California Big Rig Accident Lawyers
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Our California Big Rig Accident Lawyers Offer Compassionate Legal Support For Injury Victims
Being injured in a vehicle crash involving a big rig can be stressful. A California big rig accident lawyer can evaluate your claim and help pursue compensation for damages, based on the facts. Schedule your free initial consultation by calling (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case. Our knowledgeable lawyers at Arash Law may evaluate your case and guide you through the legal challenges caused by accidents involving big rigs, such as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other vehicles.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– Tina Eshghieh
What To Do After A Big Rig Accident In California
If you have been involved in a big rig accident, here are some steps people in your position usually take:
- Seek medical attention right away. It is critical to get treated as soon as possible. Big rig accidents may cause serious injuries requiring urgent and extensive medical care. Taking this step can also help preserve evidence for your case while proving you needed immediate medical assistance.
- Report your big rig accident to the police. A police report is an important piece of evidence that will help document your big rig accident claim.
- Collect witness information. Witnesses to your big rig accident can provide important details about what happened. Be sure to write down their names and contact information so they can support your case later if needed.
- Take photos at the scene. Police officers may take photos upon their arrival at the scene. However, it is still a good idea to do the same so you have additional evidence of the accident. Document all the vehicles involved from different angles, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and other relevant details.
- Avoid admitting fault. While you can talk to other people involved in the crash, be careful about what you say. It’s best not to speculate or say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Notify your insurance company. Insurance companies require policyholders to report motor vehicle accidents as soon as possible. Failure to notify your insurer of the accident in a timely manner could result in the denial of your claim.
- Call a big rig accident lawyer in California. A skilled lawyer can discuss your options, begin a thorough investigation, determine liability, and pursue compensation depending on the circumstances of your case.
After a big rig or other trucking accident, you may pursue legal action if the evidence shows another party was negligent. A lawyer can help you evaluate liability, gather supporting evidence, and build a case based on the facts.
Common Causes Of Big Rig Accidents In California
Causes of trucking accidents vary from one case to another. The most common include:
- Driver Error — Drivers of large trucks, including big rigs, are held to a higher standard than other drivers on the road. They must exercise extra caution on the road due to the large size and weight of their vehicles. However, these factors can also make it more challenging for them to ensure road safety. As a result, issues like distracted driving and fatigue may lead to driver errors that cause big rig accidents.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance — Big rigs are more likely to be involved in accidents caused by inadequate maintenance than other vehicles because they are driven for thousands of miles per month. A lack of proper upkeep may lead to issues like brake fluid leaks, overheated engines, and starter failures.
- Equipment Failure or Defects — A truck driver is not always responsible for a collision. Some big rig accidents are caused by defects and equipment failure. When this happens, the injured victim may be able to hold the manufacturer of the vehicle responsible for the accident.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo — Loading cargo must be done in compliance with all applicable laws. When cargo is not loaded or secured properly, it may spill or fall from the truck and cause a preventable accident.
What Are Some Common Big Rig Accident Injuries?
Typically, a victim of a big rig accident is considered “lucky” if they can walk away with bruises or minor injuries. Conversely, they may incur catastrophic injuries that are more severe and may be fatal. Common injuries associated with big rig crashes include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries in a big rig accident in California, do not hesitate to seek medical attention and talk to a skilled lawyer to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Big Rig Accident?
In many big rig accident cases in California, the truck driver and/or the trucking company is most likely responsible for the collision. Trucking companies must exercise due care to maintain their vehicles in good condition, hire competent and qualified drivers, and take other reasonable steps to prevent crashes.
In addition, they must comply with all trucking safety regulations imposed by federal law to ensure the safety of their drivers and other road users. The trucking company can be held vicariously liable for the negligence of its drivers and other employees, including cargo loaders.
In some cases, there may be multiple at-fault parties. Other parties who may be held liable for a big rig accident include:
- The owner of the truck.
- The manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts.
- A company leasing the truck or trailer.
- The shipper.
A victim of a big rig accident in California is more likely to obtain full and fair compensation by filing a claim against the trucking company rather than the driver alone. Our lawyers can help evaluate the factors and parties that may have contributed to the collision.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why You Need A California Big Rig Accident Lawyer
Depending on the available evidence, our Arash Law attorneys can determine if you have a case and guide you as you pursue compensation. You can benefit from having a skilled attorney on your side who will:
- Review photos taken at the scene of the accident.
- Obtain witness statements.
- Study video surveillance footage.
- Obtain a police and accident report.
- Collect and review your medical records to calculate an appropriate settlement amount.
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault.
- Preserve critical evidence to ensure that it is not destroyed or tampered with.
- Retrieve data from the big rig’s black box to determine what caused the accident.
- Negotiate with the insurance and/or trucking company on your behalf.
How Do Lawyers Prove Negligence In California Big Rig Accidents?
If negligence caused or contributed to a trucking accident, your lawyer will help you establish the three elements of negligence to hold the negligent party liable for your injuries and losses. The three elements of negligence in California personal injury cases are:
- The other party owed you a duty of care.
- They breached this duty due to negligence.
- Their negligence was a substantial factor in causing your injuries and damages.
In order to prove negligence in a big rig accident, a skilled lawyer may have to collect evidence showing that the driver and/or their trucking company violated regulations imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include:
- Proper loading and securing of cargo.
- The requirement to document drivers’ hours of service.
- Maintenance of logbooks.
- Special training requirements for truckers.
What Compensation Is Available After A Big Rig Accident In California?
After a truck accident, you may find yourself asking, “What types of damages are available in my case?” and “How much can I recover for my injuries?”. There is no straightforward answer to this question because compensation in big rig accidents, or any other motor vehicle accident, depends on many factors. Generally speaking, compensation after a big rig accident can be broken down into three categories:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
When seeking compensation for your injury following a big rig accident in California, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for losses that may be available under the law, including:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
As a rule of thumb, the more severe the injury, the more money you can recover. Big rig accidents often result in severe injuries that can lead to extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and long-term effects. In cases where negligence is proven, injured individuals may pursue compensation for these losses under California law.
Under the California Civil Code, an injured party may be awarded punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct is characterized as oppressive, fraudulent, or malicious. Consult our big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to discuss your particular case, identify all available damages, and estimate how much your case is worth.
Speak With A California Big Rig Accident Lawyer Today
Our dedicated big rig accident attorneys will work to recover fair compensation for your losses in line with California law. We have the resources, skills, and knowledge to help with your case. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case” form to find out if you can file a claim.
Your Local California Big Rig Accident Lawyers
In California, our team includes both big rig accident attorneys and car accident lawyers who handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases. We handle complex accident claims and work to pursue the compensation our clients may be entitled to under the law.
Whether you have been in a motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, Lyft or Uber accident, or lost a loved one in a wrongful death, our background in personal injury cases can help support your claim and protect your rights.
Call (888) 488-1391 today to schedule an initial free consultation with one of our big rig accident lawyers in California.
