Coachella Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Dedicated Coachella Truck Accident Lawyers Are The Voice Of The Injured
Traffic accidents involving large trucks can result in devastating consequences. If you get injured in this catastrophic event, our Coachella truck accident lawyers can hold the negligent parties accountable for your damages. We can assist you in seeking justice and obtaining the highest possible compensation. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 now so we can review your case in a free initial consultation.
Coachella is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County. It’s the namesake of the famous seasonal music and arts festival, which stages a renowned lineup of musical performances spanning different genres. Currently, the City of Eternal Sunshine remains a historical place that embraces diverse communities and traditions while keeping pace with innovation. Growing from its agricultural roots, it now features a variety of businesses and food hubs that showcase the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors and cultures.
As Coachella continues to develop, it opens up more industries that employ trucking companies and drivers. These large vehicles have played vital roles in transporting products and goods to and from nearby metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. However, the increased number of trucks on the highways of Coachella has also contributed to the rise in road accidents. Tragically, these truck accidents have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
If you or someone close to you is injured in this unfortunate incident, rely on our top-rated truck accident attorneys in Coachella. With our expertise, we can assure you of quality legal representation that no one else can offer. You don’t have to worry about the expenses because our law firm in Coachella offers contingency-based services. It means we won’t demand any upfront fees until we win your case.
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
Why Hire Our Coachella Truck Accident Lawyers
Our attorneys can help you deal with the stress that follows the tragedy and pursue the compensation you’re rightfully owed. Truck accidents present numerous challenges, from physical injuries and emotional trauma to financial burdens and legal complexities. In times like these, choosing our lawyers in Coachella to work on your truck accident claim can make a significant difference.
Our Coachella lawyers for truck accident cases have decades of combined experience safeguarding the rights of injured victims. We have a deep understanding of the factors surrounding these types of accidents. Our attorneys have successfully represented many clients and have a track record of securing favorable outcomes for them. Arash Law’s performance history speaks of our relentless determination, which has led to winning over $750 Million in compensation in settlements and awards.
What makes our Coachella personal injury lawyers more exceptional is the level of attention they give to each case. We take the time to understand your needs and goals, allowing us to develop customized legal strategies that best represent your interests.
At the core of our practice areas is a commitment to client satisfaction. We assure our clients that when they choose to depend on Arash Law, they’ll witness how our Coachella truck accident lawyers work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for their cases.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Case
Here’s how our attorneys in Coachella work on truck accident cases and other personal injury claims:
- We’ll carefully assess the circumstances surrounding your truck accident to identify the liable parties and applicable laws. We will determine your legal options and pursue the method that best aligns with your needs and goals.
- Our legal team will then lead a deep investigation of the accident and collect sufficient proof establishing the negligence of liable parties. These include pictures, CCTV footage from establishments around the area, dashcam recordings, truck driver logs, and witness testimonies. We can also collaborate with law enforcement agencies and experts from different fields to gain more insight into the incident.
- After investigating and obtaining all the documents we need, our Coachella truck accident lawyers will calculate the compensation you’re entitled to. We’ll take into account all the expenses you’ve incurred so far and the future losses you’re expected to incur.
- We’ll submit pertinent documents to the insurance companies. In our claim, we’ll assert your right to receive the highest possible compensation for your damages.
- Our truck accident lawyers in Coachella will sit with the insurance companies to discuss your position. We’ll combat any attempt to give you a low settlement offer.
- Lawyers don’t directly initiate lawsuits to get compensation for your damages. They normally go through a claims process first. However, negotiation talks don’t work all the time. Our trial attorneys will then take your truck accident case to court. We’ll firmly assert your rights and present a compelling case in front of a judge or jury.
Pursuing a case is challenging and grueling. With our Coachella truck accident lawyers, you can rest assured of an efficient process where you’re consistently engaged and updated on the progress.
Most Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Unfortunate incidents caused by negligent truckers occur in a variety of ways. Among the usual types of truck accidents that our lawyers in Coachella handle are:
Rollover Accidents
Trucks are at a greater risk of rolling over due to their weight, which can reach up to 80,000 pounds when carrying cargo. Their higher center of gravity makes them challenging to steer, especially in the wrong conditions.
Rollover accidents are categorized as “tripped” if they occur when the truck drives over curbs, big rocks, and other obstacles. On the other hand, they are classified as “untripped” if no external factor is involved. They occur when drivers lose control of their vehicles due to unsecured loads, unsafe driving, speeding, or passing through slippery roads.
Among the areas prone to rollover incidents are:
- Exit ramps and steep declines
- Curves and bends
- Intersections
- Dilapidated roads
- Construction zones
- High-traffic streets
- Slippery pathways
- Merging lanes
If drivers can’t handle their vehicles well under these circumstances, their trucks may tip over to the side or roof. They may also collide with other vehicles, potentially causing a pile-up. Our truck accident attorneys in Coachella have also seen cases where the truck rolled over a much smaller car, seriously injuring its passengers.
Jackknife Accidents
Trucks sometimes skid and get into jackknife accidents. These incidents sometimes happen when drivers lose control of their trucks after braking abruptly. Consequently, the trailers swing towards the cabs and form an L or a V shape, resembling a pocket knife.
Jackknife accidents are detrimental events that can occur on any road, regardless of the weather conditions. Trucks could hit other vehicles on the road in multiple lanes, resulting in significant damage, injuries, or even fatalities.
According to the Traffic Safety Facts 2021 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,758 jackknife accidents involving truck tractors with trailers were recorded throughout the country. Around 112 crashes resulted in fatalities, while 1,106 collisions resulted in injuries. Meanwhile, at least 3,540 cases resulted in only property damage.
If you become injured in a jackknife incident, you can lean on our lawyers in Coachella, who are experts in all types of truck accident cases. We can help you understand the situation and advise you on the best steps to take to move forward.
Rear-End Accidents
Large trucks are much heavier compared to passenger vehicles. As such, they need more time and space to come to a complete stop. If truck drivers follow too closely, drive at high speeds, or fail to pay attention, they could collide with the vehicles in front of them.
Other factors also leading to rear-end accidents are the following:
- DUI
- Misjudging the distance
- Driving in adverse weather conditions
- Encountering mechanical failures
- Unsecured cargo spilling during trips
Rear-end accidents put smaller cars at risk. Normally, small vehicles have safety features to shield them during crashes. They have crumple zones at the back, designed to absorb the impact of collisions. However, these don’t guarantee complete protection.
Other vehicles can’t withstand high-impact wrecks, especially if a thousand-ton truck bumps them from behind. As such, car passengers usually get serious injuries and damages. That’s why truck drivers must observe a safe distance from other vehicles on the road and drive safely.
Head-On Collisions
Large trucks could collide with light vehicles head-on. These might happen when truckers drive the wrong way, lose control of their large vehicles due to an unsecured load, or drive while fatigued.
In most cases, head-on collisions result in catastrophic damage and severe injuries. Car passengers are also at risk of being ejected from their seats, causing devastating and fatal injuries. The Insurance Information for Highway Safety (IIHS) posted that in 2021, 31% of light vehicle occupants died after large trucks struck them head-on.
Underride Accidents
In underride accidents, a smaller vehicle slides beneath a large truck upon collision. These incidents typically occur when drivers operate their trucks when they’re tired or have low visibility, such as at night or in bad weather conditions. Other causes are reckless driving, not checking blind spots, and turning without a signal.
Victims of underride accidents commonly incur the following physical harm:
- Head and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Amputations
- Fractures
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Getting injured in these truck crashes can lead to far-reaching consequences. You can, nonetheless, recover your damages by holding the negligent truckers accountable. Our Coachella truck accident attorneys will help you face them. We can link you with excellent doctors so you can receive appropriate treatment and medication.
Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Cases of truck accidents have been increasing due to various reasons. One of which is the violation of federal and state laws governing the trucking industry. Some companies ignore truck restrictions in California to cut costs and improve their bottom line. Meanwhile, strict deadlines from their employers sometimes force drivers to disregard rules. As a result, overspeeding and traveling with overweight trailers are common causes of road accidents.
Furthermore, drowsy driving leads to many truck collisions. When truckers drive for extended periods, they may become fatigued and display reckless driving behaviors.
Truck accidents also result from other factors, including:
- Distracted Driving
- Inexperienced driving
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to notice blind spots
- Turning wide
- Defects in truck design
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Driving on hazardous roads with potholes, broken guardrails, faded line markings, and cracked asphalt
- Driving in bad weather, like rain, storms, fog, and snow
Our Coachella attorneys have personally witnessed the consequences of truck accidents caused by the factors above. If you sustain injuries in such an incident, seek our personal injury law firm’s assistance. Our team will thoroughly investigate to uncover the reasons behind the accident and identify the responsible parties.
Injuries Usually Sustained In Truck Accidents
Truck collisions, regardless of their kind and nature, can result in life-altering physical damage. Our lawyers in Coachella, specializing in truck accidents, have managed claims associated with these injuries:
- Head & Brain Injuries – Victims involved in truck accidents are likely to have their heads bashed on hard surfaces. They could sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI), from concussions to serious brain damage, which can have long-term effects on their cognitive functioning.
- Back & Neck Injuries – The strong impact of truck accidents, particularly of rear-end collisions, can abruptly move a victim’s neck back and forth. It can also force the back to twist to unnatural positions. These incidents could lead to whiplash, neck and back trauma, muscle strains, or broken collarbones.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The impact might deal a hard blow to the spine and damage the spinal cords. If left untreated, these injuries could result in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Amputations – Damage to the limbs could be so severe that doctors would have to remove them surgically. Traumatic amputation can also happen, such as when a limb is crushed under the truck.
- Broken Bones – Truck collisions can break the bones, particularly the ribs, arms, legs, and fingers. Fractures are painful and extremely limiting, usually requiring extended periods of immobility.
- Wrongful Deaths – The most tragic truck accidents result in the deaths of victims. In such cases, surviving family members may file wrongful death claims to recover settlements from at-fault parties.
Sustaining these injuries will lead to pain, suffering, and more losses. Our attorneys in Coachella will help you cope with them by helping you file your truck accident case. We’ll assist you in your recovery and get you paid for your medical bills and other damages.
Types Of Damages To Recover In A Truck Accident Case
Motor vehicle accidents will leave you physically impaired and financially challenged. However, you can hold the negligent parties responsible for your burdens. Our lawyers in Coachella, who are consistently winning truck accident cases, can assess your legal grounds and help you recover the following damages:
- Economic Damages –These pertain to the tangible financial losses incurred as a result of a truck accident. These damages are quantifiable and can be easily calculated. Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Follow-up check-ups
- Surgeries and other treatments
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Prescription medication costs
- Missed wages during the time of recovery
- Loss of future earnings for permanent disabilities
- Repairs for damaged property
Victims will need to present strong evidence to demonstrate every economic damage they sustained. You can present official medical reports, payrolls, or pay slips for lost salaries and invoices from auto repair centers.
- Non-Economic Damages –These are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify. Non-economic damages intend to help victims move on from the emotional struggles brought about by the tragic truck accident. Some examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Disabilities and disfigurements
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful deaths
Computing the worth of your damages can be tricky, but you have our truck accident attorneys in Coachella. We can estimate the amount of your losses based on the details of your case, the documents available, and opinions from medical and financial experts. We’ll use this as our basis for negotiating with insurance companies and other liable parties to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Federal And California Laws For Truckers
To maintain the safety of all road users, truck drivers in California are subject to more stringent federal laws. They have to abide by a number of regulations covering several areas.
As per California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), truckers are obliged to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license will demonstrate the expertise, skills, and physical capabilities needed to drive massive vehicles. Thus, truck drivers must show their familiarity with basic controls, gear shifts, speed control, space management, and vehicle inspections.
Truck drivers also have to undergo medical exams every two years. To pass the test, they must not be taking medications that could affect their safe driving skills.
Furthermore, California implements cargo securement rules to ensure that truckloads are safely transported and don’t fall off during trips. Truckers must use safety devices like tie-downs, dunnage bags, and shoring bars to tie their freight tightly. Even if they’re not the ones who loaded the cargo, they must still inspect it regularly during the trip and ensure it’s secure.
Meanwhile, all drivers of property-carrying trucks must abide by FMCSA’s hours of service rules. This regulation strictly imposes an 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour window after ten hours off duty.
There are other trucking laws about speed limits, routes, and types of cargo. This is where our truck accident attorneys in Coachella excel. We have served truck collision victims for years, so we know the ins and outs of the law. We can assess any violation of these regulations and use them to establish the negligence of responsible truck drivers.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
No one can really tell when the next truck accident will happen. But knowing what to do following a devastating collision is crucial. This won’t only save you from further harm but also ensure your legal rights are protected. Here are some steps our lawyers in Coachella recommend you take after a truck accident:
- Quickly assess the incident and check for injuries. Call 911 to receive the immediate medical treatment you need. Even if you feel fine, you must seek emergency medical care. Other injuries like TBIs aren’t always visible.
- If you can, move to the roadside and away from danger. But don’t leave the area. You can be held liable for a hit-and-run incident if you flee from the accident, regardless of whether you caused it or not.
- Obtain information. Collect the name, contact details, license number, and other important details of the trucker and other drivers, if any. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers so you can contact them later when you need to.
- Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of the location, truck, and any other vehicles involved, as well as the injuries and property damage you sustained.
- Report to the police and your insurance company. Provide them with the necessary details, such as the time, location, and how the accident happened. However, you must not overshare and admit fault. You must also secure a copy of these reports, as they can serve as supporting evidence for your claim later on.
- Seek legal assistance from Arash Law. Our attorneys in Coachella are adept at handling truck accident cases. We’ll guide you on what to do next. Call us today at (888) 488-1391.
How Many Fatal Truck Accidents Are There In California?
According to the 2021 data from NHTSA, California ranked second among the states with the most fatalities due to truck collisions. It logged a total of 416 fatal traffic crashes involving large trucks, leading to 437 deaths.
For comparison, 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes nationwide. This figure showed an 18% surge from 2020 and 49% growth in the previous ten years. It also accounted for 9.3% of all vehicles involved in dangerous traffic accidents.
Throughout the country, at least 5,788 Americans have died in truck accidents. The count hiked up to 17% from 2020 and 47% from the last decade. Accordingly, 72% of the casualties were passengers of other vehicles, 17% were truck occupants, and 11% were other road users, particularly pedestrians and bicyclists. Meanwhile, there were 117,312 trucks involved in collisions that led to injuries. This reflected a 12% increase from the record in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Truck Accidents
Which Trucks Are Commonly Seen In Coachella?
You’ll normally see the following kinds of trucks in Coachella:
- Tractor-Trailers – These are the typical big rigs or 18-wheelers that transport heavy cargo within and outside of the city. They usually have enclosed trailers where the freight is placed and secured.
- Flatbed Trucks – These heavy-duty vehicles have open trailers that don’t have sides or roofs. They are often used for carrying large and bulky items that exceed standard size limits. Since their backs are open, the cargo of flatbed trailers must be properly tied to avoid falling out during transit.
- Delivery Trucks – The e-commerce industry benefits most from these trucks. Shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, the United States Postal Service, and Amazon use them to make door-to-door deliveries.
- Dump Trucks – These are the types of trucks that carry construction materials to buildings or houses undergoing renovations.
- Tanker Trucks – Various companies utilize tanker trucks to transport large quantities of liquid cargo. Tanker trucks carrying flammable substances, like gasoline, pose a significant risk as they are prone to explosions.
- Farm Trucks – The agricultural industry relies on harvesters, livestock haulers, and other farm equipment to tow and transport farm products, live animals, and other materials.
In a truck accident in Coachella, our lawyers will assess the type of vehicle that hit you and use the details to build your case. Laws and regulations may differ depending on the trucking company’s industry.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Serious?
Compared to other vehicles on highways, trucks are deemed more dangerous, given their design. These road giants can weigh from 20,000 to 80,000 pounds and stand as high as 14 feet. With these features, trucks gain significant momentum and force when accelerating. In a collision, the energy released would cause severe damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
What Makes Trucks More Dangerous On The Road?
Large trucks pose a significant risk to all road users due to their limited visibility. Their width, which can expand up to 8.5 feet, gives truckers an insufficient view of their surroundings. As such, these enormous vehicles have many blind spots.
Moreover, trucks need more time and space to brake safely, considering their size and weight. When truckers don’t apply their brakes in time due to being distracted or misjudging distances, they might collide with other vehicles.
Despite the awareness of how threatening trucks are, accidents are still bound to happen due to negligence. Imagine traveling the road, and one of these massive vehicles hits you. The situation will likely leave you severely injured. Our Coachella truck accident lawyers can help you cope with this catastrophe. We’ll help you recover from your physical damages and get compensation for your losses.
How Can I Prove Negligence In A Truck Accident?
Victims of truck crashes must demonstrate the liability of responsible parties to obtain due compensation. Our truck accident lawyers in Coachella will review your case and help you prove the following elements of negligence:
Duty Of Care
All road users must exercise reasonable care to avoid accidents. This obligation also applies to truck drivers, their employers, and truck manufacturers. They particularly have higher responsibilities since they’re operating commercial vehicles.
Breach Of Duty
People who fail to behave reasonably in a given situation breach their duty of care. As such, they exhibit negligence.
Causation
Victims need to prove that the other party’s instance of negligence led to their accident and injury.
Damages
The last component to demonstrate is the damages and losses the plaintiffs incurred after the accident. This will be a primary factor in computing how much compensation you’re owed.
The best truck accident lawyers Coachella trusts are skilled in navigating this aspect of the claims process. We can conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to prove these elements.
Who Is Most Often At Fault In Collisions Between Cars And Large Trucks?
In truck accidents, the drivers usually take the blame for being careless and not driving safely. Their negligent behavior can make them responsible for the resulting injuries and damages. However, they’re not always at fault, either wholly or partially.
California is a pure comparative negligence state. Under this legal doctrine, all parties found at fault for an accident will share the liability. They are also responsible for compensating the victim in proportion to their degree of fault.
That said, the following parties could also be liable in a truck accident:
- Trucking companies
- Shipping companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair service providers
- Government agencies
- Other road users
Determining the responsible parties may become complicated. Let our Coachella truck accident attorneys manage your case. We can review the details of the incidents and determine how each party contributed to your accident.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Truck Accident Case In California?
In California, victims may file a personal injury case within two years after the truck accident happened. For the delayed discovery of injuries, the statute of limitations would instead start from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your injury or loss.
Plaintiffs must be aware of their deadlines, as missing them might cause the court to dismiss their claims. Exceptions and extensions may only apply for particular situations, such as when the case involves minors or defendants who are out-of-state, in jail, or mentally incapacitated.
If you plan to pursue a case, approach the knowledgeable truck accident attorneys Coachella residents turn to. We’ll make sure you follow the process and submit the requirements promptly.
Get Help From The Truck Accident Lawyers Coachella Relies On
Are you wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” after a truck crash changed your life? The right answer is yes. You must seek the assistance of our truck accident lawyers, which Coachella relies on. We will provide you with the support you need to navigate the complex trucking laws and deal with insurance companies. Call Arash Law, led by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., now at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Aside from Coachella, our law firm also extends services to neighboring cities and locations, such as Anaheim, Ontario, Long Beach, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Twentynine Palms, Yucca Valley, Banning, East Hemet, San Jacinto, Hemet, Beaumont, and Yucaipa.
