Desert Hot Springs 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.
Our Desert Hot Springs Truck Accident Lawyers Provide Legal Insights, Trusted Results
A truck accident can change a victim’s life forever. It often causes severe, if not fatal, injuries. If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in a truck crash, you need our Desert Hot Springs truck accident lawyers to pursue maximum compensation. Call Arash Law at (888) 488 -1391 for a free initial consultation.
Desert Hot Springs is well-known for its naturally occurring hot and cold mineral springs. This vibrant and growing city empowers business owners in the tourism, retail, industrial, and various other sectors. Only minutes away from Palm Springs International Airport, Desert Hot Springs welcomes visitors and business developers with enticing shopping options, restaurants, and nearby golf courses.
The city’s economic opportunities have made logistics and the exchange of goods particularly common. Sadly, this increasing demand also raises the risk of truck accidents, especially when trucking companies impose unrealistic expectations and rigid schedules that compel drivers to rush in their driving.
You can count on our experienced lawyers to provide justice if you suffer severe injuries after a truck accident. We will settle your case out of court or take it to trial if necessary. Our law firm in Desert Hot Springs, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has what it takes to help victims achieve a favorable outcome. Our top-rated litigation attorneys will provide immediate legal assistance, from connecting you with medical professionals to collecting valuable evidence to win your case.
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
How Will Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Desert Hot Springs Help You Win Compensation?
- Providing Legal Guidance – Truck cases are complex, particularly from a legal standpoint. Victims need proper legal guidance throughout the claim process. As your trusted attorneys, we will explain your legal options to help you make well-informed decisions.
- Conducting Extensive Investigations – In California, it is essential to prove negligence to get compensated for injuries and losses. We will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and establish negligence.
- Filing A Claim – Our truck accident lawyers will file a claim against the at-fault parties on your behalf. Our top-notch attorneys are aware of all the requirements to avoid problems after filing a claim.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies – We typically settle compensation claims out of court by negotiating with the other party’s lawyers and insurance company. Our primary goal is to pursue the highest compensation possible for injuries and damages without going to court.
- Litigating In Court – You will need the best representation if your case goes to trial. Our personal injury attorneys in Desert Hot Springs, specializing in truck accidents, will fight relentlessly to obtain a positive verdict and give you the justice you deserve.
Why Hire Our Desert Hot Springs Truck Accident Attorneys
- Legal Expertise – Truck accident cases are one of our specialties. Our lawyers are well-versed in truck laws and regulations. We’ve handled thousands of cases and have decades of combined experience, which has sharpened our skills in successfully handling claims like yours.
- Personalized Approach – Every case is different, and we understand that. Our legal team will develop a customized strategy specifically tailored to your needs and goals.
- Proven Track Record – Our lawyers have recovered over $750 Million in compensation for injured clients over the years. With a strong track record of successful cases and satisfied clients, our award-winning law firm is among the best in the industry.
Rely on our compassionate attorneys in times of legal struggle. With dependable Desert Hot Springs truck accident lawyers by your side, you’re confident that there’s always someone to answer your calls for legal help.
Typical Causes Of Truck Accidents
Smaller vehicles and their occupants are vulnerable to the dangers posed by large trucks, such as big rigs and delivery trucks. Truck drivers must be skilled, patient, and extra cautious when operating these massive vehicles. The consequences of driving errors can be catastrophic, especially when there are large vehicles involved.
Truck accidents often occur because of the following:
- Inexperienced Driver – Drivers with insufficient training in truck driving are more likely to cause collisions. These truckers need more exposure to safe driving practices to prevent truck accidents and ensure they’re ready to haul massive amounts of goods.
- Distracted Driving – Driving demands total concentration, more so when a driver operates a large vehicle. Using phones, eating, and adjusting the radio while behind the wheel are all forms of distracted driving.
- Driver Fatigue – Many trucking companies encourage drivers to speed up to meet demanding schedules despite safety risks. Some even provide incentives to truck drivers who work longer and drive faster than what’s allowed. Because of such unrealistic expectations in the trucking industry, truck drivers commonly experience driver fatigue. This reduces their reaction time and overall awareness, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Driving Under The Influence (DUI) – Substance abuse is a common issue not only in the trucking industry but among all drivers. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), commercial drivers must not operate a vehicle if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.04% or higher. Consuming substances beyond the allowable threshold impacts drivers’ reaction times and decision-making.
- Unbalanced Cargo – Cargo loaders must ensure cargo remains well-balanced and secured in a trailer to prevent sudden shifting. Trailers with unbalanced cargo may suddenly fall into another lane.
When investigating the circumstances of your truck accident in Desert Hot Springs, our attorneys will pinpoint the exact cause of the crash, identify liable parties, and prove negligence.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Truck collisions account for a relatively small percentage of all vehicle accidents, but they cause disproportionately high rates of serious injuries and fatalities.
Here are the most common types of truck accidents our lawyers in Desert Hot Springs encounter:
Rear-End Truck Collisions
This type of accident often happens when a truck driver tailgates or loses track of the vehicle’s stopping distance. Regardless of how fast a truck is traveling, a rear-end collision causes catastrophic damage, especially to smaller vehicles. Drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles may be severely injured or killed if a truck crushes their vehicles from behind.
Rollover Truck Accidents
Having a higher center of gravity than average vehicles makes trucks prone to rollovers. Additionally, rollovers are more likely to occur in windy conditions and with overloaded trucks. A truck is also likely to roll over when the driver loses control and overcorrects.
Rollover truck accidents sometimes happen in Desert Hot Springs. In March 2023, a two-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck hauling carrots and an SUV occurred at the intersection of Pierson Boulevard and State Route 62. The collision caused the semi-truck to roll over.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
These accidents typically occur with tractor-trailers, often when truck drivers brake too suddenly or drive on wet, slippery roads. A 90-degree angle resembling a folding knife forms between the tractor and trailer when the trailer swings out to the side. Until it stops, the truck may hit other vehicles, causing other drivers to swerve. Most jackknife accidents affect multiple lanes, causing more damage than other types of accidents.
Wide-Turn Truck Accidents
These accidents happen when a truck driver turns right before swinging left. Taking a left turn too far may cause the driver to hit a car in the opposite lane. However, not going far enough left may cause the driver to collide with a vehicle on the right side.
Underride Truck Collisions
In underride collisions, a small car crashes into the rear of a truck and gets wedged underneath. These collisions often cause fatalities. In the event of wrongful death, our Desert Hot Springs truck accident lawyers will help families seek justice and pursue rightful compensation.
Usual Injuries In Truck Accidents
Injuries in a truck accident can be fatal if not treated immediately. Here are the typical injuries victims suffer in truck accidents:
- Neck And Back Injuries – Our back and neck have fragile bones and ligaments that injure easily when there’s a strong impact. Common back and neck injuries associated with truck accidents include whiplash, facet joint injuries, and fractures.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The spinal cord can be injured in serious truck accidents. Victims often lose sensation and movement below the injury. A damaged spinal cord can also cause severe pain, loss of bowel or bladder control, and involuntary spasms.
- Head And Brain Injuries – Minor head injuries include mild bruises and concussions. The more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually leads to long-term problems. Victims with moderate or severe brain injuries may need ongoing care.
- Burns – In truck crashes, there’s a higher risk of fuel tanks being damaged and causing fire. Victims with burn injuries suffer extreme pain, permanent scars, and emotional trauma.
- Amputation And Disfigurement – Losing a body part, whether it’s a fingertip or a limb, is traumatizing. Victims must undergo surgery and therapy to recover. Amputation is a life-changing experience that impacts the victim’s ability to work, move, and socialize.
- Internal Injuries – Blunt trauma from truck collisions can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, affecting the kidneys, liver, bladder, spleen, or pancreas. It can be hard to detect internal injuries immediately after an accident, as victims can experience internal bleeding without visible wounds.
Large trucks weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger vehicles. It’s best to see a doctor right after an accident to discover any undetected injuries, even if you feel well. Our truck accident attorneys know medical professionals who can provide urgent medical treatment in Desert Hot Springs.
Who Are The Typical Liable Parties In A Truck Accident?
Multiple people can be held responsible for a truck accident, including the following parties:
- The Truck Driver – In most cases, the truck driver is the at-fault party for breaching their duty of care by acting negligently.
- The Trucking Company – Any form of negligence on the part of the company that owns the truck can make them liable for the accident. For example, they hired inexperienced truck drivers or failed to perform regular maintenance.
- Cargo Loaders – Cargo on a truck must be properly secured to ensure it stays in place throughout its rough journey. If cargo issues contribute to a truck accident, the cargo loading company may be held liable.
- Manufacturers Of Vehicles Or Vehicle Parts – If a malfunctioning vehicle causes an accident, victims can file a strict liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer. They can also seek compensation from the maker of the component if the cause was a defective truck part.
Truck incidents involve many elements. Identifying the parties at fault is usually tricky, particularly if the crash involved more than two vehicles. Our lawyers in Desert Hot Springs, specializing in truck accidents, will investigate your case and identify all negligent parties.
Comparative Negligence In Truck Accident Claims
California is one of 13 states that apply the pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, the court will deduct your assigned percentage of fault from your final compensation if you’re partly at fault for the accident.
For example, if the compensation stands at $500,000 but you’re found to be 10% at fault, you’re eligible to receive up to $450,000 (or 90%) of the award.
Our Desert Hot Springs truck accident attorneys will protect you from being unfairly blamed, especially when the negligent party is shifting the blame onto you.
Establishing Liability In Truck Accident Cases
Lawyers demonstrate liability in a truck accident claim by establishing either or both strict liability and negligence. Truck drivers guilty of negligence may be held liable for the injuries and losses of victims. It’s necessary to establish negligence using the following elements:
- The truck driver owed the victim a duty of care.
- The truck driver failed to fulfill their duty of care by being negligent.
- It was the driver’s breach of care that caused injuries and losses to the victim.
- The victim suffered actual damages resulting from the accident.
Drivers must ensure the safety of everyone on the road, including other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Duty of care means drivers must be cautious at all times when behind the wheel.
Meanwhile, under California’s strict liability laws, all entities involved in product distribution, including manufacturers and designers, may be held liable if a defective product contributes to an accident, regardless of their intentions. It is not required to establish negligence in strict liability cases.
Contact our trial attorneys today to learn more about truck accident laws in Desert Hot Springs.
Compensation You Can Recover After A Truck Accident
The compensation you can collect depends on your damages and the circumstances of your case. Your damages could either be economic or non-economic. Our Desert Hot Springs lawyers for truck accidents will quantify and calculate your losses to know your case’s value.
Victims can recover economic damages, which are measurable monetary losses. These include the following:
- Present and future medical bills, including transportation to and from healthcare facilities
- Additional healthcare costs, such as ongoing treatment and physical therapy
- Temporary or permanent loss of income capacity
- Funeral expenses (in cases of wrongful death)
Non-economic damages are subjective, intangible losses involving physical and emotional harm rather than finances. These are:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium, such as marriage
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Mental anguish
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Desert Hot Springs, CA
Our expert truck accident lawyers in Desert Hot Springs will advise you to take the following steps to protect your rights and increase your chances of obtaining just compensation.
If possible and you’re still able, do the following immediately after a truck accident:
Call 911 For Emergency Medical Services
After moving to a safe location, seek medical treatment right away. In many cases, exposure to stressful situations, such as a truck accident, causes an adrenaline rush. This feeling gives people a false sense of well-being.
See a healthcare professional even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms of injury. Some injuries, especially internal ones, manifest days or even weeks later. Additionally, check if someone else needs medical care if you’re able to do so.
Call The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Or Local Police
Commercial trucks are gigantic, weighing anywhere between 20,000 and 80,000 pounds. This is why truck accidents usually cause significant damage. CHP will provide emergency roadside assistance in such massive collisions. The local Desert Hot Springs police will also help protect the accident site and facilitate the investigation. Make sure to get a copy of the official police report for your claim; our Desert Hot Springs lawyers for truck accidents can help expedite the matter if you’re having trouble getting it.
Obtain Information From The Other Parties Involved
While waiting for the authorities, request to take photos of the truck driver’s license and insurance card. You can also jot down the driver’s full name, contact details, and address. Record the driver’s policy number and truck insurance company as well.
Other than requesting these essential details, there’s no need to talk about the accident itself. Any words you say can be used against you. Our trusted Desert Hot Springs truck accident lawyers will handle all communication with the at-fault parties.
Collect Evidence At The Accident Scene
If you’re capable of doing so, take photos and record videos of the accident scene to strengthen your case. Capture as many clear images as possible from different angles. In addition, record yourself as you share relevant details, from your injuries and the truck driver’s behavior to the condition of the vehicles and other properties before and after the collision.
Speak To An Expert Truck Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys, specializing in truck accidents in Desert Hot Springs, will ensure you receive a fair settlement and represent you in court if needed. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391.
FAQs About Truck Accidents
Is There A Deadline For Filing Truck Accident Claims In California?
Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a claim in California is two years from the date of the truck accident. If you’re unable to file a claim within this period, you may lose your rights to get compensated for your injuries and damages.
If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations begins once the child turns 18. Meanwhile, you only have six months from the date of the accident to file a claim with a government agency. Then, the government must respond within 45 days. You have another six months to file a lawsuit if the government agency denies your claim.
Our Desert Hot Springs attorneys for truck accidents know the strict deadlines for filing a claim. We will ensure you don’t miss the timeframe if you work with us.
How Much Does A Lawyer Get From A Truck Accident Settlement?
Truck accident lawyers in California generally charge anywhere between 33% and 40% of the settlement amount. They may charge up to 50% of the awarded damages if the case goes to trial. Our truck accident lawyers offer a contingency fee agreement, which means we only get paid upon successfully recovering compensation. We can discuss the percentage we will take during your onboarding process.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Truck Accident Case?
Resolving a truck accident claim often takes a few months to two years or longer, depending on the specifics of the case. The more severe the damages, the longer it may take to resolve the claim.
After the accident, there will be a thorough investigation into its cause. Usually, all liable parties are determined to avoid paying. Negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company could drag on if the value of the claim is higher. Resolving a claim will likely take at least a year if the insurance company refuses to pay and filing a lawsuit becomes necessary.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
The average settlement for semi-truck accidents in the U.S. is $40,000. This settlement amount typically includes medical bills, physical therapy bills, property damage, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
One of Arash Law’s top-rated attorneys, Tina Eshghieh, Esq., successfully obtained a $3 million truck accident settlement for a client.
How Do Truck Accident Lawyers Negotiate Settlements?
Truck accident lawyers negotiate the highest possible settlements by devising a solid negotiation strategy based on strong evidence, such as accident reports and doctor’s notes. They send a demand letter for a specific amount and negotiate directly with the insurance company. The amount is typically the negligent party’s maximum insurance policy limit.
Insurers usually send a counteroffer to the requested settlement amount. Our experienced Desert Hot Springs truck accident lawyers will negotiate fiercely with the other party to maximize compensation for the injured victim.
What Should I Ask A Truck Accident Lawyer Before Deciding Who To Hire?
Ask about the lawyer’s main areas of practice and their experience in handling truck accident cases. Additionally, find out how often the lawyer settles cases out of court. While you may want to resolve your case as soon as possible, you must hire an attorney with skills and experience in litigation in the event your case goes to trial. Then, clarify the fees and costs involved in resolving a claim. You may also want to know how your attorney will keep you updated about your case.
It’s best to choose a lawyer who offers a free initial consultation to see if they’re the right fit for your particular circumstances.
How Often Do Truck Accidents Happen In the United States?
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a 17% increase in large-truck deaths, from 4,945 in 2020 to 5,788 in 2021. A total of 4,149 fatalities were occupants of the other vehicles, accounting for 72% of the deaths, whereas 1,008 deaths were truck occupants, accounting for 17% of total large-truck deaths.
In California, there were 437 deaths from large truck collisions, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). California ranked second in the country for having the highest number of large-truck occupants killed in 2021.
Additionally, 71% of the large trucks involved in deadly traffic accidents in 2021 were heavy trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 lbs. Multi-vehicle crashes involving large trucks were more likely to result in fatalities than single-vehicle crashes involving passenger cars. Around 81% of large trucks in fatal traffic accidents were involved in multi-vehicle collisions.
Large truck drivers accounted for 20.8% of total drivers with previously recorded traffic accidents. It is a slightly higher percentage compared to drivers of motorcycles, passenger cars, and light trucks.
Consult With The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Desert Hot Springs Offers
Whether you’re suffering severe injuries or reeling from the wrongful death of a loved one after a truck accident, a trusted lawyer will help you take the right legal action. At Arash Law, our compassionate attorneys will provide extensive legal support in this traumatic situation. Schedule your free consultation by calling (888) 488-1391 or completing our “Do I have a case?” form.
Working on a contingency fee basis, our award-winning lawyers require no payment until we secure a favorable outcome for your case. We want to help you obtain maximum compensation so you can focus on healing and restoring normalcy in your life.
We provide legal assistance in nearby locations, including Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Banning, Indio, La Quinta, Coachella, Beaumont, Twentynine Palms, San Jacinto, East Hemet, Big Bear Lake, and Hemet. We also offer comprehensive legal services in other areas across California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.
