Kern County Truck Accident Lawyers
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Powerful Truck Accident Lawyers Defending the Injured in Kern County
Truck collisions often result in more severe injuries and fatalities compared to accidents involving regular vehicles. To effectively fight for your rights and secure fair compensation, you need one of the best Kern County truck accident lawyers who understands the complexities of truck accident cases and has the resources to take on powerful companies. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 today for a free consultation. You won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
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 compassionate team of Kern County truck accident attorneys is dedicated to helping you through the legal process. With over $500 Million in settlement and awards recovered for our clients, our attorneys can handle any case, 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 today 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 Personal Injury Case?
- In-Depth Expertise – Our attorneys understand personal injury and truck accident law and can efficiently navigate the complex legal process.
- Thorough Investigation – We meticulously investigate your accident, gathering crucial evidence and identifying all potentially liable parties.
- Strong Negotiation Skills – Our team knows how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
- Courtroom Representation – Our skilled attorneys will represent you in court and defend your rights against the trucking company’s legal team if necessary.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Kern County, CA
The aftermath of any accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when it involves a large truck. Understanding the key steps to take after a Kern County truck accident can improve your chances of obtaining justice and fair compensation for your damages. Here are five important 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 immediately to request emergency medical assistance and police presence.
- Seek medical attention – Prioritize 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 with one of Arash Law’s Kern County truck accident attorneys – Experienced legal counsel can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the claims process. Lawyers can help you understand your rights, navigate complex legal procedures, and ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Most Common Causes Of Truck Accident
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US 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. Sadly, not all adhere to these policies, increasing the chances of accidents. In such situations, seeking legal representation from one of the skilled truck accident lawyers in Kern County is imperative. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours, leading to 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 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 aggressive 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 malfunction, 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 like 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.
Most Common Truck Accident Injuries
Though not always fatal, truck accidents often leave victims with severe and debilitating injuries that demand extensive medical treatment. Beyond the physical trauma, many survivors endure long-term pain and suffering, drastically altering 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, leading to 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.
Head trauma from a truck accident can cause TBIs, 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 leading to long-term sensory impairments.
Don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. While prioritizing your health and recovery is crucial, consulting with a Kern County truck accident lawyer can alleviate your financial burden and empower you to make informed decisions about your future. Remember, you are not alone in this challenge; with the right support, you will overcome it.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident?
- 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 be liable 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 an exact settlement amount impractical. The severity of your injuries and the impact on your life significantly affect the potential compensation you can recover. The compensatory damages accident victims can claim are classified as economic and non-economic.
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 the settlement, but the substantial damage to your vehicle will also be included, leading to a higher overall compensation.
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 settlement:
- 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. Call us today for more information.
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 have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Failing to do so within this timeframe could result in your case being dismissed, preventing you from seeking legal compensation and potentially denying you the financial recovery you deserve.
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 personal injury lawsuit and recover some damages. Similarly, an injured driver can share some responsibility for causing a truck accident. However, they may still be able to recover a portion of their damages, depending on the degree of their fault. The damages awarded will be based on the individual’s degree of fault. The greater the negligence, the less compensation the injured party will receive. 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 “no win, no fee” basis. You pay nothing upfront; the attorney only gets paid if they win your case. This way, you can get the best legal representation without worrying about legal costs.
If you win your case, you will pay your attorney a pre-agreed percentage of your settlement or compensation. The exact percentage will vary depending on the case, but most attorneys charge between 30% and 40%.
If you lose your case, you don’t owe us anything. This is a win-win situation: you get expert legal representation without risk.
Additionally, most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, where the attorney will take their fees and expenses out of the settlement amount. If the case goes to trial and you win, the attorney will receive a percentage of the compensation awarded.
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 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 finding includes the following:
- In 2021, 71% of huge trucks in catastrophic accidents weighed more than 26,000 pounds.
- 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 recover damages for injuries and other losses.
Call The Top-Rated Truck Accident Lawyers Kern County Trusts For A Free Consultation Today!
Arash Law‘s Kern County truck accident lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are experts in handling all types of trucking accident cases. We deeply understand state and federal trucking regulations and proven investigative techniques. Our expertise allows us to represent you in and out of court effectively.
We are experts in California’s legal system and federal regulations related to truck accidents. Our legal team will keep you informed throughout the process and present your case to a judge or jury, seeking compensation for 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 top truck accident attorneys in Kern County can assist you. Call (888) 488-1391 today.
