Nevada County Truck Accident Lawyers
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Nevada County Truck Accident Lawyers Are Committed Legal Advocates In Tough Times
Even the most skilled and experienced truck drivers with professional licenses can cause crashes due to human error or mechanical failures. When that happens, victims can be left suffering from debilitating injuries and disabilities for the rest of their lives. In these tough times, injured victims can seek legal guidance from our Nevada County truck accident lawyers. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free and confidential initial consultation.
Located in the state’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Nevada County features pristine forests, beautiful small towns, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Amid the promise of adventure, the danger of Highway 49 lies ahead, as the city’s busiest road is highly prone to truck accidents. This risk makes its residents and visitors alike vulnerable to serious injuries.
Our Nevada injury law firm understands the challenges you may face as an accident victim, and we are committed to helping you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. With experience handling a variety of truck accident cases, we are here to offer legal guidance. To determine the validity of your claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why Hiring Our Nevada County Truck Accident Lawyers Can Benefit You
There is nothing minor about being involved in a truck accident. Victims often suffer injuries so severe that they are left disabled for the rest of their lives. Therefore, following an accident, your focus should be on your well-being. This is where our personal injury lawyers in Nevada can help you.
Our truck accident lawyers in Nevada County assist clients with the following:
- In-Depth Investigation — Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, including gathering and analyzing evidence to identify the cause of the collision.
- Legal Analysis — Our lawyers are familiar with the rules and regulations governing commercial trucking and traffic safety. If more than one party is involved, our truck accident attorneys in Nevada County can examine accident details related to the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, and maintenance provider.
- Documentation — An effective legal case requires adequate documentation. As your lawyers, we will help you gather records such as hospital records, police reports, insurance policies, and other relevant documents.
- Insurance Negotiations — Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful. Our personal injury lawyer can handle negotiations and seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.
- Courtroom Representation — Should your case go to trial, we are prepared to represent you. Our attorneys can advocate for your rights in court.
Types Of Truck Accidents In Nevada County
Truck collisions make up a very small percentage of total vehicle crashes, but they also account for a disproportionate amount of serious injuries and deaths. In 2023, the California Highway Patrol reported that there were a total of 5,782 truck crashes that caused injuries in California.
These are the common types of truck accidents our Nevada County lawyers handle:
Rear-End
Most people think rear-end accidents are minor when they think of car crashes. When it comes to truck accidents, this isn’t the case. Regardless of speed, the damage a truck causes when it rear-ends a car is often severe. There is a possibility that the smaller vehicle will be crushed, and its occupants will be seriously or fatally injured.
Rollover
Due to their higher center of gravity, trucks are more likely to roll over. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates rollover prevention education during entry-level driver training. Rollovers are more likely to happen in windy conditions, when a truck is overloaded, or when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle and overcorrects. If a truck rolls over onto another vehicle or off an overpass, the consequences can be significant.
Jackknife
Jackknife accidents are unique to tractor-trailers. Trailers with heavy loads pull tractors along, causing drivers to lose control. Until it stops, the truck may hit other vehicles, force other drivers to take evasive action, or damage roadway structures.
Wide Turn
Wide-turn accidents are common among truck drivers. This type of accident occurs when a truck driver swings left before reversing right. They may hit someone in the opposite lane if they turn too far left. And if they don’t turn far enough left, they may hit someone or something on their right side.
The only upside is that crashes like this generally occur at low speeds. Other drivers may have plenty of time to take evasive action and protect themselves.
Sideswipe
Sideswipe accidents, like rear-end collisions, are usually minor when they involve two passenger vehicles. But when a tractor-trailer is involved, the outcome is very different and often results in serious injuries. Tractor-trailers have massive blind spots on both sides, making it difficult for drivers to see vehicles on either side. If a driver doesn’t know this and stays in a truck’s blind spot, they risk being hit.
Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts are relatively common among trucks due to the weight they carry and the miles they travel every day. When a blowout happens, the vehicle often swerves out of control until the blown-out wheel forces it to stop.
Underride
Underride collisions are among the most severe types of truck accidents. They happen when a smaller vehicle runs into the back of a truck and gets wedged underneath the back end. These collisions often end in fatalities.
Don’t wait to see a doctor after a truck accident, even if you feel okay. Injuries can be hidden and take time to show up. Getting medical attention after such incidents can also support future claims. Car accident lawyers who handle truck cases in Nevada County can use medical records to connect your injury to the accident.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Nevada County
Many factors contribute to truck accidents, but both drivers and companies often play a significant role. These are the most common causes of truck accidents in Nevada County:
- Driver Fatigue — Truck drivers are legally required to get sufficient rest for long-haul journeys. However, some negligent companies pressure them to continue driving despite fatigue. This leads to compromised decision-making and increased accident risks.
- Distracted Driving — Distracted driving is a problem everywhere, and it’s as much an issue on your local roads as it is on the highways. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving, such as using a phone.
- Speeding and Overtaking — Because of the pressure to meet tight deadlines, a truck driver might drive faster than what’s appropriate for a vehicle of that size or maybe faster than is suitable for the road conditions. If a driver thinks they might lose their job if goods aren’t delivered at a certain time, they’re more likely to speed to get there. That might mean speeding right up behind a small passenger car.
- Poor Training and Maintenance — There are regulations and requirements for how many hours of training a driver must take in order to drive a commercial vehicle. Yet some drivers manage to get on the road without meeting those requirements.
- Improper Cargo Loading — Each load has to adhere to specific weight, size, length, width, and height limits. If the truck is carrying hazardous materials, there are even stricter regulations for how it must be handled.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making legal claims intricate. If you’ve been in a truck accident and need help understanding your options, our Nevada County truck accident lawyers offer free, no-obligation initial consultations.
Establishing Liability In Nevada County Truck Accidents
If a tractor-trailer accident seriously injured you and you’re determined to hold them accountable for their negligence, you should prepare for the legal challenges ahead. The process of establishing liability can be complicated for someone without legal representation.
Our truck accident lawyers in Nevada County can guide you and help in gathering evidence that supports your claim. To establish a defendant’s liability in a personal injury case, you need to prove the following four elements:
- Duty of Care — A duty of care means individuals have a legal obligation to exercise a reasonable standard of care to avoid causing harm to others. Commercial truck operators, for instance, must comply with state and federal trucking regulations to ensure road safety.
- Breach of Duty — As soon as the defendant is shown to have owed a duty of care, it is necessary to establish that the defendant breached that duty. When a big rig operator falls asleep behind the wheel, they violate their responsibility to operate safely and responsibly.
- Causation — Once a breach of duty has been established, you must prove that the breach caused you harm. An accident involving a truck is a straightforward case to meet, as the wreck will likely result in damages and losses.
- Damages — Upon establishing causation, it is necessary to calculate economic and non-economic damages. Among them are medical bills, lost wages, future medical treatment, and pain and suffering.
If these elements are met, you can then file a legal claim against the potentially liable parties. Our truck accident attorneys in Nevada County are here to assist you throughout the process.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing Truck Accident Claims In Nevada County
The statute of limitations is a legal time limit used to determine when you are allowed to pursue action for a civil claim. In California, the time limit is generally two years from the date of the injury.
For property damage only, you have three years from the date of your truck accident. Meanwhile, a road defect claim must be submitted to the appropriate government agency within six months of discovering the defect.
Remember, you may lose your chance to pursue damages for a truck accident after the time limit. The courts, with very few exceptions, may extend the deadlines. Still, it’s recommended to consult with Nevada County truck accident lawyers to understand the applicable time limit for your case.
Available Compensation For Truck Accidents In Nevada County
You may wonder how much you can pursue in a personal injury claim. We can estimate potential compensation based on the type and severity of the injuries you sustained and the documents you collected.
Depending on the circumstances, our Nevada County truck accident attorneys can help victims pursue the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
These losses are measurable and proven with bills and receipts. Economic damages may include:
- Medical Expenses — Hospital bills, ambulance fees, physical therapy, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation costs.
- Loss of Earnings or Income — Loss of benefits and loss of earning potential.
- Property Damage — Vehicle repairs and replacements.
- Other Economic Damages — Home care, domestic help, child care, and vehicle modification costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Calculating these losses gets tricky, as it includes things not easily quantifiable:
- Pain and Suffering — The emotional and psychological consequences of accidents and injuries can be just as significant.
- Loss of Quality of Life — Injuries that incapacitate you can make it hard to enjoy life as much as you used to.
- Loss of Consortium — An injured spouse may be unable to provide their spouse with the love, services, or support they provided before the accident.
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault party acted willfully and recklessly, punitive damages can be pursued. These are rarely awarded by the court, and they are used to punish the at-fault party and prevent them from inflicting further injuries in the future.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Nevada County
If you’ve been in a truck accident in Nevada County and don’t know what to do, we recommend following these steps:
- Check for Injuries — Ensure everyone’s safety first. Move to a safe location if possible. If anyone needs medical attention, call emergency services immediately.
- Call the Police — Report the accident to local law enforcement in Nevada County. Police reports provide essential information for insurance claims and legal proceedings. You should keep a copy of the report.
- Seek Medical Attention — Get checked by a doctor to diagnose and treat any injuries. This demonstrates your commitment to recovery and supports your case.
- Gather Information — It is important to exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration details with the other parties involved. Photograph the accident scene, including the vehicle damage, license plates, and any relevant road signs.
- Seek Witness Information — Ask for the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can provide further insight into the events leading to the accident and may be crucial to your case.
- Consult Truck Accident Lawyers in Nevada County — Our Nevada County injury law firm can guide you through the legal process and help you understand your options. Our attorneys can manage the legal aspects of your case and assist you in pursuing compensation that may be available to you.
Trucking Accident Statistics In Nevada County, CA
Trucks, being bigger and stronger vehicles, provide more protection for their drivers compared to smaller cars in the event of an accident. This results in victims in small vehicles suffering fatal injuries, according to the National Safety Council.
In the United States, more than 500,000 truck accidents were recorded in 2021, per a report from Forbes Advisor. Furthermore, California is the second-highest-risk state for truck accidents, with a total of 364 deadly truck collisions recorded in 2022.
As a precaution, California regulates these truck drivers by not allowing them to go faster than 55 mph on any highway, freeway, or boulevard. This is to reduce the chances of big rig accidents. The FMCSA recommends that any driver behind a big rig going less than 40 mph give themselves four seconds of space, with another second if traveling at a greater speed.
Call Our Nevada County Truck Accident Attorneys!
The Nevada County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law offer legal support for injured victims. If a truck crash causes you harm, we’ll advocate for your rights and guide you throughout the legal process.
We have helped injured clients throughout California, including those in Nevada County. We have experience handling complex injury cases such as truck accident claims. Discuss your situation and get legal guidance to make informed decisions on your next steps. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We also represent clients in neighboring cities and communities, including Gridley, Palermo, Oroville, Durham, Chico, Princeton, Glenn, Willows, Woodland, El Dorado Hills, Citrus Heights, Roseville, Lincoln, Rocklin, Foresthill, Placerville, Esparto, Brooks, Yuba City, Sutter, and Auburn.
