California Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
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- OVER $500 MILLION RECOVERED
- ZERO-FEES UNTIL WE WIN
Our California Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Are Committed To Helping You Receive The Maximum Compensation For Your Injury
The trauma, pain, and medical expenses of an accident involving semi-trucks are a lot to deal with alone. That’s where our California semi-truck accident lawyers step in. Led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., we have fiercely advocated for injured Californians for decades. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
While California’s roads are breathtaking to drive on, they can be intimidating when traveling with massive trucks. Semi-truck collisions are among the most violent accidents anyone can experience. The devastation they cause is truly unimaginable. The catastrophic consequences of crashes involving these vehicles include extreme physical, emotional, and financial damages.
If a semi-truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence leaves you or a loved one injured or killed, you need top-notch legal representation. Let our experienced semi-truck accident lawyers help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm has remained committed for several decades to helping truck accident victims. In fact, throughout the years, we have won many cases and secured over $500 Million in damages for our clients. Our California semi-truck accident attorneys are here to help, and we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How To Find California Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers “Near You”
After a collision with a semi, you may wonder, “How can I find experienced semi-truck accident lawyers near me?” You’ll be entrusting your future (and, by extension, your family’s as well) to your attorney, so it’s important to find the best one for you. Here are some tips to help you find the right legal team:
Research Online
You can simply Google, “I need a personal injury lawyer for a truck accident near me.” This will generate a list of available lawyers and semi-truck accident law firms in your area. Additionally, you can explore reputable lawyer directories. On these websites, you can filter the results based on the practice area, specialization, and location.
Ask For Referrals
Get recommendations from your colleagues, friends, and family who may know attorneys they can vouch for. If you know an attorney who doesn’t practice personal injury law, it’s still worth reaching out. They might have connections and be able to refer you to a qualified lawyer for semi-truck accident cases.
Check Client Reviews And Testimonials
Law firms usually have a page or section for client testimonials on their website. Review them to see how their semi-truck accident lawyers have managed to help previous clients and whether they have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
Arash Law has a similar page on our website, where you can see how much we’ve recovered for all our past clients. These testimonials show the dedication and commitment of each of our lawyers to fighting for victims and pursuing the justice they deserve.
Schedule An Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are usually free, like at our personal injury law firm. These consultations provide you with an opportunity to evaluate potential lawyers and explore your legal options. During the meeting, assess your compatibility with them. Your goal is to find someone who’s empathetic, understanding, and supportive of your needs and goals.
At our law firm, we make our clients feel valued and heard. We take the time to understand their situation so we can create a legal strategy specifically tailored for them. Our semi-truck accident injury lawyers also explain complex legal terminology in a way you’ll understand, allowing you to make informed decisions about your future. We’ll keep you in the loop about any updates or changes to your case.
Look For These Qualities
What’s more important is finding a lawyer with the following qualities:
- Experience in handling truck accident claims and navigating the unique rules and regulations in the industry
- A proven track record of winning cases and helping clients recover compensation
- Ability to negotiate with insurance companies effectively on your behalf
- Litigation skills if your case escalates to court
The dedicated California semi-truck accident attorneys at Arash Law are committed to helping accident victims like you recover the full extent of damages. With strategic office locations throughout California, our law firm is ready to discuss your case 24/7. Our semi-truck accident lawyers serve victims throughout the state who have been injured in collisions. We have helped individuals and family members who have lost their loved ones secure compensation.
Why Should You Hire Our Accident Attorneys?
After a collision, it’s crucial to talk to an expert personal injury attorney with solid experience handling truck accident claims immediately. Semi-truck collisions are more complicated than typical car accidents or other personal injury cases. Our skilled semi-truck accident lawyers in California have the knowledge and compassion to aggressively advocate for the most favorable resolution for your claim.
Determining liability in truck accidents requires expertise. These cases usually involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, staffing agencies, contractors, and more. These entities have legal teams that are prepared to counter any claim and minimize their accountability as much as possible.
You’ll need a legal team on your side that’s capable of going against large corporations and is not afraid to do whatever it takes to pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Our semi-truck accident lawyers have the skills and expertise to tackle your case effectively.
We know the ins and outs of California law. We’ll leverage this knowledge to build a solid case for you. Furthermore, we are well-versed in the trucking industry, so we know how to determine fault and prove the negligence of the other party.
Additionally, accidents involving large vehicles often lead to serious injuries and even deaths. You’ll need a competent semi-truck accident lawyer to obtain fair compensation for all your losses. These include your medical bills, lost wages, PTSD, and pain and suffering.
Navigating the process on your own can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to contact our California semi-truck accident lawyers today to learn how we can help.
$3,120,000.00
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
The Basics Of Semi-Trucks In California
A semi-truck is only one of the terms used for the massive commercial trucks that roam our highways and byways. Other terms include big rig, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, and semi-trailer truck.
Whatever name you use, a semi-truck refers to a large and heavy commercial vehicle with two parts:
- Tractor
The tractor is the motorized front portion of the semi-truck. It houses the driver’s cab and has a coupling device that connects it to whatever cargo trailer is attached. This device works like a hinge, allowing the tractor and the trailer to move in unison while allowing some flexibility. If this mechanism fails while the truck is on the move, it could lead to a catastrophic crash and several injuries. - Trailer
The trailer is the extended rear portion of the truck that usually has a cargo area. Sometimes, tractor-trailers will pull more than one trailer, turning them into what some call “road trains” or “land trains.”The trailer must be secured properly at all times. Otherwise, its cargo could spill out onto the road and cause an accident. The risk of severe injuries is higher if it’s carrying heavy or hazardous materials. Furthermore, the severity of truck accidents increases if the trailer detaches or overturns.
Semi-truck accidents are exceedingly dangerous, and claims involving one are particularly complicated. Even so, we encourage you to exercise your rights and pursue the financial compensation you are entitled to. If a recent semi-truck accident injured you or killed a loved one, consult our knowledgeable semi-truck accident attorneys in California. We will guide you through the legal process.
Truck Drivers Vs. Other Commercial Drivers In California
The main difference between truck drivers and other commercial operators in California lies in the type of vehicle operated and the specific job function. However, they share the typical requirement of obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate their vehicles in the state legally.
Truck drivers are professional drivers who operate gigantic vehicles across California. As such, they are subject to stricter state and federal regulations than noncommercial drivers like the rest of us.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains strict regulations on the hours of service (HOS) for professional truckers. They impose hefty fines and penalties for non-compliance with these rules:
- There is an 11-hour driving limit for professional truck drivers after having at least ten consecutive hours off duty.
- Truckers may not drive beyond a 14th consecutive hour upon coming on duty after ten consecutive hours off. Additional time spent off duty does not extend this 14-hour maximum.
- Professional truckers can’t drive further if more than 8 hours have passed since their last break of at least 30 minutes.
- Professional truckers may only drive up to 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days. A 7/8 consecutive day restart can only occur after being off duty for at least 34 hours.
Truck drivers are held to these strict rules and regulations for one excellent reason: to help keep everyone on our roadways safe. These drivers make a living by putting miles behind them. The pressure to keep up with strict deadlines sometimes pushes them beyond the parameters of established regulations.
The fact is, overworked truck drivers are dangerous drivers. Our California semi-truck accident lawyers can provide professional guidance if a negligent truck driver injures you or a family member.
The Semi-Truck Industry Is Subject To Federal And State Safety Standards
Our nation’s consumer-driven economy is fueled by the massive commercial trucks that traverse our roads every day. After all, the goods we use and consume daily must come from somewhere, and we have the trucking industry to thank. As the demand for consumer goods continues to increase, the trucking industry is under more and more pressure to perform.
There are numerous safety trucking laws that companies and drivers must follow. Both the State of California and the federal government impose regulations from nearly every conceivable safety angle, such as:
- More restrictive standards for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is necessary to operate a big rig semi-truck
- Far less tolerance for a commercial driver’s use of alcohol and/or drugs, including testing for such usage
- Strict regulatory standards related to the transportation of hazardous materials
- Requirements related to the physical health of commercial truckers
- Close monitoring of safety standards of trucking companies
Both state and federal governments regulate the trucking industry closely and carefully. Still, deadly accidents have not decreased and have continued to occur. Violations of industry regulations and standards continue to cause traffic injuries and fatalities. Our reputable semi-truck accident lawyers in California are here to help victims hold the negligent parties accountable.
Semi-Truck Accidents As The Result Of Industry-Wide Safety Failures
Trucking companies must adhere to strict rules and regulations to keep everyone on our roads safe. When they cut corners to keep up with demand and maximize profits, they endanger their employees and everyone else on the road.
Corporations have many responsibilities related to safety that they must consistently fulfill. Otherwise, they risk being responsible for potentially deadly traffic accidents. These responsibilities are:
- Providing the appropriate regularly scheduled truck maintenance required by federal and state regulations
- Implementing all mandated equipment safety checks
- Hiring professional truck drivers who are qualified and experienced
- Hiring professional truck mechanics who are qualified and experienced
- Ensuring every rig is safely and properly loaded for every trip
The trucking industry is critical to our economy, but it is also obliged to take all the necessary safety precautions as it continues to grow. If a truck company’s negligence causes you to be injured, you have our California semi-truck accident lawyers to turn to.
Common Types Of Semi-Truck Accidents
Our semi-truck accident attorneys have experience handling various types of big rig crashes, including:
- Jackknife Accidents – When the driver loses control of the truck, the trailer may fold into the cab, creating a sharp angle resembling a folding jackknife. This can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to a chain reaction of collisions.
- Rollovers – When a truck tips over, it could spill its cargo onto the road. Worse, it could fall onto a smaller vehicle, crushing its occupants. Semi-trucks often tip over due to unbalanced cargo or quick turns.
- Sideswipe Collisions – In a sideswipe accident, two vehicles brush against each other at the sides. Although it’s usually considered a minor collision, it can lead to devastating damages when one of the vehicles involved is a large truck. A big rig could push the other car off the road, into barriers, or oncoming traffic.
- Head-On Accidents – A head-on collision with a truck can result in severe vehicle damage and fatal injuries. These types of accidents typically occur when a driver swerves into the opposite lane after falling asleep behind the wheel, getting distracted, or being impaired.
- Rear-End Accidents – These incidents are dangerous for vehicles both behind and in front of the truck. A semi crashing into the rear end of a car produces an impact that can severely injure the occupants, especially when the truck is speeding.
- Underride Accidents – If a smaller vehicle rear-ends a truck, it could become wedged underneath the trailer. This situation is particularly dangerous because it can shave off the top of the car, leading to serious injuries or even death to the occupants.
These incidents are usually caused by a truck driver’s negligence. However, they can also occur due to slippery roads, potholes, and other negligent motorists. These factors make it challenging to determine liability.
Make sure to trust only our reliable California lawyers for semi-truck accident cases. We will identify who is responsible for compensating you.
Semi-Truck Accidents Can Leave Victims With Significant Medical Expenses
The injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident are often far more severe than those in other traffic accidents in California. The associated medical expenses reflect this fact:
- Emergency care at the scene of the accident and emergency transportation to the hospital
- Surgery and post-surgical care
- Extended hospital stays and attendant care
- Outpatient care
- Appointments with medical professionals, including doctors, specialists, therapists, and counselors
- Ongoing medical care and follow-up appointments
- Prescription medications
- Adaptive medical devices and medical equipment
- Physical adaptations to one’s home
- Home health care
These medical expenses can quickly add up, leaving you with an astronomical bill. Relying solely on your insurance company to cover your expenses is not in your best interest. The qualified semi-truck accident lawyers California trusts will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. We will aim for maximum compensation while you focus on your recovery.
Work-Related Costs And Emotional Consequences Of A Serious Semi-Truck Crash
The journey toward recovery after a big-rig truck accident is often long and winding, and you likely won’t return to work sometime soon. Many semi-truck accident victims cannot return to the careers they love. They also have to contend with the work-related costs associated with their commercial truck accidents, such as:
- Many lost hours on the job and subsequently lost wages
- The inability to return to the current position
- An altered career trajectory
- A diminished earning capacity in the future
- A permanent disability
- The inability to ever work again
Most of us, in one way or another, correlate our careers with our sense of self. A violent semi-truck accident that significantly alters or destroys that career can be emotionally devastating. A severe personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence is also challenging on a mental and emotional level.
The emotional and psychological costs of these devastating accidents can exceed your medical expenses. If you or a loved one is injured after an 18-wheeler accident, contact our injury firm. Our compassionate California semi-truck accident lawyers will make sure to pursue what you are owed for these losses.
Compensation For Semi-Truck Accident Victims
A settlement or jury award can reimburse you for the economic damages you’ve suffered in a semi-truck accident, including the medical expenses and work-related costs mentioned above. It can also compensate you for non-economic damages, which are the non-tangible effects of the accident on your life, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
In very rare cases, the court may also grant punitive damages. However, these awards go beyond compensating the victim. They are primarily meant to punish the defendant for exceptionally malicious or negligent actions.
Our semi-truck accident lawyers will consider the extent of these damages when calculating your claim’s value. We will also work with medical professionals, economists, and financial experts to help us determine an accurate amount that will cover all your losses.
If the collision leads to death, the surviving family members can still pursue compensation. They can pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of the best semi-truck accident attorneys. In general, they can claim damages for funeral expenses, burial costs, loss of financial support, and more.
Common Causes Of Semi-Truck Accidents In California
Trucking companies – and their truck drivers, to some extent – are responsible for maintaining rigorous safety standards, including scheduled maintenance and safety checks on their rigs. Failure to do so can result in deadly accidents on our roadways. Our semi-truck accident lawyers can hold them accountable if they neglect their duty and cause injuries.
Several common truck-related causes contribute to many dangerous incidents, including the following:
Defective Or Malfunctioning Truck Parts
- Tire Blowout — Massive commercial trucks are called 18-wheelers for one crucial reason – they ride on 18 giant tires. These tires connect these large and heavy vehicles to the road, so a lot of wear and tear is involved. A semi-truck with a worn or defective tire can blow out on a trip. When this happens, it’s difficult for the trucker to maintain control, leading to collisions with other motorists on the road. Furthermore, a blown tire often leaves dangerous debris on the road, which can lead to additional accidents. Large chunks of rubber and fast-moving traffic are a dangerous combination.
- Faulty Brakes — Because trucks are several times larger and heavier than noncommercial vehicles, they take longer to come to complete and safe stops. Their brakes also get a good workout in the process. Semi-trucks have complicated braking systems that must be kept in excellent working order for safety’s sake. When they aren’t, or when these brakes are faulty to begin with, disastrous accidents can happen.
- Coupling Device Failure — The integrity of the coupling device is critical to a big rig’s ability to travel safely on our highways. A poorly manufactured, damaged, defective, or worn coupling device can fail, causing the trailer to detach from the cab. This can lead to horrific incidents, causing severe injuries and even deaths.
If you are injured in a truck accident due to a defective part — whether caused by a manufacturing defect, inadequate maintenance, or insufficient safety checks — it’s time to consult a reputable 18-wheeler accident law firm. Only knowledgeable California semi-truck accident lawyers have the qualifications and commitment to fight for the compensation you need for recovery.
Inherent Risks With The Truck’s Design
In addition to faulty truck parts, semi-trucks are so large and cumbersome that they have inherent dangers, which are essential to pay careful attention to.
A Truck’s Blind Spots
Even though truck drivers sit high above the road and seemingly have a great view of everything around them, they have large blind spots on every side of their rigs. If you are traveling in a truck’s blind spot, the driver can’t see you and probably doesn’t know you are there.
In other words, you are more likely to be injured in these danger zones. One of the most significant blind spots is on the trucker’s right-hand side. Passing on this side essentially renders you invisible to the truck driver, so don’t take the chance.
A Truck’s Center Of Gravity
Large commercial trucks carry massive cargo over several miles and are built for the long haul. Issues related to its center of gravity can ultimately cause big rig accidents, which can be affected by the truck’s design and/or by improper loading practices. The drivers and/or the loading crews may attempt to cut corners and save time. Any factor compromising an 18-wheeler’s center of gravity can contribute to or cause dangerous rollover accidents and exacerbate the ensuing damages.
A Truck’s Design
A truck’s very design can contribute to potentially deadly incidents. Trucks that ride very high off the road can be hazardous for the relatively tiny cars they share the road with. This height discrepancy can lead to exceedingly dangerous underride accidents where a car drives or is pushed under the truck and into its undercarriage.
Drivers of regular, smaller vehicles are always at a safety disadvantage. When you’re sharing the road with big rigs, always proceed with extreme caution – the life you save could be your own.
After getting injured in a recent truck accident, consult with skilled semi-accident attorneys in California. While you attend to the difficult task of healing, your semi-truck accident lawyers can advocate for your rights to a fair settlement.
Fatigued Semi-Truck Drivers
As the trucking industry continues to grow exponentially, safety corners are often cut to keep up with demand and maximize profits. As a result, truck drivers are pushed beyond the bounds of safely manning a massive 18-wheeler semi-truck. While it’s easy to recognize the pressure these truckers are under, they are still responsible for adhering to all federal and state laws. These include the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Truckers who fail to do so are often exhausted, overworked, and fatigued. Tired truckers are dangerous because:
- Fatigued truckers react less quickly and more poorly.
- Fatigued truckers have shorter attention spans and are more easily distracted (distraction is another critical safety risk).
- Fatigued truckers are less alert to traffic changes and road emergencies.
- Fatigued truckers are more likely to make unsafe decisions, as evidenced by their choice to ignore HOS regulations in the first place.
The trucking industry is ever-expanding. Still, it must assume the paramount responsibility of incorporating safety regulations as it grows. When a trucking company puts profits before safety, it makes highways and byways less safe for everyone who travels on them. If you’re a victim of their reckless practices, reach out to our proficient California semi-truck accident attorneys. We’ll make sure that those who break the rules face the repercussions of their actions.
Distracted Semi-Truck Drivers
Distracted truck drivers are another primary safety concern. When we get behind the wheels of our vehicles, we shoulder the immense responsibility of driving safely. One crucial aspect of this is not allowing ourselves to be distracted by anything other than driving.
Driving a large commercial vehicle safely is a trucker’s job, but this primary task comes with many administrative tasks. It includes maintaining hefty logbooks that record traveled miles, HOS, gas breaks, safety checks, and more.
When truckers allow these additional tasks to distract them from driving safely, they increase their risk of being involved in dangerous traffic accidents. Truckers are vulnerable to the same distractions as other drivers, including the use of their smartphones. The difference is that truckers are professionals who maneuver potentially deadly machines over many miles, and using one’s phone while behind the wheel is totally unacceptable.
Distracted driving can lead to catastrophic accidents, such as head-on crashes, run-off-road incidents, and T-bone collisions. Our California semi-truck accident lawyers advocate for stricter implementation of existing laws and more aggressive anti-distracted driving campaigns.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications. However, some drivers might use them to stay awake or deal with the stress associated with their jobs.
This habit presents a risk, as these substances can compromise driving skills in the following ways:
- Reduced motor coordination
- Blurred vision
- Increased risk-taking tendencies
- Heightened aggression
- Slowed reaction times
- Impaired decision-making
A drunk or drugged driver might exhibit dangerous behaviors, such as driving too slowly, swerving, braking suddenly, or running red lights. If you are injured in a DUI collision, call our semi-truck accident lawyers right away. We will conduct an investigation, check their driving records, and review the police report that might indicate the result of their field sobriety test.
Other Common Causes
Our California attorneys have also dealt with semi-truck accidents resulting from the following factors:
- Inadequate Training – Truck drivers must be trained and prepared to operate heavy vehicles. Otherwise, they could make mistakes that lead to accidents on the road.
- Speeding – Sometimes, truckers overspeed to reach their destinations faster and meet their deadlines. By doing so, they endanger their lives and those of other motorists.
- Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo – If the truck’s balance is compromised due to overloading or improperly loaded cargo, it could become more difficult to control.
- Inclement Weather – Rain, fog, or snow reduces visibility and creates hazardous conditions, like slippery roads. If the driver or vehicle is not equipped to handle these conditions, an accident could occur.
- Dangerous Road Conditions – Semi-trucks often travel on various types of terrain to deliver goods. Drivers could encounter bumpy roads, potholes, inadequate signage, and more. If they’re not paying attention or adjusting their driving accordingly, they could cause an accident.
These causes introduce additional layers of liability. It’s crucial to have knowledgeable semi-truck accident lawyers who can examine the details to find potential instances of negligence.
Common Injuries From Semi-Truck Accidents
An 80,000-lb tractor-trailer crashing into a pedestrian, passenger car, motorcycle, bicycle, or other motorist has the potential to cause devastating injuries. Our semi-truck accident lawyers in California have helped numerous clients pursue compensation for the following injuries:
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Crush injuries
- Amputation
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Beyond the immediate physical impact, victims also face significant emotional and psychological challenges.
They all lead to unexpected expenses, debt, and other losses. If you need help pursuing compensation, look no further than the semi-truck accident attorneys California trusts the most. We will ensure all your injuries and damages are fully covered.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Semi-Truck Accident Claim
In California, you have two years from the date of the injury (or its discovery) to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you don’t bring a claim within this period, you lose the right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Depending on the specific circumstances, however, some exceptions may apply. Filing a claim for property damage only entails a deadline of three years from the date of the accident. In case a government agency is involved, you are given only six months to file a claim. There are other exceptions under this rule, such as for claims involving a minor or a mentally incapacitated victim.
It’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. Call (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case with us. One of the best semi-truck accident attorneys will explain your deadlines and ensure the timely submission of your claim.
What To Do After A Semi-Truck Accident In California
Experiencing a semi-truck accident is overwhelming. Despite it all, you must try to remain calm to protect yourself and your rights to financial recovery. The following is a simple guide to help you navigate the aftermath of an accident.
- Ensure Your Safety. If it’s safe and you’re not critically injured, move your car and get out of the vehicle. Staying inside a damaged car is dangerous. Then, check for injuries.
- Alert The Authorities. Always report the accident to the police. It’s a legal requirement in California if the damage exceeds $1,000.
- Seek Medical Attention. Call 911 to get emergency medical help. Afterward, see a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may show symptoms later.
- Collect Evidence. List the names and contact details of the parties involved in the accident. Take photos of your car and other details, like skid marks, for evidence. You may overlook these steps amidst the chaos, but collecting evidence after a truck crash is vital. It can help your lawyers better understand the circumstances of your accident, determine liability, and build a stronger case for when you pursue a claim.
- Be Careful Of What You Say. Avoid saying things like “I’m fine” before a medical check-up. If you do, the other party might use those words to dispute your injury claim. Most importantly, do not admit fault.
- Contact A Lawyer. Arash Law has semi-truck accident lawyers in California who specialize in truck-related cases. Our legal team can help you submit a personal injury claim and hold the negligent parties responsible.
Semi-Truck Accidents Statistics – Unfortunately Common In California
Semi-trucks are everywhere, especially in rural areas of California, and they aren’t going away anytime soon. Our economy is driven by semi-trucks that deliver all the consumer goods we need and want. The trucking industry and consumer demand keep things moving forward.
As the industry continues to expand, the latest statistics on commercial truck accidents continue to be more and more sobering. The following information has been collected from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- In 2021, traffic crashes involving large trucks led to 5,788 deaths. For comparison, 4,095 people were killed in large truck accidents nationwide in 2015.
- Occupants of noncommercial vehicles involved in commercial truck accidents have a far greater risk of being fatally injured than truckers. The same goes for nonoccupants, such as pedestrians and cyclists. These groups made up 84% of all fatalities in 2015 and 83% in 2021.
- Out of the total fatalities in 2015, 665 were truck drivers or passengers, or 16% of the reported deaths. This number has since increased to 1,008 (or 17%) in 2021.
- From 2009 to 2015, large truck fatalities rose by 21%. From 2015 to 2021, deaths have increased by 41%.
- Large trucks made up 8% of all motor vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2015 and 9% in 2021.
A collision between a sedan and a semi-truck was reported in San Diego County one night on April 25, 2024. The deadly crash on Interstate 5 that killed at least one person showcased the tragic nature of semi-truck accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident?
The following parties might be held accountable in a truck accident claim:
- The truck driver who is directly responsible for the accident;
- The trucking company and the truck’s owner;
- Entities in charge of truck maintenance and inspections (usually the trucking company);
- Entities responsible for training and overseeing the driver;
- Other drivers who may have played a part in the crash;
- Makers of the truck and its parts, especially if a defect caused the crash;
- Repair shops or mechanics that recently worked on the truck;
- Parties who hire and manage truck drivers, particularly if those drivers have past traffic infractions or violations;
- Any passenger accompanying the truck driver during the accident if they contributed to the crash;
- Government or local bodies that neglected the road conditions or hazards leading to the accident.
A single crash can involve multiple layers of liability. Our semi-truck accident lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly to hold all potentially liable parties accountable for your injuries.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire California Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers?
Most semi-truck accident lawyers in California charge similar fees, depending on the legal market. Typically, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. However, superior track records and expertise help some stand out from other legal practitioners.
At Arash Law, our California semi truck lawyers operate on a “no-win, no-fee” principle. Our attorney fees come out of the total settlement or award we’ll secure for you. If we don’t win your case, we don’t get paid. Thus, our accident attorneys offer you a risk-free choice.
We have championed cases that have resulted in $500 Million in settlements and awards for our clients. Our primary objective is to get you the highest possible settlement for your injuries.
What Is The Average Settlement For Semi-Truck Accidents In California?
It’s natural to wonder, “how much are most truck accident settlements?” However, identifying an “average” settlement amount for semi-truck accidents in California is challenging since every case is unique.
Compensation from a truck accident lawsuit depends on various factors, including:
- The extent and nature of the injuries you’ve endured – For instance, a wrongful death claim is valued far more than a claim for minor injuries.
- Your current medical expenses and any anticipated future medical costs arising from the injuries – If, for example, you had to undergo surgery, its costs would be reflected in the compensation.
- The degree of fault, whether the other driver was entirely to blame or if there was a shared responsibility – This will affect the amount of settlement.
- The fees for hiring expert California semi-truck accident lawyers
In general, the more severe and catastrophic truck accident cases result in greater compensation. Even so, our semi-truck accident attorneys always aim for the highest settlement. We are prepared to take your claims to court if we believe it will secure better compensation for you.
How Long Will A Semi-Truck Accident Settlement Take In California?
Most truck accident claims in California are settled with insurance companies, avoiding the need for a lengthy lawsuit. However, this process can still take time. Insurers might initially offer lower settlements, hoping victims will accept and close the case quickly. Because of this unfair practice, negotiations can take months, sometimes even a year. If a fair settlement isn’t reached or a claim is denied, the victim may need to sue the negligent parties.
Is a trial necessary? Remember, in California, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If the case proceeds to this stage, a resolution can take longer. Both sides will have to exchange information, conduct deeper investigations, wait for court schedules, and argue their cases in front of a jury. Though most personal injury cases are settled before trial, some can take years to conclude.
After a semi-truck collision, consider consulting trusted semi-truck accident lawyers in California. The legal team at Arash Law can handle negotiations with insurance providers and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
Do Semi-Truck Accident Cases Go To Trial?
Not all semi-truck accident cases and other personal injury claims go to trial. Our semi-truck accident attorneys will carefully evaluate your case and discuss all available options with you. We will offer our professional opinion about the best course of action, but you have the final say on how we proceed.
In California, most semi-truck accident cases are settled out of court due to the following factors:
- Clear Evidence – If the truck driver or company is clearly at fault, they’ll likely settle to avoid negative press and potentially higher jury-awarded damages.
- Insurance’s Role – Insurance companies often settle to control costs. However, they might push for a trial if they think the claims are unreasonable.
- Injury Severity – Large claims involving severe injuries are more difficult to resolve.
- Attorney Strategy – Some attorneys are known for taking cases to trial, while others prefer settling.
- Plaintiff’s Preference – Some victims want an early resolution of their claims, while others might await a trial to pursue higher compensation.
Are Semi-Trucks Safer Than Cars?
It’s difficult to say whether a semi-truck is safer than a car. It depends on various factors, including road conditions, driver experience, and other specific circumstances. For truck drivers, the cab’s robust structure can provide more protection in case of a collision.
That said, semi-trucks are not the safest vehicles. If the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, or in cases of rollovers, the risk of injury is still high. Moreover, semis are much harder to control than smaller cars, making them prone to accidents.
On the other hand, cars offer less protection in a collision. However, they have the advantage of greater agility, maneuverability, and braking capabilities. These qualities could prove instrumental in avoiding accidents or minimizing their impact.
Can Semis Drive In The Fast Lane In California?
Semi-trucks can’t drive in the left lane, but they can drive in other lanes. The reason is that they are restricted to a certain speed, which is usually 55 mph on California highways.
In some cases, though, they are required to use truck-only lanes, which are rare in California. At the moment, only the following truck-only lanes exist:
- Northbound and southbound I-5 in Los Angeles County at the State Route 14 split
- Southbound I-5 in Kern County at the State Route 99 junction near the Grapevine
Even with these restrictions in place, speeding trucks continue to be a common nuisance on the roads. Our semi-truck accident lawyers have helped many victims pursue justice against negligent drivers and their companies that set unreasonable time expectations.
Can A Semi-Truck Go Over 100 Mph?
Semi-trucks are primarily designed for hauling heavy loads over long distances rather than achieving high speeds. However, some models with larger engines might be capable of going over 100 mph, although it’s neither encouraged nor permitted by law.
If you’re injured by a speeding truck, immediately call our semi-truck accident lawyers to get started with your personal injury claim.
Can A Semi Truck Park On A Residential Street In California?
Commercial vehicles are not permitted to park on residential streets and other certain places. They are typically required to use designated loading zones and parking areas. This regulation helps prevent commercial activities from obstructing regular traffic flow and ensures pedestrian safety.
What Semi-Trucks Are Allowed In California?
Legal trucks are restricted to the following limits:
- Height – 14 feet
- Width – 8.5 feet
- Length – 65 feet or 75 feet (unlimited on certain routes)
- Weight – 80,000 lbs
If these limits are exceeded, trucks are not allowed on the roads and are more likely to cause accidents.
Call The Award-Winning Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers California Chooses For Justice
If you or a loved one is injured or killed, it’s time to contact the best semi truck accident attorneys California relies on. Our dedicated legal team, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has the experience, skills, and compassion to guide your claim toward its best possible resolution. With us, your rights and continued recovery are in good hands. We won’t leave them to chance or the insurance company involved.
We’re here to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever you need us. Dial (888) 488-1391 today to speak with our experienced California semi-truck accident lawyers. We offer a free, no-risk initial consultation.
We conveniently have locations throughout California, with offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Riverside, Orange County, San Jose, and San Diego. We are also more than happy to meet with you at your home, office, or anyplace else in the state, as we offer legal services in other cities like Anaheim, Bakersfield, Frazier Park, Fremont, Fresno, Glendale, Gustine, Oceanside, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Rosa, Tehachapi, and Visalia.
