Santa Barbara Truck Accident Lawyers
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Santa Barbara Truck Accident Lawyers Providing Dedicated Help To Injury Victims
Unfortunately, accidents between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks are too common in Santa Barbara, California. The damage that commercial trucks can cause is typically much more devastating than that of other traffic accidents, with a greater potential for more serious injuries. Reach out to Arash Law’s Santa Barbara truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for legal assistance in pursuing compensation and take advantage of a free initial consultation.
The legal team at Arash Law understands the complexities of truck accident cases. We have helped countless victims in personal injury cases for years. We aim to assist our clients in pursuing compensation following an accident.
Contact us by phone or through our online form to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation. We look forward to working with you!
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Understanding The Trucking Industry
A basic understanding of the trucking industry can help explain why truck crash claims can be complicated. Commercial truck accidents can result in severe injuries and significant property damage. Most big rigs are at least 80,000 pounds, far heavier and larger than typical vehicles. After a truck accident that causes catastrophic injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation.
After getting injured in a traffic crash with a commercial truck, you need Santa Barbara truck accident attorneys with experience and a thorough understanding of the trucking industry. They can address the legal and insurance issues that often arise in these cases.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Complex?
Truck accident claims and lawsuits are incredibly complex. There can be multiple parties involved, further complicating the process of establishing liability, so you need someone with knowledge and experience to help you with your accident claim.
Some key factors to consider when initiating a truck accident case include whether the truck driver was qualified to be behind the wheel, whether the actions of the trucking company violated applicable state and federal regulations, and whether the personnel properly maintained the truck. Any of these issues can contribute to causing a truck accident.
Common Causes Of Santa Barbara Truck Accidents
Accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, traffic collisions are commonplace in Santa Barbara, especially incidents involving large commercial trucks. Big rig accidents are often complex, and determining responsibility can involve multiple parties, including other drivers and insurance companies. Handling a truck accident case typically involves meticulous investigation and research. Arash Law’s Santa Barbara truck accident lawyers can help you during the legal process.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck collisions:
Drivers
One of the most basic causes of truck accidents is the behavior of the truck drivers themselves. If a driver is negligent in either the operation or the maintenance of their vehicle, they may face legal liability for any losses, injuries, or damage that they cause.
A truck driver can be an independent contractor or an employee of a truck company. If the driver is an employee, the victim may have a legal claim against the driver and the company.
Trucking Companies And Owners
Trucking companies and truck owners may be held legally responsible for a truck accident under certain circumstances. Liability may arise if a driver or the company itself is found to have acted negligently. An attorney can review employment records, inspection logs, and company safety policies to help determine liability.
Maintenance Providers
The trucking company is responsible for hiring competent maintenance providers to service its trucks. However, the maintenance providers themselves may face liability if they do not properly maintain the vehicles. Finding the proper entity to file a claim or lawsuit against can be complicated, so the help of an attorney will help you know potential claims for compensation and the legal process.
Loaders & Shippers
Everyone involved in the industry is responsible for ensuring the safety of big rigs and preventing traffic accidents. If truck loads are not properly loaded, there is a significant risk of a rollover accident. When loaders improperly balance a load, they may be held liable for injuries and losses.
Manufacturers
Some traffic accidents are caused by defects in the design or manufacture of the truck itself or its components. Truck manufacturers are responsible for placing safe vehicles on the road, and when they fail to do that, they face legal liability for their actions.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are under a tight schedule and may feel intense pressure to meet deadlines set by employers. Because of that pressure, drivers may be tempted to work past their physical limits. Driving without adequate rest can cause serious accidents. These types of incidents happen in the blink of an eye. No one, especially commercial truck drivers, should drive without getting enough sleep.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes are a large contributor to commercial truck accidents. An unsafe lane change may happen when a commercial truck driver fails to notice a smaller vehicle in their path or their blind spots. All drivers must follow the rules of the road and should make safe lane changes to help protect others.
Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is negligent. Driving over the legal limit can lead to severe accidents between normal-sized cars, so traffic crashes involving drugs, alcohol, and commercial trucks can lead to life-ending accidents.
It is against federal law for a big rig driver to operate their vehicle while under the influence. If an impaired commercial truck driver causes a traffic accident, they may face civil and criminal liability.
Common Injuries In Santa Barbara Truck Accidents
Any number of injuries can result from a truck accident. Given the size of these vehicles, the potential they have for massive damage is greater than in accidents with passenger vehicles. Accident victims may benefit from seeking legal representation from experienced Santa Barbara truck accident lawyers to help navigate the claims process after a crash.
Burns
Burn injuries are common after truck accidents. These accidents may end in fiery explosions from the chemicals in the engine, chemical cargo, and airbags.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a common injury for truck accident injury victims. Examples of serious broken bone injuries include sprains, breaks, and fractures.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are serious and can lead to permanent disability, including paralysis. Examples of spinal cord injuries include herniated discs, cervical damage, bulging vertebrae, and concussions.
Head & Neck Injuries
Head and neck injuries can lead to the need for long-term treatment to help the victim fully recover. Examples of head and neck injuries include concussions and other brain injuries, whiplash, and cervical damage.
Fatalities
The most tragic outcome of truck accident cases is death. Many truck accidents are, unfortunately, deadly due to the size of the vehicle and the cargo it carries. Surviving family members can file a wrongful death case. Wrongful death cases are very complex. An attorney can help you pursue the compensation that may be available in your case.
Potential Defendants In Santa Barbara Truck Accidents
There are many potential defendants in a truck accident. There are several potential benefits to identifying all possible defendants in a case. Doing so may help address your losses if one party’s insurance policy does not provide full coverage.
Potential defendants Santa Barbara truck accident lawyers can identify include the following:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Maintenance providers
- Loaders
- Other drivers
- Local, state, and federal government entities
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets standards for how much insurance coverage a truck driver and trucking company must carry. Failure to hold the requisite amount of insurance can be grounds for a federal complaint.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
How Can Our Santa Barbara Truck Accident Lawyers Help?
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you through the process of resolving your case or insurance claim. We will guide you through the options to help address your losses and injuries. Our legal team will be a source of information and guidance to you during the entire claims process. Examples of how our lawyers can help include the following:
- Negotiate with the truck company’s insurance provider.
- Help you understand the complexities of the trucking industry.
- Interview eyewitnesses and experts about how the accident happened.
- Help you gather evidence from the trucking company, even if they are uncooperative.
- Prepare your case for discovery.
- Represent you at trial if a settlement isn’t reached.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, seeking legal representation can help you navigate the claims process and address the impact of the accident.
Consult Our Santa Barbara Truck Accident Lawyers
Our team is here to support you as you recover from an accident involving a large commercial truck. The attorneys at Arash Law have decades of experience helping injured Californians get compensation for their injuries. Handling cases on a contingency fee basis, they don’t charge clients upfront; they only get paid when the client wins a settlement or award.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form to discuss your legal matter with one of our experienced Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys. We look forward to working with you.
Our truck accident lawyers in Santa Barbara also offer services in neighboring cities and communities, including Montecito, Mission Canyon, Goleta, Carpinteria, Ventura, Isla Vista, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Camarillo, Fillmore, Lompoc, and Moorpark.
