Plumas County Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Competent Plumas County Truck Accident Lawyers Will Get You The Money You Deserve
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 are some of the most damaging traffic incidents. The good news is victims can get legal assistance from Arash Law’s competent Plumas County truck accident lawyers in obtaining compensation. Get your free initial consultation today 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 offers victims of truck collisions and crashes a chance to get compensated for the pain and suffering they are going through. Our Plumas County truck accident attorneys, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are experts in handling personal injury claims. With our winning track record, you can rely on us to handle insurance companies that only care about their finances.
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 case and get back to you immediately.
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 Win Your Case?
The truck accident lawyers in Plumas County at Arash Law will stop at nothing to resolve your claim successfully—from investigation to negotiation and, if it comes down to it, litigation. Besides having a deep understanding of the law, our attorneys also know how to create winning strategies.
Additionally, we’ve dealt with various insurance companies before. We are well aware of their tactics and have adapted to counter them to ensure victims get the compensation they deserve.
- Filing the claim – Truck collisions can get legally complicated. There could be multiple parties responsible, meaning you have to deal with more insurance companies as well. Hiring lawyers helps ensure the process is streamlined and done correctly.
- Doing a thorough investigation – If you file a case, you also need to have evidence to back it up. Otherwise, insurance companies could deny your claim. Through extensive investigation, we can find undeniable proof that will establish negligence and liability.
- Dealing with insurance companies – Negotiating with these companies can get tricky. They would use intimidation, delay tactics, and confusion to pay less or avoid paying the settlement at all. However, we will relentlessly negotiate and won’t settle for anything less.
- Providing representation at trial – If we can’t get a settlement out of court, your case will have to go to trial. Rest assured, we will represent you and fight for your legal rights in court.
Why Choose Our Expert Plumas County Truck Accident Attorneys To Help You Get Compensation?
Our personal injury attorneys specializing in truck accidents in Plumas County are knowledgeable in tort laws. We are specifically trained to help injury victims get compensation from at-fault parties. Furthermore, Arash Law has decades of combined experience. Our injury law firm in Plumas County won over $500 million in compensation and helped thousands of victims.
We also offer our legal services to victims who are struggling to make ends meet. Accidents can take a toll on your already limited budget. But you don’t have to skip on getting a lawyer. You can hire us 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.
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, here’s what you should do if you get injured in a truck crash, according to truck accident attorneys in Plumas County. Doing these steps can help preserve your right to compensation.
- 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.
- Stay calm and assess your situation. We know how scary and confusing the first few seconds after a truck accident is. But do not panic and try to remember the details of what happened. Then, check yourself and others for any injuries.
- Call 911 and remain on the scene. If you leave, you could compromise your chance to get compensation and even face legal consequences.
- Get immediate medical attention. See a doctor even if you don’t feel pain, or you think your injuries are not serious. Aside from securing 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. But 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 until you get compensated.
- Contact Plumas County lawyers specializing in truck accidents. Do so immediately to avoid missing the deadline for filing a claim. Having a lawyer by your side makes it easier to navigate the legal processes.
Types Of Truck Accident Cases In Plumas County
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are when a truck tips over. This often happens with trucks because they are much heavier than passenger vehicles—the weight may not be evenly distributed. Tractor-trailers are prone to this type of accident because they have high centers of gravity.
- 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.
- 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 damages are 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. Because of the force of the collision, multiple vehicles could also get involved.
- Speeding
- Poor road condition
- Unsafe loads
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Unsafe merging
- Poor lighting
- Mechanical failure
Unsafe Loads
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. But some drivers would break the rules and spend more hours than what is allowed, driving from city to city. Many choose to do this so they can finish the trip faster. But 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 hours. 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. The defendant should have used reasonable care when driving but didn’t. Their failure to take the necessary steps led to the plaintiff’s injury. For a personal injury claim to succeed, the plaintiff must establish the defendant’s negligence. Our Plumas County truck accident lawyers can do that through thorough investigation.
- 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 aggressively deny any part in the accident. 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
- 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 specializing in truck accidents need to uncover all the details leading to the accident. This can help establish if there is negligence and who is 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 owes you 70% of the settlement award, while the other defendant will give the remaining.
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 will only receive 90% of the award. Having Plumas County truck accident attorneys can protect your rights in court. In addition, they can help establish fault and make sure the guilty are punished.
What Damages Can Plumas County Truck Accident Victims Recover?
The compensation available to recover in a truck accident claim is divided into two categories: general and special damages. General damages refer to non-tangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Meanwhile, special damages include economic losses incurred due to the accident.
General Damages
Since general damages are intangible, they are harder to quantify. Our skilled truck accident lawyers in Plumas County will be able to calculate and add them to your case’s worth.
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Reduced quality of life
- Isolation
- Inconvenience
- Grief
- Mental anguish
Special Damages
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Utility bills
- Property replacement or repair
- Loss of potential to earn
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?
Personal injury claims in Plumas County are limited to two years from the date of the injury, as in the rest of California. 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 limitation will not run until they reach 18. By then, they only have two years to file a claim.
A couple of years seems like a long time to recover and start the process. Still, it’s best to consult with our truck accident lawyers in Plumas County as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines.
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 to $5,000,000. This depends on the commodities that are being transported. Non-hazardous freights under 10,001 pounds need 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 National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (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. Regardless, more severe injuries tend to call for higher compensation.
When should I hire an expert attorney for my personal injury?
If you get injured because of someone else’s negligence, you should really consider hiring a personal injury attorney. They can handle insurance providers and other parties involved, especially if they claim you are also at fault for your injuries. You can avoid saying anything that will hurt your claim when you hire our Plumas County truck accident attorneys.
What are the laws in California about trucking regulations?
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.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Top-Rated Plumas County Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
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 are also greatly affected. Hospital bills can quickly pile up. With injuries, it’s impossible to go to work and earn a living.
The award-winning truck accident lawyers at Arash Law that Plumas County trusts understand your concerns. Led by esteemed attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our main goal is to help by getting you the maximum compensation. Your physical recovery isn’t our only wish. We also want you to return to your financial status before the accident happened—and even better by securing your future.
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. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
