Calabasas Truck Accident Lawyers
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Calabasas Truck Accident Lawyers Advocating For The Rights Of Injury Victims
In Calabasas, just off US 101, the presence of tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other big rigs is undeniably felt. Truck accidents could thus happen. Even a minor collision can potentially lead to severe injuries. At Arash Law, our Calabasas truck accident lawyers advocate for injured victims. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.
Calabasas is a city where the San Fernando Valley converges with the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. As a pivotal point where roadways meet, Calabasas sees regular interaction between local drivers and large trucks, including tractor-trailers and semi-trucks. These interactions may lead to truck accidents, causing varying degrees of injuries and damages in the area. Residents and commuters can take necessary precautions when sharing the road with these substantial vehicles.
Our team of Calabasas truck accident attorneys has decades of collective experience representing injured clients in claim filings. To explore how we can assist you, reach out to our car accident or truck accident lawyers.
Verdict on a premise liability case involving a defective gate– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Reasons To Consult Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Calabasas, CA
Truck accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. The claims process can thus involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, insurance entities, and other motorists.
Our lawyers, who have experience handling truck accident claims, can help review your case. If you have a valid claim, we can help you file it. We could then assist you in pursuing compensation that aims to cover the losses you sustained.
Another pivotal aspect of working with Calabasas truck accident lawyers is their experience in dealing with insurance companies. Our attorneys can negotiate a settlement with them on your behalf. That way, we can help you avoid making common mistakes, like accidentally admitting fault for the accident, that could weaken your claim.
How Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Calabasas Help You?
Our lawyers, who are experienced in handling truck accident cases, help injured clients seek damages after a crash caused by negligence. We work to take a tailored approach to each case we manage, allowing us to leverage strategies that aim to address a client’s unique needs after an accident.
Ultimately, our goal is to help you focus on your recovery. If you or someone you know has sustained injuries, experienced catastrophic harm, or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Calabasas, we are here to offer legal assistance.
To discuss your injury or wrongful death claim arising from a truck collision, please reach out to us. Your initial consultation with us is entirely free of charge.
Types Of Truck Accidents
Our team of Calabasas truck accident attorneys offers legal representation in various types of cases, including:
Sideswipe Accidents
These incidents typically occur when drivers attempt to overtake or pass other vehicles on the road. In this scenario, the side of the truck comes into contact with the side of another vehicle, often leading to collisions.
Side-Impact Or T-Bone Accidents
This type of accident involves a truck colliding directly into the side of another vehicle, typically occurring at intersections. The impact resembles the shape of a “T.” It could result in significant damage and severe injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
A truck strikes another vehicle from behind in a rear-end collision. Various factors, including sudden stops, distractions, or inadequate braking distances, can cause these accidents.
Underride Crashes
In underride crashes, a motorist collides with the rear of a truck, causing their vehicle to slide or go underneath the trailer. This type of accident poses a significant risk to occupants in the smaller vehicle due to the potential for severe underride injuries.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions involve the front ends of two vehicles directly impacting each other. In the context of truck accidents, these often occur on highway entrance and exit ramps, presenting a high-risk situation for those involved.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents result from truckers slamming on the brakes, causing the trailer to swing outward and align with the cab at a 90-degree angle. This configuration resembles a folding jackknife, and it can lead to a loss of control and subsequent collisions.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents happen when a truck flips onto its side or roof. These accidents are more common around curves in the road, and factors such as speed, load distribution, and road conditions can contribute to their occurrence.
The proximity of Calabasas residents to major expressways increases the risk of truck accidents. Given the substantial size and weight of most big rigs, which provide truck drivers with a degree of protection, other motorists often bear the burden of severe injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured in a big rig accident in Calabasas, consider seeking the assistance of our experienced truck accident attorneys.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Calabasas
While various factors like road conditions, traffic, and weather may contribute to truck accidents, a driver’s negligent actions often bear the primary responsibility. Our Calabasas truck accident attorneys frequently encounter cases involving the following common causes:
- Speeding — Instances where a driver surpasses posted speed limits, disregarding the legal constraints on the road.
- Failure to Adjust Speed — This pertains to situations where the driver neglects to adapt their speed to the specific conditions of the road and weather, such as rain, snow, or reduced visibility.
- Disregarding Traffic Signs and Signals — Involves scenarios where the driver fails to observe and comply with traffic signs, including stop signs, yield signs, and other regulatory signals.
- Tailgating — This occurs when a driver follows another vehicle too closely, leaving insufficient stopping distance and increasing the risk of rear-end or underride collisions.
- Failure to Yield — Involves situations where the driver does not yield the right of way as required, potentially causing accidents at intersections or merging points.
- Unsafe Passing — Includes reckless passing maneuvers that violate traffic rules, jeopardizing the safety of the truck driver and other road users.
- Distracted Driving — Involves activities like talking on the phone or texting while driving. All of these divert the driver’s attention away from the road. Instances where a truck driver manipulates GPS settings while driving could contribute to distracted driving and an increased risk of accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence — Accidents resulting from drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications. Such impairment compromises their ability to drive safely and responsibly.
Common Injuries Associated With Truck Accidents
Given these vehicles’ sheer size and weight, truck accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries and substantial property damage. The immense impact of a truck accident could lead to life-altering consequences for those involved. These are the most common injuries stemming from such incidents:
- Head and Brain Injuries — Truck accidents often yield head and brain injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even minor collisions can cause substantial harm due to the force involved. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. In severe cases, TBIs can lead to a vegetative state or death, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Severe spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis, are a common aftermath of truck accidents. The impact can damage the spinal cord, affecting motor and sensory functions. Immediate medical attention is essential for potential recuperation and long-term care, as any spinal cord injury, regardless of perceived severity, can cause catastrophic, life-changing damage.
- Neck and Back Injuries — Sudden impacts in truck accidents could lead to severe neck and back injuries, causing long-term pain and discomfort. These injuries can affect bones, muscles, nerves, or other tissues, with recovery often requiring extensive medical and rehabilitative care. Neck injuries, especially, can be challenging to recover from, and victims may experience inconsistent, up-and-down progress.
- Broken Bones and Fractures — Truck accidents can result in broken bones, ranging from simple to severe fractures. The consequences may require surgery, physical therapy, and an extended recovery period. Depending on the severity and location, these injuries can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, or life-threatening complications, adding emotional distress and financial strain due to medical bills and lost income.
- Internal Injuries — Internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, can occur in truck accidents. Blunt force trauma, penetration injuries, or severe body twisting can cause these life-threatening injuries, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Burns and Lacerations — If a truck accident involves fire or hazardous materials, burns and lacerations may result. Burns range from first to third-degree, demanding extensive medical treatment and potential surgeries. Lacerations could potentially cause severe bleeding and scarring, leading to physical disfigurement and prolonged recovery periods.
Beyond the physical toll, victims may grapple with psychological challenges, including changes to appearance and mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident In Calabasas, CA
Encountering a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking prompt and strategic steps can be helpful. Here’s a sample guide for what to do after a truck accident in Calabasas:
- Contact Emergency Services — Call 911 for an ambulance or paramedic if injuries are involved. Avoid moving seriously injured individuals unless necessary to prevent worsening their condition.
- Report to the Police in Calabasas — Call the Police Department to report the truck accident and provide your location. Police involvement serves as official documentation, often helpful for processes like Uninsured Motorist (UM) accident claims.
- Do Not Move Your Vehicle — Refrain from moving your damaged vehicle unless necessary. Investigators rely on the vehicle’s location, skid marks, tire tracks, and debris to reconstruct the accident.
- Interact with Your Local Law Enforcement — Communicate essential facts to law enforcement upon their arrival. Cooperate fully so that accurate details are recorded. However, don’t admit fault or even say “sorry,” as your words might be misinterpreted and used against you.
- Gather Photographic Evidence — Use a camera or mobile phone to capture images of damaged vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries.
- Collect Information from Drivers and Witnesses — Get contact details, license plates, VINs, and driver’s licenses from all involved. Collect insurance info like insurer names, policy numbers, and truck document details.
- Notify Your Insurance Carrier — Inform your insurance carrier about the accident. Prepare and file necessary DMV forms, such as SR-1 and SR-19 forms, in California. If you have legal representation, let your truck accident attorneys in Calabasas handle communication with insurance companies and DMV forms for convenience and to avoid errors.
- Consult with the Calabasas Truck Accident Lawyers at Arash Law — Experienced truck accident lawyers at Arash Law can guide you through the process, handle communication with insurance companies, and assist with the necessary paperwork. Our truck accident injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation and are ready to review your case.
What Compensation Can I Pursue From A Truck Accident In Calabasas?
Following a truck accident, you may find yourself grappling with medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of pain and suffering. If you have a valid claim, our Calabasas truck accident lawyers can help identify what you may be able to seek compensation for. We could pursue different types of applicable damages allowed under California law, such as:
- Medical Expenses — Past and future medical costs, such as ambulatory transportation, emergency room visits, hospitals, doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, diagnostic scans (MRI and CT), psychological counseling, medications, prescriptions, and dental charges.
- Loss of Earnings — Past and future loss of earnings and earning capacity, encompassing all time lost from work, even if compensated through sick leave or vacation time.
- Quality of Life — Loss of enjoyment of life and the special activities missed due to the injuries sustained in the truck accident.
- Pain and Suffering — Past and future pain, suffering, emotional distress, and inconvenience experienced due to the accident.
- Property Damage — Property damage, rental charges, and loss of use of a property. This includes compensation for the inability to afford a replacement vehicle and the subsequent loss of use.
- Diminution in Property Value — Any diminution in the value of your property after repair compared to its pre-collision value.
- Other Appropriate Damages — Any other applicable damages permitted under California law.
Complications arising from these claims can be challenging, but our experienced Calabasas truck accident lawyers are here to guide you through the process. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out.
What Is The Applicable Insurance Coverage For Truck Accidents In Calabasas?
Big rigs and commercial trucks typically fall under larger commercial insurance policies. These policies provide coverage for both the drivers and owners of these vehicles, often featuring significantly higher coverage amounts than insurance policies for private automobiles. The need for larger insurance coverage for trucks arises from the potential for more severe injuries and, at times, fatalities resulting from accidents involving these substantial vehicles. Such accidents could potentially injure occupants of smaller cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
What Should I Do If Contacted By Someone From The Trucking Company In Calabasas?
Consider not responding to any communication from the trucking company or its insurers until you have consulted with truck accident attorneys. The same goes for signing or providing recorded statements to the trucking company or insurer. Disregard any forms they may send and have your attorneys review them first.
If you’re unfamiliar with how to respond to other parties, you may accidentally admit responsibility for the crash and potentially cause disputes in your case, even if you are not at fault for the trucking accident. Our Calabasas truck accident attorneys can help examine other details that contributed to the accident, which may not have been noticed by other parties and their insurers during their own investigations. These factors could include negligent hiring practices, inadequate supervision, insufficient training, driver fatigue, driving under the influence, and more.
Your truck accident lawyers can also investigate the driver’s history, uncovering past distracted or aggressive driving violations. Additionally, they can ascertain whether the driver was using prescribed or over-the-counter medications that may have influenced their driving on the day of the accident. Consulting with truck accident attorneys in Calabasas before engaging with the trucking company or their insurers could serve as a protective measure.
Statute Of Limitations In Calabasas, CA
The statute of limitations establishes the legal timeframe within which a victim injured in an accident, such as a truck accident, can initiate legal proceedings. It outlines the period during which victims and their families can file a lawsuit.
In California, individuals have a strict two-year window to initiate a lawsuit for damages resulting from a truck accident. Failure to file your truck accident claim within the designated timeframe may result in forfeiting your right to pursue legal action.
Although the statutory clock begins ticking from the date of the accident, exceptions are recognized in cases where the injured party was mentally incapacitated or unable to file a claim. Additionally, the statutory period is extended for minors under 18. Minors have two years from their eighteenth birthday to file a lawsuit. Finally, the statutory period may be extended in cases where an injury remains unknown but is later discovered.
Injured victims could potentially lose their right to legal recourse simply due to a lack of awareness regarding the strict timeline of their accident claims. To learn the applicable deadline for your truck accident claim, you can seek legal assistance from our team of Calabasas truck accident lawyers.
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
Truck Accident Statistics
Trucks play a crucial role in boosting the U.S. economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and raw materials locally and over extensive distances. However, their substantial size, extended stopping distance, and the inherent challenge of truck drivers working extended hours and being prone to driver fatigue could contribute to an increased risk of collisions. According to the National Safety Council’s data in 2023, fatal crashes involving large trucks reached 5,375, an 8% decrease from the previous year, but a 43% surge over the last decade.
For clarification, large trucks include any medium or heavy truck with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds, excluding buses and motor homes. This category includes both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
Key statistics for large trucks in fatal crashes reveal that these vehicles:
- Represent 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
- Account for 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Cost In Calabasas?
The answer to this question depends on the complexity of your case. The team at Arash Law is experienced in handling truck accident cases and claims, comprehending the specifics surrounding injuries and fatalities resulting from such incidents. These findings help us understand how much to charge. For example, if a claim goes to trial, we may raise fees to cover the costs of preparing your case for litigation.
Whether you find yourself in a collision with a truck while operating your passenger vehicle or if you’re a truck driver facing injuries due to negligence on the part of your employers, however, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. As such, we aim to help eliminate financial concerns as a barrier for victims seeking legal representation.
Arash Law operates on a contingency basis, meaning our payment is contingent upon the resolution of a claim. In other words, clients only pay attorney fees if they’re awarded compensation. Outside of this agreement, they may only have to cover a few other case-related costs. This approach aims to help level the playing field by offering a similar access to legal representation as other parties involved in a claim. It could help uphold your potential right to seek damages after a truck accident, whether they include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, trauma, or other crash-related losses.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Injured Victims In Calabasas
Truck accidents could result in life-changing consequences, leaving victims with permanent disabilities or worse. In such cases, consider seeking legal guidance. Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Calabasas can use our skills and past experience with these claims to review your case. If you’re eligible, we can help you pursue compensation for your losses and potentially seek accountability from the negligent parties who caused your truck accident.
Arash Law extends our services to personal injury victims in Calabasas and nearby cities in California, including Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Malibu, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, San Fernando, Moorpark, Culver City, West Hollywood, Santa Clarita, Burbank, El Segundo, and Inglewood. During your free initial consultation, our team of Calabasas truck accident attorneys will assess all pertinent aspects of your case and discuss the courses of action available to you. To schedule it, call us at (888) 488-1391.
