Contra Costa Truck Accident Attorneys
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Experienced Legal Support From Contra Costa Truck Accident Attorneys
Getting into a traffic accident is one of the scariest things that most people who travel can think of, but it is even scarier if the other vehicle is a large commercial truck. When you are driving, do you ever get nervous when a big rig gets a little too close for comfort? That is a normal response because these massive vehicles will cause catastrophic injuries when they are involved in an accident. Unfortunately, truck accidents are common in Contra Costa.
Commercial truck accidents are considered more hazardous than those involving passenger vehicles. Large trucks can be a menace on the roads, and your physical health is not the only thing at risk after an accident – you may suffer mentally, and you might lose money because you can no longer work due to your injuries.
Learn how to protect your rights by calling our Contra Costa truck accident lawyers. At Arash Law, we have decades of experience helping injured victims move forward after a crash. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or online to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Settlement in a slip and fall case versus Jiffy Lube; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Common Causes Of Contra Costa Truck Accidents
Large trucks are frequently involved in traffic accidents in Contra Costa, California. The size and weight of these types of vehicles can cause devastating accidents. When large trucks are involved in traffic accidents with passenger cars, the occupants of the smaller vehicles usually suffer severe injuries. Our Contra Costa truck accident attorneys understand the importance of investigating the cause of a crash in order to pinpoint who may be liable.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
Fatigued Truck Drivers
Drowsy driving is common among drivers of large commercial trucks. They tend to lose focus while driving and get into serious accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is negligent. Truck drivers are held to a higher legal standard when it comes to driving while impaired. In addition to alcohol, some truck drivers may succumb to the pressure to take over-the-counter medications to help them stay awake while completing their routes.
Improper Maintenance
Every trucking company and truck driver must ensure that their trucks are well-maintained and safe for travel. Companies must perform regularly scheduled maintenance on their trucks. If a company fails to maintain its trucks properly, it may face legal liability when an accident happens.
Careless Turns
Large commercial vehicles are massive and can dominate the road. On average, it takes tens of extra feet for a large truck to make a turn. You may have seen a “Wide Load” sticker on some of these vehicles. Due to the truck’s size, drivers have a limited field of vision when making turns, so truck drivers must exercise caution when turning to avoid accidents.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover truck accident happens when an improperly loaded big rig collides with another vehicle or structure on the road and topples onto its side or roof. Rollover accidents can also happen if the truck driver takes a turn too fast.
Brake Failure
Mechanical failure, including brake failure, is a common cause of large truck accidents. Many things cause brakes to fail, like improper maintenance or loading.
How Can I Prove Liability?
A defendant is liable for an accident if their actions or inactions are the reason that the accident happened. Proving liability is a critical part of every civil lawsuit. Many accident victims know that the other driver caused the accident, but they have no idea how to prove it.
Truck accidents make proving liability tougher because there are so many potential defendants. Possible defendants in a truck accident case can include the driver, the trucking company, the rig manufacturer, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, etc. Truck accident plaintiffs need to work with one of Arash Law’s Contra Costa truck accident attorneys to investigate these types of accidents.
Examples of safety issues each potential defendant may be legally responsible for include:
- Engine failure
- Low fluid levels
- Bad reflectors
- Bad steering wheels or steering blocks
- Broken taillights
- Bad brakes
All large commercial trucks must adhere to the safety standards set by federal regulations. Trucking companies must not only maintain their vehicles properly but also follow the federally mandated limits on drivers’ working hours and rest periods.
Proving driver negligence is important in seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a truck accident. To establish negligence, the plaintiff must demonstrate four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Your Contra Costa truck accident attorney can help you investigate the facts of your case and gather evidence to support each element.
Types Of Damages Available For Contra Costa Truck Accident Victims
You may wonder what “damages” means when it comes to a personal injury claim. The word “damages” is a legal term that encompasses all the losses that an accident victim suffers. Truck accident victims may have the option to file a claim to seek compensation for their losses. Compensatory damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are intended to help address the losses the victim experienced. In rare cases, courts may also award punitive damages, which are intended to penalize the defendant’s especially reckless conduct rather than to compensate the victim.
Listed below are the different types of damage:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the tangible losses that an accident victim incurs. This category is usually easy to identify and value. Consulting an accident lawyer can provide insights about your case and help you understand what compensation you might be able to pursue. Here are examples of economic damages:
- Current and future medical costs
- Current and future lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that are subjective to every individual. Since these are not easily quantifiable, they require the knowledge and experience of Contra Costa truck accident lawyers to calculate their potential worth. An attorney will review the facts surrounding your case and determine if you may qualify for any of the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished quality of life
- Mental and emotional anguish
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim for their losses; rather, they serve to punish the defendant. California law allows for punitive damages in cases where the plaintiff can prove that the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. These damages are determined and awarded by the court in rare occurrences.
Should I Hire An Attorney For My Contra Costa Truck Accident Case?
Whenever you have a legal problem, consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your rights. Our team of Contra Costa truck accident attorneys at Arash Law will advocate on your behalf and are committed to giving you valuable insight for your case. We work to assist you in seeking compensation, allowing you to focus more energy on healing from your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Damages After a Contra Costa Truck Accident?
Time is of the essence when you get into an accident in Contra Costa. Every truck accident victim must comply with the applicable statute of limitations. Otherwise, they will lose their right to file a lawsuit or settle their claim for a monetary award.
A statute of limitations is a deadline set by law that limits the amount of time an accident victim has to file their claim. Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, personal injury victims, including truck accident victims, have two years from the date of the accident to settle their case or file a lawsuit.
There is a very narrow exception to the statute of limitations. For example, the deadline may be extended if the accident victim was under the age of 18 when the crash occurred. In that case, the two-year clock does not start until the victim reaches their 18th birthday.
Sometimes the statute of limitations is shorter than the standard two-year period. For example, if you have a claim against a government entity, California law limits the time to sue to six months.
What Other Types Of Truck Accident Cases Do Our Contra Costa Attorneys Handle?
Our Contra Costa attorneys handle a wide range of truck accident cases. Each situation is unique, and our team is prepared to guide clients through the legal process, helping them understand their rights and available options.
In addition to truck vs truck accidents, we represent injury victims who were hurt in other types of accidents, including the following:
Truck vs Car Accidents
Car accidents are very common, especially in a city the size of Contra Costa. Not all motor vehicle accidents are the same, and each carries its own unique set of consequences. The seriousness of car accidents ranges from a simple fender bender to a multi-car accident or even something more severe. Any accident between a car and a truck can leave the injured party permanently disabled. Truck accident victims may explore their legal right to seek financial reimbursement for related expenses.
Truck Vs Motorcycle Accidents
Our team of motorcycle accident lawyers represents individuals injured in these crashes with compassion and transparency. Getting an overview of possible damages in your claim from an attorney after a truck vs. motorcycle accident gives you insight into the factors that may affect your case and what options may be available to you. Here are the damages that victims and their families can pursue:
- Current and future accident-related medical bills
- Lost wages and the value of lost earning capacity
- Emotional and mental trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
The above list is not exhaustive, but it does outline the general damages that many motorcycle versus truck accident victims typically suffer. Our Contra Costa truck accident attorneys can provide insight into these damages and suggest available legal options that may apply.
Does v. California Farm (confidential) –settlement for a group of farmworkers who were killed when the car they were transported in to work flipped over in Merced County.– BENNY KHORSANDI
What Should I Look for In a Truck Accident Attorney?
Choosing legal representation is a critical decision to make following a truck accident. When choosing a Contra Costa truck accident attorney, consider the following:
- Understand Your Challenges — You need an attorney who understands the unique challenges you face as an injury victim. After a truck accident, you’ll face physical, financial, and emotional struggles. An attorney who understands these challenges can help you create a tailored plan for seeking compensation.
- Guidance Through The Process — An attorney will guide you through the complex legal process after a truck accident. They will handle the paperwork and legal procedures so you can focus on your recovery.
- Offer Comprehensive Representation — Your attorney should represent you inside and outside the courtroom. They will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to trial.
Schedule A Free Initial Case Evaluation With Contra Costa Truck Accident Lawyers
At Arash Law, we provide a complimentary consultation. During your initial consultation, you will speak with an attorney who will review the facts of your case and answer your questions. We will discuss your case goals with you and create a strategic plan to help hold the responsible party accountable.
We understand that the aftermath of a truck accident is a distressing time for you and your loved ones. Our legal team will assist you and advocate for your rights during this trying time until your case is resolved.
The legal team at Arash Law, under the leadership of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has decades of experience helping our clients after a truck accident.
Our truck accident lawyers in Contra Costa also serve neighboring cities and neighborhoods, including Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Alamo, Martinez, Clayton, Orinda, Bay Point, Moraga, Danville, Benicia, Pittsburg, Piedmont, and Berkeley.
Contact our office at 888-488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
