Merced County Truck Accident Lawyers

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Merced County Truck Accident Lawyers With Legal Insights And Trusted Results
An 18-wheeler traveling at 60 miles per hour has the potential for greater destruction than most vehicles, and a single mistake on the road can ruin the day for everyone nearby. When truck drivers aren’t paying attention, they might not notice traffic has come to a stop up ahead. This lack of awareness can lead to devastating accidents if the truck doesn’t have enough space to stop in time, as these vehicles have slower acceleration and longer braking distances. Injuries like internal bleeding, broken bones, burns, and disfigurement are just some of the severe consequences of negligent truck driving.
Our lawyers, specializing in big rig accidents, are ready to represent you and your interests in and out of court. Proving fault involves demonstrating that the truck driver failed to exercise care and caution on the road, leading to negligence and harm. Merced County truck accident lawyers know how to identify negligence in different driving situations, and our track record includes winning millions for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you’ve come to the right firm! Schedule a consultation with Arash Law today by calling the number above or completing our online form.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Is It Beneficial To Have Merced County Lawyers Handle A Truck Accident Case?
Truck Accident Statistics In Merced County
Truck accidents are often seen as highly dangerous. Despite the inherent risks of large trucks, most truck collisions don’t end in fatalities. According to the 2020 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, there were 4,444 fatal accidents involving large trucks out of 415,444 truck collisions. While fatal truck accidents aren’t frequent, they still claim thousands of lives each year. In 2021, the number rose to 5,788 deaths, up from 4,945 in 2020. When truck drivers are in a collision, it’s often the other drivers who lose their lives.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2021 that a striking 72% of people who died in accidents involving large trucks were not in the truck at the time of the incident. The significant size difference between trucks and other vehicles on the road explains why individuals in smaller cars are more likely to suffer fatal outcomes. A study by FMCSA showed that rural settings like Merced County accounted for 55% of fatal truck accidents, with only 45% occurring in urban areas. Dimly lit country roads can heighten driver fatigue, and the more open nature of these areas makes truck drivers more inclined to speed.
What Are The Types Of Truck Accidents?
- Jackknife accidents – These happen when the trailer of a truck swings sideways to the vehicle, often leading to the trailer colliding with a car in the adjacent lane.
- Rollover accidents – Given their high center of gravity, commercial, semi-truck, and 18-wheeler trucks are prone to rollovers, especially when driving on curves or if the driver overcorrects a steering mistake.
- Cargo spills – These accidents, like a spill of 2,000 gallons of gasoline on the road, can be hazardous. Sometimes, it’s the fault of the trucking company, not just the driver.
- Override and underride accidents – An override accident occurs when a truck drives over the car’s roof in front of it, while underride accidents happen when a smaller car gets trapped underneath the truck.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Fatigue Among Truck Drivers
An infamous example is the truck accident involving comedian Tracy Morgan, where a Wal-Mart 18-wheeler collided with his party limo bus, resulting in multiple deaths and severe injuries. The investigation revealed that the truck operator had been driving for over 24 hours without taking a break.
Overspeeding
Another significant cause of serious truck accidents is speeding. Big rigs, being much larger than regular cars, take longer to slow down. If a big rig operator is speeding and doesn’t apply the brakes in time, it can result in a deadly collision, especially in congested traffic or when traffic conditions change.
Getting Distracted While Driving
In addition to fatigue and speeding, distracted driving is a leading cause of truck collisions. Like many drivers of smaller vehicles, big rig operators often check their phones and text while driving despite regulations prohibiting handheld devices on the road. Accidents can occur when a big rig operator texts or looks at their phone, even for a brief period of time.
The Use of Drugs or Alcohol While Driving (DUI)
Distracted driving, as well as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, contribute to serious accidents involving big rigs and other vehicles. In the trucking industry, the misuse of prescription drugs and stimulants is common, as operators use them to stay awake for extended periods.
Inadequate Maintenance
In some cases, accidents aren’t caused by operator negligence but by negligent maintenance. Truck companies may neglect to maintain essential components like brakes and tires. This neglect poses the risk of sudden malfunctions, leading to the big rig swerving into oncoming traffic or jackknifing and causing a major wreck.
What Makes Truck Accidents Unique?
Can Employers Be Held Liable For Their Drivers’ Negligence?
What Are The Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents In Merced County?
- Bone fractures – If your bones break through the skin (compound fracture), you might need traction and several surgeries.
- Soft tissue injuries – These can be painful, like whiplash. It can also involve sprains and tears in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Burns – Severe burn injuries (third and fourth-degree) can leave you permanently disfigured.
- Traumatic brain injury – A hit to the head can lead to temporary or permanent brain damage.
- Spine injuries – These can result in paralysis or long-lasting, constant pain.
- Internal injuries – Since our bodies are soft and vehicles are made of metal, damaged organs often need surgery.
Besides physical injuries, you might also face mental health issues and psychological trauma like PTSD. If the accident caused physical injury as well as psychological trauma, recovery is possible.
In the worst cases, there’s even the heartbreaking possibility of wrongful death. In California, close relatives can file a wrongful death claim or lawsuit if someone else’s wrongful actions caused a loved one’s death. Compensation is for relatives and dependents; you can even seek damages for psychological suffering, like the loss of companionship.
Limited Amount Of Time To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit
If you or a family member got seriously hurt in a truck accident, you’ve got a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. In Merced County and throughout California, you have two years to file your claim. This timeframe is relatively short, and delaying can compromise your ability to seek compensation for the damages and losses incurred.
What Will I Do After My Truck Accident In Merced County?
- Notify Law Enforcement
Immediately report the truck accident to the Merced County Police Department. Dial 911, providing essential details to the dispatcher to facilitate the appropriate response.Find out what details should be included in an official accident report.
- Seek Urgent Medical Attention
If serious injuries are present, or if there are life-threatening conditions, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Communicate the urgency for help when reporting the accident to 911. Obtain medical attention soon after leaving the scene to document injuries and promptly estimate future treatment costs. - Document The Scene
Take photos of the entire accident site, the positions of all involved vehicles, injuries sustained by you and any passengers, vehicle damage, and any relevant environmental conditions, such as weather. - Exchange Information
Exchange contact information with the other driver(s) while waiting for the police. Gather details like full names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and auto insurance information. Additionally, collect the truck driver’s employer’s information. - Interview Witnesses
Engage with witnesses who may have observed the accident. Obtain their names and contact details, understanding that your truck accident lawyers may follow up with them later for additional information. - Exercise Caution In Communication
Be mindful of your statements after the accident, and refrain from apologizing or admitting fault. Exercise composure, even when emotionally affected, as statements can be used against you. - Appraise Vehicle Damage
Hold off on vehicle repairs until you clear it with your insurance company and have the damage appraised. Internal damage may exist despite external appearances, and knowing the extent of property damage is crucial. - Adhere To Medical Instructions
Follow your doctor’s guidance for treatment and attend scheduled follow-up appointments. Consistent adherence to your medical provider is critical when pursuing compensation for medical costs. It shows the insurance company the extent of your injuries and suffering and helps discourage them from being non-compliant and using delaying tactics to reduce compensation. - Consult Truck Accident Lawyers In Merced County
Regardless of the specifics of the accident, seek the expertise of Arash Law truck accident lawyers promptly. They can analyze your case, guide you on necessary actions, and ensure compliance with California’s two-year deadline for filing insurance claims. Avoid missing necessary details with the assistance of seasoned Merced truck accident attorneys.
Do I Still Need To Hire Merced County Truck Accident Lawyers Even If I Receive A Settlement Offer?
- Probably won’t cover all your damages
- It might downplay your pain and suffering
- Is not their absolute best offer
- Isn’t your only shot at compensation
What Types Of Compensation Can I Expect To Recover?
- Immediate Medical Bills – This covers the initial costs of emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, and any immediate treatment received right after the accident.
- Ongoing Medical Expenses – Ongoing medical expenses include the costs of follow-up appointments, rehabilitation, medication, and any necessary medical interventions.
- Long-Term Care – Some accidents may result in injuries that necessitate long-term or even lifelong care. This can include ongoing medical treatments, assistance with daily activities, and support for any lasting effects of the injuries sustained.
- Support And Care During Recovery – Injuries from a truck accident may require additional assistance during the recovery period. This could involve hiring caregivers, transportation assistance, or modifications to the living environment to accommodate physical limitations.
- Pain And Suffering – Beyond the actual costs, compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional distress experienced due to the accident. This includes factors such as trauma, anxiety, and the overall impact on the individual’s quality of life.
- Lost Wages – Many individuals face a period off work due to injuries sustained in a truck accident. Compensation for lost wages aims to recover income not earned during recovery.
- Reduced Ability To Earn – In cases where the injuries lead to a long-term or permanent impact on the ability to work, compensation may be sought to account for the reduced earning capacity over the individual’s lifetime.
- Changes To Your Lifestyle – The alterations in day-to-day life resulting from the accident, such as the inability to engage in certain activities, modifications to living arrangements, or the need for assistive devices, are considered when seeking compensation.
Verdict for a client who was sideswiped by a commercial truck
– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
When Do You Need Truck Accident Lawyers In Merced County?
Get Help From Award-Winning Merced County Truck Accident Lawyers At Arash Law Today!
Truck accidents can be devastating, causing severe injuries and significant financial burdens. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and tricky legal procedures. At Arash Law, we provide free initial consultations, with the guidance of our skilled truck accident lawyers in Merced County, to assist truck accident victims in grasping the strengths of their cases and the potential compensation they could pursue.
If your case looks promising, our legal team is ready to work for you without charging a fee unless we secure a settlement. Simply put, you only pay for our services if we win you compensation. With decades of experience handling truck accident cases, our proficient attorneys have a proven track record of success. At Arash Law, we excel at determining the most fitting legal course of action for you. Our commitment is to ensure you receive top-notch legal assistance and formidable representation against your auto insurance company and other parties involved in your truck accident.
Our legal services extend across different locations in California, including Merced County and its neighboring areas like Atwater, Livingston, Merced City, Los Banos, Turlock, Chowchilla, Ceres, Patterson, Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale, Mendota, Madera, Ripon, and Hollister. Our team’s dedicated Merced County truck accident attorneys are at your disposal around the clock, emphasizing accessibility when you need assistance.
Our success in recovering over $750 Million in client compensation speaks volumes about our legal expertise. Your journey towards justice starts with us. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for more information on how we can help you. We are here to guide you through your truck accident in Merced County.