Lancaster 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 Lancaster Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here When Legal Questions Arise
Truck accidents are life-altering events that leave victims with serious injuries, mounting bills, and other distressing losses. If you’re injured in a truck accident in Lancaster, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers can help you pursue legal action against the negligent parties. We can guide you through the process of seeking damages. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Lancaster is a prosperous city situated in the northern part of Los Angeles County. Currently, Lancaster is intensifying its public improvement program. The city has already completed renovations at key locations, including the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, El Dorado Park Preschool, and Lancaster Municipal Stadium. They’re also setting their sights on building more assets and improving existing structures, such as City Hall, Jane Reynolds Park, and its urban landscape.
However, this progress comes with a downside: an increase in the number of trucks on the road and a corresponding rise in truck accidents. If you or your loved one were injured in a truck collision, we are here to help. Our personal injury law firm can assist you in processing your claim and addressing any legal concerns that may arise during the process.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. However, certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. We can help you understand this fee structure during our meeting.
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 Should You Hire Our Lancaster Truck Accident Lawyers?
Our truck accident lawyers are familiar with the federal and state laws governing the trucking industry. We can investigate whether the driver or the trucking company violated any of these regulations. If there is evidence of any misconduct that led to the accident, our team can use that information to support your case.
Arash Law follows a client-focused approach. We work closely with our clients to understand the details of the accident and develop a strategy tailored to their unique situation. Our team also prioritizes transparency and open communication. Our truck accident attorneys in Lancaster will keep you informed throughout the legal process. It is important for you to understand your options to make informed decisions.
How Can Our Truck Accident Attorneys Help Your Case?
Trucking companies and insurance companies have access to various resources. They have teams of experienced lawyers and adjusters who can dispute or challenge certain claims. They may try to shift blame, offer lowball settlements, or stall the process, hoping you’ll get discouraged and accept an unsatisfactory offer. We can advocate for your rights and interests during negotiations. Our team can help you overcome any legal hurdles.
Here’s how our experienced Lancaster truck accident lawyers can help your case:
- Connect you with doctors and medical facilities for your treatment needs.
- Investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to establish the liability of the responsible parties.
- Collect crucial documents, such as incident and medical reports, truckers’ logs and employment histories, truck maintenance records, and violation reports from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
- Collaborate with professionals from different fields, such as reconstruction officers, law enforcement authorities, and medical experts, to support your claim.
- Calculate the estimated worth of your damages and losses, including your medical expenses, lost wages, repairs to damaged property, and pain and suffering.
- Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies and the other parties involved.
- Represent you in trials if negotiations stall.
These tasks can be daunting for anyone unfamiliar with the legal system. Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Lancaster can guide you through every step, explain your options clearly, and work diligently to protect your rights and interests.
Types Of Trucks Driving Around Lancaster
Lancaster truck accident cases often involve the following types of vehicles:- Tractor-Trailers – Popularly called big rigs, semi-trucks, or 18-wheelers, these enormous vehicles come with long and enclosed trailers. They are used to haul large quantities of freight over long distances.
- Flatbed Trucks – These large vehicles have open trailers with no sides, doors, or roofs. The open design means cargo needs to be fastened tightly to prevent it from moving or spilling while being transported.
- Tanker Trucks – Fuel tankers, milk tankers, and septic trucks transport liquids or gases. They come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the type of cargo they are carrying.
- Emergency Vehicles – Fire trucks and other rescue vehicles provide emergency services. They are typically equipped with sirens, hoses, ladders, and other tools to facilitate swift transport, crowd control, and emergency rescue operations.
- Working Trucks – Examples include farm trucks used for hauling crops or livestock, dump trucks for construction or landscaping projects, and tow trucks for roadside assistance and vehicle recovery.
- Delivery Trucks – These large vehicles deliver packages to specific locations. Some examples are box trucks, cargo vans, refrigerated or reefer trucks, and parcel delivery trucks.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents
Jackknife Accidents
In this type of accident, the trailer swings out of line and forms a 90-degree angle with the truck’s cab. The most common reasons for these incidents include sudden braking, taking sharp turns, and spilling unsecured cargo. These actions can force the trucks’ wheels to lock up and reduce their friction, causing the cabs and trailers to fold toward each other.
Jackknife accidents are also particularly dangerous because they can lead to multi-vehicle collisions. Several cars might crash into each other in an attempt to avoid the swerving truck. The trailer might also detach from its cab and collide with other vehicles or obstacles.
Head-On Collisions
Colliding head-on with a large vehicle is one of the most terrifying experiences in a traffic accident. Passenger cars are simply no match for the weight and size of a truck, so there is a high risk of catastrophic injuries. Furthermore, since both vehicles are approaching from opposite directions, there’s often very little time for drivers to react and avoid the collision. This scenario is especially true on rural roads with limited visibility or during nighttime driving.
The sheer force of impact in a head-on collision can inflict severe injuries. Recovery from these injuries can be a long and arduous process, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potentially permanent lifestyle changes. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers can help document the extent of your injuries. We’ll factor in all your present and future medical needs when we calculate your potential losses.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents occur when a truck’s wheels lose traction, causing it to flip onto its side or roof. These can happen in two different ways:
- Tripped Rollovers — The tires of the truck come into contact with external objects or road obstructions while traveling. Examples include traffic signs, big rocks, trees, street gutters, potholes, guardrails, and other debris.
- Untripped Rollovers — The driver loses control of the vehicle due to internal factors within the truck itself. Trucks have a higher center of gravity compared to cars, making them more prone to tipping over during sharp turns, speeding, sudden maneuvers, or when carrying uneven loads.
Although rollovers make up a small percentage of truck accidents, we can’t overlook their devastating impact. The weight of these road giants is enough to crush other vehicles where they land and even cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Underride Accidents
Trucks typically have high ground clearance, allowing them to pass through rough terrain and maintain stability while carrying more loads. However, this very feature creates a significant danger for smaller vehicles sharing the road. Cars, bicycles, and motorcycles can become lodged underneath a truck’s trailer during a rear-end collision or a side impact, leading to devastating underride accidents.
Although they are not as common as other types of crashes, underride accidents can still be extremely dangerous. Standard car roofs are not strong enough to withstand the heavy weight of trucks, making them susceptible to being sheared off.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions typically occur when drivers fail to maintain a sufficient gap from the vehicle in front of them. A safe following distance is crucial because it allows truckers to have enough time to react and stop their large vehicles in case of an emergency. When truck drivers neglect this essential precaution, they risk slamming into the car ahead, causing serious injuries to the occupants.
Reasons Why Truck Accidents Occur In Lancaster
The causes of truck accidents are classified into these three categories:- Driver Error — These accidents typically involve non-adherence to federal and state laws that govern the trucking industry. Examples include:
- Fatigued driving or violation of the federal law on hours of service
- Distracted driving
- Unsecured load or disregard for cargo safety rules
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding
- Mechanical Issues — These issues may arise due to system deterioration or improper vehicle maintenance. Examples of common defects that can cause accidents are:
- Brake system malfunctions
- Engine breakdowns
- Tire blowouts
- Faulty head and taillights
- Leaking fluids
- Steering and transmission failures
- Unsafe Driving Conditions — Truck accidents can also occur when truckers drive in adverse conditions.
- Lancaster’s desert climate can lead to dust storms that significantly reduce visibility. Limited visibility makes it difficult for drivers of all vehicles, but especially large trucks with wide blind spots, to see potential hazards.
- Lancaster experiences strong westerly winds throughout the year. These winds can push trucks around, especially when they’re empty or hauling light cargo.
- Although they’re not very common, Lancaster can experience sudden downpours that lead to flash floods. These floods can wash out roadways and create unexpected hazards.
- Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, or a lack of maintenance, can make roads slippery, especially when wet. This reduced traction makes it harder for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, especially when braking or turning.
Typical Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
The sheer weight and size of trucks pose a great risk to everyone on the road. When collisions involving these large vehicles occur, they are likely to inflict severe physical damage. Truck accident victims may sustain the following injuries:- Whiplash — Truck crashes can create a forceful impact that jolts the neck strongly in one direction. Whiplash symptoms like neck pain, headaches, and dizziness can linger for weeks or even months. Seeking immediate medical attention can help prevent long-term complications and permanent disabilities.
- Lacerations & Cuts — Broken glass, flying debris, and the impact itself can cause cuts and scrapes. While some may be minor, deep lacerations can require stitches and leave scars.
- Head & Brain Injuries — Even minor bumps to the head from an accident can lead to concussions or more serious brain injuries. If left untreated, these injuries can escalate to more severe conditions, such as impaired cognitive function.
- Back & Spinal Cord Injuries — The strong force of a collision can cause the spine to shift or tear, affecting the surrounding tissues and nerves. Victims may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Fractures — While minor fractures may heal on their own, severe cases often require surgical intervention, which can take a financial toll.
- Wrongful Death — Tragically, truck accidents can sometimes result in fatalities.
What Damages Are Available For Truck Accident Victims?
Depending on the facts of your case, our Lancaster truck accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for these damages:- Medical expenses
- Laboratory utilization costs
- Medical equipment fees
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy sessions
- Follow-up consultations
- Medications
- Missed salaries
- Lost potential wages
- Repair costs for damaged properties
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Disfigurements and disabilities
- Affected marital relationships
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Filing A Wrongful Death Claim
Tragic news of deaths caused by truck accidents continues to circulate in Lancaster. Collisions involving trucks are all too common, and considering the immense size and weight of these large vehicles, they often result in severe injuries or even death. In the face of such a loss, the family of the deceased victims can seek justice by filing a wrongful death claim. This holds negligent parties accountable for the accident. While no amount of compensation can truly replace a lost life, it can help surviving family members cope with the financial burdens they face. Our Lancaster truck accident attorneys have experience in wrongful death cases. In these cases, eligible individuals may be able to pursue compensation for:- Medical bills when the victim was still getting treatments
- Funeral and burial or cremation costs
- The deceased’s expected wages and financial contributions
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Loss of consortium
Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can be devastating, and figuring out who’s responsible can be tricky. Unlike car accidents, where the fault often lies with one driver, truck accidents can involve several parties. Because truck drivers operate massive vehicles, they have a higher duty of care on the road. If they cause an accident due to reckless driving, texting while driving, or fatigue, they’ll likely be held liable. In some cases, truck drivers aren’t the only ones responsible. Other parties can also answer for the damages incurred by the victims. These include:- Trucking companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance and inspection service providers
- Government offices
What To Do After A Truck Accident
After a terrifying truck accident, staying calm and taking the right steps can help you protect your legal options and support your case. Our Lancaster truck accident attorneys suggest considering the following steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Move to a safe location and assess your injuries. Call 911 to receive immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, don’t wait too long to see a medical professional. Remember that adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries can take time to become apparent.
- Report the incident to the police. The authorities can document the scene and gather witness statements while the details are still fresh. A police report will also be a key document if you decide to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later on.
- Document the accident scene. Gather as much proof as you can. Take photos and videos of the location of the crash, your injuries, damaged properties, and the truck involved. You can also ask any eyewitnesses to give testimonies.
- Note all the vital information. Jot down the names and contact details of all concerned parties.
- Notify the insurance companies. However, you must remember not to overshare and admit fault. Be cautious of your words, as they could adversely impact your claim later on.
- Seek legal assistance from Arash Law. Our attorneys in Lancaster, who handle truck accident cases, can handle the legal procedures involved in your case.
Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Cases
Generally, California’s statute of limitations allows personal injury victims to initiate a lawsuit within two years of an accident. Although there are certain exceptions, it is recommended to file a claim as soon as possible. Evidence can fade with time, and witness memories can become unreliable.
Don’t wait until the clock runs out. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers can work to file your claim within the proper timeframe and help gather and preserve evidence for your case.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
Statistics About Truck Accidents
According to the National Security Council (NSC), 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2022. This figure reflected a 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase over the last decade. The data also revealed that large trucks accounted for 6% of all fatal traffic accidents.
In the same year, 120,200 of these vehicles caused injuries to victims, representing a 2.5% increase from 2021 and an 18% increase since 2016. Of these reported occurrences, 161,000 people incurred physical damage, representing a 3.9% increase from 2021. The majority of the people injured, or 73%, were occupants of other vehicles, while 26% were truck occupants, and the remaining 1% were other road users.
Truck crashes in 2022 also resulted in 5,936 fatalities, which climbed by 2% compared to 2021 and increased by 49% compared to the previous ten years. Of these fatalities, 70% were passengers of other vehicles, 19% were truck occupants, and 11% were other road users, particularly pedestrians and bicyclists.
These figures show that truck accidents are still a serious concern on our roads. These accidents can have a long-term impact on victims, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and participate in the activities they used to enjoy. You don’t need to face these challenges alone. Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers can explain your rights, the legal process involved, and the potential path forward. We will be your advocate throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Truck Accidents
Why Is It Important To File A Claim After A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, and the medical bills can add up quickly. Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation for these costs, along with lost wages, property damage, and even non-tangible losses. Sometimes, these injuries can also have long-term consequences. Filing a claim can help you secure compensation for future medical needs or lost earning potential if your injuries impact your ability to work.
Our Lancaster truck accident attorneys can collaborate with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and future medical needs or with economic experts to calculate lost wages and earning capacity.
Should I Accept A Settlement Offer From A Truck Company?
If a truck company offers you compensation after an accident, take a moment to think before signing on the dotted line. Remember, these companies are businesses, and they may try to protect their interests. As a result, they may only offer the minimum payment that they can get away with. This amount may not be enough to cover all of your expenses and losses.
We recommend consulting with truck accident lawyers in Lancaster before agreeing to anything. Our team can assess the extent of your losses. We can also negotiate with the trucking company and its insurance provider to pursue a settlement that reflects your injuries and losses.
Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer For My Truck Accident Case?
After getting injured in truck collisions, victims often wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” The decision to hire a lawyer is ultimately yours, but consulting with one can be beneficial. A lawyer can evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers have experience handling these types of cases. This experience allows us to provide tailored guidance for your specific situation.
How Much Does A Lancaster Truck Accident Attorney Charge?
It depends on the billing policy of the lawyer or law firm. However, most truck accident lawyers in Lancaster work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront attorney costs. The lawyer’s fee is contingent on obtaining compensation for your case. If they are not successful, you will not owe any attorney’s fees. Nevertheless, certain costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. It is advisable to discuss the fee structure during consultations before proceeding.
The exact amount charged in a contingency fee arrangement may vary based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the time and effort required, the stage of the case when it was taken on, and other relevant considerations.
What Is The Average Settlement For A Truck Accident Case?
No lawyer can provide the exact cost of a truck accident lawsuit. Every case is distinct, and its value depends greatly on several factors, including the details of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the damages you sustained. Our truck accident attorneys in Lancaster can assess your specific situation and help you understand the potential damages involved in your claim. We’ll then use this range as our basis when seeking compensation from the liable parties.
Consult Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Lancaster
Were you recently injured in a collision with a large truck? Our team of Lancaster truck accident lawyers can help. We understand the challenges that come with these unfortunate incidents, including your injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. Our team is here to help you through this difficult time.
Don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages so you can focus on healing. Our team will guide you through the legal process, aiming to keep you informed and help you make decisions about your case. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case review.
Not from Lancaster? Don’t worry. We also accommodate clients from neighboring cities and locations, such as Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Santa Clarita, California City, San Fernando, La Canada Flintridge, Altadena, Tehachapi, Burbank, Sierra Madre, Pasadena, Glendale, Arcadia, Monrovia, and Duarte.
