South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe Truck Accident Lawyers Support Victims With Legal Guidance.
At Arash Law, our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers represent injured victims and their families. These incidents often result in severe injuries, and we understand that navigating the legal process can be challenging. Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process, handling your case with care and professionalism. For a free initial consultation, call us at (888) 488-1391.
Due to the massive size and weight of trucks, victims of truck collisions often sustain catastrophic injuries that extend beyond physical pain. These severe injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life, including their ability to work and maintain a career. We can help you understand your rights after an accident. Our attorneys offer compassionate support during the legal process.
Why Choose Our South Lake Tahoe Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ve represented many injury victims in our years of service. Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers assist individuals and their families who have been affected by these accidents. Here is what our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers offer:
- No-Win, No-Fee Policy — Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, our clients do not pay upfront attorney fees. While they may still incur other case-related costs, we only receive payment if we recover compensation on their behalf.
- Extensive Legal Support — From your initial consultation to your case’s resolution, we stand by your side every step of the way. We are committed to investigating your case and gathering vital evidence to support your claim.
- Client-Centric Approach — Our truck accident lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive representation. If needed, we can arrange complimentary transportation or refer you to doctors.
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
How Our Attorneys Support Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents are more dangerous and complicated than the average car accident. There’s the possibility of multiple parties involved and a complex web of legal processes to navigate.
Truck collisions typically result in severe injuries, leaving victims wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my truck accident case?” Working with an experienced attorney may be beneficial.
If you sustained injuries in a truck collision in South Lake Tahoe, our lawyers can do the following for you:
- Investigate Your Case — Our attorneys collaborate closely with accident reconstruction specialists and forensic experts to determine the cause of the accident and identify who may be held responsible for your losses.
- Collect Important Evidence — We can gather crucial evidence such as black box data, police reports, witness testimonies, and truck maintenance records to uncover the true cause of the crash and strengthen your case.
- Calculate Damages — Our attorneys will carefully account for all aspects of your losses, from medical expenses to emotional distress.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies — Our lawyers can address attempts to undervalue your claim. We evaluate settlement offers based on your actual damages. Our South Lake Tahoe accident attorneys can represent you in court, if necessary.
Questions Victims Frequently Ask Our South Lake Tahoe Truck Accident Lawyers (FAQs)
After a truck accident, you likely have questions about your rights, the legal process, and what steps to take next. Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries we receive from our clients. If you have specific concerns about your case, don’t hesitate to call our South Lake Tahoe truck accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Truck Accident Lawyers Near Me?
Hiring truck accident lawyers in South Lake Tahoe typically doesn’t require any upfront payment because most work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means attorneys only get paid if they secure compensation for you. This fee is usually a percentage of your settlement or court award.
That percentage covers more than just legal representation; it includes:
- Case investigation
- Expert witness consultations
- Negotiations
- Trial preparation
Keep in mind that clients may still need to cover some out-of-pocket costs regardless of the outcome. This arrangement not only aligns your lawyer’s interests with yours but also helps ease the financial burden during an already challenging time.
What If There Were Multiple Parties At Fault For Causing The Accident?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence laws, the court determines each party’s degree of responsibility for an accident and assigns a percentage of fault. For instance, if a truck driver and a trucking company both contributed to the accident, the court will allocate a specific percentage of blame to each party. Generally, all responsible parties may be held accountable for damages proportionate to their share of the blame.
If your case involves multiple parties, our South Lake Tahoe truck accident attorneys are here to help you navigate these challenges. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
How Much Compensation Can You Pursue?
The compensation you may be able to seek in a truck accident case depends on several factors. For example, severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or long-term disabilities, may lead to higher compensation due to their significant impact on the victim’s life and the substantial financial burden of ongoing medical expenses. Every case is unique, and so is its value.
Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident attorneys possess the knowledge to assess the full extent of your damages. After reviewing the details of your case, we can provide a general estimate of its potential value. Do note that this estimate does not guarantee a specific outcome. Contact us to discuss your situation and explore your options for recovery.
Can I Handle My Truck Accident Claim Without A Lawyer?
While hiring a lawyer for a truck accident claim is not mandatory, seeking professional counsel may be wise. The legal process can be challenging without guidance from qualified attorneys. Insurance companies often have teams of attorneys protecting their interests. Hiring experienced truck accident attorneys in South Lake Tahoe can help you navigate the process, including negotiations.
Who Can File A Personal Injury Claim In California?
Anyone injured in an accident, including truck collisions, may have the right to file a personal injury claim. This applies to everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, or physical or mental condition. Undocumented immigrants can also pursue damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. If you need advice on filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident, don’t hesitate to call our attorneys. You can reach our truck accident lawyers in South Lake Tahoe at any time by calling (888) 488-1391.
Truck Accident?
Trucking Industry Regulations
The trucking industry plays a crucial role in keeping our economy moving, but it also brings significant safety challenges. Strict regulations are in place to ensure that commercial trucks operate safely and responsibly, including the following:
- Hours-of-Service Limitations — Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to identify any violations of state or federal laws. HOS rules limit driving hours, mandate rest periods, and set weekly driving limits to prevent fatigue-related accidents and ensure drivers are well-rested.
- Driver Requirements — All commercial vehicle drivers are required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which has stricter requirements than a standard driver’s license.
- Size & Weight Restrictions — According to the California Department of Transportation, trucks are limited to a total weight of 80,000 pounds, with specific restrictions on weight distribution per axle. Trucks must also follow size limits, including a maximum height of 14 feet, a width of 8.5 feet, and a length of up to 65 feet. Trucks that exceed these limits may need special permits for certain routes.
- Safety Requirements — In addition to operational rules, commercial vehicles must adhere to regulations for regular inspections, maintenance, and safety checks. Drivers must also meet medical examination and drug testing requirements to ensure they are fit to operate their vehicles safely.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers understand that these incidents, like any traffic collision, often result from negligence. Due to the strict federal regulations governing the trucking industry, drivers must exercise heightened caution when operating large vehicles. Below are some common causes of these incidents:
- Distracted Driving — Using mobile phones, eating, and drinking are among the common distractions for drivers. Distractions make drivers less likely to react to potential hazards or changes in traffic conditions.
- Speeding — As a vehicle speeds up, the driver has less time to react to sudden hazards like abrupt braking, pedestrians, or road debris. This risk is amplified for trucks, as their heavy loads significantly extend stopping distances.
- Fatigued Driving — Fatigue impairs a driver’s decision-making and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. Even with hours-of-service regulations, long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, making driving a hazardous activity.
- Insufficient Truck Maintenance — Regular inspections are critical to ensuring trucks are safe to operate. Neglecting maintenance, such as failing to address worn tires or faulty brakes, can lead to catastrophic failures on the road.
- Inadequate Hiring Practices — Hiring drivers without the proper qualifications or training increases the likelihood of accidents. Failing to properly screen for factors like inexperience, a history of DUI citations, or underlying health issues can put everyone on the road at risk.
- Road Conditions — Road and traffic conditions also play a role in the likelihood of an accident. Parts of Lake Tahoe Blvd., for example, offer stunning views, but the narrow lanes and high traffic volume make the road prone to accidents.
Typical Liable Parties In A Truck Accident
Truck accident claims are often complex because multiple parties may share legal responsibility. While the truck driver is usually the first person under scrutiny, liability can extend to other parties, including the following:
- Trucking Company — If a trucking company hires drivers who lack sufficient training or have a poor safety record, it can be held accountable when an accident occurs. Moreover, companies that impose unrealistic deadlines or excessively tight schedules may inadvertently force drivers to work long hours without adequate rest, thereby increasing the risk of collisions.
- Truck Owner — In instances where the truck company partners with independent operators, the truck owner may be held responsible if poor maintenance or oversight leads to vehicle malfunctions that cause an accident.
- Vehicle Manufacturer — It is possible that a faulty component or a technical malfunction in the truck contributed to the collision. In such a scenario, the manufacturer or seller of the defective part may be accountable for the incident.
- Cargo Loading Company — Improperly loaded cargo can create instability, causing the cargo to shift during transit. This instability significantly increases the risk of jackknifing or rollovers.
Understanding who may be responsible for a truck crash is crucial for building a strong case. Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing your legal options.
Proving Negligence In A Truck Accident Case
Plaintiffs must establish that the defendant was negligent. Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers can assist you in demonstrating the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — We can assist in presenting evidence that the defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harm from occurring.
- Breach of Duty — We can gather evidence that demonstrates the defendant failed to meet this duty.
- Causation — We then work to connect the dots between that failure and the accident, showing how it may have directly led to your injuries.
- Damages — Finally, we can help document the ways you were affected by the crash, whether that’s medical expenses, lost income, or other setbacks.
We can substantiate these elements with the right pieces of evidence. Car accident lawyers typically rely on police reports, medical records, and traffic camera footage to support claims. These are some standard pieces of evidence needed for auto collisions. Truck accidents may require additional proof. Examples include:
- Truck black box data
- Hours-of-service logs
- Truck maintenance records
- Cargo manifests and loading logs
- Truck inspection reports
Accident victims may look for free accident lawyer advice following a crash. If you need help seeking damages after a truck collision, the attorneys at our South Lake Tahoe injury law firm can assist you. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Potential Damages In Truck Accident Cases
Our South Lake Tahoe personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for the following losses:
- Medical Costs — You may seek compensation for the costs of hospitalization, doctor visits, medicine, and other medical treatment. These may include surgeries, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or occupational therapy, as directed by your doctor.
- Lost Income — You may be eligible for financial compensation for missed wages while you heal from your injuries. This includes not only your regular salary but also potential bonuses, promotions, or other income opportunities that you may have lost due to your inability to work. Conditions like bone fractures, whiplash, and traumatic amputations can leave victims unable to perform their job duties for weeks, months, or even permanently.
- Property Damage — Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers can also help you file a claim for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle. Property damage generally covers any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Pain & Suffering — This accounts for the physical discomfort and mental anguish you endure as a result of your injuries. It includes emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and any lasting psychological effects caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life — You may seek compensation for the reduced quality of life you experience after an accident. For example, activities you once loved may no longer be accessible due to your physical limitations or emotional distress.
In rare cases, courts may award punitive damages for gross negligence or intentional harm. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
If you’re wondering what damages may be available in your truck accident claim, just fill out our contact form.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
It’s understandable to feel burdened after a truck accident. Between the shock of the collision and any injuries you may have sustained, it’s common to feel uncertain about what to do next. The most important thing is to prioritize your well-being. The following steps can help you figure out what to do after a crash:
- Call for Help — Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, then call 911. Provide key details, including your location, the number of injured individuals, and the nature of the emergency, especially if hazardous materials or chemical leaks are involved.
- Report the Accident — Once law enforcement arrives, cooperate with them. Tell them what happened based on what you know. A detailed police report is crucial when filing your claim.
- Document the Scene — Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including visible injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions.
- Obtain Contact Information — Write down the contact and insurance details of the other parties involved, as well as any witnesses, for future reference.
- Seek Medical Attention — Even if paramedics assess you at the scene, it’s important to visit the hospital for a full evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, and proper documentation of your treatment can strengthen your claim.
- Notify Your Insurer — Although the at-fault party is responsible for covering your expenses, it’s important to inform your insurance company about the accident. This ensures that you can access your benefits in the event of any delays in processing your claim.
- Consult With Truck Accident Lawyers in South Lake Tahoe — We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and determine the course of action aligned with your goals. Whether the accident involved a semi-truck, a delivery vehicle, or a big-rig, our team has the experience and resources to advocate for you.
Gil v. Anderson Plumbing: verdict by a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury in Van Nuys awarded to a man who was injured when his vehicle was struck from behind by a large commercial plumbing van. Benny was part of the trial team that obtained this verdict.– BENNY KHORSANDI
Deadline For Filing A Truck Accident Case In California
If you sustained injuries in a crash, you must file your lawsuit within a specific time frame, called the statute of limitations. In California, victims generally have two years to file a case.
However, several circumstances can alter this deadline. For example, in truck crashes that result in wrongful death, the statute of limitations depends on the decedent’s date of passing rather than on the date of the accident.
It is critical to take legal action promptly and within the specified timeframe. If you don’t file a lawsuit on time, the court may dismiss your case. As a result, you might not receive compensation for your losses.
By seeking legal advice early on, your South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers can have more time to investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate with the liable party. If you are not sure whether you have a valid truck accident claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
Truck Accident Statistics
Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident attorneys understand the scope of these incidents. According to the National Safety Council, about 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions in 2023. This figure is an 8.4% decrease from the previous year of reporting and a 43% rise over the last decade. Large trucks accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2022, about 70% of the fatalities in large-truck accidents were occupants of other vehicles, 18% were truck occupants, and 11% were non-occupants (pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.).
Seek Advice From Our South Lake Tahoe Accident Lawyers
Truck collisions can be devastating for both victims and their families. In addition to physical injuries, mounting medical bills and lost wages can create significant financial strain. Navigating the claims process can be overwhelming, especially while you are still recovering.
Our South Lake Tahoe truck accident lawyers are here to help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Apart from truck accidents, our experienced attorneys also advocate for victims of car collisions, pedestrian incidents, Uber accidents, hit-and-runs, DUIs, slip-and-falls, motorcycle crashes, and dog bites. We extend our legal services to nearby areas, including Truckee, Placerville, Cameron Park, Auburn, North Auburn, Grass Valley, Folsom, Rocklin, Orangevale, and Lincoln.
