Tulare Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Tulare Truck Accident Lawyers Provide Clear Legal Guidance After An Injury
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, consider consulting our Tulare truck accident lawyers. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Trucks play a vital role in Tulare’s economy. However, they have the potential to put lives at risk whenever they’re on the road. Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries and fatalities compared to car accidents. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while the typical passenger car weighs approximately 3,500 pounds. This vast disparity in size and weight significantly influences the impact on smaller vehicles involved in such collisions.
Arash Law is dedicated to helping injured victims in accidents involving large trucks. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and are here to guide you through the legal process. We can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. With our team handling the legal matters of your situation, you can concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life.
Why Hire Arash Law’s Tulare Truck Accident Lawyers To Represent You
We understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life. Our Tulare truck accident lawyers can help protect your rights by handling the legal aspects of your case.
Our Tulare County injury law firm has the experience and resources to handle all communication with insurance companies and defense attorneys. We are prepared to advocate for your interests, regardless of the complexity or challenges your case may present. Here’s what our legal team offers:
- Knowledge & Experience — With extensive experience handling truck accident cases, we are equipped to negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court when needed. Our understanding of the complexities of truck accident claims enables us to navigate the legal process smoothly, allowing you to focus on your recovery with peace of mind.
- Contingency Fee Basis — We acknowledge the financial burden that a serious accident can impose. Victims often face mounting medical bills for their treatments. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained. However, other case-related costs may still apply, and our lawyers will discuss these details with you before starting your case.
- Availability & Dedication — We offer flexible consultation arrangements for your convenience. Whether it’s at your home, work, or bedside, we’ll meet you where it’s most comfortable for you.
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 Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Truck accidents are common and can happen to anyone. You might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my case?” Hiring one can help you better understand your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
Our lawyers can help you with your case by:
- Assessing Liability — Determining who is accountable for your injuries can be challenging. Multiple parties may be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, the truck or parts manufacturer, or government agencies. Your truck accident attorneys in Tulare can help you review available evidence to assess liability and identify potential avenues for compensation.
- Managing Complex Negotiations — If there is more than one party responsible for your crash, you will need to pursue each party individually in order to seek compensation. Working with Tulare truck accident lawyers can help you navigate these multi-party negotiations and determine an appropriate course of action for your situation.
- Creating Legal Strategy — Our attorneys will assess the details of your claim, gather crucial evidence, and consult expert witnesses. We can create a legal strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.
- Promoting Fair Treatment — Under California’s comparative fault rule, a victim may still be able to recover a portion of the total compensation even if the jury or judge finds them partially at fault for the accident. Your lawyer will address any potential blame insurance companies might raise during the process.
- Providing Legal Guidance — Your Tulare truck accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and options. They can also offer strategic advice on whether to settle or pursue litigation.
Our skilled and dedicated team of Tulare truck accident lawyers is ready to help you. You can discuss your situation with us during a free initial consultation.
Common Types And Causes Of Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks transport commodities throughout the country every day, making them essential to the economy. However, they also pose a danger on the road due to their enormous size and weight. Despite federal and state laws imposing strict safety rules, several truck collisions continue to happen due to negligence. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include rollovers, jackknife collisions, rear-end crashes, underride accidents, and cargo-related accidents.
These accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons, including the following:
Fatigue
It is common for truck drivers to work long hours. Although the law requires them to rest for a certain amount of time, some drivers fail to comply. Truckers may feel inclined to skip breaks to meet strict delivery deadlines. Sharing the road with a sleepy truck driver is among the most dangerous traffic situations a motorist may face.
DUI (Driving Under The Influence)
A truck driver is held to much stricter standards for intoxication due to the potential danger posed by the massive vehicles they drive. For drivers holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher constitutes a violation. The legal limit for non-commercial drivers stands at 0.08% BAC. An infraction of this kind can serve as a basis for a personal injury claim against the driver if they cause a collision while driving a truck.
Reckless Driving
Common reckless driving behaviors include excessive speeding, disregarding traffic signals, unsafe passing on two-lane highways, and aggressive tailgating. When truck drivers engage in these dangerous actions, the risk of catastrophic collisions increases significantly due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Such reckless actions not only endanger the truck driver but also put other motorists and road users at risk.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving poses a significant danger to truck drivers, just as it does to all motorists. Texting, talking on a cell phone, or using CB radios (though less common than in the past) can divert attention from the road and increase the risk of accidents. Even listening to music while driving can constitute distracted driving if it diverts the driver’s attention away from the task at hand.
Lack Of Vehicle Maintenance
Many truck accidents are caused by poor vehicle maintenance. Worn tires, for example, can lead to blowouts, which can result in fatal accidents. The responsibility for an accident due to a run-down or unsafe truck might fall to the driver, the trucking company, or the maintenance team involved.
Poor Cargo Loading
Improper cargo stacking can lead to serious accidents, causing cargo to spill onto the road at high speeds or even result in a truck tipping over. Inadequately secured or unevenly distributed cargo increases the risk of loss of control, putting both the truck driver and other road users in danger. While shipment loading responsibilities may fall on cargo loaders, the trucking company, or even a third-party logistics provider, it is ultimately the driver’s duty to keep the load properly secured and compliant with safety regulations before hitting the road.
Truck Accident?
How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Establish Liability
To pursue compensation after a truck accident, you must establish that the at-fault party acted negligently. To establish negligence, our personal injury lawyers can help you prove these four elements:
- Duty of Care — This refers to every party’s legal obligation to protect the safety or well-being of others. Truck drivers, in particular, must observe the highest level of care when they’re on the road.
- Breach of Duty — If a person’s actions or inaction fail to meet the applicable standard of care, they breach their duty. Violating the hours-of-service rules, driving at an unsafe speed, failing to adhere to traffic signs, tailgating, being distracted while driving, including using a phone, and driving while intoxicated are all examples of violations of the duty of care.
- Causation — The truck’s breach of the duty of care is the direct cause of the accident and your resulting injuries.
- Damages — You sustained damages as a result of the accident.
Our truck accident attorneys in Tulare can gather and present compelling evidence to prove these elements. Our team can help you obtain physical evidence from the crash site, police reports, dashcam or surveillance footage, and witness statements. Here are other key pieces of evidence that we can help collect on your behalf:
- Black box data, which can demonstrate how the truck driver operated the vehicle.
- Electronic service logs showing if the truck driver followed the hours-of-service rules that limit how long they can drive.
- The truck’s maintenance records contain information on when inspections happened and the actions they took to fix any issues.
- The truck driver’s employment and driving records.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Truck Accident
Liability in truck accidents is not as straightforward as it may seem. In some cases, it’s not only the truck driver who may be held accountable. It may also involve the company or the person responsible for the vehicle’s maintenance. In truck collisions, multiple parties may play a role, so having an attorney who can handle your case can be beneficial. They can help you gather evidence and determine who may be legally responsible.
Here are the potentially liable parties in a truck accident case:
- Truck Company or Employer — Unrealistic delivery schedules might push drivers to drive longer than what is legally allowed and what their bodies can handle, leading to fatigue. If an accident occurs as a result, the trucking company may face liability for creating a demanding situation that contributed to the driver’s actions.
- Manufacturer — Defects can arise from design flaws, manufacturing errors, or failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions. If a truck accident is caused by a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes, tires, or engine components, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
- Truck Mechanic — A truck mechanic may bear responsibility if their failure to properly maintain the vehicle or complete necessary repairs contributes to an accident. If an investigation reveals that a faulty vehicle component was the cause, the mechanic responsible for servicing the truck could be liable for negligence.
- Truck Owner — In some cases, the truck driver may not own the vehicle they operate. Truck owners are responsible for maintaining the vehicle in a safe working condition by performing regular inspections, maintenance, and necessary repairs. Failure to do so can lead to mechanical failures that endanger both the driver and other road users, making the owner legally accountable for negligence.
- Other Drivers — The careless or unsafe actions of another motorist may also contribute to the crash.
Available Compensation Victims Can Pursue After Sustaining Injuries In A Truck Accident
When a truck weighing 20 to 40 times more than a typical passenger vehicle is involved in a collision, the results can be devastating. While pedestrians and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable, occupants of smaller vehicles are also at high risk of severe injuries.
At Arash Law, our Tulare truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping those injured in truck accidents pursue compensation they may be eligible for. We know that taking care of your financial needs can be instrumental in your recovery.
The following are some of the injuries truck accident victims can sustain:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured ribs
- Severe concussions
- Chest compressions
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
Determining the total compensation for truck-related accidents requires a thorough evaluation. For plaintiffs in truck-related accidents, monetary damages are not limited to immediate injuries and repairs. Pain, suffering, and loss of consortium, which are non-economic damages, can also be awarded. An experienced Tulare trucking accident lawyer can help you identify the damages that may be available in your case based on the facts of your situation.
Here are some damages our Tulare truck accident attorneys can help you seek:
Immediate Expenses & Costs
As a result of your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for the costs of immediate medical care as well as medical support and care during recovery.
Long-Term Medical Care
The injuries caused by truck collisions can be so severe that a person needs medical and physical assistance for the rest of their life. When an accident causes this level of injury, a person can pursue compensation that can cover long-term care.
Long-Term Disability Or Injury That Reduced Earning Capacity
A truck accident can lead to substantial lost wages, as victims often need time off work to recover from their injuries. While using sick leave or vacation days may provide temporary financial relief, they do not fully compensate for the actual income lost due to the accident. Victims may have the right to seek compensation for all lost earnings, including those covered by paid time off, as these benefits would not have been used if the accident had not occurred.
Compensation may also cover future lost wages if the injuries result in long-term or permanent work limitations. This compensation may also include costs associated with career retraining or acquiring new skills to adapt to post-accident limitations, helping victims regain financial stability.
Lifestyle Change
Big-rig accidents can sometimes result in disabilities that prevent someone from living the lifestyle that they had before the accident. Claims may include the costs of necessary adjustments, such as home modifications, mobility aids, and other lifestyle accommodations. Emotional and psychological impacts resulting from these changes may also be considered in the claim to seek a comprehensive recovery.
Loss Of Consortium
Truck accidents can have profound effects beyond physical injuries, impacting the victim’s relationships and family life. Spouses may suffer a loss of intimacy, companionship, and household support that the injured person can no longer provide. These non-economic damages, while intangible, are significant and can greatly affect the well-being of the spouse and family unit. Victims and their families may have the right to seek compensation for these losses, acknowledging the emotional and practical hardships caused by the accident.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded in truck accident cases where the at-fault party’s actions demonstrate willful misconduct or gross negligence. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to reimburse victims for their losses, punitive damages are designed to penalize wrongful conduct.
Our skilled Tulare truck accident lawyers have extensive experience handling complex cases. We work closely with economic analysts to evaluate and estimate the value of your claim, considering all your damages.
What To Do After A Tulare Truck Accident
The following are steps you can take to help protect your safety and preserve your potential right to seek compensation:
- Seek Medical Help — There is nothing more important than your health and well-being. If you require emergency medical treatment, call 911.
- Report the Incident to Local Authorities — Depending on the location of the accident, various law enforcement agencies may respond, including city police, sheriff’s departments, and the California Highway Patrol. The investigating agency will create an official report about the truck accident. It is important to get a copy of this report, as it will contain crucial details about the crash and can be invaluable evidence for your claim.
- Take Photos — Take photographs of the accident scene from different perspectives. Try to get close-up photos of the damage to all vehicles and other property.
- Talk to Witnesses — Get the contact information of witnesses to your accident. Witnesses can help if your insurance company disputes your claim or if you need to go to court to seek compensation. Law enforcement officers can also collect this information.
- Obtain Information from All Involved Drivers — Collect essential details regarding the drivers and their vehicles. This includes the vehicle model, insurance, and trucking company.
- Contact the Insurance Company — The at-fault driver’s insurance company is usually responsible for covering the damages caused by their negligence. However, it’s important to approach the claims process carefully, as early settlement offers may not fully account for all your losses. Speaking with a qualified car accident lawyer in Tulare can help you understand your options before accepting any offer.
- Stick to the Facts — Be careful when you talk to the other drivers or the insurance company. Do not volunteer additional information. Instead, answer questions directly and only say what you know.
- Call Our Tulare Truck Accident Lawyers — Our truck accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights when dealing with insurance adjusters, build a well-supported claim, and pursue compensation for accident-related losses.
Settlement in a heavily disputed Truck v. Truck case. Our client was blamed by the insurance company from day one and was always told that they would never take responsibility for the collision that injured our client’s lower back. After years of litigation, Benny and the team were able to secure the full policy limits for our client months before trial.– BENNY KHORSANDI
The Statute Of Limitation For Truck Accidents
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits sets a time limit that truck accident victims in Tulare need to be aware of. In the state, personal injury lawsuits must be generally filed within two years after the accident. It is also important to consider your personal insurance company as well as the company and driver’s insurance carriers first. Insurance companies typically impose strict reporting deadlines, requiring you to notify them within a day or two of the incident to avoid unnecessary claims delays or denials.
The Tulare truck accident lawyers from Arash Law know the importance of filing a claim promptly. While you’re recovering from your injuries, our lawyers can develop a well-documented case and meet crucial deadlines.
Truck Accident Statistics
The frequency of accidents involving large semi-trucks and tractor-trailers has exhibited a consistent upward trend for nearly a decade. According to the data provided by the National Safety Council (NSC), large trucks are medium or heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds, encompassing both commercial and non-commercial vehicles.
In 2022, there were 5,837 large trucks involved in fatal collisions nationwide, up 1.8% from 2021 and 49% over the previous ten years. The rate of involvement per 100 million truck miles driven has increased by 24% over the past ten years and by 3% since 2021. Overall, 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal collisions and 10% of all vehicle miles driven were large trucks.
That same year, 120,200 trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in injuries. This figure was a 2.5% increase over 2021. The number of large trucks getting involved in injury crashes climbed by 18% since 2016, and the involvement rate per 100 million truck miles traveled rose by 5.7% to 37.
In UC Berkeley’s SWITRS Query & Map Tool, applying “the truck crash” filter specifically for Tulare will reveal that there were a total of 127 accidents involving trucks in 2022. These crashes led to 179 injuries and nine deaths.
Arash Law’s semi-truck accident lawyers have extensive experience in handling complex truck accident cases and can help you pursue justice if you find yourself involved in one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Truck Accident Claims Take To Resolve?
Relatively minor truck accident claims with clear liability may be resolved in a few months. Meanwhile, cases involving big companies as defendants, severe injuries, and disputed liability may take several years. Truck accident attorneys in Tulare can help build well-supported claims and gather evidence to establish liability. They also assist clients in addressing disputes with trucking and insurance companies.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
Giving an exact settlement amount for truck accident claims is nearly impossible, as each case is unique. Medical costs, the type and severity of injuries, especially long-term ones, and potential truck safety breaches are just a few of the factors influencing potential compensation. Consulting with experienced truck accident lawyers in Tulare can help you assess the value of your case based on the specific facts of your situation.
Will My Truck Accident Case Go To Trial?
While going to trial can be time-consuming and costly, most truck accident cases are resolved before reaching that stage. The majority of claims are settled through negotiations with insurance companies or other parties. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, our Tulare truck accident lawyers may take your case to court. Accepting a settlement remains an option, even in such cases.
What Happens If I Lose A Loved One In A Truck Accident In Tulare?
The size and weight of trucks can contribute to a higher risk of fatalities and severe injuries in collisions due to the greater force of impact they generate. If your loved one was killed in a truck accident caused by negligence, you may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim against the liable party.
The following individuals may bring a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for related damages:
- Spouses
- Domestic partners
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
Wrongful death cases can be exceedingly complex, especially if there is more than one person alleged to be responsible for the collision. The legal process can be stressful for someone who is grieving the loss of their loved one. Our Tulare truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the process and pursue compensation available under California law.
Can I Still File A Personal Injury Claim If The Truck Driver Or Company Is From Another State?
Yes. You can bring a personal injury claim in California even if the truck driver or trucking company involved in the accident is based in another state. This applies as long as the accident happened within the Golden State.
What Is The Cost Of Hiring A Truck Accident Lawyer In Tulare?
One question victims usually ask is, “How much do truck accident attorneys near me charge for their services?” The answer varies depending on the fee structure of each injury law firm. Many people worry about legal costs, especially when they are already dealing with medical bills and lost income due to their injuries.
Our truck and car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Our firm does not charge clients any attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, they charge a percentage of the compensation they recover for the accident victim. The percentage may depend on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s skills and experience, as well as other factors. Please note that clients may still be responsible for some case-related costs.
To maintain transparency about legal expenses, it’s advisable to discuss the fee structure and any possible additional costs with your chosen legal counsel during the initial consultation.
Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers In Tulare
Whether you were injured in a truck crash, car collision, Lyft or Uber accident, or slip-and-fall, Arash Law provides legal advice and representation. Our Tulare truck accident attorneys will handle your accident claim with professionalism. Our team has the resources and experience to pursue a positive resolution for your case.
To speak with our experienced Tulare truck accident lawyers, call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. We also extend our service to neighboring communities, including Los Banos, Chowchilla, Firebaugh, Madera, Coalinga, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Clovis, Kettleman City, Wasco, Shafter, Tehachapi, California City, Sanger, Merced, and Livingston, as well as major cities throughout California, namely Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Bakersfield, San Francisco, and Fresno.
