Stockton 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.
Skilled Stockton Truck Accident Lawyers Dedicated To Finding A Solution For You And Your Family
Large trucks, such as semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, can seem imposing on the open road, but they are important to domestic trade in the United States. They are also notorious for causing the most damaging traffic accidents. Stockon, with many major freeways intersecting the city, knows this well. All motorists in Stockton must drive responsibly to avoid accidents with trucks. However, when accidents happen, victims can contact the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq. and his team of Stockton truck accident lawyers at Arash Law for legal assistance in seeking compensation for injuries and losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.
Stockton is a city on the San Joaquin River in California’s Central Valley. It’s the most populous city in San Joaquin County and 11th in the entire state. The city is a major agricultural and industrial region. Trucks play a crucial role in transporting goods produced here to other parts of the country. Interstate 5 and State Route 99, which run through Stockton, carry a large volume of truck traffic. Unfortunately, the increased presence of these massive vehicles on Stockton’s roads also means a greater risk of truck accidents.
Accident victims in Stockton may be left wondering how to enforce their legal rights to seek fair compensation after suffering injuries during a truck accident. Our skilled truck accident lawyers can gather the evidence you need to substantiate your legal claims. They can also represent your interests throughout every stage of a civil lawsuit. Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car accident cases because they involve multiple defendants who may be liable for your injuries.
You can learn more about the legal options available to you if you speak to our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys in Stockton, California. The truck driver who was responsible for causing the accident will likely have legal counsel, more so the trucking company, with all the resources at its disposal. Therefore, you need to have someone on your side who understands the complexities of civil litigation.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Attorneys For Your Claim?
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose our truck accident lawyers to represent your claim:
- We offer a free initial consultation where we review your case. During this phase, we can determine if you can file a claim or lawsuit and provide helpful legal insight on how to move forward with your case.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis — unless we win your case, you won’t have to pay us anything. Our lawyers understand how challenging the accident is, so we don’t want to add to your financial burden.
- We treat every client with compassion, just like how we treat our own family members. If you have any concerns or questions, our team is available 24/7. You can call or email us at any time. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you, no matter where you are in California.
- We treat all cases with the same level of attention. Our approach is tailored to the specifics of your case and your needs.
Arash Law has won over $500 Million in settlements and verdicts. Our goal is to ensure you get maximum compensation. We will ensure your medical bills, property damages, and lost wages are paid so you can rebuild your life.
Our client experienced a spinal cord injury and a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a rollover trucking accident that occurred while he was working within the scope of his employment. We secured a settlement of $5.5 million in compensation.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Hiring The Truck Accident Lawyers Stockton Trusts
After sustaining injuries and losses in a collision, you might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” The short answer is absolutely! Our trusted Stockton injury law firm has the experience and knowledge necessary to work on every aspect of your claim. Understanding how these cases work is key to successfully litigating them. Defense counsel will use various tactics designed to intimidate you or make you feel as if you don’t deserve monetary compensation for your injuries.
We have proficient lawyers who are experts on the multiple issues related to truck accident cases. They know passenger vehicles do not stand a chance when they collide with a truck. The differences in weight and size often cause passenger vehicle occupants to suffer serious bodily injury or death. The average truck weighs many times more than a passenger vehicle.
State and federal laws are also applicable to truck accident cases. Understanding statutes, regulations, and amended laws can make the entire process of litigating a case slow and methodical. Our proficient truck accident attorneys possess comprehensive knowledge of the trucking industry and the regulations carried out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Meanwhile, the California Department of Transportation regulates trucking within the state.
Unfortunately, some trucking companies may attempt to conceal or destroy important evidence for your legal claim. Our team can help gather these pieces of relevant evidence and preserve them.
What Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers Do For You?
Our Stockton attorneys for truck accident cases can help you claim maximum compensation by:
- Investigating The Accident — We conduct an independent investigation to understand how the accident happened and build your case.
- Gathering Critical Evidence — As we investigate, we will collect every possible piece of evidence to prove your claim. This ensures the liable parties have no choice but to accept responsibility.
- Quantifying And Calculating Your Damages — We can calculate how much you can get based on the facts of your case. Aside from economic damages, we can also predict the possible non-economic damages you could receive.
- Negotiating On Your Behalf — If insurers can’t escape responsibility, they will likely try to minimize your payout. Our lawyers are expert negotiators. We know these companies’ dirty tactics and can counter them while negotiating fair compensation.
- Connecting With Credible Professionals — Arash Law has a network of some of the most qualified experts who can add credibility to your case. For example, we can connect you with medical experts who can provide testimony to verify the severity of your injuries and ensure you get the most effective treatment possible.
How Serious Are Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are far more serious than car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of trucks. Trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car. Because of their greater mass, trucks will exert a much larger force on a car during a collision, even at similar speeds.
The immense forces at play involved in a truck accident also translate to a higher likelihood of death or serious injury. Victims often sustain fractures, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and other life-threatening injuries.
Trucks have a higher center of gravity, meaning their weight is distributed higher off the ground. Unevenly loaded cargo or cargo not properly secured can significantly alter the truck’s center of gravity, making it prone to rollovers.
When a truck rolls over, it creates a much larger debris field compared to a car accident. The truck itself can block multiple lanes of traffic, and cargo can spill out onto the road, creating obstacles for other drivers. This scenario can cause secondary accidents as other vehicles swerve to avoid the wreckage.
Truck Companies And Liability Insurance
Truck companies in California must carry liability insurance to compensate accident victims for their injuries. The minimum insurance for most carriers is $750,000. However, the FMCSA has set specific minimum requirements based on the type of cargo the truck is carrying.
- $300,000 for household goods
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
- $20,000 per vehicle and $20,000 in cargo insurance per accident
However, not all victims will receive this sum if they suffered an injury in a truck accident. The economic value of any legal claim will be based on the nature of the victim’s injuries, the total medical bills, the days or months of being out of a job, and the total insurance policy limits.
In accident cases involving serious bodily injuries, the plaintiff may be able to claim an amount greater than these minimum limits. The outcome of the case will likely hinge on whether the truck company has a certain amount of cash reserves or assets, whether the truck driver was an employee or an independent contractor, and whether additional insurance policies are applicable to the case.
Hurt in a Truck Accident?
Regulations And Public Policy For Truck Drivers
Drivers who operate semi-trucks must possess a professional driver’s license. They must be cautious, observant, and alert while driving throughout California. However, these drivers sometimes act negligently or recklessly. The ensuing truck accidents are extremely dangerous because individuals in passenger vehicles often suffer serious bodily injury or death.
As a result, legislators in California have enacted a number of regulations that are applicable to truckers. These regulations concern the following issues:
- The number of regulatory inspections truck drivers must perform
- The physical records and timesheets truck drivers must maintain while operating a commercial vehicle
- The total amount of time truck drivers must spend off duty every day
- The specific regions where truck drivers may not drive
- The speed limit applicable to truck drivers
The factors listed above will be relevant to any civil lawsuit involving truck drivers. A truck accident attorney is familiar with the technical aspects of the regulations that apply to truckers. You may not know which options are available to hold them liable for your injuries. Speaking with our skilled truck accident lawyers in Stockton can help you understand how you can seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Primary Causes Of Truck Accidents
What follows are some of the most common causes of truck accidents our Stockton lawyers have encountered:
Overloaded Cargo
Trucks may have an excessive amount of cargo loaded onto their trailers. Trucks with too much cargo can roll over and blow their tires due to the excess weight. Unsecured cargo can also cause truck accidents when flying objects fall off the trailer and strike nearby motorists.
Inclement Weather
Weather conditions can change quickly in California, depending on the time of year a truck driver is passing through. Fog, snow, ice, and rain are some of the most dangerous weather conditions for these drivers. Even cautious truck operators may lose control of their vehicles under these conditions. Since poor weather conditions have caused numerous accidents involving multiple automobiles, all drivers must be careful when they encounter dangerous weather on the road.
Aggressive And Reckless Driving
Truck drivers are often frustrated, tired, and overworked due to the conditions of their jobs. These factors can make them more likely to engage in reckless and dangerous behavior, including road rage. Some truckers may drive recklessly, not let other drivers pass, and act in an erratic manner.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an aggressive or reckless truck driver, our Stockton truck accident lawyers can help you gather crucial evidence. We’ll obtain dashcam and traffic camera footage to serve as visual proof of the driver’s actions and the accident itself. We will also track down and interview any witnesses who can provide details about the trucker’s behavior leading up to the crash.
Distracted Driving
Many commercial truck drivers use their phones while driving, which can put lives at risk. Also, these drivers may eat while driving or call families or friends, taking their minds off of safely operating their vehicles. They usually distract themselves because of fatigue. It only takes one second of irresponsible behavior for a serious truck accident to occur. Unfortunately, some of these accidents cause extensive property damage, serious bodily injury, and death.
Driving At An Excessive Rate Of Speed
Many truck drivers drive at excessive speeds. Thankfully, devices that track a truck’s speed can help reduce this dangerous behavior. Truck accidents can cause catastrophic damage, and any slight mistake while speeding could cause a truck to collide with several passenger cars. Truck operators can avoid being involved in accidents by not driving over the speed limit.
Our Stockton truck accident attorneys will help you gather and analyze evidence. We’ll check the truck’s “black box,” which can reveal speed, braking, and other vital information. We can also work with accident reconstruction experts who can estimate the truck’s speed when the accident happened.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Due to the heavy loads trucks carry over long distances, they require extensive maintenance compared to passenger vehicles. Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that every vehicle on the road is in proper working order. Negligent maintenance could cause vehicle issues, including faulty brakes and tire blowouts. These problems contribute to truck accidents, and anyone responsible for the truck’s maintenance could be held liable if the crash causes injuries or death.
Our Stockton truck accident attorneys can gather and analyze maintenance reports. We can use these documents as evidence of negligent maintenance.
Driving Under The Influence
Intoxicated and drugged drivers are more likely to make driving mistakes that could lead to deadly crashes. Alcohol consumption and drug intake have dire consequences, including impaired senses and clouded judgment. A trucker under the influence of these substances may not know how fast or in what direction they’re heading.
Truck drivers cannot operate vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04%. Additionally, truckers who take over-the-counter and prescription drugs that cause drowsiness and similar side effects put other road users at risk. If an intoxicated truck driver caused your accident, our lawyers in Stockton can help you establish liability.
Poor Training
Handling a massive and heavy vehicle requires more training. For this reason, truck drivers must be properly trained and pass a test first. Sadly, there are still many untrained and unqualified truck drivers. Their lack of skills increases the likelihood of truck accidents due to overcompensating, wide turns, failure to check blind spots, and failure to calculate the truck’s stopping distance. Trucking companies may also be held liable if they do not provide proper training.
Company Negligence
Trucking companies can be held liable for negligence, such as hiring unlicensed drivers, conducting insufficient truck inspections, and disregarding trucking regulations. Rest assured, our Stockton truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate and examine every possible angle. We will determine the root cause of the incident and hold all liable parties accountable, even big trucking companies.
Poor Route Selection
Some truck drivers may not be familiar with Stockton’s roads and only rely on navigation systems. They might choose roads that are either one-way or have poor conditions, both of which could cause truck accidents. For example, a trucker who isn’t well acquainted with the area fails to spot a massive pothole. The sudden impact caused a tire blowout. The trucker lost control of the vehicle, colliding with oncoming traffic.
In these cases, the entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for your damages. This type of claim is extremely complicated, as the local government is usually in charge of road upkeep. Our truck accident attorneys in Stockton can handle all the legwork, ensuring your claim is filed correctly and on time.
The Most Common Types Of Injuries Victims Suffer During Truck Accidents
Traffic accidents that involve both large trucks and smaller automobiles typically cause serious bodily injury or death. The size and weight of a truck are capable of crushing a passenger vehicle. The occupants often cannot survive these accidents, giving rise to wrongful death cases.
The injuries a victim suffers during a truck accident may cause them to lose the ability to enjoy their hobbies and relationships with their family. The following are some of the most common injuries victims suffer during truck accidents:
- Disability
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
- Third-degree burns
- Fractured bones
- Amputations
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Although these injuries are common in truck accidents, this list does not include other types of injuries a victim may suffer, some of which can also be part of your truck accident case.
What You Should Do Following A Truck Accident In Stockton
Knowing what to do after a truck accident can help protect your legal rights. Here are the steps to take after the incident:
- Stay calm and check yourself for injuries. Do not leave the scene, and call 911 immediately for EMT and the police. The police will conduct their investigation and create a police report, which you can use as evidence.
- Seek immediate medical attention. You might feel fine after the accident, but that could just be adrenaline and shock masking the pain. Getting checked as soon as possible prevents injuries from worsening. Additionally, a medical record will document all the injuries you sustained in the accident and their severity.
- If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent more accidents. If this isn’t possible, try to alert other motorists by using your hazard lights, cones, and night flares if you have them.
- Gather information from all parties involved. Get their identification and contact details. Also, get their insurance provider and policy, license, and plate numbers. If there are witnesses, obtain their details.
- Take photos and videos. Cover various angles to show the damages you have incurred. Photograph your injuries, the surroundings, traffic lights, weather conditions, and anything else that could be useful later on.
- Report the accident to your insurance provider. Ensure that you only provide the necessary information. Don’t give an official or recorded statement or admit fault to anyone.
- Keep a journal. It should detail everything you suffered through, from the treatments to the accident effects. The journal will ensure you don’t forget what you felt during your recovery journey.
- Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 as soon as possible. Our Stockton truck accident lawyers will explain and protect your rights, deal with insurers, and pursue maximum compensation.
Assessing Liability In Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are more complex than automobile accident cases, primarily due to the multiple parties that may be liable for your injuries.
The following are some of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident case:
- The manufacturer of the truck
- The shipping company that made the shipping order
- The business entity leasing the truck
- The truck owner
- The truck company
- The truck driver
- Third-party subcontractors responsible for maintenance
- A negligent motorist
It can be difficult to keep these entities separate when working on a truck accident case. Our skilled Stockton truck accident lawyers will determine who is at fault and hold them accountable. Working with us will allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle your civil lawsuit.
Truck Accident Cases Pose Special Challenges For Injury Victims
Truck accident cases are extremely complicated. They pose several challenges for victims, which is why it’s crucial to work with a Stockton personal injury lawyer.
One of the biggest challenges in a truck accident claim is the defendant. Besides multiple possible liable parties, injury victims also usually face big corporations. Think UPS and FedEx. They have seemingly unlimited resources and a team of corporate lawyers who will try to dismiss your claim. Since truck accident cases typically involve large sums of money, these companies will deny liability and try to avoid legal responsibility.
Additionally, truck accidents often cause considerable damage. Victims suffer catastrophic injuries that alter their lives. Compensation should cover these long-term consequences, but it is difficult to obtain without a lawyer. Our truck accident lawyers in Stockton are connected to a network of credible experts who could demonstrate that these injuries have significantly affected a person’s quality of life.
Truck Accidents And Civil Lawsuits
As part of the claims process, our capable Stockton truck accident attorneys will draft the complaint, a legal document that initiates a civil lawsuit. The following are relevant to any negligence claims you assert:
- A truck driver has operated a truck that is unsafe and has not been properly maintained.
- A truck driver has operated a vehicle for an excessive number of hours without resting.
- A truck driver has not adhered to traffic laws and regulations.
- A truck driver did not look at their blind spots before changing lanes.
- A truck driver passed through roads that were unsafe.
- A truck driver lost control of the vehicle due to excessive weight on the trailer.
- A truck driver was operating a big-rig without adequate training or experience.
All drivers must adhere to the same standard of care to operate a vehicle as a reasonably prudent person would under the same circumstances. Similarly, truck drivers have a duty to those they meet on the open road. The four elements of negligence are duty, breach, causation, and damages. These elements must be satisfied to adequately plead a negligence claim in California.
Types Of Evidence To Collect At A Truck Accident Scene
Our lawyers in Stockton will start by investigating your truck accident. Aside from the proof you gather at the scene, we can also collect other key evidence to create a compelling case. Here are some of the pieces of evidence we can collect and use:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, damages, injuries, and road conditions
- Police report outlining the theory of liability and series of events based on the authorities’ investigation
- Medical records detailing your injuries and how severe they are
- Witness statements
- Truck inspection report after inspecting the truck for possible mechanical or maintenance issues
- Black box data that accurately records critical details, including truck speed, braking, and hours on the road
- Trucking company records, including maintenance and repair logs, driver employment history, and training records
- Driver’s hours of service logs
- Email and phone records that could show whether the driver was texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Alcohol and drug test results to determine whether intoxication or drug use contributed to the accident
- In-cab camera footage can show whether a driver is tailgating, distracted, or drowsy.
Many of these pieces of evidence must be acquired as soon as possible. Black boxes and in-cab cameras store data for only a certain number of days, after which the data is gone.
If you can’t access any of these, we can help retrieve them. Our truck accident lawyers in Stockton will ensure all evidence is preserved. We can also work with experts like accident reconstructionists to analyze the gathered data.
Why And How Do We Preserve Evidence After A Truck Accident?
Evidence can corroborate your claim. It can help us determine how the accident happened and the series of events leading to it. We can then establish who is at fault and their negligence. Victims will have a hard time proving their cases without reliable proof, and insurance companies will be more than happy to dismiss their claims.
Our Stockton attorneys will file and keep all relevant visual evidence and documents related to your truck accident case. Meanwhile, we will send a spoliation letter to trucking companies to ensure black box data and camera footage are not deleted or altered. This letter ensures critical data is preserved because they are subject to litigation.
Trucking companies or any entity that alters or destroys the evidence indicated in the letter could face sanctions. These sanctions could be monetary. The court may also make rulings that could impair the defendant’s position.
The Economic Value Of A Truck Accident Claim
Financial stress may cause victims to feel helpless after they are injured in a truck accident. It can be helpful to know that the truck driver and the truck company may compensate for your damages. An essential component of any truck accident case is ensuring the liable parties are held accountable for their negligent or reckless conduct. However, you must calculate your total damages to claim the correct amount.
Our experienced Stockton truck accident attorneys can calculate the damages relevant to your particular truck accident case. Both general and special damages are often claimed in these cases. However, punitive damages are sometimes awarded by the court, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. The economic value of your case will depend on the following factors:
- The disabilities the victim now lives with on a daily basis
- The pain and suffering experienced by the accident victim
- Past and future lost earnings
- Medication costs
- Past and future medical bills
You may have suffered serious bodily injuries during a truck accident, meaning you can claim higher compensation. However, the defense attorneys will fight your claim and assert that you did not suffer your injuries during the truck accident. Working with our skilled Stockton truck accident lawyers can provide you with the resources you need to build a strong case.
How Do You Calculate Damages For Emotional Distress?
Aside from bodily injuries, you may also suffer from emotional distress and get compensated for it. However, calculating non-economic damages is tricky. Typically, we have to call expert witnesses to quantify your experiences based on how significant the accident’s impact is on your life. For example, life care planners can calculate how much your disability will cost you in the long term.
Here are possible ways our lawyers in Stockton can calculate your non-economic damages after a truck accident:
- Per Diem Method — With this approach, the jury will assign the daily rate to your emotional distress. Then, they will multiply that rate by the estimated duration of the issue.
- Multiplier Method—This method is one of personal injury lawyers’ most commonly used techniques. They first calculate damages with a set dollar value, such as medical bills and lost wages. Then, they calculate non-economic damages by multiplying the estimated cost of economic damages by a particular number, usually between 1.5 and 4.
Wrongful Death Claims And Truck Accidents
The surviving family members of a victim who died during a truck accident have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These family members represent the estate of the decedent. The surviving family members must still establish the liability of the defendant. Wrongful death cases may involve civil, criminal, and property laws.
In California, the following people have legal standing to file a wrongful death claim if their loved one dies in a truck accident:
- Spouse
- Registered domestic partner
- Children
- Minor children of the deceased
- Parents
- Grandchildren, if there are no surviving children
- Legal heirs
- Anyone who receives financial support from the deceased
The decedent’s loved ones are entitled to compensation for their economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial fees
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and love
- Pre-death pain and suffering the deceased experienced
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
The total compensation amount depends on the specifics of the case, usually reaching tens of thousands to millions of dollars. You can rely on the best truck accident lawyers Stockton trusts to help you calculate your case’s value. We will then negotiate for the highest compensation possible.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Cases In Stockton, CA?
The statute of limitations for truck accident cases in California is two years. That means accident victims in Stockton only have two years to file a claim. Their case will likely be dismissed if they miss the deadline, regardless of its validity. If your case is against the government, it’s imperative to note that the statute of limitations is only six months. That means you must act fast, or you will lose your right to compensation.
Hire our Stockton attorneys to handle your truck accident case as soon as possible. We will do all the legal work on your behalf. Even if you are still recovering, we can begin your case to avoid missing time limits. Acting sooner will also help us acquire the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim.
Our client was sitting in his truck on the side of the road, when his vehicle was struck by a passing car. The other car was driven by a man who fell asleep at the wheel. Once he fell asleep, his vehicle drifted into traffic that was parked on the side of the road. The injuries suffered were to his neck and lower back. He underwent a spinal surgery with a great recovery. A few weeks before trial, the defense paid the policy of 1 Million.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
A truck accident claim settlement can vary greatly based on certain factors, such as the severity of the injury, the total amount of damages, and if the victim is partially to blame. However, the average is around $425,000.
The insurance companies’ willingness to settle will also significantly influence the amount. In some cases, insurers will continue to offer lowball amounts. While we discourage accepting these offers, some victims take whatever amount they can get to avoid extending the process further.
Other factors to consider are:
- Comparative Negligence — California follows the pure comparative negligence rule. This law allows insurers or the court to assign fault to all parties involved. If there is enough evidence to establish that the plaintiff is partially to blame, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Punitive Damages — The court sometimes awards punitive damages to punish the defendant for gross negligence or misconduct. This type of damage may sometimes be monetary. Other times, it’s a set of rules the defendant must follow.
Our Stockton truck accident lawyers can estimate how much you can expect to receive. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
How To Respond To A Low Settlement Offer
Insurers will try everything to pay as little as possible or avoid paying at all. At the end of the day, they’re a business, and they want to increase their income. They might initially offer a lowball settlement and hope you take the bait and accept.
We encourage victims to hold out on accepting any settlement from the negligent party, no matter how enticing the offer is. Instead, here’s how to respond to an offer:
Hire A Lawyer
If you haven’t hired a lawyer yet, now is the time. Once you retain our attorneys for truck accidents in Stockton, you won’t have to worry about incessant calls and harassment from insurance adjusters. We will handle all communications and negotiations with them.
Analyze The Offer
It’s advisable to analyze any offer they make calmly. Once you feel flustered or frustrated and accept the offer, you can’t pursue legal action anymore, even if the amount is insufficient to cover all your damages and losses. One of our jobs is to analyze each offer and let you know whether it’s acceptable or not.
Reject The Offer
At the end of the day, it’s your decision whether to accept or reject an offer. All our Stockton truck accident lawyers can do is explain why an offer is inadequate and negotiate a better one. If you accept our advice, you can reject the offer, and we will put it in writing and forward it to the negligent party. This process will continue until both parties settle on a fair amount.
Truck Accident Statistics
Recent years have shown a slow increase in truck accident deaths and injuries. According to the latest estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,936 people were killed, while 160,608 people were injured in accidents involving medium- to heavy trucks. These deaths and injuries were a 2% and 3.7% increase from the previous year, respectively.
In two-vehicle accidents, head-on collisions with trucks were responsible for 32% of fatalities in 2022, according to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Meanwhile, injuries and deaths also increased from 2020 to 2021. A previous report from the NHTSA showed that 5,788 people died from truck accidents, a 17% increase from the 4,945 fatalities in 2020. Additionally, 154,993 people were reportedly injured in these incidents, a 9% increase from the estimated 141,613 injuries in 2020.
Throughout the years, the majority of injuries and fatalities were passenger vehicle occupants, followed by truck occupants. Non-occupants, including pedestrians and bicyclists, make up the remaining percentage.
It is important to get legal help if you become a victim of negligence on the road. Our Stockton lawyers, who handle truck accident cases, will guide you through the process and stay by your side from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Also Sue The Trucking Company?
Yes, you may also sue the trucking company. According to the respondeat superior rule, employers may be held accountable for their employees’ negligence. If the trucker caused the truck accident, their employer could also be named as a liable party in your claim. Although having multiple liable parties makes a truck accident case more complicated, exploring this option can increase your chances of getting maximum compensation.
Our Stockton truck accident lawyers will help you every step of the way, from establishing liability and negligence to negotiating the most favorable outcome.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
You can find a personal injury lawyer who works on contingency, which means you don’t have to pay unless they resolve your case. Their fees will be a percentage of your compensation. Our truck accident lawyers in Stockton honor this policy, which ensures everyone gets quality legal representation without further financial burden.
A contingency fee agreement gives us more incentive to resolve your claim because your success is tied to ours. We don’t charge an hourly rate, and there are no hidden charges. We will also discuss the percentage we will take during your onboarding so we’re on the same page throughout the case.
What Happens If I Share Fault For My Recent Truck Accident?
Your compensation would be reduced according to your level of fault if you shared blame for the truck accident. For example, if you are 25% at fault, you can only claim 75% of your compensation.
However, some insurers will use this rule to lessen your payout. They will accuse you of causing the truck accident, even if you were not at fault. That’s why you should hire the best truck accident lawyers Stockton calls for help. We’ll ensure insurance companies can’t bully you into accepting fault and minimizing your compensation.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured In A Truck Accident While Walking Or Biking?
The first thing you should do is stay calm, regardless of how terrifying the experience may be. Avoid going on the offensive, as it will worsen matters. The key thing is to keep your cool and check yourself for injuries or discomfort if you can. Take note of any wound or bruise, then call for help. If you can’t call 911, ask strangers and witnesses for help.
Once the police and EMT arrive, get immediate medical attention and cooperate with the police. Avoid discussing assumptions and accepting blame. If possible, gather as much evidence as you can. After the accident, get a more in-depth evaluation from a doctor. Also, hire our Stockton truck accident attorneys as soon as possible to help you file a claim.
What Should I Do If My Loved One Was Killed In A Truck Accident?
Consult our attorneys immediately if your loved one was killed in a truck accident in Stockton. We can answer your questions and concerns and help you file a claim to seek financial compensation for you and your family. Our team can also help with:
- Proving your relationship with the deceased
- Determining who is at fault for the accident and establishing their negligence
- Calculating the accident’s financial impact
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- Negotiating for maximum compensation
Arash Law understands the grief and pain of losing a loved one to an accident. You can trust us to protect your rights and aggressively fight for compensation. Our truck accident lawyers in Stockton understand that money will never replace a life. However, receiving financial compensation can help you grieve properly and ensure you can ease into life without your loved one more smoothly.
What Should I Do If The Truck Driver Who Hit Me Is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
You may pursue financial compensation under your own policy if a trucker who hit you was either uninsured or underinsured. All Californian insurance companies typically offer uninsured motorist coverage. Although not required, it can protect you in the worst-case scenarios. To know more about how this policy can help you and how to file a claim, consult our truck accident lawyers in Stockton.
How Do I Pay For My Medical Bills After A Truck Accident?
Health insurance can help you pay medical bills after a truck accident. Unfortunately, if you are uninsured, you must pay your hospital expenses directly. Sadly, not everyone can do that, so you can try to get a medical lien. A lien helps you get medical treatment. Once you receive compensation, the healthcare provider will take the payment from the award you will receive.
Our Stockton lawyers, specializing in truck accident cases, can help you find options to pay for your medical bills. Call us immediately to get the treatment you need.
How Do I Get My Lost Wages Reimbursed After A Truck Accident?
You can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Under California law, you can include lost wages and employment benefits as economic damages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your current job position, you may also demand reimbursement for reduced earning capacity.
To prove your lost wages, you have to ask your employer to break down your lost earnings in writing. You may also use a signed employment agreement that includes your wages and benefits. Our Stockton truck accident lawyers will calculate how much you have lost and include it in the demand letter.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident claims can take months or even years to settle. If your case is more severe and complex, especially when many liable parties are involved, it can take years to resolve. Additionally, if your claim moves to court, the procedure can take years, but you may also get a higher award with the help of good truck accident lawyers in Stockton.
What Happens If I Go To Trial For My Truck Accident Case?
An insurance claim can be brought to court for a number of reasons. The case may involve extensive damages, there could be multiple liable parties, or the at-fault party may not be willing to settle. Once your case goes to trial, our experienced Stockton truck accident attorneys will persuade the judge and jury to take your side. We will present convincing evidence and call on reliable experts to testify for you.
Although most of the cases we have handled here at Arash Law are settled out of court, we are more than ready to take your case to court if necessary.
Can An Undocumented Immigrant File A Personal Injury Claim In California?
Yes, an undocumented immigrant can still file a personal injury claim in California. They have the legal right to claim compensation for any damages and losses they might have suffered after a truck accident. These damages include economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The truck accident lawyers Stockton relies on will take your case and treat it with the same level of respect and attention we give all our cases. If English is not your first language, our staff is fluent in various languages, including Farsi, Korean, Tagalog, Italian, and more.
Consult The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Stockton Relies On
Arash Law, founded by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., helps injured victims seek financial compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience representing clients in truck accident cases and have recovered over $500 Million for clients throughout California. Our team will focus on your claim and is not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and assert your rights to fair compensation. Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation.
Our injury law firm also helps victims of car accidents, Uber accidents, pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run accidents, and DUI accidents. Our dedicated Stockton truck accident lawyers have a proven track record of success, serving neighboring cities like Manteca, Lodi, Tracy, Ripon, Galt, Brentwood, Oakley, Riverbank, Modesto, Oakdale, Antioch, and Ceres.
