Del Norte County Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Del Norte County Truck Accident Lawyers Dedicated To Providing Practical Legal Help After Injury
Every day, large commercial trucks keep our economy running by delivering goods across the country. It can be risky, though, to drive alongside these enormous vehicles. Our skilled Del Norte truck accident attorneys at Arash Law can assist you if you are hurt in a truck accident. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Del Norte County boasts attractions like the Lucky 7 Casino & Hotel, Trees of Mystery, and Redwood Rides, but the influx of tourists creates heavy traffic on major roads like U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 199. Being a trucking hub, the presence of large semi-trucks further increases the risk of truck accidents in the area.
Our accident attorneys in Del Norte County regularly handle truck-related incidents and understand the complexities involved. Our team can see what we can do to advocate for your rights and assist you in seeking compensation. We are committed to providing dedicated support for victims and comprehensive representation for clients.
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 Our Del Norte County Truck Accident Lawyers Can Do To Handle Your Case
Truck collisions can, depending on the severity of the losses they cause, be life-altering events. If you’re wondering about your rights after an accident, our personal injury lawyers can explain them. Our Del Norte County truck accident attorneys understand that treating your injuries and dealing with home life may be challenging. That’s why they work to support injured victims.
You can start your legal journey by calling Arash Law. During your first free consultation, our Del Norte County law firm can review your accident and see if you have a case. We may then assist you with filing a claim and, if you choose to work with us, help you pursue compensation.
Here’s what we can do for your case:
Gathering Evidence
Our truck accident attorneys in Del Norte County can help you collect all relevant proof for your case. We’ll begin by requesting records such as police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, and photos of the accident scene. Our lawyers will also contact witnesses to get their testimony, and if necessary, we’ll also reach out to accident reconstructionists, forensic experts, and private investigators who may help support your claim.
Establishing Liability For The Accident
Our truck accident lawyers can assist you in pinpointing who may be at fault for causing your collision. In some cases, there can be multiple negligent parties. We can assess your case to identify which individuals or companies are potentially responsible for your losses.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
The negligent party needs to compensate you for medical expenses and other losses resulting from the accident they caused. These negotiations can be complicated if you do not have legal representation. Many insurance companies want to minimize their financial responsibility or possibly deny your claim. Fortunately, our attorneys can negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company, as they have years of cumulative experience handling these types of negotiations.
Understanding Legal Regulations
The laws and regulations surrounding truck accidents can be challenging to understand, but we can shed light on the matter. Getting to know the laws governing your state can help you make an informed decision about your case.
Offering Accessible Representation
If you decide to work with us on a valid claim, you might not need to worry about any upfront costs as well. We will only get paid if a client is awarded a settlement. Still, they may be responsible for covering other costs, which we go over with them before we take on their case. You can ask our attorneys for more information about our contingency fee agreement during a consultation.
Reasons To Consult Our Del Norte County Truck Accident Lawyers
Our knowledgeable Del Norte truck accident attorneys are familiar with personal injury law and have assisted multiple clients with truck accident claims in the past. We can use this experience when evaluating the unique circumstances of your situation and assessing different strategies to see which ones may support your claim.
Truck accident cases involve multiple layers of regulations and laws that may be difficult to understand. With the support of our skilled attorneys, victims can understand legal jargon and their available options after an accident.
Consulting a lawyer from our Del Norte County injury law firm can help you learn about your rights and interests as a truck accident victim. Aside from knowing the particular laws that govern trucks, we also understand what victims have been through and the provisions of their insurance policies. We can use that information to assess whether you have a case. If you do, we can explore ways to settle with insurance companies. If necessary, we can prepare to represent you in court.
Different Types Of Trucks
Diverse types of trucks cater to specific purposes and industries. These vehicles are massive because their purpose is to haul tons of materials.
Some of the most common trucks you’ll see on Del Norte County’s streets may include:
- Semi-Trailer — This is also known as a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or big rig. Among the most common freight trucks on the road, it transports raw materials in addition to consumer goods.
- Flatbed Trucks — As opposed to closed ones, flatbed trucks carry goods on open, flat trailers. Oversized loads are a specialty of these trucks. Aside from being able to haul massive objects, they are also easy to load and unload. Most flatbed trailers are secured with straps.
- Step Deck — A step deck trailer is similar to a flatbed truck, but it is designed to carry taller cargo.
- Dry Van — A dry van is a semi-truck with no temperature control on its trailer. An enclosed dry van has four walls and a roof to protect goods from the elements.
- Reefer — A reefer truck is a freight vehicle that maintains a temperature-controlled environment for perishable goods. Typically, these trucks transport food to grocery stores and warehouses.
- Box Truck — A box truck has a box-shaped cargo compartment and is smaller than a regular truck. Box trucks have cargo boxes that sit directly on the frame. They are a popular choice for short-distance transportation, such as home appliances and furniture delivery.
- Tanker — A tanker truck can be either a dry bulk or a liquid tanker truck. A dry bulk transporter delivers loose, dry goods like flour or sand, while a liquid tanker transports liquids and gases. Multiple loads can be carried in the tanks due to compartments that reduce sloshing. A pressurized, insulated, or refrigerated tank can be used if the cargo requires it.
Truck accidents, no matter which truck is involved, can potentially cause serious losses. Reach out to one of our truck accident lawyers in Del Norte County so we can estimate the extent of your damages and study whether you can pursue them by filing a claim.
Most Common Truck Accident Injuries
Compared to other vehicles on the road, trucks are bigger and heavier. That’s why semi-truck accidents, big-rig collisions, or 18-wheeler crashes may cause serious damage. As such, some of the most common injuries they cause include:
Head And Brain Injuries
Head trauma may result in a brain injury that leads to lifelong physical, psychological, and neurological issues. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may also lead to a coma or death. They often require extensive and expensive medical care.
Back And Neck Injuries
These can range from mild back and neck pain to more serious conditions, such as a dislocation in the spine. The rapid and forceful jerking of the neck may cause a whiplash injury, one of the most common neck injuries. Back or neck issues can be a barrier to returning to work and daily activities.
Cuts, Lacerations, And Abrasions
In truck accidents, lacerations often result from the forceful impact of collisions, where sharp objects or debris within the vehicle can cause deep cuts. Abrasions and scrapes are also common in traffic accidents. Depending on the severity of the injury, possible infections and long-term scarring are potential risks.
Internal Injuries And Organ Damage
Crash injuries that cause powerful blunt trauma can result in internal bleeding and damage to organs. These injuries can be serious and require prompt medical attention, extensive treatment, and lengthy recovery periods.
Amputation And Disfigurement
Truck accidents may cause amputations and disfigurements. Often, limb loss or profound changes to the body’s structure may result in physical and psychological consequences.
Fire Or Chemical Burns
An accident involving flammable cargo can result in burn injuries. Fuel or petroleum products are often hauled in such trucks, which may cause an explosion and fire that can burn victims. Additionally, if the truck is carrying harmful chemicals and it spills upon crashing, victims may get chemical burns.
Rib And Torso Injuries
Due to the intense forces generated during collisions, truck accidents might result in rib and torso injuries. A rib fracture or contusion can damage the lungs or spleen, causing internal injuries.
Broken Bones And Fractures
Many bones in the body, limbs, and extremities can be fractured as a result of collisions. A broken bone requires immediate medical attention. Serious cases often need extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries And Paralysis
An impact on the spinal cord can cause spinal cord injuries or paralysis. Prompt medical intervention can be vital for ensuring long-term recovery.
Wrongful Death
Due to their size and weight, tractor-trailers pose a greater risk of causing serious injury or death in crashes compared to accidents involving only passenger vehicles. If such an incident resulted in the untimely passing of your loved one, our experienced truck accident attorneys in Del Norte can see if you can pursue a wrongful death claim.
After reviewing and potentially taking on your case, our team can help you pursue compensation that reflects the extent of your losses. If you become a client, we can also connect you with medical professionals who can treat you as your claim progresses.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Del Norte County
The majority of accidents involving commercial trucks are caused by human error and could have been prevented. Though any road user can be held responsible for a crash, truckers may sometimes violate regulations governing the trucking industry. An investigation might also reveal lapses in safety practices by drivers, trucking companies, truck manufacturers, truck maintenance companies, and cargo loaders.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in the area:
- Fatigue — This can be caused by long hours on the road. In the case of truckers, it may be a result of tight schedules and pressure to meet delivery deadlines.
- Inadequate Training — Trucks are harder to maneuver because of their size and weight. Trucking companies have to provide truckers with regular training to ensure they know how to drive these big vehicles safely and properly.
- Distracted Driving — Mobile phones, navigation systems, and other in-car technologies further increase the risk of accidents.
- Mechanical Failures and Poor Vehicle Maintenance — Inadequate maintenance can lead to brake issues, tire blowouts, and other mechanical malfunctions. Regular inspection and maintenance routines are crucial to identifying and resolving potential problems before they become hazardous.
- Adverse Weather Conditions — The risk of truck accidents increases when there is rain, snow, or fog. Combined with the challenges of maneuvering or sharing the road with large vehicles, drivers have to be extra careful when driving.
Accidents may have multiple causes. Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Del Norte County can conduct an independent investigation, gather evidence, and retain any experts that may be needed to prove liability.
Determining Who Is Responsible For My Truck Accident
If you are suffering injuries, property damage, or other losses due to a truck accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from those responsible for causing it. An investigation into your accident can help you identify who may be liable for a collision.
With the help of your truck accident lawyers in Del Norte, you may be able to hold one or more of the following accountable:
- The Truck Driver — Truck drivers may drive illegally in an unsafe manner, fail to inspect their vehicles, or violate trucking regulations.
- The Trucking Company — Trucking companies may be liable for accidents caused by their employees if they fail to adhere to strict hiring practices, monitor drivers adequately, or maintain vehicles properly.
- The Truck’s Mechanic — A third-party mechanic may be liable for a truck accident caused by negligent maintenance work.
- Third-Party Auto Parts Manufacturers — Manufacturers of truck parts may be liable for truck accidents caused by defective parts.
- Other Motorists — Other motorists may cause a truck crash. For example, another driver may have cut off the truck, causing it to swerve and crash.
Compensation For Truck Accident Victims In Del Norte County
The potential worth of your claim will depend on the estimated value of your losses. Also known as damages, these are often separated into distinct categories. A Del Norte County truck accident lawyer can help you study which kinds you incurred and may be able to pursue via an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Victims can usually pursue compensation for the following types of damages:
- Economic Damages — Financial losses include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Damages such as these are often easier to quantify and can have a substantial impact on settlements.
- Non-Economic Damages — These include intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Calculating non-economic damages can be more subjective, but it is still an essential factor.
- Punitive Damages — In exceptional cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the responsible party and prevent them from conducting similar actions in the future.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Del Norte County
Seeking medical attention is one of the most important steps that you should take after a truck accident. Since trucks are so massive, they can cause significant levels of damage.
However, there may be some other things you can do to protect yourself and your rights, such as:
- Call 911 as soon as possible after the accident to get help on the scene.
- Seeking immediate medical attention is a must. Truck collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries, including injuries that might not be immediately obvious.
- As soon as the police arrive, tell them everything you remember about what happened. Consider obtaining a copy of the police report, as it is likely to contain critical information that Del Norte County truck accident lawyers can use to investigate your case.
- Collect evidence at the scene if you can and if it’s safe to do so. This is necessary to prove what happened. Take photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and other kinds of damage caused by the accident, as well as the surroundings and even the weather.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but don’t give details they did not ask for. Only discuss the facts and avoid adding opinions that may hurt your claim, such as blaming yourself or admitting guilt.
- Contact Arash Law. Our knowledgeable Del Norte County truck accident attorneys can help inform your decisions on what to do next.
How Long Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit In Del Norte County?
California, and by extension, Del Norte County, gives victims two (2) years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit in a personal injury case. However, there are some exceptions to this rule that can shorten or extend this timeframe, such as whether the injured victim is a minor or if you’re filing a claim against a government agency.
The statute of limitations imposes these deadlines. If you do not file a lawsuit within the period stipulated, then you may not be able to pursue your claim. Our truck accident lawyers in Del Norte County can tell you which deadline applies to your claim.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents in California remain a significant concern. According to federal safety data, they resulted in hundreds of fatalities in California in recent years.
The National Safety Council reports that 5,472 people died in large truck crashes in 2023. Around 72% of the fatalities were occupants of other vehicles. This is followed by truck occupants at 17% and pedestrians and bicyclists at 11%.
Consult Our Dedicated Del Norte County Truck Accident Attorneys Near You
Our priority is to help injured victims in Del Norte County learn what they can do after a truck accident. We’ll work to leverage our legal knowledge to review your claim and, if you have a case, help you seek compensation for your losses.
Our team of Del Norte County truck accident lawyers is committed to advocating for your rights after a crash. Discuss your case with us to see how we can help. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We also serve clients throughout Del Norte County’s neighboring cities and communities, such as Etna, Eureka, Rosewood, Trinidad, Clam Beach, Willow Creek, Weaverville, Covington Mill, Callahan, Fort Jones, Hamburg, Mt. Shasta, Orleans, Salyer, Montgomery Creek, Burney, Helena, and Greenview. You can also consult Arash Law after an accident that takes place elsewhere in California.
