Modoc County 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 Modoc County Truck Accident Lawyers Are Advocates Who Stand By Your Side
It can be tough to deal with what comes next after a truck accident. It’s not just about the physical injuries but the toll it could take on every aspect of your life, from medical bills stacking up to potential legal challenges. In these trying times, know that we’re here to help. Arash Law’s Modoc County truck accident lawyers can help you with the pursuit of compensation. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for legal support and guidance.
In the far northeast corner of California lies Modoc County. Known for its vast ranches, historic towns, and scenic farmlands, the “place where the West still lives” is often compared to Montana’s breathtaking landscapes. Its warm, dry summers invite outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and water sports. Unfortunately, the area is prone to truck accidents due to a number of factors, including rough terrain, narrow roads, and unpredictable weather.
Arash Law is dedicated to helping clients seek compensation for their injuries and other accident-related losses. We also work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients don’t owe us lawyer fees unless we obtain a settlement on their behalf. Certain case-related costs may still apply; however, our attorneys will clearly explain this arrangement before proceeding. We also offer a free, no-risk initial consultation, which you can schedule by calling us at (888) 488-1391 or contacting us online.
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
What Can Our Modoc County Truck Accident Attorneys Do To Help You?
A truck accident lawyer handles many important tasks for their clients. Truck accidents can be legally complex, often involving multiple responsible parties and insurance companies. If you have a valid claim for compensation, here are the things our truck accident lawyers in Modoc County can do for you:
Investigation
During your free initial consultation, they can examine the details of your case to assess its strength and validity before taking it on. If you have legal grounds to file a compensation claim and choose to enlist their services, they could then begin an independent investigation into what may have caused your injuries. This may involve visiting the accident scene, gathering evidence such as witness statements and medical reports, and evaluating vehicle damage.
Demand Letters
After investigation, our attorneys will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company outlining the facts of the accident and seeking compensation for the victim’s losses.
Negotiation
Our lawyers negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. They handle all case-related communication with insurers and work to reach a settlement that closely considers your pain, suffering, and damages after an accident.
Filing A Lawsuit
If negotiations fail, our attorneys for truck accidents in Modoc County can help explore other legal options, like filing a civil action. If it is a viable option, we can assist you in initiating a lawsuit against the at-fault party. To prepare for the lawsuit, our attorneys gather evidence, research case law, and prepare legal strategies. They may also interview other witnesses and prepare discovery requests.
Representation At Trial
If the case goes to trial, our attorneys will represent you in court. They will guide you through each step of the trial process and advocate for your rights. Our Modoc County truck accident lawyers aim to have you treated fairly throughout the legal process. They will work to figure out who may be at fault, assess the damages, and help you pursue the compensation that may be available to you. They understand the laws and can help identify which ones could be applied to support your case.
Considering that every truck accident is different, it can be helpful to work with experienced legal representatives. Our lawyers can leverage their knowledge and the resources available to them to help you navigate the claims process. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Modoc County, our team can help. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free case evaluation.
Why Have Our Modoc County Truck Accident Lawyers Handle Your Claim?
A truck accident can be overwhelming legally, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you understand your rights, potential legal options, and the claims process. Our truck accident attorneys in Modoc County understand the unique challenges of these cases. They’re aware that accidents involving big rigs may result in catastrophic injuries due to their size and weight compared to regular cars. With this knowledge, they could help you anticipate and potentially address these challenges if they arise as you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income from time off work, and other related losses.
Trucking companies are typically well-prepared legally and financially, which could be challenging for victims without proper representation to pursue the compensation that may be available to them. The Modoc County truck accident attorneys at Arash Law can use their experience to advocate for your rights and seek fair treatment during the claims process.
What Makes Large Trucks So Dangerous?
Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous. Our Modoc County truck accident lawyers have helped a number of clients injured in truck collisions over the years and are familiar with these crashes’ potential risks. Here’s why truck accidents are no joke:
- Size & Weight — Trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds, much more than the average car’s 3,000 pounds. This weight difference means crashes with trucks can be catastrophic for smaller vehicles.
- Braking Distance — Trucks need a lot of space to stop because of their weight. Running at 65 miles per hour, a fully loaded commercial truck will need about 600 feet to stop, double the distance required by a normal passenger car. If a truck can’t stop in time, rear-end collisions could occur and cause serious damage, especially at high speeds.
- Blind Spots — Trucks have large blind spots where smaller vehicles can disappear from the driver’s view. This can lead to accidents when changing lanes or merging.
- Rollover Risk — Trucks, especially those with heavy or poorly secured cargo, can tip over during sharp turns. This can cause spills or damage to other vehicles.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents And How To Avoid Them
Just like everyone else, truck drivers must be cautious while driving. If a truck accident occurs, the injured party may have the right to seek compensation for their losses. Here are some common reasons why truck accidents happen:
Driver Error
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error is the leading cause of truck accidents. This may include these instances:
- Driver falling asleep, having a medical emergency, or being impaired.
- The driver is distracted or fails to notice hazards.
- Driver speeding, misjudging distances, or tailgating.
- The driver is panicking or losing control of their vehicle.
Though any motorist can cause a truck accident, improved training can be essential to reducing the number of accidents caused by truckers, especially as freight transportation increases. The FMCSA is evaluating training requirements to ensure drivers are adequately prepared.
Equipment Failure
Mechanical issues can contribute significantly to accidents. Common failures include faulty brakes, worn tires, missing safety features, and transmission problems. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent these issues. Your Modoc County attorneys for truck accidents can help you investigate if failed equipment caused the crash.
Pressures
Pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to unsafe practices such as overloaded trucks, exhausted drivers, and unrealistic schedules. Employers must prioritize driver safety to prevent accidents and mitigate the high costs associated with crashes.
Substance Abuse
Screening drivers for substance abuse, both during hiring and regularly after that, is vital to keep them fit to operate vehicles safely and protect themselves and others on the road. Other motorists can also help prevent truck accidents by not driving under the influence.
Common Injuries In Modoc County Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks are some of the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. When truck accidents occur, they can cause significant damage to both objects and people. Injuries from truck accidents tend to be more severe compared to those from car collisions.
- Head & Brain Injuries — Truck accidents are more likely to result in severe head trauma, which could lead to life-altering brain injuries. Symptoms may include confusion, nausea, vision problems, and cognitive difficulties.
- Neck & Back Injuries — Victims may experience anything from minor neck pain to dislocated spinal discs, which could hinder their ability to work and perform daily tasks.
- Lacerations — The force of a collision can cause deep cuts or tears in the skin, ranging from minor to severe and posing risks of infection and scarring.
- Internal Injuries — Blunt trauma from accidents may lead to internal bleeding in organs such as the bladder, liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen, which can be challenging to treat.
- Amputation & Disfigurement — High-impact collisions may result in the loss of limbs or severe alterations to the body’s structure, causing physical and psychological trauma.
- Burns — Accidents involving flammable cargo can potentially cause burn injuries, especially when hazardous materials like gasoline are involved.
- Rib & Torso Injuries — Intense forces in collisions can cause fractures or contusions to the ribs, potentially leading to serious internal injuries.
- Broken Bones — The high-impact forces in truck accidents are likely to result in fractures to various bones, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis — Damage to the spinal cord tissues can lead to severe consequences, including paralysis of limbs or the entire body.
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, you can call our Modoc County truck accident lawyers for legal assistance. Just like our car accident lawyers, they can evaluate the extent of your injuries and gather all relevant available evidence to support your claim.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Modoc County
After a truck accident, it’s important for victims to act quickly and wisely. As an accident victim, here are some examples of ways you can protect your rights and handle the consequences responsibly.
- Check yourself for injuries and call for medical help if needed. Your safety comes first.
- Call the police and report the accident, no matter how minor it seems. Gather all necessary information and file a police report.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Take photos and gather information from others involved in the accident.
- Get contact details from any witnesses. Their information could be important later on.
- Have your vehicle assessed before repairs, and include the estimate in your insurance claim.
- Be careful about what you say after the accident. Avoid admitting fault, as it could hurt your case. Try to avoid talking to insurance adjusters without legal representation.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media. Even innocent-seeming posts could be used as grounds to dispute your claim.
- Reach out to our Modoc County truck accident attorneys. Whether you’re injured or supporting a loved one, our lawyers can help guide you through the claims process and, if you have a case, work to pursue compensation on your behalf.
Establishing Liability In A Modoc County Truck Accident
Determining who’s at fault in an accident depends on the specific details. However, in many cases, accidents occur due to someone’s negligence. Proving negligence involves showing that someone had:
- A Duty of Care — Everyone has a duty to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to others.
- Breached Their Duty — If someone fails to meet the standard of care expected in a given situation, they breach their duty of care.
- Caused the Accident — It must be shown that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and injury.
- Caused Actual Damages — Finally, there must be actual damages or harm suffered as a result of the accident and negligence.
Our Modoc County lawyers focusing on truck accidents can conduct an independent investigation to collect evidence, including bringing in experts, if needed, to identify all potentially liable parties.
Typically, the party at fault will have liability insurance, and you’ll need to file a claim with their insurance company. The insurer will investigate to determine liability. If they find their policyholder responsible, they may offer a settlement. However, if liability is contested, you and your attorney might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, allowing the court to decide based on the evidence presented regarding the duty of care, breach, causation, and damages.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Compensation Available For Modoc County Truck Accident Claims
If your insurance doesn’t cover all your expenses, or if the other driver is at fault, you might be able to pursue compensation for a truck accident. The types of compensation that you may be able to seek depend on factors like who caused the accident, how badly you’re hurt, and where it happened. Usually, injured victims seek money for damages like medical bills or pain and suffering.
Economic damages are tangible losses that can be calculated, including:
- Medical bills
- Additional healthcare costs
- Lost wages
- Future income loss
- Funeral and burial costs
Some losses from a truck accident are not quantifiable. These fall under non-economic damages and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent injuries
In rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless indifference, the court might award punitive damages on top of economic and non-economic compensation. This serves as punishment for the at-fault driver and a deterrent to others.
When a truck accident leads to someone’s death, their family may seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. Our truck accident lawyers in Modoc County can help them pursue damages for various losses and expenses, including funeral and hospital bills.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing An Injury Claim In Modoc County
In California, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is usually two years from the date of the accident or injury. Some exceptions may change this timeframe, but two years is the default. Once this time passes, you lose your right to sue the responsible party.
Even though two years may seem like a long time, it can be helpful to contact a personal injury attorney, understand your rights, and get them involved in a valid claim early on. The sooner your attorney can collect evidence and build your case, the more likely it is that they can help you file it within the statute of limitations. You can reach out to our Modoc County truck accident lawyers to learn more about whether or how you can get started.
Truck Accident Statistics
National Safety Council (NSC) data shows that fatal crashes involving large trucks increased significantly in 2021, with 5,700 incidents recorded. This represents an 18% surge from the previous year and a substantial 49% increase over the past decade. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled has risen by 7% since 2020 and by 22% over the last decade.
Statistics indicate that large trucks contributed to the following:
- Approximately 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
- About 5% of all registered vehicles.
- Around 10% of the total vehicle miles traveled.
The extensive truck accident data recorded over the past five years reveals this concerning pattern. According to the NSC, California ranked second in fatalities from large truck crashes in 2021. If you’ve been injured and need help, you can reach out to our truck accident lawyers in Modoc County. They can offer legal guidance and support during this challenging time.
Contact Our Modoc County Truck Accident Attorneys!
If you or someone you care about gets injured in a truck crash caused by negligence, our Modoc County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law are here to help. We assist clients with their claims against the parties that could be responsible for their injuries, including big trucking companies and insurance companies.
We prioritize understanding your goals for the case, whether it’s pursuing financial compensation or other needs, and we build our strategy around that. Accidents involving commercial vehicles can potentially lead to high medical bills, lost income, and a tough recovery. Our attorneys can explain whether you’re eligible to take legal action. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our services also extend beyond Modoc County to various neighboring areas, including Greenville, Chester, Westwood, Los Molinos, Red Bluff, Cottonwood, Anderson, Redding, Palo Cedro, Burney, Black Butte, Etna, Weaverville, Crescent Mills, Mt. Shasta, Pondosa, Stones Landing, Madeline, and Shingletown, as well as to the rest of California.
