Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here To Make It Right, When You’ve Been Wronged
As an accident victim, you and your family are entitled to make a claim for compensation after getting hurt in a truck accident. The experienced Pasadena truck accident attorneys at Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will stop at nothing to help you win a fair settlement award that will cover all your losses and expenses. The $500 Million worth of compensation we have recovered thus far and our decades of experience are key to your financial recovery.
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?
- 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 obtain a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court as a last resort if the insurer proves to be stubborn in settling
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
- Move to a safe location if possible – 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.
- Contact emergency responders and immediately seek medical attention – Even if you think you are fine, seek medical attention. Some injuries may even appear days later. All medical records must be preserved.
- Gather information from other drivers involved – If possible, exchange information with the other drivers involved. This 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 car, the other vehicles involved, any nearby objects like skid marks, and even interactions with other people.
- Take photos of your injuries – Take pictures of your injuries. This can greatly impact how the insurance company or the court perceives how you suffered from the accident.
- Obtain witness testimonies – This can be helpful, as memories may become distorted, or the other party may blame you.
- Notify your insurance provider about the accident – Don’t feel obligated to immediately provide any official or recorded statements. Neither accept responsibility nor agree to pay the other party any money.
- Make sure you keep a journal – A journal will help you keep track of your progress, which is crucial evidence for any personal injury claim.
- Contact Arash Law – Call our compassionate California truck accident lawyers as you move toward financial recovery.
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 truck 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
- 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 obligated to have rear-impact guards to prevent these accidents, not all truck companies follow through.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Pasadena, California
The following are the most common causes of truck accidents in California:
- 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 use 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 and aggressive 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.
Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Pasadena offer a thorough investigation into your case to determine what exactly caused it. If multiple factors were at play, your legal counsel is seasoned to establish them and prove liability.
Common Injuries In Truck Accidents In Pasadena, California
- 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
Compensation You Can Pursue In A Truck Accident Claim
- Current and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Diminished quality or loss of quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
How Is Fault In A Truck Accident Determined?
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 people are at fault, but this can also mean multiple avenues for compensation to cover your damages.
- The truck driver – The truck driver is always assumed to be responsible for the accident. 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 violation, 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, in turn, allows for a larger compensation.
- 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 determine who was or was involved in the accident that brought you harm, even if it means including a government agency in your claim for failing to maintain a safe roadway that led to your crash.
Can I Recover Damages If I Share The Blame?
Since numerous parties can share the blame for your truck accident, it could also include you. Under California’s pure comparative negligence, your share of the responsibility will reduce the value of your claim. Essentially, liability is distributed among all negligent parties.
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. This statute of limitations, generally two years after the accident or after the injuries are discovered, implies 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?
The reputable Pasadena truck accident lawyers at Arash Law take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid until the claim is settled or until a financial recovery is made. It also means victims won’t have to pay anything if they ever lose. As victims concentrate on healing from their injuries, they can benefit from having the legal assistance they require when it matters most, all without having to worry about facing additional financial difficulties.
FAQs About Truck Accidents In Pasadena, California
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
- The damages – The plaintiffs in a personal injury claim can be the accident survivors themselves or the family members of a killed loved one. Basically, the greater the extent of the damages, the higher the potential compensation.
- The negligence that caused the accident – While the damages awarded to an accident victim are both economic and non-economic, another type of punitive damages can be awarded by the court if the defendant is proven to have acted with intentional negligence. This certainly increases the total amount of the monetary reparation. Lastly, the more complex the case, thus requiring the expertise of Pasadena truck accident attorneys, the higher the amount will be.
What Is the Process for Resolving Truck Accident Claims in Pasadena?
- Further 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 more thorough investigations.
- Talks with insurance companies – Statements, pictures from the accident scene, and copies of the police report are generally required from those involved in the collision. Insurance providers occasionally ask for follow-up interviews and visits with particular doctors.
- Settlement negotiations – Insurance companies usually make settlement offers to the victims. Since these offers are typically lower than what you are entitled to and are intended to prevent you from seeking further legal action, it can be essential to file a lawsuit, especially if they are straight-up refusing to pay after placing the blame onto you. Importantly, avoid speaking to the insurers without legal representation.
Hire Arash Law’s Award-Winning Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers Today!
Traffic accidents involving commercial trucks almost always result in the greatest losses and damages for the victims. Compensation for truck accidents is usually higher, but the process of recovering them is even more complicated, especially when you’re alone and tending to your injuries. Arash Law can help you determine the actual value of your truck accident claim, assist in submitting documentation, compiling evidence, and pursuing damages. We are willing to go above and beyond when it comes to providing you with what you need.
Whether you’re in Pasadena, its surrounding counties and cities, including Alhambra, Glendale, Altadena, Arcadia, Los Angeles, Covina, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Burbank, and anywhere else in the State of California, our legal team can get to you 24/7. Contact our Pasadena truck accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 today to secure a full financial recovery.
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