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 Determined La Jolla Truck Accident Lawyers Will Get You The Compensation You Deserve
Truck accidents are horrific events that cause life-long injuries. If you have been injured in a truck crash, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers will support you throughout the claim process and fight to ensure you receive payment for all your losses. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free 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. Spearheaded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our law firm handles various truck accident cases, helping injured victims seek compensation and obtain justice from negligent parties.
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 Hire Our La Jolla Lawyers For Your Truck Accident Claim?
Hiring our truck accident lawyers in La Jolla puts you in the best position to achieve a favorable outcome for your claim. Take advantage of our decades of combined experience, winning case after case. We have successfully secured fair compensation for our injured clients through our:
- Skills & Expertise – Our lawyers in La Jolla have extensive knowledge and proficiency in handling truck accident cases. We have an in-depth understanding of the laws governing the trucking industry. Thus, we can successfully navigate the legal system to help you achieve your desired outcome.
- Personalized Approach – We understand that every truck accident claim is unique. Our legal advocates pay close attention to every detail of your case to identify the best legal options that align with your goals. We’ll also handle all the paperwork and provide ongoing support to ease your burdens during this challenging time.
- Aggressive Representation – Many truck accident cases involve difficult defendants, such as trucking and insurance companies. As fierce legal representatives, we’re prepared to confront multiple liable parties and fight for your best interests. We’re dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation for you, even if it will take us to trial. This is where our La Jolla truck accident attorneys excel.
Our distinct qualities have been instrumental in our 99% success rate, recovering over $500 Million in settlements for our clients. Call our accident hotline at (888) 488-1391 to learn how we can help.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help Win Your Claim
Our truck accident lawyers in La Jolla will prioritize protecting your legal rights, winning your truck accident case, and obtaining maximum compensation. To ensure your claim isn’t jeopardized, we’ll handle all communication with involved parties, including negotiating with insurance companies.
If insurers reject our fair demands and persist with lowball offers, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We’ll advocate for your well-being before judges and juries, letting them decide the outcome.
We understand that a swift recovery from your injuries and other damages is crucial to your well-being. Our law firm can extend help by referring you to top-notch doctors. 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 more trucks for various purposes, unwanted incidents involving these large vehicles are also 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 in jackknife accidents occurred 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 in case of 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 onto 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, which are 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 crashes into the back of another vehicle or 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. Most small cars don’t have a crumple zone at the rear, so they can’t absorb the strong force and get crushed as a result. Consequently, their occupants take the full impact 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 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, not all trucking companies adhere to this regulation. Some pressure their drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, which can encourage speeding and lead to collisions with other vehicles.
Truckers commonly battle fatigue as they frequently go on long-haul trips. They drive for several hours at a time, sometimes without stopping. Many of them also work overtime to beat the deadlines set by their employers. As such, they sometimes have no choice but to 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 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. We can use this as a basis for going against liable 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 in car accidents, as passengers are likely to hit their heads on the dashboard or windows upon impact.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – These occur when the brain incurs damage after a forceful blow to the head. Brain injuries can lead to lifelong complications, like 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 – The worst types of accidents typically result in the deaths of the victims. When these happen, the surviving family members may initiate wrongful death claims to recover compensation.
If you sustain these injuries due to a truck collision, approach our La Jolla truck accident lawyers. We can refer you to excellent doctors to help with your recovery while we process your claim.
Rules & Regulations For Truck Drivers In California
Truckers must comply with stricter requirements to ensure road safety. In California, they must follow several rules for truck drivers covering 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 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 experts in this field and personal injury law, so we can check for all possible violations and use them to build a solid 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, 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 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 will help you gather the necessary evidence and present a strong case to maximize your chances of success.
Damages You Can Recover After A Truck Accident
Motor vehicle collisions involving large trucks leave victims like you with varying degrees of physical, mental, and financial losses. To cope with these burdens, our truck accident attorneys in La Jolla will help you obtain 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 you calculate how much you’re entitled to. We’ll take into account your past and future expenses, all 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. Our lawyers in La Jolla, who have won truck accident cases, encourage you to follow these steps:
- Prioritize your safety. Move to the side of the road to avoid further accidents. Turn your hazard lights on and steer it 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 ensure that you receive the necessary care.
- Notify the law enforcement 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 assist in presenting evidence, establishing the negligence of at-fault parties, and holding them accountable. We’ll advocate for your best interests and acquire the maximum payment for your damages.
Statistics On Truck Accidents
Numerous truck accidents in California and throughout the U.S. continue to exist 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.
With the growing number of cases, the truck accident lawyers La Jolla residents turn to also engage in the promotion of road safety. We understand how these catastrophes can take a toll on someone’s life, so we are one in advocating for the strong enforcement of trucking laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Who Can Be Held Liable For The Damages From A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents 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 other instances, 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 can determine who is to blame, 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 need a truck accident lawyer when you get injured in one. Filing claims to recover the damages sustained may be challenging, especially since the laws governing the trucking industry are highly complicated.
Our lawyers in La Jolla have many years of combined experience handling truck accidents. Therefore, we know the ins and outs of the legal system. We can use all our knowledge and expertise to your advantage.
Moreover, negotiating with trucking companies and insurance providers can be a stressful task. These entities will do their best to secure their profits, so they might attempt to offer low settlements for your damages and losses. Our law firm knows this tactic all too well. Thus, we aggressively represent our clients like you and assert the maximum compensation you deserve.
How Much Do I Need To File A Truck Accident Case?
Many victims don’t know that it will cost them no fees to initiate a truck accident case. Arash Law doesn’t demand upfront payment from clients who seek quality legal services. Our La Jolla truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. We’ll only get paid once we recover compensation for you. It’s a testament to our dedication to serving injured clients. We religiously uphold our goal of obtaining the highest possible settlement without asking for payment until we win.
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 since their diagnosis to initiate charges.
If you want to pursue a truck accident case, let our attorneys in La Jolla take care of it. We know best how the statute of limitations applies to your case. We’ll also take charge of the prompt submission of all legal requirements within the deadlines.
Consult The Truck Accident Lawyers La Jolla Relies On!
Becoming a truck accident victim is a distressing moment no one wants to experience. You might suffer from various damages and losses, so you’ll need a strong support system for your recovery.
Now, more than ever, you must rely on our truck accident lawyers in La Jolla. We will be your most trustworthy allies from the first day you seek legal assistance until the time we win your case. You don’t need to worry about the fees because we won’t demand anything from you unless we succeed in our efforts. We’ll ensure that justice prevails and that you obtain your most desired outcome.
We’re only one call away. You only need to dial (888) 488-1391, which is available 24/7, so we can 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.
