La Jolla 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 La Jolla Truck Accident Lawyers Can Guide You Through Your Legal Options
Truck accidents can be catastrophic events that cause life-long injuries. If you have been injured in a truck crash, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers will support you throughout the claim process and work toward seeking compensation for your losses. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
La Jolla is a seaside community in San Diego that’s known for its natural beauty. It flaunts steep canyons, coastal bluffs, and hillsides that lead up to the peak of Mount Soledad. Aside from being a favorite destination for tourists, this place also has a progressive business sector. Commercial centers like the Village, Shores, and Bird Rock line up with various retail stores.
La Jolla uses trucks for various purposes, like moving residences or delivering products in and out of the city. However, truck accidents could happen in these situations, harming people in different ways.
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer for my truck accident,” reach out to Arash Law. Our firm handles various truck accident cases, helping injured victims understand and explore their rights and options.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Why Consult With Our La Jolla Truck Accident Lawyers?
Our truck accident lawyers in La Jolla can build a personalized legal strategy to support your claim. We have handled multiple cases involving truck collisions caused by negligence. Our team has represented our injured clients through our:
- Knowledge & Experience — Our lawyers in La Jolla are familiar with both state laws and safety regulations in the trucking industry. We can help you go through the claim system and work to prepare a well-supported case.
- Personalized Approach — We understand that every truck accident claim is unique. Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers can review your case to identify all potential avenues for pursuing compensation. We can also handle all the paperwork and offer ongoing support to ease your burdens during this challenging time.
- Dedicated Representation — Many truck accident cases can potentially involve difficult defendants. As your legal representatives, we’re prepared to confront multiple liable parties and advocate for your rights through negotiations or at court, if necessary.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help With Your Claim
Our truck accident lawyers in La Jolla are dedicated to helping protect your rights, support your case, and seek compensation for your losses. We’ll handle all communication with involved parties, including negotiating with insurance companies.
If we fail to agree on a settlement during negotiations, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We’ll advocate for your right to pursue compensation before judges and juries, letting them decide the outcome.
We understand that recovery from your injuries and other damages is crucial to your well-being. Our law firm can extend help by referring you to medical specialists. By doing this, we can also secure expert opinions that can support your claim.
While pursuing truck accident lawsuits can be a rigorous and stressful process, our La Jolla lawyers will handle it for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
As almost all industries utilize trucks for various purposes, unwanted incidents involving these large vehicles are likely to happen. These are some of the common types that our La Jolla truck accident lawyers have handled:
Jackknife Accidents
Semi-trucks get into jackknife accidents when their trailers fold toward their cabs, forming a sharp angle. These incidents are dangerous because they could block multiple lanes and crash into several vehicles.
Jackknife accidents are not uncommon in the U.S. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revealed that in 2020, a total of 4,842 large trucks were involved in jackknife accidents throughout the country. Additionally, around 107,000 incidents resulted in various injuries, while 327,000 occurrences led to property damage.
These events typically occur when truck drivers lose control of their vehicles for the following reasons:
- Driver errors
- Poor road conditions
- Mechanical failures
Empty trucks are the most vulnerable to jackknife accidents, as the insufficient weight of their trailers doesn’t create enough friction.
Underride Accidents
Trucks have high clearances at the bottom, where a smaller vehicle could barely fit. That’s why they are required to have underride guards. Without this accessory, a car, motorcycle, or bicycle could slide underneath them during a crash, often fatally injuring the occupants.
The causes of these accidents vary depending on their type.
- Side Underride Accidents — These incidents commonly result from truckers trying to make a U-turn or crossing a street without proper warning.
- Rear Underride Accidents — When the truck is parked in an unexpected spot or exiting a highway too slowly, other motorists might not be able to brake in time to avoid a collision.
Intersection Accidents
Disregarding traffic lights, failing to yield the right-of-way, drowsy driving, and speeding contribute to a lot of intersection accidents, such as T-bones and left-turn collisions.
In T-bone accidents, one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming the shape of a “T.” They usually result from one driver running the red light while the other one is crossing on a green light. Left-turn collisions, on the other hand, involve one driver turning left while another driver is crossing the intersection.
Head-On Collisions
Our truck accident lawyers have witnessed some of the most dangerous motor vehicle accidents, including head-on collisions. When a truck is involved, the driver and front-seat passenger of the other vehicle are likely to sustain more severe injuries. On the other hand, the trucker might be relatively unscathed, as their seat is higher and the cab offers stronger protection.
Many situations lead to head-on collisions, including:
- Reckless driving at intersections.
- Falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driving the wrong way.
Rear-End Collisions
These accidents occur when a truck or other vehicle crashes into the back of another road user. Rear-end collisions are commonly caused by overspeeding and tailgating, which give truckers insufficient time to brake when necessary. These crashes are also common for trucks going downhill.
According to the Road Safety Toolkit, the weight of trucks makes rear-end collisions devastating for the vehicles in front. Even with advanced safety features like rear crumple zones, the overwhelming force of a heavy truck can severely damage a smaller car that lacks the structural design to withstand such a powerful impact. Consequently, their occupants are likely to experience its full effects and sustain catastrophic injuries.
Side-Swipes
When two vehicles collide while moving in the same direction, side-swipe accidents occur. These incidents usually happen when a driver recklessly changes lanes without checking their side mirrors or using turn signals. Poor visibility also contributes to these cases, especially since trucks have extremely large blind spots at the sides and the back.
Rollovers
Trucks are likely to cause rollover accidents due to their height and weight, which give them a higher center of gravity. When drivers can’t control massive trucks properly, they may lose their balance and flip over.
There are two types of rollover accidents:
- Tripped Rollovers — These happen when the tires of trucks hit an external object or obstacle along the road, like a street gutter, pothole, guardrail, soft shoulder, or an uneven surface.
- Untripped Rollovers — Contrary to the first one, these incidents occur without coming into contact with external objects. These might occur due to uneven weight distribution or a sharp turn.
If you get injured in any of these truck accidents, approach our La Jolla lawyers for truck accident cases. We can assess the details of the incident and see if you have a valid personal injury claim.
Different Kinds Of Trucks
Like other communities, La Jolla is also home to different types of trucks serving various purposes. Among these are the following:
- Tractor-Trailers — These are commonly known as big rigs or 18-wheelers. Large vehicles of this kind have long enclosed trailers where freight is fastened and secured.
- Delivery Trucks — With the rapid growth of industries, these trucks have become beneficial in delivering goods and products door-to-door. Shipping companies like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and the United States Postal Service commonly use these large vehicles.
- Dump Trucks — These typically serve various industrial purposes. Most of the time, dump trucks carry materials to and from construction sites and houses undergoing renovations.
- Tanker Trucks — The enormous cylindrical storage behind their cabs makes tanker trucks the best fit for companies with liquid products, like fuel and water. As these vehicles often carry inflammable substances, they are susceptible to explosions.
- Emergency Vehicles — These are massive vehicles used to respond to emergencies. Examples are fire trucks and rescue vehicles.
- Flatbed Trucks — Unlike tractor-trailers, these trucks usually have open trailers that carry various loads, like logs and pipes. These vehicles would require additional layers of secured cargo, which might shift or spill during trips, harming the surrounding vehicles.
- Farm Trucks — These are large vehicles utilized for agricultural purposes. They can be harvesters, livestock haulers, and other farm equipment that transports live animals and tons of crops.
If one of these large vehicles hits you, seek legal assistance from our La Jolla truck accident lawyers. We’ll guide you in filing your claim against liable parties.
Usual Causes Of Truck Accidents
Over the years of serving injured clients, our La Jolla lawyers have observed that the three leading causes of truck accidents are speeding, fatigued driving, and drunk driving.
The roads of La Jolla are filled with various vehicles, including massive trucks that transport goods from one place to another. These giants play a crucial role in keeping the economy progressive. However, they also pose a serious threat to other drivers, particularly when driven by negligent truck drivers.
California Vehicle Code Section 22406 mandates that trucks cannot exceed the speed limit of 55 miles per hour. Unfortunately, some drivers could be pressured to speed to meet unrealistic deadlines, which could lead to collisions with other vehicles.
Truckers commonly battle fatigue on long-haul trips. They may drive for several hours at a time, sometimes without stopping. Many of them might also work overtime to beat the deadlines set by their employers. As such, they might sometimes drive while drowsy, which could increase the risk of accidents.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is another major concern. DUI laws prohibit truck drivers (and all other motorists) from driving while intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs impair cognitive functions such as coordination, judgment, and reaction time, all of which are critical for safe driving. When these skills are compromised, collisions could occur.
Apart from these three, some other factors that contribute to truck accidents are:
- Driver errors
- Distracted driving
- Auto defects
- Unsafe loading
- Wide turns
- Driving in rainy weather
- Failing to adjust to dangerous road conditions
If you get injured in a truck accident, our lawyers in La Jolla can help assess the reasons why it happened. This information could be instrumental in pursuing claims against the responsible parties.
Typical Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
Our truck accident attorneys in La Jolla have managed cases involving the following bodily injuries:
- Whiplash — The sheer force created during truck crashes usually jolts the neck strongly in one direction. This incident strains the neck muscles and ligaments, causing whiplash. Symptoms of this injury include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Head Trauma — Some victims might also sustain head injuries like skull fractures, hemorrhages, and bruises. These are common injuries that our car accident lawyers see when handling cases, as passengers are likely to hit their heads on the dashboard or windows upon impact.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — These occur when the brain is damaged after a forceful blow to the head. Brain injuries can lead to lifelong complications, such as loss of cognitive functions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Catastrophic truck accidents, such as jackknife incidents, can damage the back and spinal cord. These injuries could cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired movement. Victims will likely require extensive medical treatment to recover from these injuries.
- Internal Injuries — High-impact collisions might lead to organ damage and internal bleeding. In some cases, these conditions don’t show apparent symptoms right after truck accidents and may be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Broken Bones — Large trucks weighing thousands of tons can crush bones during accidents. Fractures could take months to heal. In extreme cases, they might lead to the amputation of the affected limb.
- Wrongful Deaths — In the event of a fatal truck accident, a victim’s surviving family members may be eligible to initiate wrongful death claims to pursue compensation.
If you sustain these injuries due to a truck collision, approach our La Jolla truck accident lawyers. We can study their extent and use that to see whether and how much compensation you may be able to pursue. We also help clients arrange medical treatment with healthcare professionals while managing their case.
Rules & Regulations For Truck Drivers In California
Truckers must comply with stricter requirements to ensure road safety. In California, these rules and regulations cover various aspects, such as:
- Driver Qualifications — According to California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and pass a series of medical and road tests. They must also prove that they’re knowledgeable about vehicle inspections, basic controls, shifting gears, speed control, and space management.
- Medical Requirements — Truckers need to submit the results of their medical examinations every two years. The FMCSA states that those who operate commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds must keep a valid Medical Examiner’s (ME) Certificate. They must not also take medications that might affect their ability to drive safely.
- Loading Requirements — The state has strict cargo rules, requiring truckers to inspect and secure their shipment to prevent movement during trips. The freight must also not cause the truck to exceed the restrictions set by Caltrans. It must not go over the height limit of 14 feet and the weight limit of 80,000 pounds.
- Driving Limits — The FMCSA imposes hours of service regulations for all property-carrying drivers. Truckers can only drive for 11 hours within a 14-hour window after ten consecutive hours off duty.
Apart from these, there are also trucking laws regarding routes, types of shipments, and inspections. Our La Jolla truck accident attorneys are knowledgeable about both these regulations and personal injury law, so we can check for all possible violations and use them to build a well-supported case.
How Is Negligence Established In A Truck Accident Case?
Truck crash victims must prove the negligence of responsible drivers and other parties to demonstrate their liability. Our truck accident attorneys in La Jolla can help you establish the following elements:
- Duty of Care — Citizens have a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harming others. In the trucking industry, for example, truck drivers, companies, manufacturers, and other entities must exercise this duty with due diligence. Otherwise, they might cause traffic accidents that could be fatal.
- Breach of Duty — Not all people are capable of behaving reasonably. When they fail to do so, they breach their duty of care and commit negligence, which becomes a prime factor in a truck accident lawsuit.
- Causation — Plaintiffs need to show that the negligence of liable parties has led them to suffer injuries, whether minor or serious.
- Damages — The final component that plaintiffs need to prove is how their injuries incurred in the truck accident resulted in various damages and losses. The findings of this step will be the basis for determining how much the accountable parties must compensate the victims.
Proving these elements could be achieved through presenting solid evidence, such as:
- Documentation of the incident, like photos and videos of the location, sustained injuries, and property damage.
- Witness testimonies
- Official incident report from law enforcement authorities.
- Doctors’ medical reports
- Expert opinions
- Inspection logs
- Data from the truckers’ electronic data recorder reflects their actual speed and other performance metrics during accidents.
Establishing negligence in a truck accident can be a difficult process. Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence and work to develop a strategy that supports your claim.
Potential Damages In A Truck Accident Claim
Motor vehicle collisions involving large trucks often leave victims with varying degrees of physical, mental, and financial losses. Our truck accident attorneys in La Jolla can assess whether you can seek compensation from the negligent parties for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Property repairs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Physical disfigurements
- Temporary or permanent disabilities and impairments
- Wrongful deaths
Additionally, courts in La Jolla may also award punitive damages to punish at-fault parties for their gross negligence and malicious intent. This award also serves as a deterrent to discourage them from behaving the same way in the future, but instances like these are very rare.
Our truck accident lawyers can help assess the potential value of your damages. We’ll take into account your past and future expenses, all applicable types of losses, and the maximum policy limits available.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
Motorists who get into truck crashes normally feel surprised and confused, but it’s best to remain calm and be aware of what to do next. Below are some examples of steps you can take following a crash:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Move to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. Turn your hazard lights on and steer your vehicle to a safe spot.
- Call 911 — Let the responders give you immediate treatment for your injuries. Even if you feel fine, you must still seek medical aid. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and a medical evaluation can help you receive the necessary care.
- Notify the Authorities — They can act as mediators for all involved parties. Coordinate with them and ask where you can secure a copy of the official police report.
- Document the Accident Scene — Collect enough proof, such as photos and videos of the crash location, trucks and other motorists involved, and the injuries and property damage you sustained. You must also note the names and contact details of all involved parties and witnesses, if any.
- Inform the Insurance Companies About the Accident — Provide all the relevant details you can recall, but avoid admitting fault or offering unnecessary information. Remember, your statements may be used later in the claims process, so choose your words carefully.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 — Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers can discuss your legal options. If you want to file a claim, we can review your case, assist in presenting evidence to establish negligence, and seek accountability from at-fault parties on your behalf. We’ll advocate for your rights to seek compensation.
Statistics On Truck Accidents
Numerous truck accidents in California and throughout the U.S. continue to occur despite the strict implementation of trucking laws. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that in 2021, California ranked second on the list of states with the most fatalities due to large truck crashes. In the same year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that heavy trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds accounted for 81% of fatal truck accidents in the country. These traffic incidents yielded 5,788 casualties, a 17% increase from 4,945 in 2020.
The data also showed that 72% of the victims who died in truck collisions were occupants of other vehicles. Meanwhile, 78% of the tragic accidents involving large trucks happened on weekdays, from 6:00 in the morning on Monday to 5:59 in the afternoon on Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Who Can Be Held Liable For The Damages From A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often happen because of the negligence of multiple parties. Most of the time, truck drivers are at fault for recklessly controlling their large vehicles, thus injuring other road users along the way. However, in some other cases, the following parties can also be held accountable:
- Trucking companies
- Shipping companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair providers
- Government entities
Identifying the liable parties may be tricky, so our truck accident lawyers in La Jolla will thoroughly review the details of the crash. We work to identify potentially liable parties, help establish their negligence, and find any violations they have committed that led to the unfortunate incident.
Do I Need A Lawyer For My Truck Accident Case?
You may need a truck accident lawyer if you get injured in one. Filing claims to pursue the damages sustained may be challenging, especially since the laws governing the trucking industry can be complicated.
Our lawyers in La Jolla have years of experience handling truck accidents. We are familiar with the claims process and can handle the complexities and nuances associated with truck accidents.
Moreover, negotiating with trucking companies and insurance providers can be a stressful task. Our law firm can deal with insurers and negotiate a settlement that reflects your potential damages.
How Much Do I Need To File A Truck Accident Case?
The amount you need to file a truck accident case will depend on its complexity. Since this type of accident often involves multiple defendants, it may be more expensive to pursue compensation here compared to in other personal injury claims. However, what you’re charged may still change depending on how your case develops.
That’s why it costs no fees to initiate a truck accident case with Arash Law. We don’t demand upfront payment from clients, as our La Jolla truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. If clients aren’t awarded compensation, they won’t owe attorneys’ fees.
During your case assessment, we can discuss these fees and any case-related costs that may still be charged after pursuing a personal injury claim. This helps avoid surprises regarding our payment arrangement, regardless of how your case is resolved.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Cases?
California’s statute of limitations states that truck accident victims have two years from the date of the incident to file personal injury claims. La Jolla also follows this deadline. Exceptions and extensions may also apply in particular situations, like when minors, out-of-state, and mentally incapacitated individuals are involved. If injuries are not discovered right away, they have one year from their diagnosis to initiate a claim.
If you want to pursue a truck accident case, our attorneys in La Jolla can help you learn how the statute of limitations applies to your case and help you file on time.
Consult With Our Truck Accident Lawyers In La Jolla
Truck accident victims often suffer serious losses after a crash. That said, you may want a legal support system for your recovery.
Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers offer that assistance to injured victims and work to help them pursue compensation from negligent parties. We’ll gather evidence that may help identify liable parties, work to establish negligence, and seek accountability for your injuries and losses following a truck accident.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free first case assessment. We are available to answer your questions and concerns. Aside from La Jolla, our law firm also assists injured clients in neighboring cities and locations, such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Solana Beach, Coronado, Encinitas, National City, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, Spring Valley, Chula Vista, Santee, El Cajon, La Presa, Bonita, and Bostonia.
