Oxnard Truck Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Dedicated Legal Support From Our Oxnard Truck Accident Attorneys
Getting legal advice following a truck accident is recommended. If you or a loved one is injured or killed in one, our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can help you explore your potential next steps. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your legal options.
Trucks are a common sight across Ventura County, especially in Oxnard, a largely agricultural city. However, with these massive vehicles populating the roads becoming the norm, the risks of truck accidents continue to threaten other road users. In a traffic accident involving trucks, it’s imperative for victims to hold at-fault parties accountable for the trucker’s negligence.
Arash Law can advocate for your legal rights. Our truck accident attorneys will represent you against trucking companies, insurers, and their legal representatives to seek compensation that adequately covers your medical expenses and other losses.
Why Hire Skilled Oxnard Truck Accident Lawyers?
Filing a truck accident claim and resolving it can be overwhelming, especially for a gravely injured victim. Such cases are typically complicated due to the possibility of multiple parties. By hiring our Oxnard truck accident lawyers, you’ll have a guide to help you navigate and understand the legal process.
Our lawyers are experienced in negotiations, and we will work diligently to pursue a fair settlement for your case. If negotiations fail, our litigation attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and advocate for your interests before a judge and jury, provided it’s a viable option for your case.
Our personal injury law firm prioritizes our clients. Our communication remains consistent while you focus on your well-being. We will notify you of any and all new developments in your case. Furthermore, we will provide you with the necessary information to enable you to make informed decisions.
Our firm works on a contingency basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation on their behalf. Still, certain case-related expenses may still apply. We can clarify this arrangement during your consultation.
2019: $27M confidential settlement in a case involving multiple plaintiffs.– BRIAN BEECHER
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help Your Case
Our Oxnard truck accident attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws that govern the trucking industry. We will use this knowledge to assess who may be at fault for the collision that injured you. We can do the following:
- Use Photographs of the Scene as Proof — Our team will investigate your case and use photos of the accident to emphasize the severity of the collision.
- Request Traffic Camera Footage — If there were traffic cameras near the accident scene, we would request footage and analyze every detail. With our knowledge of traffic laws, we can identify any potential violations.
- Get a Copy of the Police Report — Truck accidents must be reported to the police at the scene or afterward. The reports the authorities will create can help us during investigations and when filing claims.
- Reach Out to Witnesses — If there are individuals who have seen the truck accident happen, our lawyers can contact them to get their testimony and corroborate your version of events.
- Obtain Black Box Data — Trucking companies equip each truck with a black box. This device tracks driver activities on the road, providing substantial evidence. For instance, the black box data can confirm if they were speeding as the truck’s speed is recorded.
- Analyze Truck Driver Logs — Federal laws mandate scheduled breaks to prevent fatigue and drowsy driving. If the trucker did not log any rest break, they’re violating the regulations and, thus, showing negligence.
- Check the Truck Inspection Report — Truck companies also have to maintain their vehicles regularly. Our truck accident lawyers can request and check truck inspection reports to see when the company had the vehicle inspected and if there were any repairs or replacements. Negligent maintenance can open them to liability.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases Complex?
Besides the truck driver, there could be multiple parties in a truck accident. You might have to pursue compensation from the trucking company, the driver’s employer, the truck owner, and other liable parties.
As with other accidents in California, you’ll need to file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s provider first. From there, our Oxnard truck accident attorneys will handle all the documentation needed and negotiate for a fair settlement.
Common Types Of Trucks And Their Risks
Some large vehicles are more likely to be involved in a road accident than others, including the following:
Semi-Trucks
Semi-trucks, sometimes known as tractor-trailers or big rigs, have two or more parts. The tractor carries the engine, while the trailer carries the cargo. One of the key features of semi-trucks is that the trailer can detach from the tractor. It’s also common to see cabs traveling without a trailer. What percentage of accidents are due to semi-trucks? Big rigs are among the frequently seen trucks, accounting for thousands of large truck crashes.
In addition to their own weight, semi-trucks haul thousands of pounds of cargo, often for long distances at a time. The total weight gives them longer stopping distances, making them more prone to rear-ending other vehicles. These vehicles also have a high center of gravity, so they could tip over easily. Rollovers usually happen when the driver goes beyond the speed limit or hauls imbalanced loads. Plus, if a semi-truck crashes, the chances of its cargo spilling out and causing further harm are high.
It’s also imperative to maintain semi-trucks regularly. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and other mechanical malfunctions can possibly happen, with the vehicle carrying tens of thousands of pounds over hundreds to thousands of miles. In any case, our Oxnard semi-truck accident lawyers will investigate the cause of the accident to identify the potentially liable parties.
Tanker Trucks
Tankers have cylindrical tanks attached to them, allowing them to transport gas and liquid cargo. These vehicles typically carry hazardous materials, increasing the damage they cause if they crash. Any spilled content during a truck accident may cause catastrophic results.
A tanker carrying industrial substances, acids, or solvents can cause significant bodily harm and property damage. These materials are often corrosive, resulting in severe burns from direct skin contact. Moreover, people can develop respiratory issues if they inhale fumes. If the tanker carries diesel or gasoline, it may also explode upon impact.
Furthermore, spilled content could make the roads slippery. Other motorists may lose control of their vehicles, especially when a crash happens suddenly and they cannot react defensively and in time.
These accidents can easily become complicated. Hence, legal guidance from tanker truck accident lawyers can help you. Our Oxnard personal injury lawyers will advocate for fair compensation for the losses you incur.
Box Trucks
These vehicles are also commonly found on the streets of Oxnard and beyond. Since they’re a single unit, they’re smaller and lighter than semi-trucks. However, since they are used mainly for local and regional deliveries, they are still heavier than passenger vehicles. Box trucks are also more likely to travel on congested roads alongside passenger vehicles, increasing the potential for collisions.
Although box trucks have shorter stopping distances than big rigs, they still need enough distance to brake. If a trucker fails to stop in time, they could rear-end other vehicles. Due to their weight, box trucks could still cause extensive damage and injuries in accidents.
Also, the cargo inside might shift around as the truck moves. This movement can change the weight distribution, especially if the trucker is speeding, making sharp turns, or slamming on the brakes. This issue contributes to rollover incidents.
If the accident happened because of cargo shifting, our truck accident lawyers in Oxnard can help you pursue a claim against the drivers and cargo loaders. They have a duty to load and secure the shipment properly to prevent such issues from occurring.
Flatbeds
Due to their roofless and open cargo beds, flatbed trucks can be dangerous on the road. They are frequently used to transport massive and unusually shaped loads, such as heavy machinery, smaller vehicles, and lumber.
Flatbed accidents often involve loads falling over and hitting motorists. The spilled cargo can block other motorists and trigger multiple pile-ups. In some cases, they could fall and directly hit a passenger vehicle.
Projectiles traveling at high speeds can also cause significant damage. For example, if a flatbed carrying lumber has its load not properly secured, pieces of wood could fly if the trucker suddenly slams the brakes. These pieces could pierce through a car’s windshield and kill its occupants.
Types Of Truck Accidents We Handle
Our truck accident attorneys in Oxnard handle the following types of cases:
- Rear-End Collisions — Since truck and car sizes are so different, rear-end collisions can cause grave injuries. Significant damage can occur even if these collisions happen at low speeds, which is typically considered a “fender bender” in car accidents. Victims can incur high medical bills and lost wages.
- Head-on Collisions — The impact of a truck colliding with another vehicle head-on is often severe, resulting in serious injuries for both drivers. However, occupants of the smaller vehicle are more likely to experience devastating trauma.
- Rollover Accidents — Truckers can lose control of their vehicles for various reasons, resulting in rollovers. These accidents are catastrophic, commonly ending in internal injuries, fractures, and even death.
- Jackknife Accidents — Improper turning or brake failure can cause the truck’s trailer to swing to one side. An 18-wheeler jackknifing on the highway can injure several victims and destroy multiple vehicles.
- Side-Impact Collisions — Accidents at intersections usually happen when a truck doesn’t stop in time. They could crash into the side of a car, resulting in fatal and serious injuries for passenger vehicle occupants.
- Underride Accidents — Instead of the usual collision, a smaller car can get stuck under a large truck. This accident happens because trucks are taller than cars.
- Wide-Turn Accidents — These accidents occur when a big truck tries to turn but takes a wider path than usual. Wider turns could lead to collisions with passing cars or vehicles traveling alongside them.
Regardless of the type of accident, our truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case. We’ll analyze what caused the incident and seek compensation from the potentially accountable parties.
Usual Reasons Why Truck Accidents Happen
Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers understand that there are different factors that contribute to these incidents. Some common causes of truck accidents are:
- Fatigue Driving — Truckers drive thousands of miles for a haul. They make deliveries under strict time constraints or ahead of schedule. While there are strict regulations about hours of service, some truck drivers operate their massive vehicles with little sleep. Like alcohol and drugs, fatigue can be extremely dangerous as it impairs the senses and causes a loss of coordination and concentration. Drivers can even fall asleep at the wheel.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Alcohol and drug intake and driving are a dangerous combination. These substances can impair driving. Prescription medicines can also contribute to fatal accidents, causing negative side effects that impair coordination or cause drowsiness.
- Inexperience — Truck drivers must undergo training before driving on public roads, as inexperience often leads to failure to keep a lookout or check blind spots. Our truck accident lawyers can assess documents to determine if companies brought in inexperienced drivers to operate their trucks.
- Speeding — Truckers tend to drive beyond speed limits due to their employers’ unreasonable demands. Even in bad weather, truckers drive at high speeds to reach their destination on time. However, speeding can lead to deadly crashes, as drivers have less time to stop or react to dangerous hazards.
- Distracted Driving — Driving for long hours over long distances can get tedious. Some truckers may use their phones to listen to songs or watch videos to prevent boredom. If the driver’s attention is no longer focused on the road, they could swerve and drift out of their lane.
- Improper Loading — Overloading or improperly loading cargo can cause an imbalance. This issue makes it more challenging to control the vehicle and increases the chances of an accident.
What Are Common Truck Malfunctions That Can Cause Truck Accidents?
Aside from the driver’s negligence, truck malfunctions are also a common cause of crashes. Here are some of the issues that lead to truck accidents:
- Tire Blowouts — Tire trucks can suddenly lose air pressure and explode if they are not inflated properly or worn out. A tire blowout could cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, roll over, or collide with another car or stationary object.
- Steering Malfunctions — A driver may struggle to control the truck if it has steering issues. Not being able to operate it properly is dangerous, especially if the trucker has to avoid a crash or hazardous road objects.
- Brake Issues — Heavy loads could quickly wear down a truck’s braking system. Additionally, hydraulic brakes heat up easily when the truck goes up or down an incline. If a brake system is not regularly checked or replaced, brake issues can lead to fatal accidents, as truckers won’t be able to stop the vehicle.
- Engine Problems — Trucks with engine problems could stop in the middle of the road. In some cases, overheating could cause explosions, especially in a crash. Engines have to work twice as hard to keep massive vehicles that weigh thousands of pounds traveling around Oxnard, the state, and sometimes the country. Truck drivers and their employers should maintain them properly to avoid safety issues.
Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation from the maintenance company. If the issue is the inherent design of the truck or a component, we can also file a product liability claim against the manufacturers.
Injuries Truck Accident Victims Commonly Sustain
Compared to car accidents, incidents involving trucks tend to result in more severe injuries. Here are some common injuries that victims sustain:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — TBIs, from concussions to brain hemorrhage (bleeding), are usually caused by front- or rear-end collisions.
- Fractures — The force of the collision can break the wrists, arms, legs, or ankles.
- Lacerations — Ranging from minor to severe, victims get these injuries from shattered glass and debris during a crash.
- Whiplash — In a collision, the head moves rapidly back and forth, which can lead to whiplash and other back and neck injuries. Symptoms could include ringing in the ears, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
- Paralysis — In severe collisions, the spinal column can be damaged or torn. This injury leads to temporary or permanent paralysis that limits the victim’s range of motion.
Apart from injuries, truck crashes may also lead to death. Accidents like rollovers and jackknife incidents have a high risk of resulting in fatalities. Victims could die upon impact or succumb to their grave injuries.
These injuries can negatively affect the victims and their families. They require expensive hospital treatment that many people don’t have the budget for. Additionally, victims may suffer from emotional trauma and require continuous care for their treatment.
Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can pursue compensation on your behalf. Our team can also connect you with physicians and other medical professionals who can provide the necessary assessment and treatments.
Compensation Victims Can Pursue In Truck Accident Claims
Our truck accident attorneys in Oxnard can help you seek compensation for your tangible and intangible damages. A settlement from a claim or lawsuit can provide the financial resources needed to help you move forward after the accident.
When it comes to knowing the damages you might be able to pursue, our truck accident lawyers will help you determine the value of your case.
Economic damages are losses with an exact monetary value. These include lost wages, medical bills, property damage, transportation costs, and the opportunity to earn a living.
Meanwhile, your experiences related to the accident and injuries you sustained are known as non-economic damages. These losses are in connection with your mental state and well-being, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, and disfigurement.
If a judge or jury decides to punish the negligent party for their behavior, victims may also qualify for exemplary or punitive damages. It’s meant to deter extreme malice, fraud, or oppression. You may ask your personal injury attorneys to learn more about this type of damage.
Did You Lose A Loved One In A Truck Crash?
In such tragic cases that could have been easily prevented, our Oxnard truck accident attorneys can help the surviving family members file a wrongful death claim.
We’ll handle every aspect of your claim with care and diligence, so you can focus on healing and remembering your loved one. Our team can work diligently to guide you in seeking compensation for your case that would help with your expenses, such as medical and funeral costs, lost income, and the pain and suffering you have endured.
How To Establish Liability In Truck Accident Claims
Truck accidents are subject to personal injury laws based on negligence. If your truck accident lawyer can demonstrate these four elements of negligence, you may be able to pursue monetary reparation:
- Duty — Truck drivers must drive safely and avoid harm. This duty entails exercising due caution and following traffic laws to avoid an accident.
- Breach of Duty — You have to demonstrate that the trucker violated their duty of care by being reckless or careless. A breach of duty in a truck accident could include, but is not limited to:
- Driving beyond the speed limit
- Failing to yield
- Changing lanes recklessly
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Causation — You have to establish the link between the driver’s reckless behavior and the accident. The goal is to show that the crash wouldn’t have occurred without the driver’s misconduct.
- Damages — You also have to show that you incurred economic and non-economic damages. Medical bills, invoices, journal entries, and doctors’ notes can help justify these.
Strong, convincing evidence is essential to supporting each of these elements. Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can gather evidence and build a well-supported case. In an effort to facilitate your case, we can collaborate with a variety of professionals from a variety of disciplines, including medical and accident reconstruction.
Who Is Liable In Truck Accidents?
The liable parties in a truck accident are often:
- The Truck Drivers — They can be held accountable if they ignore and disobey traffic laws and trucking regulations. They may have driven too fast or skipped their law-mandated break.
- The Trucking Companies — If these companies skip regular maintenance, do not conduct safety checks, or encourage unsafe driving behaviors, they can also be held liable.
- Third Parties — Another driver might have caused the accident. In this case, you may be able to sue the third party for your damages depending on the circumstances of the collision.
- Manufacturers — The manufacturer could also share responsibility if the accident happened because a truck component was defective. However, this can be hard to establish. Our truck accident attorneys in Oxnard, who also handle product liability claims, can work with professionals and evaluate evidence to determine fault in these instances.
- Government Agencies — The entity responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable if a roadway hazard caused the collision. A city, state, or municipal government might also be at fault for an accident due to poor road design.
Do I Need A Lawyer After A Truck Accident?
Are you thinking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer in Oxnard?” For truck accident victims, you may need one if you sustained severe injuries and suffered substantial losses. A legal representative can also help if there are complex liability issues.
You may be able to file a claim on your own if the accident only caused minor damage. Insurance companies have standardized how to get insurance coverage for car repairs and replacements, so you can do it yourself. However, the process may not be simple in certain cases. Consider consulting our Oxnard truck accident lawyers, especially if you have serious injuries and extensive damages.
An injury to the chest or brain will require more treatment than the first aid you got from the paramedics. Medical expenses can add up over several weeks or months. Some insurance companies may dispute certain claims. If you file a claim against a truck company for your injuries, it will use its corporate lawyers, who may also try to challenge liability.
Our personal injury law firm can advocate for your rights when legal challenges arise. We can help you with the process of pursuing appropriate compensation while you concentrate on healing.
Coronel v. Howard’s Supply Co. (settled on 11/26/2019) – settlement in a case involving a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma, including multiple fractures, when his arm was pulled into a lathe causing him to strike his head against the machine as he was pulled in.– TINA ESHGHIEH
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After A Truck Accident?
Generally, filing personal injury claims in California is limited to two years from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury. However, there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations.
For example, if you want to file a wrongful death claim after the passing of a loved one due to an accident, the two-year deadline starts from the date of the death. Additionally, you only have six months to act if you want to pursue legal action against a government entity.
You might not be able to pursue compensation if you fail to file your claim within the allotted time. Consulting our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can help you understand critical deadlines. We’ll file the claim on your behalf and do all the paperwork.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Oxnard
With emotions running high, you may be unsure of what to do after a truck accident. If you’re able, follow these steps to protect your well-being and your legal rights to pursue a case:
- Move to a safe location, but don’t leave the scene.
- Check yourself and your companions for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Get medical assistance as soon as paramedics arrive, even if you feel fine. Follow their advice, especially if you require hospitalization.
- Help responding officers create an accident report by answering their questions truthfully.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage and injuries you sustained.
- Exchange contact information with the truck driver, witnesses, and responding officers.
- Avoid giving any recorded statements or talking about your health. Also, do not apologize or admit fault.
- Seek further medical attention.
- Keep a copy of your medical records as well as all the receipts, invoices, bills, and pay stubs for missed work. Save all relevant documents related to your injuries, expenses, and the accident.
- Call our Oxnard truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for legal assistance. We’ll guide you through the entire process.
How Do I Find The Right Truck Accident Lawyer?
Finding the right truck accident lawyer for your case allows you to have the necessary support to pursue appropriate compensation. When finding that legal representative, you have to check the following key qualities:
Experienced Negotiation And Litigation Skills
Your attorney should have strong negotiation and litigation skills when dealing with the at-fault party.
Everything starts with the negotiation phase. If you have competent legal counsel working with you, you have someone who can advocate for a fair claims process. There may be no need to push the case further to trial, where the process is longer and more expensive. However, you may still need someone who has litigation experience and can present a case in front of a judge and jury.
Established Background
Check their track record to know if a truck accident attorney is proficient at negotiating and litigating. A knowledgeable lawyer advocates for fair compensation on behalf of their clients. Check their professional history and whether they have succeeded in similar cases to yours. It would be better if they had experience representing clients against trucking companies.
Experience Handling Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are complex, so you may need someone with a background in truck accident litigation. This means they have a deep understanding of personal injury laws and the rules and regulations governing the trucking industry.
Client-Centered Approach
Lastly, find a lawyer who understands your case. They are willing to help you because they know how complex a truck accident can be. Aside from skills and experience, you also want someone who can give your case the attention it needs.
Additionally, a trucking accident lawyer should be able to answer all your questions and concerns about your claim. Work with someone who can keep you informed about progress in your case and won’t leave you hanging.
Our truck accident lawyers in Oxnard have extensive experience and have represented numerous injury victims. We can help you too. Fill out our contact form for a free initial consultation of your case.
California Truck Accident Statistics
Here is some recent data regarding truck accidents in California and across the nation:
- In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). This is a 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase in the last decade.
- In the same year, around 120,200 large trucks were involved in accidents resulting in injuries, a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
- A total of 5,936 people died from truck accidents in 2022. The majority were occupants of other cars (70%), followed by truck occupants (19%). Non-occupants, mainly pedestrians and bicyclists, made up the remaining 11%.
However, the numbers decreased in 2023. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck declined 8% from the previous year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements In California?
Truck accident settlements can vary depending on the severity of the injury and property damage. Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can give you a more accurate estimate of how much your claim is worth, depending on its facts.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Personal Injury Claim?
Although no law mandates hiring a lawyer when filing a personal injury claim, hiring one can greatly benefit your case. Our skilled attorneys for truck accident cases in Oxnard can help you navigate the complex legal system.
Moreover, we’ll advocate for your rights, particularly if the at-fault party challenges your claim. It’s helpful to have someone watching your back when your claim is in progress. We can also advise you on what to do and assist in developing your case.
Should I Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer For A Minor Accident?
It might be tempting to handle a minor accident on your own, but even these incidents could lead to injuries and complications. Various laws govern the trucking industry, and they might have been violated. That’s why it may help to work with our Oxnard lawyers for truck accidents. We can cross-check all these regulations to see who is at fault and pursue compensation for your losses.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?
Injuries vary from person to person, and the healing process differs for each individual. The time it takes for victims to heal also affects the compensation they may pursue.
Before providing an estimate of your potential compensation, our Oxnard lawyers who handle truck accident cases need to review each one, as every claim is unique. In general, several factors affect the compensation for your losses, such as:
- Current medical bills and future healthcare cost estimates.
- The total amount you lost in wages and benefits.
- Estimates of lifetime support for permanent disabilities.
- Care for the pain you suffer from throughout your health treatment.
- Support for non-economic damages (e.g., loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium).
- Assistance and treatments for your emotional trauma.
What If I Can’t Afford Truck Accident Lawyers?
Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. In other words, clients are not required to pay attorney’s fees unless a settlement is reached. The exact amount depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the case. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply. We will explain this arrangement during your consultation.
How Long Does It Take To Resolve A Truck Accident Claim?
There is no fixed timeline for resolving truck accident claims and other car accident cases. The time it takes to finalize a case depends on the method you select for seeking compensation. Additionally, the extent of your injuries can also influence the length of the process.
Insurance settlements generally produce faster results. Filing a lawsuit can take longer and be more costly. If you have questions about these methods, our truck accident attorneys will explain each one during your consultation and onboarding.
Consult Our Oxnard Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can cause trauma. Then, there’s the added stress of being unable to work and suffering discomfort and pain. Some victims also think about the financial burden of the accident and its consequences.
Our Oxnard truck accident lawyers can advocate for your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Our truck accident law firm also serves victims in locations near Oxnard, including El Rio, Camarillo, Saticoy, Ventura, Hidden Valley, Santa Paula, Casitas Springs, Hobson Heights, Montalvo, Cabrillo Village, Casa Conejo, and Lynn Ranch.
