Hanford Truck Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Hanford Truck Accident Attorneys Guiding You Through Your Legal Options
A collision with a truck can turn your life upside down. If you are injured in one, you need help from our Hanford truck accident attorneys. With years of experience handling accident cases, they can guide you through the claims process. Arash Law is committed to helping you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured victims throughout California. We recognize the profound impact a truck accident can have on you and your family. As such, we are dedicated to providing you with legal guidance and support throughout the claims process. Our team works diligently to deliver strong representation during this difficult time.
Why Hire Our Hanford Truck Accident Attorneys
Our lawyers in Hanford are dedicated to assisting clients in managing truck accident cases. Here are some of the reasons to choose our team:
- Experience Navigating Trucking Regulations — We possess a comprehensive understanding of both federal truck safety regulations and personal injury laws.
- Client-Driven Approach — We are dedicated to developing evidence-backed cases and advocating for our clients.
- Contingency Fee Basis — We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay upfront lawyer fees. Aside from litigation costs, you only have to pay attorney fees if we are successful in recovering compensation on your behalf.
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 Hanford Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Arash Law is a California personal injury firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation. Our personalized approach to handling cases enables us to manage claims tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Here are some of the services we provide to help you with your case:
- Assessment of Your Damages — Our team will assess and estimate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. We can help you pursue compensation that reflects your unique circumstances.
- Access to Vital Resources — We collaborate with doctors, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals who can help us build a well-supported case.
- Comprehensive Investigation — Our Hanford lawyers will investigate your case meticulously to understand every angle of the truck accident. Our team can help you gather evidence and interview witnesses to strengthen your case.
- Dedicated Representation — We carefully evaluate your situation and skillfully negotiate on your behalf. We prepare each case as if it is going to trial, staying ready to react to the developments in the legal process.
Contact us for a free case review. Let us help you explore your legal options and pursue appropriate compensation under California law.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Determining the cause of a truck accident is a critical step in any personal injury claim. Understanding the underlying causes of the collision can help establish liability and hold the responsible party accountable. Multiple factors may contribute to the incident, including the following:
- Driver Fatigue — When truck drivers are pushed to work long, unreasonable hours, they may drive even when they’re exhausted or drowsy. Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making ability. In some cases, it can cause drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel, leading to dangerous situations such as drifting into oncoming lanes and causing head-on collisions.
- Speeding — Unrealistic delivery schedules often pressure truck drivers to exceed speed limits in an effort to meet tight deadlines, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the likelihood of losing control, especially on curves or uneven terrain. In large trucks, this can result in devastating rollover accidents, where the vehicle tips over, endangering the driver and everyone else on the road.
- Reckless Driving — Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors, such as texting while driving or operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, create significant risks for everyone on the road. When a truck driver fails to notice traffic signals, other vehicles, or pedestrians due to distractions or impairment, they may inadvertently run a red light or fail to yield, resulting in a devastating T-bone collision.
- Inadequate Truck Maintenance — Truck companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly. Without routine maintenance, trucks may break down in the middle of traffic and cause collisions.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo — Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to lose stability and control. It can result in jackknife accidents, which happen when the trailer swings out uncontrollably, potentially colliding with other vehicles on the road.
If you or a family member is injured in a truck accident, speak with our Hanford truck accident lawyers right away. They can investigate the cause of the crash and hold all the responsible parties accountable.
Truck Accident?
How Our Hanford Lawyers Prove Negligence In A Truck Accident Case
To successfully pursue a claim, you must first establish negligence on the part of the responsible party. Our Hanford truck accident attorneys can help you prove the following key elements of negligence:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
- The at-fault party breached this duty.
- The breach of duty directly caused the accident.
- The accident was the primary cause of your injuries and damages.
California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that multiple parties can be responsible for an incident. Even if the court finds that the victim shared responsibility for the accident, they are still entitled to compensation. However, said compensation will be reduced depending on the degree of responsibility assigned to them by the court.
Proving negligence in truck accidents can be complex. Even with clear evidence of fault, factors like multiple parties, extensive evidence, trucking regulations, and establishing damages make the process challenging. Many claims need detailed investigation and in-depth knowledge to demonstrate negligence, and that’s where our truck accident lawyers in Hanford can help you.
Crucial Evidence To Collect In A Truck Accident Case
These pieces of evidence can help establish liability, prove the extent of your damages, and support your claims in court or during settlement negotiations.
- Electronic Logging Devices — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandated the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) in December 2015. The purpose was to ensure drivers followed Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Apart from driving time, ELD also records rest periods. If there are any violations, our Hanford truck accident attorneys can obtain and analyze ELD data to support your case.
- Driver Qualifications — Investigating the driver’s work history, training, and traffic violations can reveal if they were not qualified or had a history of unsafe driving. If the driver is found to be unqualified or has prior violations, their employer may be held liable for the accident.
- Traffic Camera Footage — If there are traffic cameras around the area of the incident, the recording can show how the truck accident took place.
- Black Box Data — This is an event data recorder (EDR) that captures critical information about the truck’s operation leading up to an accident. It records details such as the vehicle’s speed, brake usage, throttle position, and other important metrics.
- Vehicle Inspection Reports — The FMCSA requires annual vehicle inspections. If it is discovered that certain parts needed repair but were not fixed, this can expose truck companies to liability.
- Alcohol/Drug Test Results — When accidents occur, it is standard practice for authorities to test all involved parties for substances, including alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications. If substance abuse is found to have contributed to the accident, these results can be used as evidence to support your claim.
- Evidence From The Accident Scene — You can use photos or videos of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and road conditions as evidence to prove your case.
Liable Parties In Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents may involve multiple liable parties. Here are some of them:
- Truck Driver — Truck drivers undergo extensive training and must meet strict requirements to operate large vehicles safely. They are expected to exercise the utmost care while driving. If a truck driver causes an accident due to reckless behavior, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.
- Truck Company — If a truck driver causes an accident while driving for the company, the latter can also be held liable for the damage. Under California law, truck drivers are classified as employees or independent contractors based on specific legal criteria. These include the ABC test established in Dynamex and codified in AB5. When they are on duty (e.g., delivering goods or driving a certain route), they are acting in the interests of the employer and within the scope of their duties.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturer — If an accident occurs due to a malfunction caused by defective parts, the manufacturer can be held liable under product liability law.
- Other Motorists — Truck drivers are not the only drivers who can cause such accidents. Other drivers can also cause accidents if they behave recklessly, such as if they are distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol.
Other third parties, such as a government entity or another private company, may also be liable in situations where their negligence played a direct role in the collision. When you need to establish who is responsible for your injuries, you may find yourself searching for “the best truck accident lawyers in Hanford.” Although we can’t claim to be the best, our firm is committed to standing by your side in pursuing damages appropriate to your specific situation. Contact us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
Compensation Victims May Pursue In Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in devastating consequences. To pursue a claim, it is important for victims to understand the gravity of their losses. Here are some of the different damages our truck accident attorneys in Hanford can help you pursue:
- Ongoing And Future Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Loss Of Earning Capacity
- Pain And Suffering
- Loss Of Enjoyment In Life
The type and severity of your injuries play a major role in determining the value of your case. While some injuries may be treated quickly, others may require extended rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care. Common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
- Amputations
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Back Injuries
- Burns And Lacerations
- Internal Injuries
- Fractured Bones
If you’re uncertain about whether to pursue a claim for your truck accident, we offer a free initial case review. Call us or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Getting Help After A Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be overwhelming and stressful, but it’s important to remain calm and take precautionary measures to protect yourself and your case. Our Hanford truck accident lawyers recommend the following steps:
- Move to a Safer Location — If you are able to move your vehicle, pull over to the side of the road. If your vehicle is wrecked, make sure that you and your occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety to prevent further accidents.
- Assess Your Physical Condition — Check yourself for visible injuries and assess the condition of others involved in the accident, including passengers or other motorists.
- Call the Authorities — Dial 911 for help and ask for emergency assistance. Be detailed when giving information, such as the location of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, and whether there are injured individuals.
- Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene — If you are able to, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including your injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
- Seek Proper Medical Attention — Even if you don’t feel injured at first, it’s crucial to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Your medical records will also serve as important evidence to support your claim.
- Inform Your Insurance Company About the Incident — Contact your insurance provider to report the incident. Make sure you provide only basic information about the accident without speculating or admitting fault.
- Don’t Settle Immediately — Avoid speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance company or agreeing to a settlement right after the accident. Insurers may offer quick but low settlements, and you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or damages.
- Consult With Hanford Truck Accident Attorneys — Consult with a lawyer before agreeing on a settlement. Your lawyers can help you understand the extent of your damage and the value of 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
Time Limit In Filing An Injury Case After A Truck Accident
Under California law, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, a time limit known as the statute of limitations. This period, however, can vary based on specific circumstances. For instance, if you discover your injuries at a later date, the statute of limitations may begin from the date you became aware of the injury rather than the date of the accident.
It’s crucial to adhere to this deadline, as failing to file within the designated time frame could result in the dismissal of your case. Speak with our Hanford truck accident lawyers if you have any further questions.
Truck Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that there were 5,837 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2022. Compared to the previous year, there was a 1.8% increase in fatal truck accidents. Over the past decade, there was a 49% increase in fatal truck accidents and a 24% rise in the involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles.
The NSC report also highlighted the following:
- Large trucks comprised 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal collisions.
- Large trucks represented 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
- There were 120,200 large trucks involved in collisions that resulted in injuries.
- The number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased by 18% since 2016.
At Arash Law, we understand how devastating truck accidents can be, both physically and emotionally. Our skilled Hanford truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims navigate the aftermath of these life-altering incidents. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a complimentary case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?
The value of a truck accident case can vary significantly, as there is no standard or fixed amount. Each case is unique, and several factors influence its value, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of damages such as property damage, medical expenses, and lost income, as well as the long-term impact on your quality of life.
Working with our experienced Hanford truck accident lawyers can help you assess the value of your claim and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your case, taking into account all relevant damages, and assist you in understanding the full scope of your claim.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For A Truck Accident?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to hire a personal injury lawyer for a truck accident. Truck accident cases can be complex due to the involvement of large companies, federal regulations, and multiple potentially liable parties. Truck accident attorneys in Hanford can help you navigate the legal process, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and assist you in seeking fair compensation that reflects your specific circumstances. Having a lawyer on your side can ease the burden of handling the case alone.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Truck Accident Lawyers Near Me?
Most personal injury attorneys, including our truck and car accident lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if they are successful in pursuing damages on your behalf. While case-related costs may apply regardless of the outcome, this arrangement gives you access to skilled legal representation without the financial burden of hourly rates or upfront costs.
When Can I Obtain The Settlement?
The timeline for receiving a settlement depends on the specifics of your case. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. If multiple parties are involved, reaching a settlement may take longer. However, if the at-fault party and their insurance company are cooperative during negotiation, you may be able to settle more quickly. Our experienced Hanford truck accident attorneys can evaluate your case, taking into account all relevant factors, and provide you with an estimated timeline for resolution.
Should I Handle A Truck Accident Claim In Hanford Myself, Or Should I Contact Truck Accident Attorneys Near Me?
You can handle your injury claim on your own. However, many insurance companies will try to settle quickly with the lowest possible amount, hoping you’ll accept the offer without fully understanding the extent of your damages. An attorney can advise you on your legal options for seeking compensation. Our truck accident lawyers in Hanford will thoroughly assess your case, determine the full scope of your damages, and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
How Soon Do I Need To Call A Hanford Lawyer?
Contacting our Hanford lawyers who handle cases involving truck accidents after receiving medical treatment is ideal. The sooner you reach out and hire a lawyer, the earlier your attorney can begin gathering crucial evidence. Additionally, prompt action can help you avoid missing important deadlines, which could prevent you from filing a claim.
What If I Have Lost A Loved One In A Truck Collision?
If you have lost a loved one in a truck collision in Hanford, you can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical bills, burial costs, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more. Our Hanford truck accident attorneys understand the emotional toll this situation takes. That is why we endeavor to stand by your side while handling the legal complexities of your claim. Let us manage the legal process so you can focus on grieving and healing.
Can I Settle My Truck Accident Case Without Going To Court?
Yes, it’s possible to settle your truck accident case without going to court. Most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, and even if a lawsuit is filed, it may never go to trial. Settling is often faster and less costly than litigating. However, deciding on what the appropriate course of action may depend heavily on the specifics of your case. Our Hanford truck accident lawyers may recommend filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Can I Still File A Lawsuit If The Truck Driver Or Trucking Company Is From Another State?
Yes, you can still file a lawsuit. Your state’s courts have personal jurisdiction over your case if the accident occurred within that state, regardless of whether the truck driver or trucking company is based in another state. However, this could make the legal process more complex. Consult with Hanford truck accident lawyers who can walk you through your legal options and help you overcome these obstacles.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Hanford
Truck collisions can have life-altering consequences. If you’ve been injured in such an incident, you need a dedicated legal team by your side. Our Hanford truck accident attorneys provide compassionate and dedicated legal representation to injured victims. We are prepared to handle your case, no matter how complex it may be.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a complimentary case review. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you pursue compensation for your losses. We extend our services to the rest of Kings County and nearby areas such as Kingsburg, Selma, Tulare, Visalia, Parlier, Dinuba, Reedley, Farmersville, Sanger, Orange Cove, Exeter, Fresno, and Lindsay.
