Newark Truck Accident Attorneys
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Our Newark Truck Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help Injured Victims After An Accident
Due to the presence of large trucks on the roads near Dumbarton Bridge, there are increased risks of accidents. A collision with these giant vehicles isn’t just another crash — it’s life-altering. Our Newark truck accident attorneys deeply understand the gravity of such events. If you’ve been involved in a big-rig crash, contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391; let’s explore your options.
Commercial trucks are large vehicles that, due to their size, can cause significant damage in accidents.
Cities throughout California regularly see massive amounts of commercial vehicle traffic because there are entities along the West Coast needing to transport goods all over the country. People cannot control the actions of commercial truck drivers, and the negligence of these drivers often has the potential to cause a wide variety of wrecks that can lead to long-lasting damage for those involved.
It is important for people to understand that commercial truck wrecks are not the same as traditional car accident claims. These cases often lead to severe injuries for victims and involve large trucking companies. Accident victims may need the help of our Newark truck accident attorneys at Arash Law for legal guidance and representation.
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
Common Causes Of Big Rig Crashes
No two commercial truck accidents are the same, and there can be a wide variety of possible causes that lead to a wreck. Our truck accident attorneys in Newark list the most common kinds of causes in these cases, including:
- Equipment Failure — Trucking companies are expected to regularly maintain their vehicles to ensure that commercial trucks will operate safely and properly in all circumstances. That said, there are many companies that do not invest the necessary time and effort into these issues, and the result can be that a truck fails to perform as it should, not because of any driver error. It is also possible that a part of the truck itself can fail, and a person might have a product liability claim against a part manufacturer in such cases.
- Improperly Secured Cargo — The cargo being carried by a tractor-trailer often weighs thousands of pounds. When this kind of weight is not properly secured and is capable of shifting while moving, a truck’s center of gravity can change abruptly and cause it to overturn, lose control, and crash. Truck accidents like rollovers and jackknife accidents are frequently caused by a loading party’s failure to properly load the truck or secure cargo, and improperly secured cargo can spill and cause property damage or trigger other accidents.
- Speeding — California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) statistics show that speeding is an increasing cause of motor vehicle accidents all over the state, with the number of people killed nationwide increasing by 4.0 percent in a single year and California seeing a 2.3 percent increase. Alameda County was among the top 10 counties for the highest number of speeding-related fatalities and injuries.
- Driver Fatigue — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that fatigue is a leading factor in large truck crashes, as many drivers are under significant pressure to get deliveries to their destinations as soon as possible, leading many drivers to try to work beyond their physical limits. Federal Hours of Service regulations are intended to prevent drivers from operating beyond the legal limits for both property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers.
Other Frequent Causes Of Truck Accidents
When you hire our Newark truck accident lawyers, we will conduct an independent investigation to determine the cause of your truck accident. Our attorneys may work with accident reconstructionists or other parties to get answers to some of the technical questions.
In addition to the possible causes listed above, truck wrecks may be caused by:
- Distracted Driving — Truck drivers are no different from any other drivers on the road in that they, too, can easily become distracted by any number of things within or even outside of their vehicles. A truck driver can be just as likely as any other motorist to become distracted by a cell phone or other mobile device.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — While most truck drivers are well aware that state law forbids people from operating motor vehicles while they are under the influence of alcohol or any drug, there are still drivers who take the chance that they will not be caught. A truck driver who causes a wreck due to intoxication can face criminal charges, but people need to understand that criminal cases are completely separate from any civil action that aims for the collection of damages.
- Careless or Reckless Driving — Under California Vehicle Code § 23103, a driver commits a reckless driving offense when they drive without regard for the safety of persons or property. Careless or reckless driving can involve a number of dangerous behaviors, such as a truck driver speeding, running a red light, running through a stop sign, merging without looking, failing to use a turn signal, tailgating, cutting another driver off, or failing to yield.
- Inadequate Driver Training — Trucking companies should only employ drivers who have the necessary experience and knowledge to operate commercial trucks safely. However, there remains a disturbing number of companies that are willing to hire drivers who do not have the necessary experience, and these companies can be held liable for not properly training their drivers before dispatching them on the road.
- Inclement Weather — While conditions are generally favorable in California, the state still sees its fair share of rain or even snow, which can dramatically impact how commercial trucks operate within the state. A truck driver should lessen their speed in these circumstances, but drivers who disregard these concerns can be more likely to cause traffic accidents.
- Road Hazards — There can occasionally be unexpected issues with roadways that contribute to or directly cause some wrecks. Major potholes or failure to erect proper signs about dangers on roadways are two common examples, and commercial trucks may take adverse actions in these circumstances that lead to collisions.
Compensation You May Pursue After A Truck Accident
Common kinds of injuries in truck accidents often include, but are not limited to:
- Fractures or broken bones
- Concussions
- Crush injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Leg injuries
- Neck injuries
- Arm injuries
- Internal injuries
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent nerve injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Severe burn injuries
- Wrongful deaths
Injured victims involved in commercial truck accidents can pursue compensatory damages. These types of damages are usually broken into economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the actual costs people must pay and often include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Motor vehicle damage
Non-economic damages are far more subjective and generally do not have inherent financial values, but they may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
The third but much less common kind of damages is punitive damages, which California authorizes only when clear and convincing evidence shows that the defendant was guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice. Punitive damages are generally limited to malicious and extreme cases of negligence.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Truck Accident
As soon as a person is involved in a truck accident, they will want to call 911 immediately to have law enforcement and emergency medical personnel dispatched to the crash scene. It is very important for a person to ensure that a police report is completed for an accident.
It is also important for a person to seek medical attention, even when they do not think they have suffered an injury. Remember that many injuries involve delayed symptoms, and waiting too long to visit a doctor can have disastrous effects on a person’s injury claim.
You can notify your own insurance company about an accident, but you should not speak to any other insurer involved without legal counsel. Let an attorney from Arash Law deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
What Do Truck Accident Lawyers Actually Do?
Truck accident lawyers are familiar with tort law, meaning that they handle cases of private or civil wrongs or injuries that can be remedied through financial compensation for damages. The entire point of tort law is to make a person whole again, so truck accident attorneys work with injury victims to help them pursue compensation for their losses and injuries.
A lawyer can thoroughly investigate a truck accident case to determine possible liable parties. It is possible that multiple parties can be liable in these cases, beyond just a negligent truck driver. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who can deal with other parties, but they can also file a lawsuit to take the case to court when an insurer or the other party is unwilling to pay a fair amount.
When Should You Hire Newark Truck Accident Attorneys To Handle Your Case?
There are undoubtedly people who are involved in truck accidents who decide that they will be better served by handling their truck accident cases on their own without legal help to save themselves money. Such a choice can be a consequential mistake. Insurance companies for truck drivers and trucking companies can offer low settlement amounts, and handling a claim on your own can lead to victims accepting these insufficient settlements.
A settlement will usually require a person to sign a release that prevents the person from seeking any additional damages, so the amount they agree to accept is all they can get, no matter what new bills might arise. Having a Newark truck accident lawyer on your side from the beginning can help you assess all of the bills you are now facing and will be facing, so you file for a claim amount that reflects your injuries and losses.
Why It Is Important To Work With Newark Truck Accident Attorneys
Insurance companies representing truck drivers or trucking companies are likely to contact victims soon after crashes and extend settlement offers to resolve cases. You need to be aware that you have to consider all of your losses, and these early offers might be insufficient. Hiring a lawyer can help you plan strategically to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Liability for these types of crashes can be increasingly complex, and lawyers can identify who may be held responsible. In addition to the truck drivers themselves, it is also possible that trucking companies, parts manufacturers, maintenance companies, or other parties share liability.
The bottom line remains that many people stand to benefit from working with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Retaining legal counsel grants the client practical guidance over the legalities concerning their claims and realistic expectations in pursuing potential damages they may be entitled to.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer For An 18-Wheeler Accident Case
As soon as a person agrees to work with our law firm on a truck accident case, our attorneys will immediately get to work, helping that person possibly reclaim what they’ve lost in out-of-pocket expenses. You will know that you have somebody on your side who is representing your interests.
Some of the different ways truck accident attorneys will be of assistance include:
- Case Evaluation — When you schedule a free initial consultation with our law firm, we will immediately provide a complete case evaluation so you can know your case’s merits and how much compensation you may pursue. We will then thoroughly investigate the entire crash to determine all liable parties and work to hold every single one accountable.
- Gathering Evidence — Most people involved in truck crashes are not thinking about collecting proof themselves, but having an experienced Newark truck accident lawyer on your side will mean that you have somebody who knows how to gather important evidence available in your case. An attorney can obtain accident reports that were filed in connection with the crash, and they can also find video surveillance footage in some cases, take pictures at crash sites, and obtain any other documents important to your case.
- Legal Representation — It is advisable not to deal with insurance companies on your own. An attorney can deal with insurers on your behalf. They know how to handle negotiations and can represent you in court if necessary.
Although each case is different, having an experienced attorney can be advantageous in seeking compensation that could be available to you.
The car accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have handled numerous truck crash cases all over California, so we are familiar with how the legal process works. We also handle every single case under our contingency fee arrangement, which means that you do not have to pay us up front. We only charge legal fees if we recover compensation on your behalf. Note that you may be responsible for shouldering case costs even if acquiring compensation wasn’t possible. Our lawyers will discuss this fee arrangement before you agree to representation.
Contact Our Newark Truck Accident Lawyers For Guidance
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in a commercial truck accident in Newark or a surrounding area in Alameda County, California, our lawyers are here to assist you. Arash Law is run by the skilled team of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and more than 50 attorneys who have managed cases for our clients.
When you are dealing with severe injuries after any truck accident, our skilled lawyers will tailor their strategy to help you seek compensation. We are willing to come to you in your hospital room or at home when you cannot come to our office.
Our firm can also connect you to a network of licensed doctors and healthcare providers in California. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation. Allow us to take a closer look at the details of your case and explain what steps you can take next.
