Kern County 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 Kern County Truck Accident Lawyers Can
Help You Navigate The Legal Process
Truck collisions often result in more severe injuries and fatalities compared to accidents involving regular vehicles. To protect your rights and pursue compensation, you can seek the assistance of Kern County truck accident lawyers who understand the complexities of these cases. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Kern County‘s rapid population growth in recent decades, driven by cheaper living costs, particularly housing, has attracted many people seeking affordable land. However, this surge has brought downsides. With more trucks on the roads, from delivery trucks to massive rigs and tanker trucks, residents face an increased risk of getting involved in truck accidents.
Our team here at Arash Law is dedicated to helping you through the legal process. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to handle complex truck accident cases, even those involving large companies. We know that money can’t replace what you’ve lost, but it can help you get back on your feet. Reach out to us to learn more about your case.
Settlement in motor vehicle accident in a Under Insured Motorist Claim against a ride share company; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Choose Our Kern County Truck Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
Truck accidents can be devastating due to the massive size difference between cars and 18-wheelers, often resulting in severe injuries. Experienced legal representation is crucial if you consider suing the trucking company after such an accident. Why? Trucking companies have substantial resources to challenge your claim. Facing them alone would be a daunting task. Our Kern County truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal landscape and advocate for fair compensation for your injuries. Here are just a few benefits of hiring one of our Kern County truck accident attorneys from Arash Law:
- In-Depth Knowledge — Our attorneys understand personal injury and truck accident laws and can navigate the complex legal process.
- Thorough Investigation — We meticulously investigate your accident, gathering crucial evidence and identifying all potentially liable parties.
- Experience in Negotiations – Our team knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties. We can advocate for fair compensation.
- Courtroom Representation — Our attorneys can represent you in court if it is a viable option for your case.
After the truck accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery from physical and emotional injuries while also struggling with lost wages and mounting bills. Getting experienced legal help from truck accident attorneys in Kern County can help you understand your options for seeking compensation.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Kern County, CA
The aftermath of any accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it involves a large truck. Understanding the key steps to take after a Kern County truck accident can help protect your well-being and right to seek damages. Here are some steps to follow:
- Prioritize Safety — After the initial shock, assess the situation for any immediate danger. Move to a safe location to prevent further accidents and check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to request emergency medical assistance and police presence.
- Seek Medical Attention — Focus on your health and well-being regardless of the accident’s severity. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time, so seek medical attention immediately.
- Document the Scene — While waiting for help, photograph the scene from various angles using your phone. Capture the damages to vehicles, debris, skid marks, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
- Obtain a Copy of the Police Report — The report contains critical information about the accident, including driver statements, witness accounts, and the officer’s observations. Request a copy of the report for your records.
- Consult Kern County Truck Accident Attorneys — Experienced legal counsel can provide guidance and support throughout the claims process. Lawyers can help you understand your rights, navigate complex legal procedures, and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have strict rules that truck drivers and their companies must follow to commute and transport safely throughout the state and the entire country. However, not all adhere to these policies, increasing the chances of accidents. In such situations, seeking legal representation from one of the truck accident lawyers in Kern County is imperative. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours, causing fatigue. Drowsy driving can impair judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
Like other drivers, truckers can be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, eating, or other activities. This inattention can divert their focus from the road and lead to distracted driving accidents.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit increases the stopping distance and the impact force in a collision, making accidents more severe.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, improper lane changes, and other reckless driving behaviors can cause accidents by creating dangerous situations for other vehicles.
Drug Or Alcohol Use
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, greatly increasing the risk of accidents.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Unbalanced or overloaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unstable and overturn.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Worn tires, defective brakes, and other maintenance issues can lead to sudden breakdowns or malfunctions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Equipment Failure
Mechanical failures, such as brake problems, tire blowouts, or steering system malfunctions, can cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
Unfavorable Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slick, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poor Road Design
Road defects, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate signage, can contribute to truck accidents.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced truck drivers may not have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the size and weight of a large truck in various driving conditions.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Though not always fatal, truck accidents often leave victims with serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment. Beyond the physical trauma, some survivors may endure long-term pain and suffering, potentially affecting their daily lives and experiences. Some of the possible injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
Broken Bones
Truck accidents involve significant impact forces that often lead to bone fractures. These affect limbs, extremities like hands and feet, and even ribs or facial bones. Depending on the severity, broken bones may require surgery, internal fixation, and extensive rehabilitation.
Crush Injuries
When a body is trapped or compressed against hard surfaces during a truck collision, crush injuries occur. These can lead to tissue damage, muscle loss, compartment syndrome (increased pressure within a muscle compartment), and even amputation in severe cases.
Cuts And Lacerations
Truck accidents can cause deep cuts and lacerations from broken glass and flying debris. These wounds can be severe and require stitches, skin grafts, or other surgical procedures. Infection risk is high, necessitating proper wound care and antibiotic treatment.
Burns And Scarring
Truck accidents involving fire or explosions can cause severe burns. These can be thermal, chemical, or electrical, resulting in tissue damage, permanent scarring, and long-term functional limitations.
Nerve Damage
Nerves are sensitive structures that can be stretched, compressed, or severed in a truck accident. This can lead to numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness, or paralysis, depending on the affected nerves. Treatment involves pain management, physical therapy, and, potentially, surgery.
Whiplash
This common neck injury occurs due to the rapid back-and-forth head movement during a collision. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. While often resolving with time and treatment, whiplash can cause chronic pain and disability in some cases.
Spinal Cord Injuries
These are severe and often life-altering injuries that can occur when the spinal cord is damaged in a truck accident. Depending on the level and severity of damage, individuals may experience paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bladder and bowel control.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head trauma from a truck accident can cause brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. TBIs can impact a person’s cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and daily life.
Emotional Problems
The trauma of a truck accident can have significant psychological consequences. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. These require professional help and support for effective management.
Other Related Injuries
Additional injuries commonly associated with truck accidents include:
- Internal Organ Damage — This can occur due to blunt force trauma and can involve the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, or other internal organs.
- Dental Injuries — Teeth can be knocked out, chipped, or cracked in a collision.
- Disfigurement — Severe injuries can cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, requiring reconstructive surgery and emotional support.
- Vision and Hearing Loss — Trauma to the head and neck can affect vision and hearing, potentially causing long-term sensory impairments.
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. While prioritizing your health is crucial, consulting with a Kern County truck accident lawyer can help you address your financial concerns and your available legal options.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident?
Multiple parties may be liable following a truck accident, depending on the specific circumstances. Truck accident attorneys in Kern County can assist you in identifying potentially liable parties in your case and making them accountable for your injuries and damages. Here are the common parties who may bear responsibility for truck accidents:
- Truck Driver — The driver can be held liable if they were negligent, such as driving while fatigued, distracted, or exceeding speed limits.
- Trucking Company — As the employer, the trucking company can be liable for the driver’s negligence under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior. Additionally, the company may be at fault for improper hiring practices, inadequate training, or failure to maintain the truck properly.
- Truck Owner — If the truck owner is not the same as the trucking company, they may still face liability if they failed to maintain the vehicle or knew of potential safety hazards but did not address them.
- Cargo Loader — Improperly loaded cargo can contribute to accidents. The party responsible for loading the cargo may be liable if they were negligent in their work.
- Truck Manufacturer — In cases where a defective truck component caused the accident, the manufacturer may be liable for damages.
- Other Drivers — In some cases, other drivers on the road may contribute to the accident and share some of the liability.
Compensation For Truck Accident Victims In Kern County
Every truck accident case is unique. This makes determining the appropriate settlement challenging. The severity of your injuries and the impact on your life significantly affect the potential compensation you may pursue. The compensatory damages accident victims can claim are classified as economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are concrete and readily quantifiable. They encompass various categories, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident.
Medical bills and lost wages from the truck accident will constitute a large portion of your losses, but the substantial damage to your vehicle can also be included.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are monetary awards that compensate for the intangible harms, like pain and suffering, that a person experiences due to an injury or wrongdoing. These damages are trickier to calculate than economic damages because they are subjective and vary from person to person.
Here are some examples of potential non-economic damages that could be included in a claim:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Loss of reputation
Our truck accident lawyers in Kern County can help you evaluate your potential damages in more detail. Your case begins with a free evaluation with our legal team.
April 2019: $5M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a motor vehicle collision.
– BRIAN BEECHER
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Truck Accident In Kern County, CA?
It’s essential to understand the legal deadline for filing your potential lawsuit, called the “statute of limitations.” For personal injury claims due to a truck accident, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Failing to do so within this timeframe can result in your case being dismissed and may prevent you from seeking legal compensation. Nevertheless, there are exceptions for certain cases. For instance, the legal time limit may change if there is a delayed discovery of injuries or the victim was a minor at the time of the incident.
Comparative Negligence Laws
California is a pure comparative liability state. This means that even if a driver is partially at fault for a truck accident, they may still be able to file a claim for some damages. They may still be able to seek a portion of their damages, depending on the degree of their negligence. The damages available will be based on the individual’s degree of fault. In truck accident cases, liability can be attributed to multiple parties.
How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Cost In Kern County, CA?
Our Kern County truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if we can help obtain compensation for you. You may still be responsible for other case costs regardless of the outcome.
Before you sign an agreement, be sure to discuss the contingency fee with your attorney in detail.
Truck Accident Statistics In California
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines a large truck as any medium or heavy-duty truck that weighs more than 10,000 pounds, excluding buses and motor homes. This comprises trucks used for both business (commercial) and personal (non-commercial) purposes.
NHTSA findings include the following:
- In 2021, 71% of huge trucks in catastrophic accidents weighed more than 26,000 pounds.
- About 5,788 people were killed in truck accidents, a 17% increase over the 4,945 in 2020.
- 72% of truck accidents in 2021 killed passengers in other vehicles.
- 78% of fatal traffic collisions involving heavy trucks occurred on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.
Moreover, truck accidents are often caused by drug or alcohol impairment that can result in devastating consequences. While driving under the influence accounts for roughly 3% of fatal truck accidents in 2021, the legal complexities surrounding these incidents differ significantly from car crashes. In Kern County, our truck accident lawyers can guide victims through the legal process and help them seek damages for injuries and other losses.
Call The Truck Accident Lawyers In Kern County For A Free Initial Consultation!
Arash Law‘s Kern County truck accident lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are committed to handling all types of trucking accident cases. We understand the state and federal trucking regulations and can conduct thorough investigations. We can represent you in and out of court.
We have years of experience with California’s legal system and handling different cases, such as truck accidents. Our legal team can keep you informed throughout the process and help you seek compensation for applicable losses, which may include your past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, limitations, and disfigurement.
Our services extend beyond Kern County, reaching out to neighboring communities like Fresno, Tulare County, Kettle City, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, Porterville, Thousand Oaks, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Bernardino, Anaheim, Long Beach, Riverside, and Victorville. Learn how our truck accident attorneys in Kern County can assist you. Call (888) 488-1391.
