Plumas County Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Plumas County Truck Accident Lawyers Provide Responsive Support, Every Step Of The Way
Plumas County in California has seen an increase in commercial trucks for retail use. Unfortunately, truck accidents on local roads have become more common, too. With significant injuries to victims, truck-related wrecks often result in substantial damage. When this happens, victims can get assistance from Arash Law’s Plumas County truck accident lawyers in pursuing compensation. Get your free initial consultation by calling us at (888) 488-1391.
Located right where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascades, Plumas County’s roads offer a scenic view of Northern California. However, these roads can get slippery when it rains and snows. Landslides are also prevalent in the area. With these threats, every trucker traveling through the county has to be extra careful and attentive. Otherwise, truck accidents could cause catastrophic injuries and even death.
Arash Law assists victims of truck collisions and crashes in seeking damages for the pain and suffering they are going through. Our Plumas County truck accident attorneys have experience in handling various personal injury claims. To know if you have a valid claim, you can fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. One of our lawyers will review your accident and assess whether you can pursue compensation.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Arash Law’s Plumas County Truck Accident Lawyers Help Your Case?
The truck accident lawyers in Plumas County at Arash Law offer comprehensive legal support, from investigation to negotiation and, if it comes down to it, litigation. Besides having knowledge of the law, our attorneys also tailor our strategies to your situation.
Our attorneys can help you with the following:
- Doing an Independent Investigation – If you file a case, you also need to have evidence to back it up. Otherwise, insurance companies could deny your claim. Through an investigation, we can find proof that will help establish negligence and liability.
- Filing the Claim – Truck collisions can get legally complicated. Some victims may experience delays and confusion when filing claims. We can accomplish this task for our clients.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies – In truck accidents, there could be multiple parties responsible, meaning you have to deal with more insurance companies as well. We negotiate with these parties on our clients’ behalf.
- Providing Representation at Trial – If we can’t reach a settlement out of court, we can explore other options, like filing a civil case. If it is a valid option, your case may have to go to trial. We can represent you in this process.
Why Consult Our Plumas County Truck Accident Attorneys?
Our personal injury attorneys focusing on truck accidents in Plumas County handle matters involving tort laws. We can help injury victims seek compensation from at-fault parties. Furthermore, Arash Law has decades of combined experience.
We also offer our legal services to victims who are struggling after accidents. Though a truck crash can take a toll on your already limited budget, you don’t have to skip on getting a lawyer. You can become one of our clients on a contingency fee agreement. That means we only get paid if you get your settlement award; you don’t have to pay us upfront. Certain costs related to the case may still apply regardless of the outcome, and we will clarify them before moving forward.
If you have any concerns or questions you need answered, you can leave your details on our contact form.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Plumas County
If you’re able, there are certain steps you can take if you get injured in a truck crash that may help preserve your right to pursue compensation. For instance:
- Prioritize your safety above all else. Check for any injuries on your body. Move to the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
- Call 911 and remain on the scene. If you leave, you could compromise your case and even face legal consequences.
- Get immediate medical attention. See a doctor even if you don’t feel pain, or if you think your injuries are not serious. Aside from protecting your well-being, getting checked by the paramedics gives you an overview of your injuries. Also, having a medical report will help in your claim.
- Cooperate with authorities. Give them as much detail as you can remember. However, never make assumptions or admit fault.
- Gather evidence if you can. Capture images of the scene, your injuries, your surroundings, and even conversations. Also, exchange information with the truck driver and other involved parties, including their names and insurance details.
- Inform your insurance company of the accident. You may have to pay for your medical fees initially.
- Contact Plumas County lawyers who handle truck accidents. You can consult with us shortly after the incident in order to avoid missing the deadline for filing a claim. Having a lawyer by your side can help you learn if you have a valid case and how to navigate the necessary legal processes.
Types Of Truck Accident Cases In Plumas County
The following are the common types of truck accidents our lawyers in Plumas County handle:
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are when a truck tips over. This often happens with trucks because they are much heavier than passenger vehicles, and their weight may not be evenly distributed. Tractor-trailers are prone to this type of accident because they have high centers of gravity.
Below are the common causes of rollover accidents:
- Speeding, especially at curves or exits.
- Inattentiveness to hazards and obstacles.
- Lack of control, such as oversteering or swerving too much.
- Sudden lane changes.
- Unsafe load.
Several vehicles may be involved in a rollover accident. Nevertheless, a massive commercial truck that rolls over poses a serious safety risk.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife is when the trailer of a big truck folds and swings in at a 90-degree angle. Semi-truck accidents are often caused by jackknifing. This often happens because of speeding or when the trucker slams the brakes too hard to avoid obstacles and hazards.
Other causes include:
- Rough road conditions
- Slippery pavement due to snow or rain
- Making quick turns
- Empty or half-empty trailers
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle bumps into the back of another. It is a typical traffic accident, but when it involves trucks, the damage can be more significant. That’s because the impact is often stronger, especially when the trucker is speeding.
Trucks have longer stopping distances because of their size and weight. A truck may not have enough space to safely stop if it gets too close to the vehicle in front of it. Due to the force of the collision, multiple vehicles could also get involved.
The main reasons behind a rear-end truck collision include:
- Speeding
- Poor road condition
- Unsafe loads
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Unsafe merging
- Poor lighting
- Mechanical failure
Unsafe Loads
Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for properly securing cargo. Unsafe loads could lead to unbalanced trucks, which are more prone to rolling over. In some cases, the cargo could spill onto the road and hit other motorists.
Why Are Truck Accidents Common?
In the United States, thousands of truck accidents occur each year. The cases truck accident lawyers in Plumas County deal with often involve distracted and drowsy driving. Distracted driving involves using phones, eating, grooming, or even talking to passengers too much. Unfortunately, distracted driving has claimed the lives of 3,522 individuals in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Another common reason behind truck accidents is drowsy driving. Truckers have to stay on the road for long hours and days on end. However, some may spend more hours driving than is allowed. Many choose to do this so they can finish the trip faster. Despite that, losing sleep can impair someone’s ability to make decisions. Their reaction time to hazards can also significantly decrease.
To limit accidents because of drowsy driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulated truckers’ driving hours. According to § 395.3, drivers can only drive a maximum of 11 hours. They also have to rest for at least 30 minutes after 8 hours of consecutive driving. Plus, they need to have 10 consecutive hours off duty before they can drive again.
Determining Who Is Liable For Your Personal Injuries In A Truck Accident
Personal injury claims are often based on negligence. When an individual fails to take the necessary steps that led to the plaintiff’s injury, they may face liability. In a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must establish the defendant’s negligence. Our Plumas County truck accident lawyers can do that through a thorough investigation.
Multiple parties may share the liability for an accident involving a truck. They are:
- The Truck Driver — Drivers need to have reasonable care for other motorists. Otherwise, they are liable for speeding, driving while fatigued, using their phones, or any other negligent acts that cause an accident.
- Trucking Company — Companies can also be held liable, making such claims rather complicated. They often have bigger resources than the drivers and can dispute claims. The company could be liable if the truck isn’t maintained, if background checks aren’t done, or if they don’t train truckers well enough.
- Third-Party Motorists — Another motorist could also be held liable if their behavior directly caused the accident.
- Truck Manufacturer — Defective truck components could be the root of the accident. In that case, whoever made that component will be held accountable.
- Local Government — The government can be liable if there are inadequate traffic lights and signs, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of street lighting.
Trucking Company Negligence Case
Every trucking company has its own safety standards and rules, but they’re all required to follow state and federal safety laws. If a trucking company is negligent and causes an accident, it could be liable financially. These are some negligent acts that would hold them responsible for a truck crash:
- Negligent maintenance
- Hours of service violations
- Failure to provide proper training
- Negligent hiring
Evidence plays a significant role in every case. Our Plumas County lawyers focusing on truck accidents can assess the details leading to the accident. This can help establish if there is negligence and who may be liable.
Liability Laws Involved In Plumas County Trucking Accidents
California is a pure comparative negligence state. Basically, how much a liable party owes a victim depends on their level of fault. For example, the trucker and a third-party driver were both at fault. The court found the trucker 70% at fault, while the third-party driver is 30%. That means the trucker is liable for 70% of the damages, while the other defendant is accountable for the remainder.
Besides the defendants, the plaintiff can also be held party responsible if they have some part in the accident. If you are 10% at fault, you may only be able to pursue 90% of the losses. Having Plumas County truck accident attorneys can help you advocate for your rights in court.
What Damages Can Plumas County Truck Accident Victims Pursue?
The compensation available in a truck accident claim is divided into two categories: general and special damages.
General Damages
Since general damages are intangible, they are harder to quantify. Our truck accident lawyers in Plumas County will need to thoroughly assess the non-fnancial impacts of the injuries on your life.
Below are examples of these non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Isolation
- Inconvenience
- Grief
- Mental anguish
Special Damages
Meanwhile, special damages are the economic losses incurred by the accident. They are easy to calculate and prove with bills, receipts, and invoices. Usually, they are related to your medical and legal needs.
The following are special damages victims may be able to seek:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Utility bills
- Property replacement or repair
- Loss of potential to earn
A third type is also available at the court’s discretion. This is known as punitive damages, which is meant as a punishment and deterrence for especially harmful behavior. However, these are rarely given out in verdicts.
Gatewood v. City of Los Angeles (arbitration award granted on 11/4/2020) – arbitration award involving an injured worker that sustained a traumatic brain injury when he fell off a truck. Eshghieh secured a 100% permanent total disability award yielding a present value sum of $1.195 million.
– TINA ESHGHIEH
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Personal Injury Claim In Plumas County?
The deadline for filing a personal injury claim in Plumas County is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, if you are bringing legal action against a government agency, you only have six months to file a claim. Meanwhile, if the victim is still a minor, the statute of limitations will not run until they reach 18. By then, they have two years to file a claim.
A couple of years seems like a long time to start the process. Still, it may help to consult truck accident lawyers in Plumas County to understand the deadlines that may apply to your case.
Truck Insurance And Service Obligations
Truck companies won’t be able to operate without proof of cargo and liability insurance. What’s covered depends on the freighter and what’s on board. Generally, hazardous materials carriers and freight haulers have stricter rules and insurance levels.
According to the FCMSA, the average liability insurance policy for freight forwarders is between $750,000 and $5,000,000. This depends on the commodities that are being transported. Non-hazardous freight under 10,001 pounds needs an insurance policy that can cover a minimum of $300,000.
Truck Accident Statistics
Over 168,000 truck accidents happen every year in the country, 32% of which cause injuries, and 3% result in deaths. In 2021 alone, 523,796 trucks were reported to have been involved in traffic accidents, according to the NHTSA. Of these, 5,788 people died, while another 154,993 were injured.
There was a 17% increase in truck-related accident fatalities in 2021 compared to 2020. Seventy-two percent of these were occupants of other vehicles. On the other hand, 11% of fatalities were pedestrians and bicyclists. Moreover, 78% of fatal truck crashes happened on weekdays.
FAQs About Truck Accidents In Plumas County
How Much Is My Case Worth After A Truck Accident?
It is hard to say how much a truck accident case is worth. Your Plumas County lawyers for truck accidents have to consider various factors, including your medical bills and how severe your injuries are. You can ask one of our attorneys for an estimate during your free first consultation.
When Should I Hire An Attorney For My Personal Injury?
If you get injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may wish to work with a personal injury attorney. They can handle all case-related communications with insurance providers and other parties involved, especially if there are disputes with liability. You can receive guidance on what your legal options are when you discuss your case with a Plumas County truck accident attorney.
What Are The Laws In California About Trucking Regulations?
Truckers are only allowed to drive for 11 hours a day. They can also only start if they have 10 consecutive hours of rest. Additionally, they need to rest for at least 30 minutes after 8 hours on the road.
California also only allows trucks with a maximum height of 14 feet. Meanwhile, the truck width is limited to only 8.5 feet. As for the weight, trucks weighing more than 80,000 pounds are prohibited. Those on single axles can only carry 20,000 pounds, while tandem axles with proper tire weight capacity ratings can carry 34,000 pounds.
If the trucking company disregards any of these laws, truck accident lawyers in Plumas County can use these as a basis to establish their liability.
Speak With Our Plumas County Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents can involve multiple people. Still, those severely injured without having any control over the matter are the real victims. Aside from the physical and emotional pain and suffering, their finances may also be greatly affected. Hospital bills can quickly pile up. With injuries, it can quickly become challenging to go to work and earn a living.
The Plumas County truck accident lawyers at Arash Law understand your concerns. Our main goal is to support you in pursuing the compensation that may be available to you. We understand the challenges you may be facing beyond physical recovery, which is why we also want to help you navigate the financial impact of the accident.
Arash Law also offers our legal services in more areas than just Plumas County, including places like Sacramento, Yuba City, Roseville, Folsom, Placerville, Los Molinos, Red Bluff, Cottonwood, Redding, Shasta Lake, Fortuna, Eureka, Mendocino in Mendocino County, Lakeport, Ukiah, Lincoln, Willows, Chico, and Palo Cedro, as well as throughout California. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
