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Given trucks’ size and weight, accidents involving them result in severe injuries and significant property damage. Victims of these collisions often find themselves in considerable financial trouble. Many victims file personal injury claims and lawsuits to recover their losses from the truck accident. Their number one question is — “How much will my settlement be?”
Truck accident settlements can range from a few thousand to several million. However, the settlement amount can vary significantly and might even go higher or lower depending on the unique circumstances of each case.
Factors such as the severity of injuries, the extent of the victim’s losses, and the percentage of fault greatly influence the dollar value of the case. You and your truck accident attorney must understand these factors when navigating a claim, as they ultimately determine the compensation amount you may receive.
What Is The Average Truck Accident Settlement?
Settlements in truck accident cases vary widely. The average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident might not be the same as the settlement a victim can recover after a delivery truck accident. Some cases may result in settlements of just a few thousand dollars, particularly if the injuries and damages are relatively minor. However, many truck accident cases can lead to awards in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, particularly if there are severe injuries, significant property damage, or long-term effects on the victim. In some instances, where the injuries are catastrophic or involve wrongful death, settlements can reach into the millions.
Victims and their families need the assistance of lawyers specializing in truck accidents to find out what they’re entitled to. At Arash Law, we don’t stop until we reach the most favorable outcome for our clients. As a result of our truck accident attorneys’ efforts, the victims we helped have been awarded millions in compensation.
Here are a few of our wins:
- $5,000,000 — A client suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple other injuries after falling from a moving truck. We took over the case, arranged their rehabilitation, and secured a $5 million settlement.
- $5,000,000 — A husband and wife suffered severe injuries when a work truck ran a red light. After two years of litigation, we achieved a substantial $5 million settlement for the couple.
- $1,150,000 — A large delivery truck rear-ended our client, a middle-aged woman, on the freeway, causing neck and back injuries. Despite the defense attributing her injuries to weight and pre-existing conditions, we successfully resolved the case at mediation.
- $1,000,000 — A family’s peaceful drive was interrupted by a reckless truck driver who crashed into their vehicle, leading to severe consequences. We secured the maximum insurance limits, helping the family rebuild their lives.
What Factors Affect Compensation In Truck Accidents?
The circumstances of each case determine the final settlement amount. Attorneys who handle truck accidents assess various factors to calculate the compensation you deserve. Some of these key factors include:
The Severity Of Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in California, the at-fault party must compensate you for your damages in a personal injury case. These include expenses related to your injuries. More severe injuries generally lead to higher settlements.
Bodily injuries that result in permanent disabilities or have a profound impact on the victim’s quality of life command significantly larger awards. Catastrophic injuries such as TBIs or spinal cord damage require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The anticipated costs of these treatments can considerably increase the total value of the victim’s truck accident damages.
The Extent Of Property Damage
The damage to property, including vehicles and personal belongings, directly influences the amount a victim could recover. More extensive damage often leads to higher repair or replacement costs, which the settlement must cover. The compensation also accounts for any additional expenses related to property damage, such as towing and rental car fees.
Other Economic Losses
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses suffered by the victim due to the truck accident. In addition to medical expenses and costs related to property damage, they include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and more.
Furthermore, if the victim cannot continue managing activities they used to do at home, like taking care of children or maintaining their house, they may need to hire someone to do these jobs. In such cases, the victim can seek compensation to cover the cost of hiring help to perform these tasks.
Subjective Losses
In addition to covering the costs of medical treatment and other economic losses, the at-fault party in a truck accident case may owe you compensation for non-economic damages. These damages reflect the intangible yet significant impact the accident has had on your life. Non-economic damages include:
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
- PTSD and other fear-induced mental health problems.
- Humiliation and loss of self-esteem.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Permanent physical disfigurement or scarring.
- Loss of consortium.
Non-economic damages are often more challenging to quantify because they are subjective and vary greatly from person to person. However, they can significantly increase the overall settlement amount, especially in cases involving severe injuries or long-term impacts on your life.
Your lawyer plays a crucial role in calculating your personal injury compensation. They will use their experience and knowledge to assign a fair value to the emotional and psychological toll of the accident. By effectively presenting these damages in your claim, your truck accident lawyers can help ensure you receive comprehensive reparation reflecting the full extent of your suffering.
The Level Of Negligence Involved
Negligence is critical in determining liability and, consequently, the settlement amount. Strong evidence of negligence, such as violations of safety regulations, drunk driving, or poor truck maintenance, can greatly influence the potential settlement. Gross negligence increases the risk of accidents and demonstrates a blatant disregard for safety. If the court finds the defendant’s conduct to be willful or reckless, they may award punitive and compensatory damages.
Percentage Of Fault
In truck accident cases, the percentage of fault assigned to each party is crucial in determining the settlement amount. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which allows you to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your percentage of fault will lower the amount you’re entitled to receive as indemnification.
For example, a 20% reduction in compensation will occur if you’re determined to be 20% responsible. If your total damages amount to $120,000, you will only receive $96,000.
Insurance companies will try to increase your liability to lower the amount they have to pay. You need a team of lawyers specializing in truck accident cases to advocate for you aggressively.
Liability Insurance
Trucking companies typically have general liability insurance to cover risks associated with their operations, including property damage, injuries, or fatalities caused by their drivers. Other commercial vehicles, such as those owned by businesses for transporting goods or equipment, also require liability insurance.
The potential for severe injuries and property damage in truck accidents has led to stricter insurance requirements for commercial vehicles. Both federal and state regulations mandate minimum insurance limits for commercial trucks:
- Trucks carrying non-hazardous cargo:
- At least $300,000 in liability insurance if weighing under 10,001 lbs.
- At least $750,000 in liability insurance if weighing 10,001 lbs or more.
- Trucks with hazardous cargo weighing 10,001 lbs or more need at least $5,000,000 liability insurance.
- Oil tankers weighing 10,001 pounds must have a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance.
Accessibility Of Evidence
Strong proof, such as detailed accident reports, credible witness statements, and clear video footage, can greatly strengthen a victim’s case. When compelling evidence is easily accessible, it helps establish fault more clearly and can lead to a higher settlement. Conversely, if evidence is sparse or difficult to obtain, it may weaken the case and result in a lower settlement offer.
Your Truck Accident Lawyer’s Negotiation Skills
Skilled truck accident attorneys can leverage evidence, legal arguments, and an understanding of the case’s strengths to push for a higher payout. They know how to negotiate effectively, often leading to a better outcome. Experienced attorneys can maximize the victim’s compensation by strategically presenting the case.
While the average settlement provides a baseline, it’s essential to consult with a legal professional who can assess the specifics of your case. They can help you understand what a fair award might look like for your situation.
What A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do To Help You Get A Fair Settlement
An experienced truck accident lawyer can considerably affect the outcome of your case. Their expertise helps ensure you obtain justice and the highest possible compensation. Here’s how:
Determining Your Claim’s Value
Without legal guidance, victims of accidents may unknowingly accept lower settlement offers than they deserve. Consulting with an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Experienced attorneys specializing in truck accidents understand the true worth of your claim. They draw on their knowledge of similar cases in your region and deep understanding of the applicable laws. They work diligently to ensure you receive a fair settlement that reflects the extent of your injuries and losses.
Establishing Liability
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and maintenance providers. A lawyer with experience in truck accidents understands the intricate regulations and liability laws applicable to each party. They conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather crucial pieces of evidence, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case to maximize your settlement.
Deal With Insurers
Insurance companies have adjusters who might try to reduce your claim. They may delay the claims process, hoping victims will become frustrated or financially strained and accept a lower offer. They may also try to deny claims based on technicalities or by questioning the validity of the accident.
An experienced attorney is familiar with these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. They negotiate assertively to ensure you receive a fair amount that accurately reflects the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages.
Access To Specialists
Complex truck accident cases often require testimony from specialists such as accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals. An experienced lawyer has the right connections and access to professionals who can provide expert testimonies to strengthen your case.
What a truck accident lawyer does is secure a favorable settlement or verdict for your case. You can benefit from these if you work with the truck accident lawyers at one of California’s biggest personal injury law firms. From initial consultation to trial, they can manage every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Different Types Of Trucks Involved In Accidents
Trucks come in various sizes and configurations, each with unique characteristics and potential risks. From large commercial semi-trailers to smaller delivery vans, the type of truck involved can significantly influence the severity of an accident.
Here are some of the most common types of trucks involved in traffic accidents:
- Semi-Trailer Trucks — Also called 18-wheelers, these large trucks consist of a tractor unit, which houses the engine and cab, and a trailer containing the cargo. These vehicles are typically used for long-haul freight, making them a familiar sight on freeways and major routes. Unfortunately, semi-truck accidents have become just as common on these roads.
- Dump Trucks — A dump truck is designed for transporting and unloading materials like sand, gravel, or waste. It features a hinged open-box bed lifted with hydraulic rams to dump its contents at a site. When dump truck accidents happen, these materials could spill onto the road, increasing the risk of secondary collisions.
- Garbage Trucks — These are specialized vehicles for collecting and transporting municipal waste to treatment facilities. They present significant risks on residential roads.
- Flatbed Trucks — A flatbed truck is characterized by its flat, open bed with no sides or roof, making it ideal for transporting large or heavy loads that do not require protection from the elements.
- Box Trucks — A box truck, also known as a cube truck or box van, features a separate cubed cargo area mounted on a chassis cab. Typically ranging from 10 to 26 feet in length, these trucks are often used for transporting home appliances and furniture.
- Delivery Trucks — Delivery trucks are typically smaller than larger commercial trucks, making them more maneuverable and easier to park. They can also be customized to meet specific needs, such as refrigerated vans for transporting perishable goods. Unfortunately, these vehicles often operate in dense urban areas, where heavy traffic can increase the risk of delivery truck accidents.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in numerous circumstances, involving different types of vehicles and contributing factors. Here are some common types of truck accidents:
- Truck Rollovers — These accidents occur when trucks tip over due to their high center of gravity. Sharp turns, speeding, overloaded trucks, tire blowouts, or unsafe driving conditions can lead to rollovers.
- Rear-End Collisions — The size and weight of trucks make them more likely to cause severe injuries in rear-end accidents. A truck requires more distance to stop, so if the driver is tailgating, speeding, or distracted while driving, they might rear-end another vehicle.
- Head-on Collisions—These occur when a truck moves into oncoming traffic, either due to driver negligence, fatigue, or loss of control. Head-on collisions can also happen at intersections if drivers disregard traffic signals.
- Jackknife Accidents — In jackknife accidents, the truck’s trailer swings out to form a shape similar to a jackknife. This situation usually happens when the truck brakes abruptly or turns too quickly.
- T-Bone Accidents — T-Bone crashes occur when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle at an intersection. Trucks running red lights or failing to yield can cause these accidents.
- Sideswipe Accidents — Sideswipe accidents happen when a truck and another vehicle traveling side-by-side collide. Common causes include inadequate lane changes, distracted driving, or losing control of the truck.
- Wide Turn Accidents — Trucks often swing their cabs wide to accommodate the trailer when making tight right-hand turns. If not done correctly, this maneuver can cause a big rig accident and endanger vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Regardless of your situation, hiring attorneys specializing in truck accident cases is crucial. They can collaborate with third-party investigators to uncover the true cause of the accident and ensure you receive the appropriate reparations for your case.
What Are The Most Catastrophic Injuries Sustained In A Truck Accident?
Due to the sheer size and force of trucks, accidents involving these vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries for those involved. They can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims to deal with long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Among the most devastating injuries sustained in tractor-trailer accidents are the following:
Amputations
An amputation is one of the most severe consequences of truck accidents, dramatically altering a person’s life. This injury can occur instantly during the collision or may result from complications requiring the surgical removal of a limb later on. Here’s how an amputation commonly occurs:
- Direct Trauma — The immense force of a truck accident can sever a limb at the moment of impact.
- Severe Damage — In severe cases, amputation may be necessary due to irreparable damage or life-threatening complications.
- Complications — Conditions like poor blood circulation or infections following an accident may necessitate amputation.
Adjusting to life without a limb is a complex process involving both physical healing and emotional recovery. Beyond physical challenges, an amputation can lead to significant emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Extensive physical therapy is also required to help individuals adapt to prosthetics and relearn basic tasks.
Victims must seek adequate compensation to cover these extensive and ongoing needs. You should work with lawyers handling truck accident cases to lessen the physical and financial challenges and maximize reimbursements. By understanding how a truck accident lawyer can help, you can ensure that your case is managed effectively, addressing all issues and advocating for the highest possible reparations.
Head And Brain Injuries
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 214,110 hospitalizations related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. While these statistics do not solely account for truck accidents, they underscore the severity of TBI cases. Truck accidents often result in significant head injuries, which can lead to hospitalizations and fatalities.
For example, the violent impact of an 18-wheeler accident can cause internal bleeding, which could lead to serious complications like coma or death. The brain can also sustain a contusion, either from direct trauma or when the brain strikes against the inside of the skull.
Accident victims with head and brain injuries might not always show immediate symptoms, particularly if they remain awake. These injuries can lead to significant challenges, including mood swings, cognitive issues, and neurological complications. These ongoing issues require extensive care and treatment, emphasizing the profound impact such injuries can have on an individual’s life.
Broken Bones
Accidents involving large trucks can lead to severe injuries, with broken bones being a common and serious outcome. The human body, comprised of 206 bones, can suffer various fractures in the said incident.
Here are some common types of broken bones:
- Impacted Fractures — These occur when bone fragments are driven into each other, often resulting from high-impact collisions.
- Spiral Fractures — These fractures occur when a bone twists due to a rotational force, causing a spiral-like pattern along its length. Truck accidents are a common cause of spiral fractures, especially in side-impact collisions or rollovers where the victim’s body is forcefully twisted or turned.
- Complete Fractures — These fractures break the bone all the way through, contrasting with incomplete fractures, where the break doesn’t extend through the entire bone.
- Comminuted Fractures — These involve bones shattering into multiple pieces, often requiring more complex surgical interventions for repair.
Treatment for broken bones varies based on the fracture’s severity. Options range from minor casts and splints to more intensive surgery, which may include pin placement to ensure proper healing. If you sustain such injuries from a truck accident, a good truck accident lawyer can connect you to a medical expert. Proper treatment helps prevent further complications and strengthens your case for a higher settlement to cover all related expenses.
Burn Injuries
Accidents involving trucks that carry hazardous materials, such as fuel or chemicals, can lead to severe burn injuries. When these trucks crash, leaks from the cargo can ignite, resulting in catastrophic fires. Victims of such incidents may suffer from serious and potentially life-threatening burns and other fire-related injuries. These injuries can cause extensive damage, requiring significant medical treatment, including possible surgeries and blood transfusions.
The degree of injury often impacts the potential settlement amount. Burn injuries are classified into four categories based on their severity. These include:
- First-degree burns affect only the outermost layer of the skin, causing redness and minor pain without leaving permanent scars.
- Second-degree burns impact the superficial layers of the skin, potentially leading to blistering and a higher risk of infection.
- Third-degree burns extend through the entire dermis, often resulting in permanent scarring and possibly requiring amputation.
- Fourth-degree burns penetrate deeper, reaching muscle and bone, usually necessitating amputation and leading to significant functional impairment.
Burn injuries from truck accidents can lead to lifelong challenges, including severe pain, disfigurement, and ongoing medical needs. You can seek reimbursement for medical expenses and other damages if you’ve sustained burn injuries in a truck accident. Talk to a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases. They will help you understand your options.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Direct injuries to the spinal cord can arise from damage to the bones and discs of the back. In severe truck accidents, bone fragments may break off and become lodged in the spine. Additionally, injuries to the head and neck can also impact the spinal cord if these areas are forced sideways or compressed. Spinal cord injuries are categorized on a scale from A to E, with A representing the most severe impairment and E indicating normal motor and sensory functions.
The symptoms of spinal cord injuries can vary depending on their severity, including issues such as incontinence, loss of muscle function, bone degeneration, and complete paralysis. A more severe injury typically leads to higher compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and other damages. For accurate valuation, consult with your team of truck accident lawyers.
Other Injuries
Aside from the injuries mentioned above, several other common injuries can have profound effects on a victim’s health and financial stability. The extent of these injuries significantly affects the potential settlement in a truck accident case. The more severe and long-lasting the injury, the higher the damages needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Here are some of these injuries:
- Paralysis — Paralysis can occur when the spinal cord or nerves are severely damaged, leading to loss of movement and sensation in affected body areas. This injury can be life-altering, requiring long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily living.
- Eye Injuries — Eye injuries from truck accidents can range from minor scratches to severe trauma that leads to partial or complete vision loss. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can affect a person’s ability to work.
- Back Injuries — Back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal fractures, can cause chronic pain and disability. They usually require surgery and prolonged physical therapy, affecting quality of life and work capacity.
- Internal Injuries — Damage to internal organs can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. Internal injuries often require emergency treatment and surgery, impacting recovery time and increasing the financial burden on the victim.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident Case?
Liability for a truck accident can depend on various factors. Here are some examples of parties that could be held liable:
- The Truck Driver — In most cases, the truck driver is at fault. Every driver has a legal duty of care to act reasonably and ensure the safety of others on the road. If they breach this duty, they could be responsible for the accident.
- The Trucking Company — Trucking companies can be directly liable if they knowingly hire an unqualified driver or indirectly through vicarious liability. A trucking company can be liable for any accident involving one of its trucks or drivers, regardless of who owns the truck or the driver’s employment status.
- Vehicle Parts Manufacturer — The manufacturer could be held responsible if a defective vehicle part contributes to the truck accident. This liability arises from the defective product’s negligent design, assembly, or distribution.
- Government Entity — A government entity may be liable if the accident results from issues under its control, such as poor road design, insufficient maintenance, or missing road signs critical for driver safety.
- Maintenance Provider — If the mechanics responsible for inspecting, maintaining, or repairing the truck make errors that lead to a mechanical failure and subsequent accident, the maintenance team could be liable for the collision.
Because multiple parties may be liable, you may find it hard to determine liability on your own. Consulting experienced truck accident lawyers is advisable. A lawyer can help you handle the legal intricacies, gather evidence, and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. In this way, they can increase your chances of getting fair compensation.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
After a truck accident, take the steps below to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
Ensure Safety And Assess Injuries
Your immediate concern after a truck accident should be ensuring your safety. Check for injuries, yours and others, before moving to a safe location. However, this does not apply to all scenarios.
Severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage, might not be immediately obvious, so it’s crucial not to move anyone unless necessary. If there’s a clear danger, like oncoming traffic, relocate to a safer spot. Otherwise, wait for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to arrive and handle the situation.
Call 911
Call 911, especially when the accident is severe. Contacting emergency services ensures that law enforcement and medical personnel respond quickly to manage the scene. The police will also file an official report at the scene, which is critical evidence for insurance claims and any legal proceedings that may follow.
Document The Scene
Take detailed notes and photos at the accident scene. Capture images of the vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, and relevant signs or signals. Note the time, date, and weather conditions. These records serve as crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal actions, helping provide a clear and detailed account of the incident.
Gather Information
Exchange important details with the other parties involved in the accident, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. Additionally, record the truck company’s name and any distinguishing features of the truck. You can also get their employer’s name. Don’t forget to collect contact information from any witnesses. These details are crucial for processing insurance claims and building a strong case.
Seek Further Medical Attention
Getting medical attention after a truck accident is vital, even if you don’t immediately notice any injuries. Some injuries may take time to manifest, so seeing a healthcare professional as soon as possible is important. This step is crucial for your health, ensuring that hidden injuries are identified and treated promptly. Documenting these injuries is essential for supporting any claims you may pursue.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, adhering to the reporting requirements outlined in your policy. When providing information, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault. Promptly initiating the claims process ensures that your insurer has all the necessary details to support you effectively in handling the accident’s aftermath.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Be cautious about what you say after the accident, especially when discussing fault. Avoid making any admissions at the scene or to insurance representatives. If the other party’s insurance company contacts you, refer them to your team of truck accident attorneys. Also, be careful about what you post on social media, as anything you share can be used against you in your claim.
Consult A Truck Accident Law Firm
Truck accident lawyers will help you navigate legal issues, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights. They can gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and work to maximize your compensation.
The legal process can be challenging, especially with the unique challenges involved in truck accident cases, such as determining liability and dealing with multiple parties. However, having lawyers specializing in truck accident cases greatly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What Is A Truck Accident Settlement?
A truck accident settlement is a legal agreement between the injured party and the party responsible for the accident, such as the truck driver or their employer. The liable party agrees to compensate the victim with a specific sum of money negotiated and agreed upon by both parties and their legal representatives. This process is designed to avoid the need for a lengthy court trial by resolving the matter through negotiation. It is common in cases involving large commercial vehicles, where the damages and injuries can be substantial.
These settlements aim to provide financial reparation for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other related costs. By agreeing, both parties can avoid the uncertainty and expenses of a court trial while ensuring that the injured party receives fair compensation.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Truck Accident Claim In California?
The timeline for settling a truck accident claim in California varies depending on the case details. In straightforward situations where liability is clear and all parties cooperate, a settlement might be reached within a few months. However, more complicated cases, especially those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties, can take a year or longer to resolve.
The timeline gets extended if the case goes to court. Trials involve lengthy procedures, including court scheduling, evidence gathering, and potential appeals, which can stretch the process to several months or even years.
Why Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For My Truck Accident?
The first step to obtaining the compensation you deserve is to find top-rated personal injury lawyers near you. While hiring a lawyer is not mandatory to make a claim, it offers significant advantages. Truck accident cases are often complex, involving multiple parties, extensive damages, and complicated insurance issues. An experienced attorney can navigate these challenges effectively.
Moreover, a compassionate lawyer provides essential support throughout the legal process, understanding the trauma you are facing. They offer reassurance and advocate for your needs while handling the legal complexities of your case. Lawyers specializing in truck accident claims will be your ally throughout the process.
What Is The Time Limit For Filing A Truck Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for truck accident claims in California is generally two years. This means you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to take legal action, regardless of the circumstances.
A truck accident lawyer ensures all filing deadlines are met, managing all legal paperwork and communication. By handling these legal technicalities, they preserve your rights and allow you to focus on your recovery without the added stress.
Do I Have To Go To Court For My Truck Accident Case?
Not all personal injury cases involving truck accidents proceed to trial. Most are settled out of court, especially when you have a skilled attorney for truck accident cases. A good attorney knows how to negotiate effectively and communicate with insurance companies, often leading to a settlement without needing a courtroom battle.
However, there’s always a chance that your matter could end up in court, particularly if there’s a dispute over liability or the settlement offer is too low. If this happens, your truck accident attorneys will guide you through every step. Their goal is always to reach a fair resolution without dragging you into a lengthy court process.
How Can Truck Companies Prevent Accidents?
To reduce truck accidents, companies and employers must adhere to the following safety measures:
- Regular Maintenance and Inspections—Trucking companies must conduct regular maintenance and inspections to detect and fix mechanical issues before they lead to accidents.
- Driver Training and Screening—Trucking companies should invest in thorough driver screening and provide continuous safety training to update drivers on best practices and safety regulations.
- Enforcement of Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations—Fatigue is a significant factor in truck accidents. Employers must enforce HOS regulations to ensure that drivers get adequate rest and reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by fatigue.
- Proper Loading of Cargo—Proper procedures must be followed to prevent cargo from shifting or falling during transit, which can cause accidents.
Who Can Take Legal Action For A Truck Accident Case?
In a truck accident case, various parties can take legal action depending on their involvement and the circumstances. If you were directly injured in the accident, you can file a claim to seek compensation for your injuries, property damage, and any other losses you’ve experienced. Potential plaintiffs include passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, and property owners.
Even undocumented immigrants can sue for personal injury. The California legal system protects the rights of all individuals, regardless of immigration status. Any victim can seek justice and fair reparations after an accident.
For those who have lost a loved one in a truck accident, immediate family members, such as spouses, children (of legal age), or parents, can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal action allows them to seek compensation for the emotional and financial hardships they’ve suffered due to the tragic loss.
Seeking Compensation? Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers For Help
Arash Law has successfully recovered over $500 Million in settlements for clients like you. Among these, we’ve secured $5,500,000 in a single truck accident case — the highest settlement we’ve achieved for any truck accident case we’ve handled. With decades of experience, we understand what it takes to achieve fair settlements for our clients during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
If you’ve been injured, don’t settle for less — contact the top lawyers who specialize in truck accident cases. We don’t just aim for the standard or expected settlement amount; we strive for the maximum compensation you deserve. Start your journey by calling us today at (888) 488-1391.
Our injury lawyers proudly serve injured parties throughout California, including major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, San Jose, Oakland, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Monica, and Santa Ana.
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