Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers
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Professional Legal Assistance From Our Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers
With the number of commercial trucks using Kern County highways, big rig accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. These massive vehicles can leave devastation in their wake. The Kern County big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law have experience helping injured Californians seek just compensation after an accident. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free initial case evaluation.
Kern County, California, is a populous area in the state of California, with its county seat located in Bakersfield. The 2022 United States Census Bureau reported that the city had a large population of 916,108. Bakersfield spans across the southern end of the Central Valley, which spans 8,161.42 square miles. Many Californians have made Kern County their home.
Kern County’s economy heavily relies on agriculture and petroleum. This area is also known as the “Golden Empire” because of its rich history of gold, oil, and agricultural production. These industries rely heavily on commercial trucking to deliver goods. Many truck drivers use California’s major freeways, including Interstate 5 and Route 99.
We all must share the road, so there are big rigs that get into accidents with much smaller vehicles. The force of these mammoth-sized machines can cause any passenger vehicle that collides with one to suffer property damage and physical ailments. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a big rig accident, the big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law can help.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs
– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Big Rig Accident Statistics
Big rig accidents happen every day in California. It is important to know how often these types of accidents occur to protect yourself and your legal rights after a crash. Continue reading to learn about national and state commercial truck accident statistics.
National Statistics
Commercial accidents are dangerous. These types of traffic crashes regularly happen throughout the country. The number of these types of accidents has risen over the past decade. In 2020, the country saw a setback in the number of dangerous big rig accidents, which was likely the result of the COVID-19 protocols for traffic throughout the year. Commercial truck accidents are expected to rise past normal levels as COVID-19 traffic protocols relax.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 2020 saw nearly 5,000 deaths across the country in accidents involving big rigs. Moreover, nearly 150,000 people suffered injury.
California Statistics
Commercial truck drivers can become the victim of distracted driving or fatigued driving like any other driver, but the weight of their vehicles makes distracted or fatigued driving much more dangerous than in passenger vehicles. Big rigs can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and stretch over 70 feet. That means even the smallest mistakes can lead to accidents that can result in substantial injuries.
The number of deaths seen in California in 2020 is not abnormal. This trend is documented by federal transportation safety data. California continues to see significant numbers of truck-related fatalities, though recent data shows some improvement in overall traffic safety trends. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), big rigs remain a significant threat to passenger vehicles and other travelers across California.
What Causes A Big Rig Accident In Kern County?
Accidents happen for a variety of reasons. A commercial truck driver may get into an accident for reasons that begin a ample amount of time before the accident. Some reasons for accidents that occur days or weeks before the accident may include insufficient driver training and experience, and poor vehicle manufacturing. According to industry data, frequent causes of big rig accidents include:
Prescription Drug Abuse
Certain substances may cause drowsiness, slower reaction times, or reduced concentration, all of which can affect a driver’s ability to operate safely. Examples of prescription drugs include the following:
- Cough, cold, and flu medications
- Cholesterol medication
- Stimulants and narcotics
- Antidepressant and anxiety medication
- Sleep-aids
- Allergy medications and antihistamines
- Diet pills and weight loss supplements
- Sedatives
- Energy drinks
Traffic Flow Problems
Traffic congestion can lead to serious traffic accidents. Kern County has nearly 1 million residents, and with so many people darting around, bumper-to-bumper traffic happens often. Drivers tend to make mistakes while on the road, too. With so many drivers, unsafe lane changes, speeding, tailgating, and other issues may occur.
Brake Problems
Commercial truck drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. They must check their brakes before beginning a trip. Brake systems generally need replacement every few years based on industry standards, and trucking companies and owners must follow maintenance requirements as specified by transportation regulations. Both truck drivers and companies, and owners should look out for the following issues:
Soft Pedal
A soft pedal defect happens when the big rig brake is not braking as much as a fully functional brake pedal. Soft pedal defects happen because of the following reasons:
- Bad wheel bearings
- Boiled brake fluid
- Fluid leak in the system
- Bad residual valve
- Blown brake line
- Bad caliper or wheel cylinder
- Bad master cylinder
- Air in the brake fluid
- Low brake fluid
Hard Pedal
A hard pedal defect happens when it takes too much pressure to get a proper braking force. A hard pedal defect is caused by the following conditions:
- Badly-worn brake pads
- A seized caliper
- Bad check valve
- Collapsed vacuum hose
- Vacuum hose leak
- Bad power booster
Squealing Brakes
Squealing brakes can indicate a serious brake issue for a big rig. A loud squeal from the brake can indicate that less than 25 percent of the brake pad is left, and it typically requires prompt replacement according to manufacturer guidelines.
Shudder Or Pulsing Brakes
A warped rotor blade can indicate a serious problem in the brake system. Broken rotors keep the rig from stopping quickly.
Dragging Brakes
Dragging brakes can cause a burning smell in the big rig. Brakes then may disengage completely. Driving while your brakes are dragging is unsafe and will lead to further damage unless repaired.
Common Types Of Kern County Big Rig Accidents
Big rig accidents happen for a variety of reasons, and there are several common types of commercial truck accidents. These vehicles are usually nearly 15,000 pounds, and some big rigs can be close to 35,000 pounds by themselves. The significant weight of these vehicles can increase the risk of severe accidents.
Common types of Kern County big rig accidents our lawyers see include the following:
Blind Spots
Blind spot accidents are a type of traffic crash that happens when a vehicle is in an area where another driver cannot see it. Typically, a driver’s blind spot is located on its side or behind the vehicle.
Big rigs have massive blind spots. A passenger car, being much smaller than a commercial vehicle, can find itself in the blind spot for a long time before it can pass the rig. Passenger vehicles remain vulnerable to an accident until they leave the commercial vehicle driver’s blind spot.
Tire Blowouts
Everything is bigger in a commercial vehicle, including the tires. When a tire blows out on a big rig, it can cause a serious multi-car accident. A blown big rig tire can also lead to a car rollover accident or even worse.
Rollovers
A rollover accident happens when a vehicle loses balance on the road and tips over on its roof. A big rig can roll over just like any passenger vehicle. However, unlike passenger vehicles, if a big rig is involved in a rollover accident, the results are more likely to involve serious injuries or fatalities.
Underside
An underside accident happens when a commercial truck driver stops without warning, and a passenger vehicle, or a vehicle that is much smaller than the big rig, slides underneath the commercial truck. In these types of accidents, the big rig can drag the smaller vehicle for miles, causing damage.
Jackknife
A jackknife accident happens when a commercial truck suddenly stops, and the trailer of the truck swings out and hits another vehicle. A jackknife accident can cause the other vehicle a lot of damage. Jackknife accidents are typically caused by equipment failure, bad road conditions, or improper braking.
Types Of Injuries In Kern County Big Rig Accidents
Each accident is unique, and while there is no way to predict what injuries you will sustain in a big rig accident, some injuries are seen more than others in commercial vehicle crashes. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a big rig accident, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Consult with Kern County big rig accident attorneys to discuss how you can seek compensation after an accident.
Common injuries in Kern County big rig accidents typically include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Head injuries
- Seat belt injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Rib and torso injuries
- Wrongful deaths
Common Types Of Compensation After A Kern County Big Rig Accident
The type and amount of compensation you may be able to pursue after a big rig accident depend on the details of your losses, injuries, and other accident-related damages. Experienced Kern County truck accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights after an accident.
Examples of compensation after a big rig accident include the following:
- Vehicle repair costs.
- Current and future medical bills.
- Current and future lost income and lost earning capacity.
- Loss of companionship of a spouse or domestic partner.
- Emotional distress.
- Pain and suffering.
- Other accident-related damages.
In rare cases, you can pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages are not compensable losses like the above examples. Punitive damages are available if the defendant’s actions are taken out of duress, malice, or oppression. A Kern County accident attorney can assess whether punitive damages apply to your case.
It is important to keep insurance policy limits in mind. Typically, the most that an accident victim can pursue is the amount stated in the defendant’s insurance policy. That is why naming every possible defendant in the lawsuit can help you seek appropriate compensation for your losses. Trucking companies usually have large insurance policies, but the claims process can take time as insurers review and validate the details of each case. Having Kern County big rig accident lawyers can help you navigate this issue.
Who Is Liable For My Injuries?
Naming every potentially responsible defendant in your case is important. Failure to properly investigate and find who is responsible can impact your claim, and you may not be able to pursue compensation that reflects the extent of your actual losses.
In a commercial truck accident, there are many possible defendants. Your attorney can assess who could be liable for your accident. Potentially responsible defendants in a California big rig accident include the following:
- The truck driver
- The owner of the tractor-trailer
- The trucking company
- The rig manufacturer and dealer
- The employees responsible for loading cargo
- The truck owner
- Another driver or passenger
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
California Comparative Negligence Laws
Comparative negligence is an important part of California accident law. Having Kern County big rig accident lawyers who are knowledgeable about the law of comparative negligence can help protect your rights and interests. The Kern County attorneys for truck accidents at Arash Law can help you navigate these potential challenges.
Comparative negligence means that the law allows a reduction of the compensation value if there is a finding that the plaintiff’s actions contributed to their injuries. If the plaintiff is found to have contributed to their injuries, their award will be reduced based on a percentage of fault assigned to them by the court.
What To Do After A Big Rig Accident In Kern County?
- Call 911 — When a truck accident occurs, you must wait for authorities and medical personnel to arrive. According to the California Vehicle Code, drivers must report accidents with deaths or injuries within 24 hours. Cooperate fully with the police, but avoid making speculations about liability. When emergency responders are on the scene, follow their instructions. Stay at the scene until you’re allowed to leave.
- Move Vehicles to the Road Shoulder If Possible — Truck accidents can cause traffic congestion due to obstructions on the road. After taking pictures and videos of the scene, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists if possible. This will prevent further accidents. However, if there is severe damage or injury or when law enforcement instructs otherwise, do not touch the vehicle.
- Seek Urgent Care — Let emergency personnel examine you even if you feel unharmed. A rush of adrenaline and shock may make it difficult for you to determine the extent of your injuries. Injury symptoms may even appear days later. An examination by a medical professional is the only way to detect health problems before they become serious.
- Keep Records and Documentation — Medical records, diagnoses, treatment, medications, and related expenditures are valuable evidence in court. The court or an insurance company may assume the victims weren’t injured if they didn’t seek medical attention. This can impact your claim.
- Hire Big Rig Accident Lawyers in Kern County — After prioritizing your safety, documenting the accident, and reporting it to the authorities, consider hiring Kern County truck accident lawyers. Your attorneys can help you file a claim for your lost wages, medical bills, physical rehabilitation, and other expenses that are a direct outcome of the big rig collision caused by another party.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Long Do I Have To Sue After A Kern County Big Rig Accident?
You do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Time is of the essence, so consulting an attorney after the accident can help you understand which deadlines apply to your situation. Our big rig accident lawyers in Kern County will begin investigating your case as soon as we become a part of your legal team.
After a crash, you must comply with the applicable statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a deadline that the law sets to file a personal injury lawsuit. Accident victims in California generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a complaint. However, exceptions may apply. For example, the deadline may be extended in cases involving minors or when injuries are not discovered immediately after the accident.
Though this length of time may seem long, you should not wait until the last minute to get legal representation or begin pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Evidence can begin to degrade, and witnesses’ memories may fade over time, making it more difficult to build your case. Contact Kern County personal injury lawyers to learn your options.
How Much Does Hiring Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers Cost?
The Kern County big rig accident attorneys at Arash Law take commercial vehicle crash cases on a contingency fee basis. This means clients do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply regardless of the outcome.
Contact Our Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers
Our Kern County big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law can assist you in pursuing compensation after a big rig accident. We have extensive experience representing clients in cases involving medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other accident-related damages.
Our team thoroughly investigates cases involving trucking companies, insurance providers, and other potential defendants. We can work diligently to help you pursue an appropriate settlement for your losses.
Our lawyers represent clients in Kern County and throughout California, including Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Bakersfield, Taft, Tulare, Porterville, Arvin, Farmersville, Exeter, and Visalia. We also cater to other areas in California, such as Irvine, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, and Long Beach.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or chat with us online to schedule a free initial case evaluation.
