Indio 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 Indio Truck Accident Lawyers Are Committed To Helping You Understand Your Legal Rights
Due to their weight and size, large trucks are more likely to be involved in catastrophic accidents than other vehicles. If you get injured or a loved one is killed because of these vehicles, our Indio truck accident lawyers will help you deal with the legal process of pursuing fair compensation for your losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
The city of Indio, situated in Riverside County, is renowned for its vibrant community and diverse cultural events, including the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. However, the city is more likely to experience traffic accidents as spectators from all across the nation swarm to attend these events.
On a related note, truck accidents are common in Indio due to its location along Interstate 10 and State Route 86. Such incidents typically lead to high medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, causing victims to struggle financially and emotionally. If you’re an injured victim, pursuing compensation may require assistance from Indio truck accident lawyers dedicated to protecting your rights.
Our attorneys offer legal support to accident victims in difficult circumstances. We investigate every detail of each case, gathering evidence to identify liable parties and establish negligence. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, reach out to our law firm.
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
Why Consider Our Indio Truck Accident Lawyers For Your Case
Our team of knowledgeable Indio truck accident attorneys is dedicated to providing skilled legal support to injured victims and their families. We understand the consequences a truck accident can have on your life. More importantly, we possess the necessary resources and extensive experience to support you throughout the legal process and help you pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Our truck accident lawyers provide the following:
Legal Experience
Our Indio personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience representing truck accident victims. We utilize our in-depth knowledge of applicable rules and laws to construct well-supported cases.
Personalized Attention
We provide each client with personalized attention tailored to their specific needs and goals. We take the time to hear your story, get to know your needs, and craft a well-rounded legal strategy tailored to your particular situation.
Skilled Legal Support
Our Indio truck accident lawyers are here to offer skilled legal support and guidance during the entire claims process. Our team is available to respond to your questions and concerns, address your worries, and provide the legal assistance you need to move forward with your life and recover.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Our attorneys work on Indio truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis. We will collect no attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. While these fees are contingent upon the success of your claim, certain case-related costs may still apply no matter how the case is resolved. Our fee structure allows you to seek compensation without undue financial concern.
Protection Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may investigate your case closely and dispute or even deny your claim depending on their findings. Our lawyers can help you tackle these challenges. While they might appear to be helpful, their interests may not necessarily align with yours. Any information you provide during the claims process has the potential to harm your case.
You may benefit from legal guidance, which we can provide. We can refer you to medical providers, advise you on what damages you may be entitled to, and even assist you in getting a rental car. Our lawyers for Indio truck accidents can assist you with these and more.
The team at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is dedicated to helping our clients pursue compensation for their losses. We leverage our experience and resources to help you file and pursue a personal injury claim.
How Will Our Indio County Attorneys Handle Your Truck Accident Case?
Having legal representation can help ease the burden of pursuing compensation that reflects your specific circumstances. Your lawyers can help you work through the legal process, manage deadlines for filing paperwork, and negotiate with the insurance company.
Here’s what our Indio truck accident attorneys will do while handling your case:
- Thorough Investigation — In order to present a compelling case, we will thoroughly investigate the events surrounding your truck accident. We will look over accident records, speak with witnesses, and seek expert opinions.
- Strategic Negotiation — Our Indio truck accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who meet with insurers and defense lawyers, steering discussions toward a fair settlement. We will present detailed records and documentation to the insurance company to support the value of your claimed losses.
- Skilled Litigation — If we can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurers, our attorneys are prepared to represent you in court. We can help you protect your rights in front of a jury and present evidence to establish the negligence of the other party, seeking accountability for your injuries.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Based on the observations of our Indio lawyers, these are the most common types of truck accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions — When truck drivers follow other vehicles too closely, especially in heavy traffic, they might not have enough distance to brake safely once the cars in front of them stop. This can lead to a rear-end collision.
- Jackknife Incidents — In jackknifing, the cab of a truck and its trailer fold inwards towards each other. These types of accidents usually happen when the trailer swings out to the side due to sudden, hard braking or too-rapid acceleration. Such incidents can block multiple lanes of traffic, potentially causing a pile-up.
- Rollover Accidents — Trucks are more likely to tip over than other vehicles, especially when taking sharp turns at high speeds or dealing with the shifting weight of improperly loaded cargo. Accidents involving rollovers can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
- Underrides — When big rigs suddenly stop or run red lights, smaller vehicles going toward them may slide under the trailers. Due to the height difference between the truck and the car, these accidents are often fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
- Wide Turn Collisions — Trucks need a wide space to make turns due to the length of their cabs and trailers. If the drivers are not careful, they might collide with other vehicles or objects while maneuvering.
What Are The Usual Causes Of Truck Accidents?
Despite California having one of the best logistics infrastructures in the world, truck accidents are still common in the state. When compared to smaller vehicles, large trucks are operated in a different manner. That is to say, truckers need to be careful with every move and decision they make while driving. Sadly, negligence is one of the main factors leading to catastrophic truck collisions. Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Insufficient Or Inadequate Training For Drivers
- Driver Exhaustion
- Driver’s Negligence (Distracted Driving, DUI, Speeding)
- Failure To Check For Blind Spots
- Dangerous Road Conditions
- Poor Truck Maintenance
- Brake Failures
- Tire Blowouts
- Defective Truck Parts
- Improperly Loaded Cargo
Indio’s truck accident attorneys at Arash Law can help you investigate and demonstrate these negligent actions. We can help you seek accountability from the at-fault parties for your injuries and losses.
Establishing Liability In A Truck Accident
Big rig collisions frequently result in tragic injuries and intricate legal situations. Depending on the specific circumstances, multiple parties may be liable. Truck drivers, trucking companies, and vehicle manufacturers can have different levels of responsibility for the incident.
Negligence laws or strict liability may apply, depending on the cause of the accident and the parties involved. Comparative fault rules will also be implemented if necessary.
Negligence Laws
- There was a duty of care that the truck driver owed to the victim.
- The driver breached that duty of care by failing to act reasonably in that specific scenario.
- Their negligence directly caused or contributed to the accident.
- The victim suffered injuries and losses as a result.
Strict Liability
- Broken pedals
- Malfunctioning engines and transmissions
- Defective tires and brakes
- Weak straps or ties for cargo
Comparative Fault
The state of California adheres to a pure comparative liability system. If multiple parties caused the accident, they will be assigned a certain percentage of fault based on their respective contributions.
Under this rule, even the victim could be partially responsible for the accident if they exhibited some form of negligence. In fact, the state still allows them to claim compensation even if they are 99% at fault. The percentage of liability would lower the victim's award.
Our Indio County lawyers can explain what laws apply to your truck accident case in full detail. Give us a call at (888) 488-1391 today.
What Are The Responsibilities Of Truck Drivers?
Every truck driver has a legal obligation to exercise reasonable caution and follow traffic laws to keep other motorists and pedestrians safe on the road. If they breach their responsibility and consequently cause an accident, they may be held accountable for damages.
Apart from following road rules, a truck driver’s responsibilities would also entail the following:
Regularly Inspecting Their Truck
California’s laws mandate that truck drivers inspect and maintain their vehicles before, during, and after trips to ensure their safety and integrity on the road. Considering that big rigs have more parts than passenger cars, inspections are critical to diagnosing any potential mechanical issues early. Any concerns should be documented in writing and remedied before the driver starts or resumes driving.
Loading Cargo Securely
Before starting their journey, drivers must check their cargo for security and again within the first 50 miles. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), inspections should then occur every 150 miles or three hours. This ensures safe cargo movement.
Securing A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
A commercial driver’s license is required for anyone who wants to drive a commercial truck on California roads. The CDL is also a requirement for driving any trucking vehicle that weighs 26,001 pounds or more in terms of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). It also includes any truck intended to carry more than ten people (including the driver), even if it weighs less than 26,000 pounds.
Maintaining Truck Driver Logs
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) requires all commercial drivers to maintain activity records using electronic logging devices. ELDs are synchronized with the truck’s engine, allowing them to keep track of driving times and brakes accurately.
On top of using ELDs, truckers may also manually note their activities in a log book containing information like the following:
- Date
- Duty status (on-duty, off-duty, driving, sleeper berth)
- Total hours in each duty status
- Total mileage driven
- Commercial motor vehicle identification
Speak with our Indio truck accident attorneys right away if you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a truck driver’s carelessness.
Common Injuries In Truck Accidents
The main factors contributing to the devastating effects of big-rig collisions are the vehicle’s size and weight. Needless to say, truck accidents often result in severe injuries. Some of these include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Amputations
- Rib fractures
- Skull fractures
- Pelvic injuries
- Psychological trauma
- Paralysis
- Crush injuries
Potential Compensation For Truck Accident Victims
If you’re injured in a big rig incident, you may be eligible to file a claim for different types of damages. In general, Indio truck accident lawyers can help you make a claim for the following:
Economic Damages — These losses are easily measurable. They are the costs the victim incurred or the amount they lost as a result of the accident. A few examples include:
- Present and future medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Reduced future income
Non-Economic Damages — These damages are intangible and subjective. Their values are not as easily quantified, but our Indio truck accident lawyers employ specific methods to calculate a fair amount. These losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Our lawyers will consider every detail of your injury, including its long-term effects on you and your family. We will also hire experts, like economists, to help us calculate the value of all your losses.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Indio
One of the best courses of action following a truck accident is to remain calm. It is advisable to know how to speak or act during this time so that you can protect yourself and your rights to seek compensation. Below is a list of steps that you may take if you’re still able.
- Assess Your Condition — After moving to a safe location, check your injuries before checking on others.
- Call 911 & Notify the Authorities — Request immediate assistance to get law enforcement on the scene. Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the Riverside County Emergency Operations Center. While waiting, avoid removing anything from the area or performing any kind of cleanup until the local authorities arrive.
- Seek Medical Attention — Get medical assistance from the emergency responders, even if you do not personally believe that you were injured. Afterward, go to the ER to have a full assessment.
- Gather Important Information — Ask any involved drivers for their license and insurance details. Obtain any witnesses’ contact information as well.
- Document the Accident — Take pictures of the accident scene, including the vehicles, injuries, and property damage. Take photos of traffic signals, cracked pavement, and any other evidence that may help identify the issue.
- Contact an Indio Truck Accident Lawyer — Seeking legal protection may help you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that may hurt your case. We will advise you on your legal options and the next steps you can take.
For legal assistance with a truck accident, reach out to Arash Law. We will connect with you over the phone or in person with one of our Indio attorneys who handles truck accidents.
Truck Accident Statistics In California
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California had the second-highest number of deaths from truck accidents in 2021. Around 48 truck occupants were killed, while occupants of other vehicles and nonoccupants (such as pedestrians) accounted for 389 fatalities.
Truck accidents remain a persistent issue throughout the country. In the same year, these accidents led to 5,788 deaths and 154,994 injuries nationwide. These figures were a significant increase from 2020’s 4,945 fatalities and 141,613 injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Indio Truck Accident Case Worth?
Truck accident settlements are usually higher compared to other types of motor vehicle accidents. However, there’s no set amount, as it depends on specific factors, such as the severity of the injury, property damages, and emotional distress, among other losses. The value would also depend on the negligent party’s insurance policy limits.
For a proper overview of how much your accident settlement is going to be, speak with one of our Indio truck accident lawyers.
How Do I Know If I’m Qualified For A Truck Accident Claim?
Under California law, you might be eligible to file a claim if you’re injured and negligence is involved. You will have to prove that the at-fault party caused the truck accident because of their wrongful actions, which then led to your injuries and damages. Feel free to fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form so that we can assess your claim.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Truck Accident Case?
The timeframe for a truck accident case can vary widely, depending on factors like the complexity of the case, negotiations between the parties involved, and the number of court hearings required. Some cases might be relatively straightforward, especially if there is only one or two negligent parties involved. Others might be more complicated. Reach out to our Indio truck accident attorneys today, and we will discuss your case in more detail.
Should A Truck Accident Victim Accept Their First Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies may offer early settlements after accidents, but accepting them comes with risk. Their offers may seem enticing at first, but they may fail to reflect the full scope and types of damages you’ve incurred. The payouts might not cover all of their expenses, especially if your condition requires continuous medical treatment. Bring your case to our Indio County lawyers who have experience handling truck accidents. We will analyze and estimate the worth of your claim. We can help you pursue fair compensation based on the facts of your case.
Who Investigates Truck Accidents In California?
The local police, California Highway Patrol, National Transportation Safety Board, or another government agency may investigate your accident, depending on the circumstances and location.
Who Will Pay For My Truck Accident?
- Trucking company
- Trucker’s insurance company
- Truck manufacturer for parts defects
- Other companies/people who were involved with the truck company, such as loaders, owners of the cargo, etc.
How Long Do I Have To Report A Truck Accident?
The statute of limitations generally gives you two years to file a claim. Considering how long it will take you to recover from your injuries, this deadline may not leave you enough time to submit all your documents. However, there may be certain circumstances where the deadline can be tolled or paused. For example, the time limit for filing a case involving a minor may be paused until they become of legal age. It’s vital to remember that you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your losses after the statute of limitations has passed.
Consult Our Indio Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member sustains injuries as a result of a big rig collision, seeking legal guidance can help you navigate the process. Get in touch with the Indio truck accident attorneys at Arash Law for a free case review.
We can help you get your story heard. Any questions or concerns you may have will be addressed. Our team can walk you through the legal process to help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
To discuss your claim and legal options after a truck accident, contact our Indio truck accident lawyers by calling (888) 488-1391 to arrange a free initial consultation.
Our personal injury and car accident lawyers extend their legal services beyond Indio City. We can also assist clients throughout Riverside County, which includes Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Desert Hot Springs, Coachella, Cathedral City, and Bermuda Dunes. Outside the county, we also serve truck accident victims in the following areas: San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Jose, Menifee, Stockton, Santa Clara, and San Bernardino.
