Shasta County Truck Accident Lawyers
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ACCLAIMED Truck Accident Lawyers In Shasta County WHO Offer Experience And Knowledge When You Need It Most
Did you suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a truck accident in Shasta County, California? A strong legal ally can help you recover compensation for your medical bills and provide assistance for your loss. Our Shasta County truck accident lawyers can offer knowledge and expertise. Call Arash Law now at (888) 488-1391, and let us take the legal weight off your shoulders.
Boasting dazzling lakes, majestic rivers, and enchanting landscapes, Shasta County is a California dream come true. However, like other locations in the state, Shasta County grapples with the harsh reality of accidents. These incidents cause property damage, injuries, and even loss of life. Such damages become even more severe when large commercial trucks are involved.
We understand that dealing with the damage following a truck accident can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ll help you cut through the fog. Our truck accident lawyers, led by esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal claims process.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Shasta County Help Your Case Succeed?
When you are recovering from an injury, it can feel overwhelming to pay medical bills, lose much-needed income, and file tricky insurance claims. In these turbulent times, having knowledgeable legal advocates by your side can make all the difference. But what exactly can Arash Law’s truck accident lawyers in Shasta County do to protect your legal rights and help win your case?
- Investigate & Collect Evidence – Right after an accident, evidence needs to be gathered quickly. Our legal team will act promptly to investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, review police and medical reports, and gather video footage.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies – Insurance companies can be daunting to deal with. They often strive to settle for the least amount possible. Some may even attempt to deny your claim. With their negotiation skills, our experienced personal injury lawyers will help ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
- Fight For Your Rights In Court – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your case might have to go to court. In this situation, our Shasta County truck accident attorneys will advocate for you. We will represent your case to pursue the maximum payout on your claim.
- Offer Legal Advice & Emotional Support – Truck accident cases can be complicated, with unique regulations and procedures. Our Shasta County law firm will act as your trusted guide, explaining each step in plain language. No more confusing paperwork or frustrating phone calls—our lawyers will handle the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on healing.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Shasta County
Trucks haul the lifeblood of our economy, but their sheer size and power mean accidents can be devastating. The damages truck crashes can cause are often extensive, from property damage to severe injuries and even fatalities.
So, how do these giants of the road end up in accidents?
Driver Fatigue
Driving a truck can be an incredibly demanding job, with tight deadlines and long hours behind the wheel. It’s not uncommon for truck drivers to suffer from extreme fatigue, which significantly impacts their reaction times and impairs their decision-making abilities.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) restricts how long a truck driver can be on duty. But even with these rules in place, many accidents sadly stem from driver exhaustion.
Distracted Driving
Activities such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, and even adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention. These ultimately lead to accidents. Sadly, distracted driving remains an all-too-common cause of truck collisions.
Equipment Failure
Trucks are complex vehicles. They require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they’re functioning optimally. If proper care is neglected, vital components, like the brakes or tires, can fail and lead to accidents. Furthermore, manufacturing defects may play a role, as faulty parts can compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
The higher the speed, the greater the severity of an accident. Speeding significantly reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and control the truck. Reckless actions such as tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, or taking turns at excessive speeds can also lead to disastrous incidents. The top-rated truck accident attorneys Shasta County has to offer will guarantee that justice from such negligence is served through full compensation.
Inadequate Training & Experience
Driving a truck demands specialized knowledge and skills. Drivers also need to have a thorough understanding of the vehicle’s capabilities and limitations. Inexperienced or inadequately trained truckers may not know how to react to an unexpected situation. This increases their risk of being involved in accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
Trucks are more vulnerable to various weather-related hazards, such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds. Limited visibility, slippery roads, and reduced traction are all factors that can make driving a truck incredibly challenging during adverse conditions.
Load-Related Issues
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to become unbalanced. They then become more prone to accidents. Overloaded trucks can be more difficult to control and may lead to various mechanical issues that contribute to crashes. In addition, cargo that has shifted during transit may make the vehicle unstable and reduce a driver’s ability to maintain control.
What To Do After A Truck Accident In Shasta County
- Check for injuries and call for help. Dial 911 immediately, especially if someone is hurt. Secure the scene, if possible, using hazard lights. Prioritize safety by moving vehicles off the road if possible.
- Seek medical attention. Don’t underestimate the risk of delayed injuries. Get a thorough medical evaluation, even if you feel fine at first.
- File a police report. Even for minor accidents, a police report still serves as crucial documentation. Be accurate and objective when describing the events.
- Gather information. Once everyone’s safe, exchange details with the truck driver and any witnesses. Note down their names, contact information, and license plate numbers. Also, get the trucker’s insurance details. Then, take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, the surrounding scene, and any visible injuries.
- Contact your insurance company. Inform them of the accident promptly. Cooperate with their investigation and follow their instructions regarding paperwork and repairs.
- Keep records. Gather medical bills, police reports, repair estimates, and any other relevant documents. Organize them for future reference.
- Hire legal counsel. Our Shasta County truck accident lawyers can help you. We understand the ins and outs of truck accident claims. We can help you get compensated in full, mainly if your injuries are significant or insurance offers seem inadequate.
Contact our law firm in Shasta County to guide you through the legal maze. You can use our “Do I Have a Case?” form to start.
Usual Injuries In Shasta County Truck Accidents
Accidents involving trucks can lead to serious and even catastrophic injuries. They inflict a wide range of injuries, from the visible and immediate to the hidden and long-lasting.
- Whiplash – The rapid forward and backward movement of the neck during a collision can result in whiplash. Symptoms range from neck pain, stiffness, and headaches to dizziness and fatigue. While it may appear less severe initially, untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain and disability.
- Bone Fractures – The immense force of impact can lead to fractures or broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Sprains, tears, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common, often causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Symptoms of TBI can range from mild (short-term unconsciousness or confusion) to severe (extended periods of unconsciousness or amnesia).
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The delicate nature of the spinal cord means even minor trauma can have catastrophic consequences, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Internal Injuries – These can include damage to the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, lungs, or other internal organs.
The trauma of a truck accident extends beyond physical wounds. Emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being. The road to recovery is often long and arduous, requiring comprehensive medical care and ongoing support.
With the right support, you can emerge from this ordeal stronger and more resilient. Get in touch with our Shasta County attorneys for truck accidents as soon as possible. Through years of experience settling and litigating cases, we have secured compensation for injuries of all types and severity.
Who Is Liable After A Shasta County Truck Accident?
- The truck driver – The truck drivers themselves may be at fault for an accident caused by negligence or recklessness. Examples include speeding, driving under the influence, or not adhering to the mandatory rest hours required for truck drivers.
- The trucking company – The company that owns and operates the truck could be held liable if they failed to conduct a proper background check on the driver, inadequately maintained the truck, or encouraged violating safety regulations. These include pushing drivers to exceed the number of legal hours on the road.
- The truck manufacturer – If a defective truck part or a malfunction causes an accident, the manufacturer of the truck or specific defective part might be held responsible. In such cases, it must be proven that the defect directly contributed to the accident.
- The cargo loading company – Accidents could occur if the cargo on the truck is not loaded or secured correctly, leading to the cargo spilling or the truck becoming unbalanced. In such cases, the company responsible for loading the truck may be held liable for the damages sustained.
- The maintenance provider – A third-party maintenance company may also be liable if it fails to perform necessary repairs.
Determining liability requires expertise, something our experienced Shasta County attorneys for truck accident cases can help you with. They’ll navigate the legalities, investigate the cause, and build a compelling case to maximize your financial recovery.
Proving Negligence After A Truck Accident
Negligence refers to the failure to act with the reasonable care that a person in the same situation would have exercised. Damages may be recovered if someone’s actions or inactions fall below the expected standard of care, causing harm to someone else.
Proving someone is negligent in an accident involves establishing the presence of these four elements:
- Duty Of Care – Each driver on the road owes a duty of care to all other road users. Duty of care refers to the obligation to exercise reasonable care. This includes obeying traffic laws, staying alert while driving, and maintaining control over the vehicle.
- Breach Of Duty – A breach occurs when the driver fails to fulfill their duty. For example, a driver is texting while driving, driving under the influence, speeding, or driving recklessly.
- Causation – The third element, causation, is about linking the breach of duty directly to the accident. You need to prove that the truck driver’s actions led to the accident. This then led to the injuries or damages incurred. Establishing causation might involve demonstrating that the accident would not have happened if the truck driver had not acted negligently.
- Damages – Lastly, to establish negligence, you need to show that tangible damages resulted from the accident. These damages can be physical injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages due to missed work, or emotional distress. Evidence such as medical reports, pictures of the accident scene, and witness testimonials can be used to prove damages.
Damages You Can Recover After A Truck Accident In Shasta County
The harsh reality of a truck accident is that it brings along unexpected and often hefty expenses. Getting fair compensation won’t just provide financial relief but also help victims achieve justice. Compensations in truck accidents are usually categorized as either economic or non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses – This compensation covers all health-related costs. It includes immediate care like emergency room visits and surgeries. Future requirements like physical therapy or long-term rehabilitation are also covered.
- Loss Of Earnings – Your present wages and future earnings may both be eligible for compensation if the accident prevents you from working, whether temporarily or permanently.
- Property Damage – This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any personal belongings that were damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain & Suffering – After a truck accident, the victim endures physical discomfort and emotional distress. The compensation amount varies significantly, depending on the severity, longevity, and impact of the pain.
- Loss Of Consortium – If the accident has reduced your ability to offer companionship, care, love, or moral support to your family, you may be awarded compensation. This type of compensation recognizes the tragic impact on familial relationships and the intangible value they hold.
- Scarring & Disfigurement – When the incident results in visible, long-term changes to your physical appearance, you can seek compensation for these changes.
Punitive Damages
Though not compensatory, punitive damages are imposed to punish a particularly damaging action on the part of the defendant. In addition, these serve as deterrents for others. However, this is only awarded on rare occasions.
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
Time Limit For Filing A Truck Accident Case
Generally, you have a window of two years to file your truck accident claim in Shasta County. This is in line with the general statute of limitation for personal injury claims in the Golden State. While this might sound like ample time, you should still consult with our truck accident lawyers in Shasta County at your earliest convenience.
The longer you wait, the blurrier the details become. Witnesses relocate, memories dim, and evidence slips away. Prompt action helps safeguard crucial aspects of your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Personal Injury Lawyers?
Trucking Accident Statistics
In recent years, large trucks have accounted for a significant portion of fatalities and serious injuries occurring on the road. Here are some key statistics for 2021:
- About 5,700 trucks were involved in fatal accidents across the country. This marks an 18% jump from the previous year and a 49% increase over the past ten years.
- Over 117,300 trucks were involved in crashes causing injuries in 2021, a 12% increase from 2020. Since 2016, this number has climbed 15%. The risk of encountering a truck in an injury crash has risen 3% for every 100 million miles driven.
- In 2021, 437 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in California. This makes it the state with the second-highest number of truck accident fatalities in the country.
- The majority of those who perished in these crashes weren’t even in the trucks themselves. 72% were occupants of other vehicles. Truck occupants accounted for 17% of deaths, and 11% were pedestrians and bicyclists.
These sobering numbers paint a stark picture of our roads becoming increasingly dangerous for everyone. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a truck crash, know that you’re not alone. Our Shasta County truck accident lawyers can advocate for your rights and help pave the path toward physical and financial recovery.
Consult Our Shasta County Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
Suffering a truck accident injury in Shasta County can quickly lead to a difficult, costly recovery. Do not let insurance firms convince you that they owe you nothing. Remember, their primary objective is to safeguard their company’s financial interests.
Don’t settle for crumbs. You deserve a full recovery, and Arash Law is here to make it happen. We’ll be your advocate, demanding every penny you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain. Contact us for a complimentary case review. Your free initial consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Shasta County comes with zero obligations.
