Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Justice within your reach with our Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers
With the number of commercial trucks using Kern County highways, big rig accidents will certainly happen. These massive vehicles can leave devastation in their wake. The Kern County big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of experience helping injured Californians get the compensation they need after a truck accident. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or via online chat to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation.
Kern County, California, is one of the fastest-growing places in 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-size 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, call the Kern County big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law. We look forward to speaking with you!
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 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 devastating accidents with life-threatening injuries.
Unfortunately, the number of deaths seen in California in 2020 is not abnormal. Our Kern County big rig accident lawyers can attest to that. The trend of the number of fatalities has steadily increased and caused predictably devastating consequences. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), big rigs remain a significant threat to passenger vehicles and other travelers across California.
- Seventy-two percent were occupants of other vehicles.
- Seventeen percent were truck occupants.
- One percent were non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Seventy-one percent were occupants of other vehicles.
- Twenty-seven percent were truck occupants.
- Two percent were non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists.
What Causes a Big Rig Accident in Kern County?
Prescription Drug Abuse
Commercial truck drivers are forced to meet hectic schedules. Because of the expectation to meet somewhat unreasonable deadlines, some drivers may be tempted to misuse prescriptions to stay awake. Some drugs cause increased sleepiness and decreased concentration.
- 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 are bound to happen.
Brake Problems
Commercial truck drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. They must check their brakes before beginning a trip. Brake systems should be changed every few years, and trucking companies and owners should ensure that this maintenance happens. Both truck drivers and companies and owners should look out for the following issues:
Soft Pedal
- 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
- 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 needs to be immediately replaced.
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. Weight can lead to devastating results.
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 them. 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 much more likely to end in a deadly accident.
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. If an underside accident happens, 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, you need a lawyer to get the compensation that you need. Contact acclaimed Kern County big rig accident attorneys to protect your legal right to fair compensation after an accident.
- 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 death
Common Types of Compensation After a Kern County Big Rig Accident
The type and amount of compensation you may be entitled to after a big rig accident depends on the details of your losses, injuries, and other accident-related damages. Experienced Kern County truck accident attorneys understand your legal rights after an accident.
- 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 extraordinary cases, you can receive 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. An experienced accident attorney in Kern County understands the availability of punitive damages in your case.
It is important to keep insurance policy limits in mind. Typically, the most that an accident victim will receive in compensation is the amount stated in the defendant’s insurance policy. For example, if the defendant has an insurance policy limit of $25,000 per accident per person, then the money available is usually limited to $25,000. That is why naming every responsible defendant in the lawsuit to ensure that your damages are covered. Trucking companies usually have large insurance policies, but adjusters fight victims to avoid paying claims. Having trusted Kern County big rig accident lawyers can help you avoid 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 cause you to leave money on the table during negotiations, and you risk not getting the compensation you deserve that will cover your losses.
- The truck driver
- The owner of the tractor-trailer
- The trucking company
- The rig manufacturer and dealer
- The employees who are responsible for loading the truck
- The truck owner
- Another driver or passenger
- Federal, state, or local government entities that are responsible for maintaining the road
California Comparative Negligence Laws
Comparative negligence is an important part of California accident law. Having Kern County big rig accident lawyers who are well-versed in the law of comparative negligence will help protect you from any blame-shifting tactics the other side of the case may employ. The Kern County attorneys for truck accidents at Arash Law have the experience and knowledge you need to protect yourself from under-handed defense strategies.
Comparative negligence means that the law allows a reduction of the final settlement amount or jury award 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.
Fortunately, California law protects accident victims under comparative negligence law. Under state law, if the negligent truck driver is found to be even 1 percent at fault for causing the accident, the driver is still responsible for 100 percent of your economic losses and 1 percent of your injuries.
What to Do After A Big Rig Accident in Kern County?
- Call 911 right away.
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 don’t admit fault or guilt. 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 almost always 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, diagnosis, treatment, medications, and related expenditures are valuable evidence in court. A court or insurance company could assume the victims weren’t injured if they didn’t seek medical attention immediately. This can result in a lowball settlement offer.
- Hire big rig accident lawyers in Kern County.
After ensuring your safety, documenting the accident, and reporting it to the authorities, the next step is to find trusted Kern County truck accident lawyers. Your attorneys can help you file a claim that can cover 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?
How Much Does Hiring Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers Cost?
The Kern County big rig accident attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., take commercial vehicle crash cases on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is a payment agreement that allows you to defer payment for legal services until the end of the case. You do not pay us unless we get a settlement for you.
Contact Our Top-Rated Kern County Big Rig Accident Lawyers Today!
Our Kern County big rig accident lawyers at Arash Law have the experience that you need to ensure your access to fair compensation after a big rig accident. We have decades of success getting our clients the money that they need to pay for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and additional accident-related losses. Over the years, we secured over $500 Million for our clients all over California.
We aggressively go after trucking companies, insurance providers, and other potential defendants in a way that most personal injury law firms are afraid of. We pursue justice. Insurance companies tend to fight harder with big rig cases, but we are here for you, and we fight even harder to ensure you get the full and fair compensation that you deserve.
Our lawyers service Kern County and nearby locations, including Wasco, Shafter, Delano, Bakersfield, Taft, Tulare, Porterville, Arvin, Farmersville, Exeter, Visalia, and more. We also cater to other areas in California, such as Irvine, Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, Long Beach, and beyond 24/7!
Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or chat with us online to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation. We look forward to speaking with you!
