Fresno Big-Rig Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Experienced Big-Rig Accident Attorneys Who Help The Injured Move Forward
Hit by a massive truck and left with serious injuries? You may be entitled to pursue financial compensation for your losses. Call our skilled Fresno big-rig accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Fresno is a major center for manufacturing and farming, playing an essential role in the region’s economic landscape. However, due to Fresno’s 24/7 commercial operations, the county’s roads are always clogged with big-rig traffic.
The consequences of a collision can be dire, potentially leaving victims with catastrophic injuries. However, determining who should be held responsible might be difficult. Was it the driver, their employer, or someone else?
Arash Law’s experienced attorneys can help you answer these questions and potentially pursue compensation for your injuries.
Why Work With Our Fresno Big-Rig Accident Attorneys
After a serious big-rig accident, you might wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” While you are not legally required to hire one, having an experienced attorney by your side may prove helpful in a number of ways.
Our Fresno big-rig accident lawyers are committed to supporting those injured or grieving the loss of a family member after a preventable crash. We’re here to help you explore ways to pursue fair compensation and potentially support you through the claims process. With a client-first approach, we are dedicated to keeping you informed about your case.
We know that truck accidents can be life-altering. If you’re wondering whether you can be financially compensated for your losses, feel free to contact us and discuss your case. Our initial consultations are free and confidential.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay attorney fees if their case resolves positively. We clarify what other case-related costs they might still be responsible for before we start to work on their case.
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
How Our Big-Rig Accident Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Claim
Our Fresno big-rig accident attorneys are dedicated to safeguarding your claim from the moment you reach out to us. Our team can guide you on how to respond to inquiries from third parties, like insurance companies or employers, and potentially prevent you from taking actions that could harm your case.
We can also assist with gathering and preserving evidence connected to your accident. This includes collecting incident reports, witness accounts, and any available CCTV footage. Apart from obtaining proof, our Fresno injury law firm can also manage all correspondence with the insurance providers on your behalf so you can focus more on your health.
Common Causes Of Big-Rig Accidents
Numerous factors can contribute to the occurrence of big-rig accidents. The following are some of the most common reasons:
- DUI — Driving under the influence can result in impaired judgment and slower reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of serious accidents. Our DUI accident victim lawyers can help you hold the negligent driver accountable.
- Distracted Driving — When drivers are texting or talking on the phone, their attention is diverted from the road, leading to delayed reactions and potentially catastrophic collisions.
- Inexperienced Driving — Drivers lacking proper training can make critical errors, such as misjudging distances or failing to execute safe braking techniques.
- Reckless Driving — Reckless driving behaviors, such as sudden lane changes or speeding, can create unpredictable situations for other drivers, resulting in dangerous crashes.
- Aggressive Driving — Aggressive driving, characterized by bullying tactics or hostile behavior on the road, can escalate tensions and lead to dangerous encounters.
- Fatigue Driving — When truck drivers ignore regulations regarding rest periods and continue working while fatigued, their ability to focus diminishes, putting other road users at high risk.
- Road Conditions — Poorly maintained or dangerous road conditions, such as potholes and construction zones, can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
- Inclement Weather — Adverse weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.
Our big-rig accident attorneys in Fresno can help you identify the factors that caused your collision. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to explore your legal options for compensation.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Big-Rig Accident
Unlike car accidents, big-rig collisions are more complicated because multiple parties may share responsibility for what happened. Therefore, identifying who is responsible is essential to helping you pursue compensation.
Here are some common parties that could be held accountable:
- Big-Rig Driver — Truck drivers can be held liable for the accident if they violate traffic laws, drive while distracted or impaired, or fail to properly inspect their vehicles before hitting the road.
- Trucking Company — Trucking businesses might be responsible for collisions if they disregard driver training or vehicle maintenance and safety checks. The company may also share liability if it forces drivers to follow unrealistic schedules.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturer — If there is a defect in a truck or one of its parts, the manufacturer may be liable for any accidents brought on by that flaw.
- Maintenance Provider — If they overlook critical maintenance issues, such as worn-out brakes, faulty lights, or inadequate tire pressure, leading to crashes, they may pay for the losses of the victim.
- Other Drivers — Other drivers can be held liable in truck crashes if their negligent behavior, such as speeding or reckless lane changes, contributes to the collision.
- Cargo Shippers And Loaders — If they fail to follow safety regulations or best practices, leading to an unsafe load (cargo shift or improper loading) that causes an accident, they may face legal consequences for their actions.
Our experienced Fresno big-rig accident attorneys can help investigate the circumstances of your accident to identify all potentially liable parties. We may start by gathering the available evidence and collaborating with experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to better understand your case.
Proving Negligence In A Big-Rig Accident Claim
To pursue a favorable settlement that may be available to you, the plaintiff must prove the defendant’s negligence. This can be done by establishing the following elements:
- Duty of Care — Drivers have a duty of care to other road users. They are legally required to observe the highest degree of care to prevent harm to other road users.
- Breach of Duty — Once the duty of care has been established, it must be proven that the at-fault party failed to fulfill that responsibility. This includes speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to obey safety standards.
- Causation — The defendant’s negligence must be the direct cause of the victim’s injuries. Expert analysis can provide proof of scientific causation. This can help establish their liability.
- Damages — Plaintiffs must report all costs associated with the accident and their injuries, including pain and suffering, lost income, and medical bills.
Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still pursue compensation. However, the percentage of fault that is attributed to you will be deducted from your potential settlement. For example, a victim found to be 29% responsible for a collision may only be able to receive $71,000 if their total damages amount to $100,000.
Our Fresno attorneys can guide you through this process and assist in identifying potential liable parties in your case.
Compensation Available After A Big-Rig Accident
Collisions with large trucks often cause serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, and burns. Their severity and permanence can play a key role in determining compensation. In wrongful death cases, families may seek financial support to cope with their loss.
By being aware of the kinds of compensation you may qualify for, you may be able to address the financial challenges created by an accident. Here are some of the compensatory damages injured victims may seek:
- Medical treatment
- Future medical care
- Ongoing care costs
- Lost income
- Future lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property losses
- Rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
Our Fresno lawyers understand the impact a big-rig accident may have on your life. To that end, we may assist with examining your accident so you can potentially seek compensation that closely reflects the extent of your damages.
How Big-Rig Accident Claims Work
During your first free consultation, our truck accident attorneys will assess if you have a valid claim to file.
Our team will first look into your case and collect any relevant evidence. This includes:
- Photos, videos, black box, and witness testimonies.
- Medical bills and lost wages records.
- Alcohol and drug testing results.
- Truck driver file, logbook, and police report.
Once we have all the facts, we’ll assess whether you have a valid claim to file. If you do, we can reach out to the insurance company on your behalf. The defendant and their insurer may present settlement offers, which we can review so you can decide whether to accept or counter them. We will assess your claim’s value and work with you to achieve an appropriate result.
Depending on the circumstances, the full process may take a few weeks to several months. However, it may take longer if negotiations with insurers fail and your case needs to be taken to trial. In this scenario, our Fresno accident lawyers will work to advocate for your rights using our years of courtroom experience.
What To Do After A Big-Rig Accident
If you’re in a big-rig collision, staying calm can be key. To secure your health and protect any potential claims for compensation, you can take steps like the following:
- Check for injuries. Make sure you’re okay. If you’re bleeding or have sustained any physical trauma, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical technicians will assess your condition and provide necessary medical treatment onsite or transport you to the hospital if needed. Police officers will also create an official accident report.
- Exchange contact information with the truck driver. Share license and insurance details. Avoid discussing who’s at fault. Take photos of your injuries and the vehicle damage. Include traffic signs, signals, and skid marks.
- If bystanders witnessed what happened, ask for their contact information. Their statements may be used to support your case.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Keep all records of your treatment.
- Don’t share any accident or injury details on social media, as they could potentially be misinterpreted in ways that harm your case.
- Contact Arash Law. Our big-rig accident attorneys in Fresno can help explain what legal actions may be available to you after your accident.
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
The Deadline For Filing A Big-Rig Accident Claim
Big-rig accident victims usually have two years to bring a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. This time limit begins on the day of the incident. However, there might be certain exceptions. For example, if the victim is a minor, the two-year period only begins when they turn eighteen.
Understanding and adhering to these deadlines is crucial to preserving your right to compensation. Our Fresno big-rig accident attorneys can evaluate your case to help you meet all applicable deadlines and filing requirements.
Big-Rig Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 5,936 fatal road crashes in 2022 involved heavy trucks. These accidents killed 4,167 people, most of whom were occupants of other vehicles. Of these, 436 died in California. According to the data, 3% of large truck drivers involved in fatal collisions had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or above.
As of May 2024, there is an estimated 8% decrease in fatalities in accidents involving at least one large truck from 2022 to 2023. Even though this decrease is positive, the risks posed by these large vehicles remain a serious concern, especially for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles, who suffer the brunt of the injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big-rig accident, our experienced Fresno attorneys are here to help. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and we’ll let you know if you have a valid claim. Our team is committed to advocating for your rights, guiding you through the claims process, and assisting you in seeking support for your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need A Lawyer For My Big-Rig Accident?
Though it’s not required, enlisting the services of a lawyer can help if you don’t have any prior legal knowledge or experience. Our skilled Fresno big-rig accident attorneys have handled the unique challenges involving these cases. These accidents often involve complex issues, such as the strict federal regulations that govern the trucking industry.
We also take steps to preserve key evidence that may be critical to your case. For instance, as soon as a client decides to work with us, we can send a Demand for Preservation of Evidence Letter to the potential defendants right away.
How Long Will It Take To Get Paid By The Defendant After My Big-Rig Accident?
There is no guarantee that you’ll be paid by a defendant when you pursue compensation, even if you have a case. However, the length of time it takes to simply resolve a big-rig accident claim depends on the circumstances. These include how the incident occurred, your involvement, the truck driver’s negligence, and the impact the collision had on your life.
If you choose to accept a settlement, the timeline for your claim may be shortened. However, if your case goes to court, the process typically takes longer. Our Fresno big-rig accident lawyers can guide you through this process.
When Should I Accept A Settlement Offer For My Big-Rig Accident?
Consider accepting a settlement offer for your big-rig accident only after discussing it with a lawyer. Early offers might not fully cover your injuries and damages. Our big-rig accident attorneys in Fresno can help you evaluate a settlement offer to see if it is appropriate for your case.
Can I Sue The Trucking Company After A Big-Rig Accident?
Yes, you can sue the trucking company if its negligence contributed to the accident. The company must make sure its drivers are well-trained, checked thoroughly, and tested for drugs. If they fail to do this, they may be considered negligent and held accountable for any injuries caused by their drivers. Additionally, trucking companies must keep their vehicles in good working order. If they allow a faulty truck to be on the road, they might also share liability for the damage it causes.
Can I Settle My Big-Rig Accident Case Without Going To Court?
It is possible to resolve your big-rig accident case out of court. However, if negotiations with insurance companies don’t result in an offer that closely aligns with the value of your losses, we are prepared to study the feasibility of taking your case to court. Our experienced Fresno big-rig accident attorneys will guide you through every step of the process and work to advocate for your rights.
Can I Still File A Lawsuit If The Big-Rig Driver Or Trucking Company Is From Another State?
Yes, even if the truck driver or trucking corporation is from another state, you can still sue them. You can file a case in your state’s court. However, you might face some extra hurdles, like serving the defendant with the lawsuit, which can be tricky and expensive. In this scenario, our Fresno big-rig accident lawyers can help you handle this complex case.
Call Our Dedicated Big-Rig Accident Attorneys In Fresno
At Arash Law, we know that each victim of a big-rig accident faces distinct challenges, medical needs, and financial concerns. That’s why we offer the experienced legal guidance you may need to make informed decisions.
With decades of experience serving injured victims in California, our team provides dedicated and skilled legal assistance for every case. Our car accident lawyers handle different motor vehicle accident cases, including Uber collisions, Lyft accidents, motorcycle crashes, hit-and-run cases, and pedestrian accidents. We also work on personal injury claims involving premises liability and more.
Regardless of your immigration status or language proficiency, our commitment to providing dedicated representation remains our priority. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We help injured victims both across California and throughout Fresno County, serving clients in Clovis, Fowler, Orange Cove, Huron, Reedley, Kerman, Parlier, Mendota, Sanger, Kingsburg, and Selma.
