Cerritos 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.
Our Cerritos Truck Accident Attorneys Offer Legal Support For Injury Victims
Truck collisions can cause serious injury. You can get in touch with our Cerritos truck accident attorneys if you’ve been hurt in a crash. After investigating the accident and assessing who may be at fault, our team can help you explore possible avenues for compensation. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
If you have been in a truck accident in Cerritos, our lawyers at Arash Law can assess the situation to see what you may be able to recover in terms of medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. We know how to negotiate with trucking companies and how to navigate the complexities of the legal system. We can help you build your case.
Why Consult Our Cerritos Truck Accident Attorneys
Seeking compensation without an attorney familiar with filing claims for truck accidents in Cerritos can be challenging. After suffering injuries in a truck accident in Cerritos, these are some things a lawyer may be able to assist you with:
- Handle paperwork and discussions with insurance companies to advocate for fair compensation.
- Review images, police records, and witness accounts to build a strong case against the negligent party.
- Work with medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstructionists to support your claims and establish liability.
- Conduct discovery to gather relevant records and data to establish liability.
- Depose key witnesses, including the other driver and police, to gather important information.
- Figure out the potential compensation you may receive for your injury.
- File a case in court if settlement attempts fail.
While many lawyers handle truck accidents, here are some reasons to consider choosing Arash Law to represent you:
- We advocate for just compensation for our clients while offering personalized attention for each case.
- From the initial consultation, we develop strategies that aim to build cases supported by evidence.
- Our attorneys are well-versed in the field of personal injury law, having assisted with multiple cases in Cerritos and throughout California.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, and you only pay us if we succeed in securing compensation. You may need to cover case-specific costs regardless of the outcome of your claim. Our lawyers can explain this in detail so you know what to expect.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal support if you need it. If you’ve been injured, you can come to us for a free case evaluation so we can help you navigate your truck accident claim.
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
Common Causes And Types Of Truck Accidents
Collisions involving large commercial trucks can be far more serious than passenger car accidents. Truck collisions tend to result in severe or even fatal injuries due to the sheer size of these vehicles. Here are the primary causes and the types of accidents they could potentially lead to:
- Truck Driver Error — This accounts for the highest percentage of truck accidents. It includes a wide range of negligent behaviors, from reckless to distracted driving. These errors can lead to rear-end collisions, where distracted truckers fail to stop in time, or sideswipe accidents caused by improper lane changes.
- Unbalanced Load — It’s the truck driver’s responsibility to ensure cargo is properly loaded and balanced. A truck with an unbalanced load can be tough to control, leading to jackknife accidents, characterized by the truck’s trailer swinging out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Unbalanced cargo can also result in rollover accidents due to the shifting weight. These tractor-trailer accidents can be destructive.
- Driver Fatigue — Long hours and demanding schedules may push truck drivers to force themselves to stay awake despite legal limits on driving hours. The resulting physical and mental exhaustion can lead to rear-end accidents and head-on collisions caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driving Under the Influence — Truckers who drive under the influence pose serious dangers on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates a BAC limit of 0.04 for commercially licensed drivers, which is half the threshold for other drivers. Failure to comply can lead to a variety of big-rig accidents, including C crashes at intersections and sideswipes.
- Inexperienced Drivers — High demand for truck drivers sometimes means inadequate training. Trucking companies may prioritize filling positions over providing comprehensive training programs. Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers can cause accidents like underride crashes, where smaller vehicles slide under the truck’s trailer, and T-bone collisions due to improper turns.
During your free case review, our Cerritos truck accident attorneys can evaluate the cause of the crash and assess who may be held liable. We can help you conduct investigations and assist in gathering evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and witness statements. Our aim is to help you build an evidence-based case.
Establishing Negligence After A Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident and are looking to seek compensation, proving that another party is legally responsible for your injuries is crucial. This process revolves around demonstrating negligence, which requires establishing four fundamental elements:
- Duty of Care — The first step is to show that the other party owed you a duty of care. Truck drivers and trucking companies must exercise the highest standard of care to operate safely, both to prevent accidents and protect others on the road.
- Breach of Duty — Next, you’ll need to demonstrate that the responsible party breached that duty of care. Negligence can occur through poor driver training, neglecting safety rules, or failing to maintain vehicles. For instance, if a trucking company hires unqualified drivers or lets them drive in unsafe conditions, it may be breaching its duty.
- Causation — This element requires you to establish a direct link between the breach of duty and the harm you’ve suffered. This means showing that the actions or negligence of the party caused the accident and your resulting injuries. For instance, if it can be proven that a driver’s fatigue from exceeding legal driving hours led to the crash, this would satisfy the causation requirement.
- Damages — Finally, you must provide evidence of the damages you’ve incurred due to the accident. This encompasses both economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Documenting these damages thoroughly through medical records, bills, or testimonies can significantly strengthen your case.
For example, your attorney can demonstrate that a truck driver failed to adequately check their vehicle’s brakes before a long haul, leading to a loss of control and subsequently causing your injuries. By methodically establishing each of these elements, your Cerritos truck accident attorney aims to build a compelling case for compensation.
Truck Accident?
Possible Liable Parties In A Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a truck accident, it’s important to understand that multiple parties could be held accountable for the incident. Here’s a breakdown of the potentially responsible parties and how each may be liable:
- Truck Driver — The most apparent party, the truck driver, may be held liable if they were negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or ignoring traffic regulations.
- Truck Company — The company that owns the truck can be held responsible for the driver’s actions, especially if they didn’t conduct proper background checks, provided inadequate training, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic schedules.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturer — If a truck is built with defective parts or design flaws, the manufacturer may be held liable for accidents caused by those defects. Likewise, companies that manufacture specific truck components can be held accountable if a defect in their product, such as faulty brakes, contributes to the accident.
- Cargo Shipper — The party responsible for loading the cargo could be liable if improper loading caused the truck to become unstable, contributing to an accident.
- Company Leasing the Trailer — Leasing companies may bear responsibility if their equipment is poorly maintained or defective, leading to an accident.
- Company Leasing the Truck — If a truck is leased and not properly maintained or is unsafe, the leasing company might also be responsible for any injuries or damage that occur.
Understanding that various parties may be liable after a truck accident is essential when pursuing a claim that seeks to hold responsible entities accountable. Each case is unique, and our Cerritos truck accident attorneys can assist you in exploring potential avenues for compensation.
Claiming Compensation In A Truck Accident Case
When it comes to truck accident lawsuits, compensation is generally divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the measurable losses that a victim sustains. These are usually backed by documentation and can be easily calculated. Common examples include:
- Present Health Care Costs — These include hospital bills, emergency fees, surgery costs, medications, physical therapy, and follow-up visits to your doctor.
- Future Medical Treatment — This covers costs for ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, long-term medication, follow-up visits, and other types of treatment you may need to make a full recovery.
- Lost Wages — This covers compensation for the income you lose if you’re unable to work due to the accident. It includes both the immediate lost wages and potential future earnings affected by your injury.
- Property Damage — This involves reimbursement for any damage to your vehicle. It aims to recover the necessary funds to repair or replace your vehicle.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective. They refer to losses that aren’t easily quantifiable or documented. Examples include:
- Pain & Suffering — Compensation for pain and suffering from injuries caused by the accident, covering ongoing discomfort and limitations in daily activities.
- Wrongful Death — Financial compensation may be available to a spouse, dependent children, or parents for the loss of care, support, or companionship of a deceased loved one.
- Emotional/Mental Distress — Compensation for emotional trauma from the truck accident includes mental anguish, anxiety, and depression, aiding your recovery after this event.
In rare cases, victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant acted intentionally, recklessly, or fraudulently. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future. Our Cerritos truck accident attorneys can help you estimate the types and cost of the damages that may be warranted by your claim. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to get a free case review.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
It can be challenging to make your way through the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. However, what you choose to do at this time may impact both your immediate well-being and your potential personal injury claim. Here are some steps you can take:
- Call 911 — Notify law enforcement about the accident.
- Seek Medical Help — Get medical attention and keep records of your treatment.
- Record the Situation — If possible, take photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any damage to the truck.
- Collect Witness Details — Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Exchange Details — Briefly share information with the truck driver involved.
- Talk to a Lawyer — Reach out to a truck accident attorney in Cerritos to discuss your situation and plan your next steps.
- Let Your Insurance Company Know — Report the accident to your insurer.
If you choose to consult one of our Cerritos truck accident lawyers after an accident, you can learn more about how to safeguard your rights, such as how to preserve crucial evidence that may support a valid claim.
Types Of Evidence In Truck Accident Cases
When seeking financial compensation after a truck accident, it’s crucial to rely on concrete evidence to bolster your claim. An investigation may seek to obtain proof from a variety of sources, including:
- Dashcam Footage — Visual recordings from vehicles can provide real-time accounts of the accident, often revealing critical details about the circumstances leading up to the collision.
- Surveillance Camera Videos — Cameras located near the accident site can capture different angles and perspectives, offering additional context that may not be visible from other sources.
- Police Reports — Official documentation created by law enforcement at the scene includes important details such as witness statements, initial assessments of fault, and any citations issued.
- Eyewitness Testimony — Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident can help corroborate your version of events and provide insights that might not be captured in video footage.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts — Professionals who analyze the specifics of the crash can provide expert opinions that help clarify what happened.
- Driver Logs — Records maintained by the truck driver, including hours of service and maintenance logs, can be useful in determining compliance with safety regulations.
- Vehicle Maintenance Records — Information on the upkeep of the truck can reveal whether mechanical failures contributed to the accident.
- Cell Phone Records — Texting or talking on the phone can be critical factors in truck accidents. Accessing phone records can help establish distractions that may have played a role.
- GPS Data — Information from the truck’s GPS can show the route taken, speeds, and locations, providing insight into the driver’s behavior leading up to the incident.
- Other Expert Witnesses — Testimonies from professionals in trucking safety or accident investigation can provide crucial perspectives.
Our resourceful Cerritos truck accident attorneys may leverage these sources of evidence, alongside our comprehensive understanding of state and federal laws, while assisting clients seeking compensation. Contact us to get legal guidance about your case.
Time Limit For Filing A Personal Injury Claim After A Truck Accident
In most cases, California gives you two years from the date of your truck accident to file a personal injury claim if you’ve been injured. It’s important to seek medical attention right away after the accident.
Once your doctor assesses your injuries, consider contacting our Cerritos truck accident lawyers to initiate your personal injury claim. Prompt action can help you stick to the timeframe mandated by state law.
After reviewing the validity of your case, we can check if you have a specific deadline for filing it, as your unique circumstances may establish a different timeline. Talk to an experienced Cerritos attorney who focuses on handling truck accidents to discuss your options.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Overview Of Large Truck Accident Statistics (2022)
In 2022, a total of 5,837 fatal accidents involved large trucks, reflecting a 1.8% increase from the previous year and a significant 49% increase over the past decade. Large trucks accounted for 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents, representing 10% of the total vehicle miles traveled.
Furthermore, large trucks were involved in approximately 120,200 injury crashes, marking a 2.5% increase from 2021 and an 18% rise since 2016. The rate of injury involvement has also increased, rising by 5.7% per 100 million miles driven. Overall, the rate of involvement for large trucks has grown by 3% from the previous year and 24% over the past ten years.
These statistics illustrate a notable trend regarding large truck-related accidents. They highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and regulatory oversight to address the risks associated with these vehicles on the road.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, our Cerritos truck accident attorneys are ready to help you explore your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Value Of A Truck Accident Claim?
The value of a truck accident claim varies widely based on your specific circumstances. It may cover economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Evaluating these factors can be complex, so consider seeking the assistance of our Cerritos truck accident lawyers. They can assess the details of your case to help you understand the potential value of your claim.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer In Cerritos Cost?
Our Cerritos truck accident attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything up front. We only get paid legal fees if we recover compensation for you. Case-specific costs may still apply regardless of the outcome, but our lawyers will discuss them during your consultation, as we value transparency.
Should I File My Injury Claim Myself?
You can. However, it’s not advisable to file and handle your claim on your own. You might make the mistake of accepting quick settlements that may be lower than the actual value of your losses. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Cerritos can help you assess the extent of your damages and advocate for your interests.
When Should I Call A Lawyer?
It’s ideal to contact a lawyer within a week or two after the accident. Prompt action may help your Cerritos truck accident attorney gather and preserve crucial evidence that may be vital to your case.
Additionally, reaching out to a lawyer early on is something you may want to do alongside receiving the necessary medical care for your injuries. An experienced attorney is likely to ask that your injuries and treatment be properly documented. Doing so may serve to further substantiate your claim by proving that you needed immediate or extensive medical attention after your accident.
Can I Still Seek Compensation If I Was Found Partially At Fault For The Truck Accident?
Yes, you may still seek compensation even if you’re found to be partially at fault. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, your compensation might be reduced based on your level of responsibility. For example, if you are determined to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total damages would be reduced by that percentage. Speak to our truck accident lawyers in Cerritos to learn if comparative negligence may impact your case.
How Long Will It Take For My Truck Accident Case To Be Resolved?
The duration of your case will vary. For example, some claims may take longer to resolve due to litigation or multiple parties involved.
Our truck accident attorneys in Cerritos can help you understand the potential timeline for your case depending on its unique circumstances. They can also keep you updated on any developments and let you know what to expect every step of the way.
What If The Truck Driver Isn’t Insured?
Truck drivers are usually required to have insurance. However, some drivers may not have adequate insurance or may have let their coverage lapse, which may complicate your case. If coverage is insufficient, our Cerritos truck accident lawyers can help you explore other options, like uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or a lawsuit against the driver’s trucking company.
What If The Trucking Insurance Company Calls Me Before I Have An Accident Lawyer?
Consider not speaking to the insurance company until you have a lawyer. Avoid giving recorded statements as well, as this can be used later to undermine your claim. Our Cerritos truck accident attorneys are skilled negotiators and can help you advocate for a settlement amount that reflects your losses.
What Should I Tell Cops Who Respond To The Scene?
You should cooperate with the police. Answer questions truthfully and respectfully, but be cautious about what you say. For example, avoid admitting fault. It’s best to consult skilled truck accident attorneys in Cerritos before making any statements. They can guide you on how to navigate interactions with law enforcement, which may help you protect the validity of your claim.
Speak With Cerritos Truck Accident Lawyers For Clear Legal Guidance
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Cerritos, CA, you don’t have to manage the legal challenges of seeking compensation alone. At Arash Law, our personal injury attorneys can review your claim and help you build an evidence-backed case.
Truck accidents can happen unexpectedly, and coming to a fair agreement with insurance companies and liable parties can be complicated. That’s why having our experienced Cerritos truck accident attorneys by your side can help. In pursuing valid claims, we’ll strive to prioritize your health and recovery by advocating for fair and just compensation when negotiating on your behalf.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, we can help you with the legal process during this challenging time. Contact Arash Law for a free initial consultation at (888) 488-1391.
We also assist clients from neighboring locations, including Artesia, Bellflower, Buena Park, Cypress, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Norwalk, Paramount, Rossmoor, Santa Fe Springs, and Stanton.
