – We will communicate with insurance companies and defense attorneys on your behalf. Our lawyers advocate for your rights and ensure you receive a fair settlement from the negligent party.
- Represent you in court – If the liable party refuses to settle, we will have to take your case to court. A lawsuit may seem overwhelming, but our Beaumont truck accident lawyers will take care of everything and make it as stress-free as possible for you.
With our lawyers’ knowledge and expertise, we have successfully secured over $500 Million in compensation for our clients. Our attorneys will aggressively fight trucking and insurance companies so we can get you the highest possible settlement for your injuries.
Why Hire Our Beaumont Truck Accident Attorneys For Your Case
Truck accident claims are difficult to handle on your own because trucking and insurance companies will always try to free themselves of any liability. They will exhaust their resources to disprove your claim and pay you as little compensation as possible. With a lawyer by your side, you can protect your rights.
Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys will do whatever it takes to gather compelling evidence and make the claim work in your favor. Insurance companies may try to undermine us to get away with as little settlement as possible, but we will not back down. We will take your case wherever necessary to make sure you get properly compensated for the damages you suffered.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may try to provoke you, and in the heat of the moment, you may say or do something that could hurt your claim. But by hiring a lawyer, you won’t have to deal with insurers who bother you left and right. Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We will ensure they don’t get the chance to take advantage of you.
What Are The Different Types Of Trucks?
Trucks come in different shapes and sizes, but they are generally larger and heavier and offer more cargo space than other types of vehicles. Their primary function is to transport 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 the most common types of truck accidents our lawyers have seen in Beaumont, CA:
Jackknife Accidents
These accidents usually 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. They are more likely to cause rear-end collisions when they can’t brake in time after the car ahead of them stops. These accidents can cause significant damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
T-Bone Accidents
A negligent truck driver who ignores traffic lights and runs a red light while crossing intersections will get into an accident. They most likely will crash head-on into the side of another vehicle, going perpendicular, forming a T-shape. Side-impact collisions also happen when truckers 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 are also likely to cause this accident if they travel at unsafe speeds and fail to maintain their balance, especially when turning.
Underride Accidents
Trucks that abruptly stop can cause fatal accidents for the cars behind them. These vehicles may not have enough time to brake, causing them to slam into the trailer and slide underneath it. Underride cases are particularly dangerous for motorcycles and small vehicles, with many instances leading to severe injuries or even the death of the passengers.
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. Our attorneys specializing in Beaumont truck accidents are here to help them get justice against the negligent trucker and their company.
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
Truckers 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 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 truckers 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 recover compensation for their medical expenses and other losses. If you were recently injured in a drunk driving accident, contact our lawyers to know what you’re entitled to.
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 filing a truck accident claim, our Beaumont attorneys will determine what exactly caused your accident and who the liable party is. We have decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases, so we know what to do to determine and establish negligence.
Typical Injuries In Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large vehicles cause catastrophic consequences. Some suffer minor injuries like bruises and sprains and still have the risk of developing a more serious condition. Here are the most common injuries our lawyers have encountered in Beaumont truck accidents:
- 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 – Unfortunately, truck accidents commonly lead to fatalities. A tragedy happened in 2023 when a big rig struck a senior citizen near Highland Springs Avenue and Sixth Street. The victim was pronounced dead on the spot. If you lost a loved one in such an incident, our wrongful death lawyers can help you get justice.
Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can connect you with the top medical specialists so you can get thoroughly examined. We will help ensure you get proper treatment for your injuries.
Who Is At Fault For A Truck Accident?
Truck collisions are often the fault of the drivers, but they’re not the only ones who can be held liable. Our Beaumont truck accident lawyers have handled cases where the at-fault party is the trucking company, manufacturer, mechanic, cargo loader, or the government.
Let’s look into the instances when these parties can be held accountable for damages:
- Truck Drivers – Negligent behavior from truckers makes them liable for accidents. This can range from an intentional violation of the law to an honest mistake, like failing to gauge the distance between the truck and the vehicle in front.
- 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 could exhibit negligent behavior by improperly training or screening their drivers.
- Manufacturers – The fault can lie with truck manufacturers if the vehicle defects that caused the accident have been present since the beginning.
- Mechanics – If the mechanical issue appeared after a repair or maintenance check, the party at fault would be the mechanics who worked on the truck.
- 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 help you identify where the fault lies in your specific truck accident in Beaumont. We will review the facts of your case and determine which parties are responsible for compensating you.
What Are The Types Of Compensation You Can Claim?
You can pursue economic and non-economic damages against the at-fault parties in a truck accident claim. Punitive damages may also be awarded in special cases, but they don’t financially compensate you. Rather, they serve as punishment for the actions of the negligent party.
Here are some examples of the compensatory damages you can claim in a truck accident in Beaumont, CA:
- 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 work days while recovering from your injuries
- Pain and suffering resulting from the accident
- Lost earning capacity, quality of life, and consortium because of permanent injuries
Our skilled truck accident lawyers in Beaumont can give you an accurate estimation of the value of your claim and will fight for it.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
The moments right after a truck accident can be the most overwhelming. If you’re not seriously injured, you may blank out and have no idea what to do next. If you want someone to walk you through the steps you should take, the top-rated truck accident attorneys Beaumont has to offer are just a call away.
Here are the things you should do 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 with 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.
- Speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to advise you on what to do to keep your rights protected and strengthen your claim.
Our Beaumont lawyers, specializing in truck accident claims, can assist you from start to finish. We will guide you from the moment you call us after an accident to the day you receive the final settlement.
Proving Negligence For A Truck Accident Case
You need to establish the negligence of the at-fault party if you want to win your claim and obtain compensation. Our attorneys can prove the liability of responsible parties in Beaumont truck accidents by satisfying these criteria:
- The at-fault party has 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 damage.
Establishing these elements of negligence is the key to a successful claim. Our skilled Beaumont truck accident lawyers have been doing this for decades. We can navigate even complex claims and find ways to get you the compensation you deserve.
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. It’s best to act quickly to avoid instant disqualification. Contact our Beaumont truck accident attorneys to help you comply with the applicable time limits, exemptions, and requirements.
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, large trucks have been struck in the rear by other vehicles 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 the insurance company refuses to settle, our litigation attorneys will file a lawsuit, which lengthens the process further. Nonetheless, our Beaumont truck accident attorneys are known for settling cases as soon as possible, often without needing to go to court.
How Much Is The Average Settlement For Truck Accident Claims?
The average settlement for a truck accident claim can range anywhere from a few thousand to several million dollars. To give you an idea, here are the amounts our lawyers have successfully recovered for victims:
- $1.15 Million – won for a client who was rear-ended by a delivery truck driver
- $5 Million – won for a client who was wrongfully listed as the at-fault party in the police report – after our very own Benny Khorsandi, Esq. and his team proved the negligence of the truck driver
- $2.2 Million – won for a newly married couple who got trapped under an overturned truck
The actual amount differs depending on factors such as the percentage of fault, severity of the injuries, and extent of property damage. Our Beaumont truck accident attorneys can help you identify how much your claim could be worth after a thorough case review.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge For Truck Accident Claims?
Our personal injury attorneys in Beaumont and the rest of California don’t charge any upfront fees. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only receive a portion of the final settlement amount. In this agreement, you don’t have to pay us anything until we win your case. If you don’t win, we don’t get paid, and you have no further obligations.
Consult The Best Truck Accident Attorneys Beaumont Trusts!
Getting into an accident on the road is traumatizing, especially if a large vehicle, like a truck, is involved. In any case, our Beaumont truck accident attorneys will aim to make things easier for you as an injured victim. We will offer our assistance where necessary to make sure you can focus on your recovery.
Call us today at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation. We will go over the details of your accident and explain the legal aspects so you can make informed decisions during the entire claims process.
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.
