Tuolumne County 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.
Expert Tuolumne County Truck Accident Lawyers Who Turn Injured Victims Into Victors
Besides the possible landslides and flooding, the roads in Tuolumne County present other challenges for motorists to navigate. In a 2020 assessment report on statewide streets and roads, Tuolumne County pavements only received 28 points for the Pavement Condition Index (PCI). The PCI is scored from zero (failed) to 100 (excellent), making the county’s roads “at risk.” This could contribute to traffic wrecks in the area, including truck accidents.
Crashes and collisions involving trucks typically end in devastating injuries and even fatalities. Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., assures that victims of such tragic incidents have someone to rely on when it comes to making personal injury claims. Our Tuolumne County truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you get the maximum compensation.
Contact us today or use our “Do I have a case?” form to have an expert lawyer assess your situation. The initial consultation is free. We also answer the questions and concerns of many victims.
Settlement in a case where a client was injured while unloading commercial truck; client sustained crush injuries to legs– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Can Tuolumne County Truck Accident Lawyers Do to Win Your Case?
Besides conducting a comprehensive investigation, our team also ensures we get to know our clients. Every case has unique elements that make it different from other claims we have handled. That is why it is crucial to create a tailored strategy for each victim we work with. Getting to know you helps us develop a plan that ensures you get the maximum compensation.
- Quantifying your case – Having a benchmark of how much your case is worth helps us during the actual negotiation. Considering all of your pain, suffering, and other damage, we’ll get a definite number and be able to accept or deny an offer from the insurance company effectively.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – Negotiations are some of the trickiest parts of any case. Insurance companies are intimidating, especially when they work with big trucking companies.
- Planning for litigation – As much as possible, we want to settle out of court so you can get your compensation faster. Disagreements among parties, however, are not entirely avoidable. If your case needs to move further into litigation, our attorneys are ready to protect your rights and represent you in court.
Why Trust Our Tuolumne County Truck Accident Lawyers for Your Compensation?
Arash Law has decades of cumulative experience. Our truck accident lawyers in Tuolumne County have handled thousands of personal injury claims and lawsuits and have won over $750 Million in compensation. The main goal is to win and give our clients the results they deserve using the knowledge we have obtained and skills we have mastered.
Our Tuolumne County personal injury law firm can offer counseling and support throughout the legal process. This includes giving legal opinions and advice or just listening to your concerns. We have worked with truck accident victims before, so we understand your frustrations.
Compassion is a huge part of how we do our job. It is not just about the glory of winning but making our clients feel like the victors that they are.
Send us a message through our contact form for a free consultation and to start your onboarding process.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tuolumne County
Negligence is almost always the top cause of traffic accidents. Still, our Tuolumne County attorneys specializing in truck accidents need to know the specific cause of the incident to establish liability.
The following are the common causes of truck accidents:
- Fatigued driving – Truckers must ensure they get proper sleep and rest. They often stay on the road for long hours over the course of days. If they skip rest and sleep to complete and do more trips, they are risking the safety of other motorists.
- Distracted driving – Long hours on the road in a monotonous environment can get boring. However, using phones or talking to other occupants can lead to distractions. Anything that takes your concentration on driving increases the chances of getting into an accident.
- Driving while intoxicated – Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s cognitive function and coordination. In dangerous situations, truckers won’t be able to react appropriately and on time. Reckless behaviors caused by intoxication put them and other road users in dangerous situations.
- Inexperience – Large trucks are more challenging to maneuver compared to other vehicles because of their weight and size. Trucks also have more blind spots. Drivers without enough experience or training may not be able to calculate when to turn or make safe lane changes.
- Unsafe loads – Overloading is not uncommon in the trucking industry. Companies or truckers would often load more than what is permitted to increase income. However, overloading can cause rollovers. Additionally, not securing these loads increases the risk of injuring other road users.
- Road conditions – Poorly maintained roads can cause significant traffic accidents. For example, a trucker may have noticed a deep pothole a little too late and swerved to avoid it, hitting another motorist.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accident
Here are some of the most widely reported truck accident injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injury accidents, including trucking collisions and crashes, can significantly affect the victim. While mild issues like bumps and concussions can heal within a week or so, severe TBIs can last for a long time—sometimes years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of moderate to severe TBI cases die within 5 years. Thirty percent become worse, while 22% stay the same. Only 26% of cases improve.
Back Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs)
Spinal cord injury accidents have a significant effect on the victims. Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to temporary to permanent paralysis.
The types of paralysis include:
- Monoplegia – Affects an arm or a leg on either side of the body
- Hemiplegia – Paralysis on the arm and leg of one side of the body
- Paraplegia – No sensation and movement on the lower part of the body (both legs)
- Quadriplegia – Impacts both arms and legs
Amputations
Traumatic amputations can happen when a body part is cut or thrown off during severe truck accidents. Reattachments are possible, especially with the hands and fingers. However, they may not work like they did before.
Internal Organ Damage
Broken Bones
Lacerations And Cuts
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, thousands of truck accidents lead to fatalities each year. The loss of life is the worst that could happen. The victim’s legal heirs could file a wrongful death claim with the help of our Tuolumne County attorneys for truck accidents.
Determining Liability after a Tuolumne County Truck Accident
There could be multiple liable parties in a truck accident, making it more technical and challenging than typical car crashes. Possible defendants may include the following:
- Truck driver – Speeding or using a mobile phone while driving are some of the trucker’s reckless behaviors that could lead to an accident.
- Trucking company – The trucking company can be held partly liable if they do not follow protocols, such as overloading or not giving their drivers proper training.
- Truck manufacturer – There is a possibility that a truck component failed during transport, causing the accident. In this case, the truck manufacturer or the company that made that truck part may be held responsible.
- Third-party drivers – Other motorists may have caused the accident, engaging in reckless driving behaviors such as unsafe overtaking or lane changes. The trucker might have swerved to avoid the driver and, in turn, collided with you or your vehicle.
- Government entities – If the poorly maintained pavements in Tuolumne County caused the accident, the government could be held partly responsible. This is because they must ensure public roads are in excellent condition.
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
Types of Truck Accidents in Tuolumne County
- Truck rollovers – Big rigs that weigh up to 80,000 pounds are at risk of rolling over. Drivers may lose control of their vehicles, collide with other vehicles or barriers, or go off the road. This can cause the vehicle to turn on its side. Rolling trucks can crush smaller vehicles and result in traffic pileups.
- Rear-end collisions – These collisions are often caused by faulty brakes or driver negligence. The driver might not have paid attention to the distance between their truck and the vehicle in front of them. They were not able to step on the brake on time and collided with the car.
- Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions are often life-threatening. They happen when two vehicles crash head-on with each other. Often, unsafe lane changes and overtakes cause these.
- Jackknife accidents – During a jackknife accident, the trailer swings outward and forms a “jackknife” shape with the cab. A truck can skid uncontrollably or flip as a result of this 90-degree angle. Drivers who lack proper training can slam on the brakes too hard, causing their truck to jackknife.
- T-Bone accidents – These accidents are also known as side collisions and usually happen at intersections. They are often caused by truckers or other motorists disregarding stop signs.
- Sideswipe accidents – Truckers could “swipe” the side of another vehicle, especially when merging into traffic or changing lanes. Semi-trucks are often involved in these accidents because they have blind spots on the front and sides.
Types of Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
- Medical expenses – Includes all the hospitalizations, medications, treatments, operations, and rehabilitation you have taken so far and will take in the future.
- Loss of earnings – Injuries will disable you from working. Some victims even lose their jobs because of disabilities and disfigurement. Both lost wages and potential income can be covered.
- Property damage – You can also get compensated for the amount you spent on fixing or replacing a damaged property, such as your car or motorcycle.
Non-economic damages are more complicated to calculate because they are not physical. However, your attorney can help establish the following for you and the court:
- Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Long-term mental health condition triggered by the traumatic event.
- Anxiety and depression – Emotional distress arising from the injury and its impact.
- Loss of consortium – Loss of companionship and intimacy due to the injury.
- Reduced quality of life – Inability to perform normal activities and enjoy life as before.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Diminished ability to experience pleasure and happiness.
- Isolation – Feeling disconnected from others due to the injury and its effects.
In some cases, the court may award the victim punitive damages on top of the compensation. This is to punish the defendant for an exceptionally harmful act. These are often awarded in Tuolumne County truck accident cases where lawyers can prove intention. However, this is rare.
Truck Accident Statistics in Tuolumne County, California
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks are defined as medium to heavy trucks that weigh at least 10,000 pounds. In 2021, 71% of large truck accidents involved in fatal accidents weighed more than 26,000 pounds.
FAQs about Truck Accidents in Tuolumne County
How much do accident attorneys charge in California?
Attorney fees vary in California. However, our Tuolumne County truck accident attorneys offer legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid once we win your case, and you get your settlement award. Clients use part of the compensation to pay legal fees. Arash Law’s “No Win, No Fee” policy allows you to walk away with no obligations if we do not win your case.
Why are commercial trucks dangerous?
The weight and size of commercial trucks can easily crush smaller vehicles. Fully loaded trucks could weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, while the average weight of a car is 4,329 pounds. Hence, the impact of collisions is also stronger, causing catastrophic injuries.
What are California’s regulations on trucks?
In California, it is prohibited to exceed 80,000 pounds in total weight, according to Caltrans. On single axles, weights up to 20,000 pounds are allowed. On tandem axles, weights up to 34,000 pounds are permitted. Moreover, the length of the kingpin-to-rear-axle (KPRA) on a legal truck in California cannot exceed 40 feet.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Tuolumne County?
The statute of limitations in Tuolumne County and across California for personal injury claims is two years. However, pursuing compensation from the government requires victims to file a claim within six months of the accident.
Call Our Tuolumne County Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has a team of compassionate attorneys in Tuolumne County to help truck accident victims. We understand your pain and suffering and care for your recovery. To help you heal, we will do our absolute best to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Our lines are always open if you have questions or concerns. Call us today at (888) 488-1391.
We also offer our assistance to truck victims in neighboring locations, including San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, Turlock, San Jose, Fremont, Santa Cruz, Madera of Madera County, Placerville, South Lake Tahoe, Auburn, Lincoln, Roseville, Elk Grove, Sonoma in Sonoma County, Napa City in Napa County, Vacaville, Clovis, Los Banos, and Salinas.