Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers Are Advocates Focused On Your Recovery
Accidents involving commercial trucks have more devastating consequences than those involving regular vehicles. Such collisions are likely to leave you with severe injuries, which can lead to financial problems. Seek legal assistance in pursuing compensation from Arash Law’s Pasadena truck accident lawyers by calling (888) 488-1391.
Drivers are required to hold a professional license and undergo specialized training before operating trucks and other large commercial vehicles. Trucks are so massive that even the smallest error or momentary distraction can cause an accident that leads to harm or even death. When that happens, negligent truck drivers and trucking companies must answer for the damages they caused.
As an accident victim, you and your family may have the right to file a claim for compensation after getting hurt in a truck accident. The Pasadena truck accident attorneys at Arash Law can assist you in pursuing compensation for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
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
How Can Arash Law’s Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers Help Your Case?
Accidents involving trucks are typically more intricate than those involving regular cars. As stated above, big and heavy vehicles normally leave victims in a collision with more severe injuries. Additionally, multiple parties may be involved, not just the driver, making truck accident claims typically more complex. Hiring a Pasadena truck accident lawyer may be beneficial in this scenario.
Using our extensive knowledge in personal injury law and many years of experience in civil litigation, we can assist you with your case by:
- Initiating an in-depth investigation into the accident.
- Building your case by gathering and analyzing all available evidence.
- Working with specialists and other expert witnesses.
- Safeguarding the victim’s rights against attempts to shift blame.
- Handling talks with the insurance company to pursue a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to court, if necessary.
Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Pasadena are readily accessible to discuss your case. We offer a complimentary and confidential initial consultation, allowing you to gain a clearer understanding of your case’s potential value and your legal options.
Truck Accident Statistics
The National Safety Council Injury Facts said that 5,700 trucks were in fatal crashes in the United States in 2021. In these crashes, 5,788 people died, and 72% of all deaths were occupants of other vehicles, 17% were truck occupants, and 11% were non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists. A total of 117,300 trucks were involved in injury-causing crashes. California is second among the states with the most deaths from these truck crashes, behind Texas.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Pasadena, California
After a truck accident, it is crucial to take steps to prioritize your safety and well-being, as well as to protect your rights to compensation.
- Move to a Safe Location — If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists and prevent further accidents.
- Do Not Leave the Scene and Call the Police — Don’t admit fault or guilt, but cooperate with law enforcement. Their official report of the accident is vital evidence for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if you think you are fine, seek medical attention. Some injuries may even appear days later. Preserve all medical records.
- Gather Information From Other Drivers Involved — If possible, exchange information with the other drivers involved. It includes their names, contact numbers, license numbers, plate numbers, insurance providers, and policy numbers.
- Take Photos and Videos of the Scene If You Can — Take as many pictures and videos as possible of your injuries, your car, the other vehicles involved, and any nearby objects or skid marks.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider — Inform your insurance provider of the crash, but don’t feel obligated to provide any official or recorded statements.
- Keep a Journal — A journal will help you keep track of your progress, which can be instrumental if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
- Contact Arash Law — Call our compassionate Pasadena truck accident lawyers if you need assistance in pursuing damages from the at-fault parties.
How Serious Can Truck Accidents Get?
Several elements of semi-trucks and 18-wheelers make them extremely lethal in a traffic collision. Compared to typical crashes, catastrophic and fatal injuries are more likely to occur.
- Large Size and Weight — While big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, standard passenger cars only weigh from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. When they collide, the force the heavier vehicle carries means more damage to the smaller car. If the occupants aren’t killed, they may survive with catastrophic injuries.
- Falling Cargo — The cargo commercial trucks carry in their trailers can spill or fall onto the road, affecting traffic, or strike vehicles and cause serious injuries. Also, hazardous materials could harm the surroundings through explosions, fires, chemical leaks, and toxic fumes.
- Multi-Vehicle Collision — Other vehicles getting involved in a crash with a large truck means multiple traffic lanes getting obstructed. The same can be said when the car rolls over, its trailer jackknifes, or it suddenly stops. Other vehicles can slam into it, or the large vehicle can crush them all at once.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents In Pasadena, California
Some types of commercial truck accidents happen more frequently than others:
- A jackknife accident happens when a truck brakes too quickly and sends its trailer swinging out to the side at a sharp angle. This can also cause the vehicle to roll over.
- A rollover accident happens when a truck rolls over after turning too quickly, braking suddenly, or losing control for some other reason.
- A blind spot accident occurs when a truck changes lanes without checking its blind spots and looking out for passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks generally have bigger blind zones beside them than regular cars. It also has blind spots in front of the cab and behind the trailer.
- An underride accident happens when a truck changes lanes or stops abruptly, causing a smaller passenger car behind or beside it to get stuck under the trailer. This often shears off the car’s roof and severely or fatally injures its occupants.
- An override accident usually occurs when a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, drives over it, and crushes it underneath. While trucks are required to have rear-impact guards to prevent these accidents, not all truck companies might comply.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Pasadena, California
Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Pasadena can conduct an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue — Putting long hours on the road can make truck drivers tired, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Inexperienced Drivers — A new driver may find it difficult to handle large vehicles and may increase the risk of an accident.
- Speeding — Trucks traveling at excessive speeds may result in reduced reaction times and serious accidents.
- Distracted Driving — Distractions such as phone, eating, and having a conversation can impair a truck driver’s focus on the road.
- Impaired Driving — Alcohol or drug use can impair a truck driver’s judgment and reaction times, leading to deadly crashes.
- Reckless Driving — Aggressive behaviors like tailgating can lead to dangerous situations.
- Poor Maintenance – Inadequate maintenance of trucks can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
- Overloaded Trucks — Exceeding weight limits can make trucks harder to control.
- Adverse Weather — Weather conditions like rain or fog can reduce visibility and lead to collisions.
- Road Conditions — Poorly maintained roads or construction zones can contribute to accidents involving trucks.
Common Injuries In Truck Accidents In Pasadena, California
Part of the devastating nature of truck accidents is the catastrophic injuries with long-term healing and often lifelong effects that victims sustain. Among the most typical injuries in truck accidents are:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Crushing injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Wrongful death
Depending on the specifics of your case, our Pasadena truck accident attorneys can help you seek compensation from at-fault parties, no matter the type or severity of your injury.
Compensation You Can Pursue In A Truck Accident Claim
After assessing your claim’s value and identifying losses you can pursue, your Pasadena truck accident attorney can help you build a claim outlining your damages. The following are the types of damages that you can potentially seek.
Losses that are tangible and can be measured are economic damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
Losses that are intangible and cannot be quantified are non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Diminished quality or loss of quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
How Is Fault In A Truck Accident Determined?
The entire truck industry is governed by both federal and state regulations. This covers the number of hours they are required to drive, the weight and height restrictions for trucks, and the maintenance guidelines. Truck drivers and trucking corporations who disregard these regulations frequently end up in truck accidents.
Multiple Parties Can Be Held Liable In A Truck Accident
A more thorough investigation is needed for cases involving trucks than those involving cars. The results often reveal that numerous parties are subject to liability for damages. It may be disheartening to hear multiple entities are at fault, but this can also mean multiple avenues for compensation to cover your damages.
- The Truck Driver — The truck driver could be held liable for the accident if they drove negligently or broke traffic laws. They may have driven negligently or violated any traffic laws. Their logbook, which we can access upon investigation, can show whether they committed any trucking industry violations, such as driving beyond the allotted time.
- The Truck Company — The company that employs the driver can be held vicariously liable if they were acting within what’s expected of their job. This could enable seeking compensation from various parties.
- The Truck Manufacturer — If a truck component has a flaw or defect that contributed to the crash, we can pursue damages from the manufacturer of that component. A specialist in automotive repair can be called to examine the truck and determine whether such a malfunction played a role in your case.
- Another Driver — If another driver of a passenger car engages in negligent or reckless behavior contributing to the truck accident, they can also be held liable.
- The Company Responsible for Loading the Cargo — If an improperly loaded cargo led to instability, which resulted in the accident, the company responsible for the loading can be held liable for failing to ensure safe cargo practices.
Experienced truck accident lawyers in Pasadena can assess who may be responsible for your injuries. Determining all of the responsible parties is vital to seeking compensation for your losses. Linking them to the negligent actions that caused your injuries requires extensive resources and combing through all the evidence.
Can I Recover Damages If I Share The Blame?
Numerous parties can share the blame for a truck accident, including the injured party. You can still seek compensation for your losses. Under California’s pure comparative negligence, liability is distributed among all negligent parties. Your share of the responsibility reduces your potential compensation. If you’re wondering if you have a valid claim, reach out to our Pasadena truck accident lawyers for clarity.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Personal Injury Case For A Truck Accident?
California law has a deadline for injured parties to file a personal injury case. The statute of limitations, generally two years after the accident or after the injuries are discovered, means that legal action must be taken no later than the set deadline. This also helps guarantee claims and lawsuits are initiated while the evidence is still accessible and witnesses’ memories are still recent. While it’s vital to observe the timeframe, as failing to do so could lose your right to seek compensation, this rule has a few exceptions.
Some Exceptions To The Statute Of Limitations
- Minor Victims — If the injured victim was a minor at the time the accident happened, the statute of limitations doesn’t run again until they reach 18, the age of maturity. After that, the plaintiff will only have two years to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
- Governmental Agencies — Before filing a civil lawsuit in court against a government agency, the injured party must first file an administrative claim with the agency within six months of the date of the accident. After that, the agency has 45 days to respond. If they deny the claim, the plaintiff can now file a lawsuit in court within six months. If they do not respond, the plaintiff has two years.
How Much Do I Have To Pay A Truck Accident Lawyer Upfront?
Most injury law firms don’t require clients to pay lawyers up front. Our Pasadena truck accident lawyers here at Arash Law take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid unless they recover a settlement or win a verdict on your behalf. Their payment is typically deducted as a percentage of the total recovery amount. However, you might still be responsible for certain case-related costs regardless of the outcome of your case.
FAQs About Truck Accident Claims In Pasadena, California
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The total value of a truck accident claim depends on the unique circumstances of each case. An experienced attorney can help assess the circumstances and provide guidance on the potential outcome of your case.
Several factors can help provide an estimate of what your case may be worth, including but not limited to:
- Damages — The claim can involve the accident survivors or, in the case of fatal accidents, the family members of a deceased loved one. These damages can be both economic (e.g., medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic (e.g., pain and suffering).
- Case Complexity — The complexity of the case, including the need for expert legal representation, may also influence the potential settlement.
What Is A Typical Process For Truck Accident Claims In Pasadena?
- Investigations — To assess the available evidence and, if feasible, try to unearth more crucial evidence, insurance companies and/or your Pasadena truck accident lawyers will carry out their investigations.
- Case Filing — Statements, pictures from the accident scene, and copies of the police report are generally required from those involved in the collision. Insurance providers occasionally request follow-up interviews and visits with specific doctors.
- Negotiations — Your lawyer will handle communications with insurance companies and other potentially liable parties.
Seek Legal Help From Our Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers!
Traffic accidents involving commercial trucks typically result in the greatest losses and damages for the victims. Compensation for truck accidents is usually higher, but the process of reclaiming them is even more complicated, especially when you’re alone and tending to your injuries. Arash Law can help you evaluate and estimate the potential value of your truck accident claim, gather evidence, and seek compensation.
Whether you’re in Pasadena, its surrounding counties and cities, including Alhambra, Glendale, Altadena, Arcadia, Los Angeles, Covina, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Burbank, or anywhere else in the State of California, you can reach us 24/7. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to schedule a free consultation.
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