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While dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be stressful, finding the right attorney should not be. If you are searching for experienced truck accident lawyers in California, consider whether they can help you tackle the complexities of your case. Our team of experienced accident attorneys can walk you through your legal options and advocate for your rights. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation, or reach out online to learn more about the tips and tricks of hiring an accident lawyer near you.
In 2020, the National Safety Council reported California as the second state with the highest number of deaths resulting from large truck crashes, with 398 fatalities. If you or your loved one was injured or killed in a truck collision, you can find a trustworthy truck accident attorney at Arash Law. Our legal team has the experience and knowledge to help you address your concerns effectively. We will advocate for your claim and assist you in pursuing fair compensation from the responsible party.
In a recent report by the California Air Resources Board from August 2022, about 1.8 million large trucks are registered in the state. Additionally, as stated in a comprehensive report from 2015 by the Southern California Association of Governments, the four freeway sections in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire with the highest concentrations of truck crashes per mile annually were:
- The 710 at the 60 in the East LA Interchange (7.2 accidents).
- The five between the 710 and the 10 are also in the East LA Interchange (6.6 accidents).
- The convergence of the 60 and the 57 (6 accidents).
- The 710 between the 105 and the 91 (5.8 accidents).
A truck’s size and weight make collisions extremely dangerous and traumatizing. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced truck accident attorney who can represent your interests and help you seek fair compensation for your losses. Having an attorney on your side can help you focus on healing from your injuries while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Remember that there is not just one “best lawyer.” Here are some ideas to aid your search for the truck accident lawyers in California who may be right for your case.
Step-By-Step Guide To Finding An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
A personal injury attorney is a legal professional who focuses on representing clients who have been physically, emotionally, or financially harmed due to intentional or unintentional misconduct. If you are injured by someone else’s negligent actions, it is advisable to pick a personal injury lawyer with vast experience.
Do Your Research And Ask For Advice
Create a list of prospective lawyers or law firms who handle truck collisions. It would be helpful if you knew someone who has experienced a similar situation recently and has hired a truck accident lawyer. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations.
Contact The Lawyer’s Office
Although a lawyer will not speak to you directly, assess how you were treated on the phone. Check if the person taking the call is warm and friendly. Are they straightforward and businesslike? The staff at a law firm often gives details on how the attorney prefers to do business.
Check The Attorney’s Qualifications, Experience, And Credentials
Have they previously handled truck accident cases? Do they provide access to the verdicts in those cases? Examine the testimonials and recommendations posted on their websites.
Look for a lawyer with extensive experience in handling trucking accidents. As opposed to auto accidents, truck collisions cause more injuries and damage. Additionally, the trucking industry is subject to different regulations than the passenger car industry. Trucks also pose unique hazards, and multiple parties may be involved, including drivers, trucking companies, maintenance facilities, and owners. Because of this, ask the attorney specifically about their background in trucking incidents.
Look For A Legal Professional With Whom You Are Compatible
You may want to choose a truck accident attorney with whom you feel at ease communicating, as they will be accessing confidential information. Your legal counsel serves as an important member of your legal team, having access to your sensitive data. Thus, having someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing information and who can provide the necessary support is advisable. If, during meetings, your lawyer makes you feel uncomfortable, they may not be the best fit for you.
Check The Lawyer’s Experience In Trial
Selecting a truck accident lawyer with trial experience is advisable. Consider choosing a lawyer who has the litigation experience needed to advocate for your rights, whether in or out of court.
Look For A Legal Representative Who Communicates Well
Communicating effectively with your attorney is essential to fully understand your situation. A skilled lawyer helps their client understand the case circumstances and is attentive to their progress. Since lawyers commonly delegate routine tasks, like document collection, to paralegals and assistants, interactions may include office staff. While not every minor detail needs to be discussed, having a legal representative who prioritizes keeping the client well-informed is essential.
Talk About The Costs And Fees
The costs and fees associated with pursuing a claim can vary widely depending on various factors. Truck accident attorneys generally take personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you won’t owe attorney’s fees unless they win your case. However, certain case expenses may still be charged separately regardless of the outcome. As a client, it is a good practice to inquire about their fees and confirm that they are consistent with industry standards.
Under this agreement, your lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or trial award rather than charging hourly rates. This percentage depends on whether the case goes to court and the additional work involved. Importantly, if your attorney cannot secure compensation, you will not be responsible for the attorney’s fees.
Your attorney may front some out-of-pocket expenses, which will be deducted from any compensation you obtain at the end. It is important to note that in some cases, you may still be responsible for these costs even if your case does not result in a favorable outcome, which can vary depending on the attorney and the specific circumstances of your case.
Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and review their fee schedule. You should be given a written contingency fee agreement to sign once you have chosen a lawyer. To fully grasp what you will be paying, read it carefully and make as many inquiries as necessary.
Never Hesitate To Ask Questions
Working with an attorney you feel comfortable working with can be helpful, as they will be your guide during the entire process. Ask questions, and evaluate whether the lawyer you choose responds in a way that makes you feel at ease.
Establish The Proper Expectations
Naturally, you are hoping for the best settlement and a speedy recovery after a truck accident. However, it’s advisable to keep your expectations reasonable and openly discuss them with your lawyer from the start. If they seem less optimistic, inquire about their reasoning. They should draw on relevant professional experiences and outcomes similar to your case. Ethical rules limit lawyers from making guarantees, so do not be surprised if they cannot promise specific compensation.
You should take prompt action to safeguard your rights after a truck collision. The earlier you seek legal advice, the better. Reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney before disclosing detailed information to either your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer.
What Are Some Things A Lawyer Can Assist You With?
- Negotiating on Your Behalf — Your attorney can represent your interests at the negotiation table. The majority of truck accident claims are resolved even before going to trial. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and support your claims.
- Investigating Your Accident — Investigators and attorneys frequently collaborate to find further proof that supports your claim.
- Putting a Logical Story Together — Your lawyer can assist in putting together all the details of the accident, including evidence against the person who injured you.
- Responding to Inquiries — Your attorney will be able to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
- Filing a Lawsuit — They can file the injury claim and help you prepare in case litigation becomes necessary.
Seek an attorney with trial experience, as this can affect your case. Some lawyers prioritize swift settlements with insurance companies, which require effort. However, you deserve someone who is prepared to dedicate the necessary resources to advocate for your rights and who has the courtroom experience to represent you effectively if needed.
Why You Should Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are puzzles of causes and responsible parties, making them difficult to handle. Did a distracted driver or a steering issue cause the truck to enter your lane? Was the driver under the influence of substances and alcohol or exhausted from excessive shifts at work? Did steering malfunctions result from a manufacturing flaw or poor maintenance? These questions and many more can be challenging to answer, but estimating future medical costs and lost wages further complicates matters.
Sorting through the questions above to establish responsibility is a months-long process. Getting to the bottom of these legal issues is where truck accident lawyers shine. With a legal professional, it will be easier to understand the process and the gravity of your injuries and losses and to negotiate a settlement.
What Is The Average Attorney’s Charge For A Truck Accident?
You can employ a personal injury lawyer on a “contingency fee” basis following a truck accident. Under this arrangement, legal fees are taken as a percentage of the recovered amount on your behalf. If you don’t secure compensation, you won’t have to pay the attorney’s fees. You may still have to cover certain case costs, but this arrangement allows you to get legal services without upfront costs.
Most auto accident attorneys work this way, meaning any settlement or award the client earns from their auto insurance is used to cover their expenses. When it comes to these charges, read the small print. The outcome of your case might be significantly impacted by the attorney you choose to represent you.
How Long Does An Insurance Company Have To Settle A Claim In California?
Insurance companies are required by California state law to settle claims within 85 days of the filing date. The insurer must acknowledge it within the said period and decide if they will accept it. Although no one wants to prolong and delay the claim, some factors cause it, such as:
- Generally, negotiations take a lot of time. The insurer may spend more effort challenging the scope of their responsibility, while the victim’s attorneys work to pursue the full value of the claim.
- During litigation, the court will be in charge of looking into your claim. However, settlement of claims may still occur until an award or verdict is issued.
- Delay is conceivable if the claimant suffered serious or fatal injuries. Claimants must receive thorough medical care and submit all related medical bills to the insurance company.
As a result, you should let both your insurance provider and the at-fault motorist’s insurance company know that you intend to file a claim soon. You may want to speak with a knowledgeable automobile accident attorney first so they can assist you in navigating a potential insurance payout.
The minimum bodily injury liability coverage amounts for an individual and an accident in California are $30,000 and $60,000, respectively. The policy must also include liability coverage for property damage of at least $15,000. When the policyholder causes an accident, and the other motorist claims to recover their damages, these coverage limits come into effect. A civil claim will likely follow if the at-fault driver’s insurance cannot pay for all the victim’s damages.
To help with your insurance recovery process, you must quickly inform the insurance company and file a claim within 24 hours of the accident. Delays can be avoided by gathering information and evidence just after an accident.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you should perform the following actions right away:
- Prioritize your safety! Move to a safe location. Check yourself and other passengers involved in the accident for any injuries.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured.
- Call the police immediately and report the accident.
- Gather relevant information about the truck driver and passengers, like insurance details, contact information, and license plate.
- Collect evidence of the scene by taking pictures and videos.
- Be careful of your words, and refrain from statements that may be interpreted as admissions of guilt.
- Get the contact information of witnesses.
Hiring a truck accident attorney to help you with your demand letter to the other driver’s insurance company is critical. Having legal counsel demonstrates that you are serious about your claim and are prepared to pursue all available legal remedies. Your lawyer may assist with your demand letter, which could help you account for the full extent of your losses.
How Much Is The Cost For Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Every truck accident settlement varies because every crash is distinct. Settlements for truck collisions can range widely, from a few thousand dollars to more than a million. Because each case differs, attempting to calculate an “average” commercial truck settlement value can be misleading and incorrect. No “average” situation applies to all cases due to the unique events and considerations surrounding each claim.
The severity of the injuries, the extent of the property damage, the allocation of liability, and other considerations relevant to the particular case all play a significant role in determining the final settlement value.
At Arash Law, You Will Find An Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Getting involved in a car accident can be a stressful and traumatic experience. When it involves large vehicles, such as commercial trucks, the aftermath becomes more daunting. As an accident victim, you have the legal right to seek just compensation for your injuries and losses.
However, seeking compensation won’t be an easy task, as multiple parties are involved. You may need to deal with big trucking companies and their insurance providers, as well as an extensive legal team, making the process very complicated. Finding a truck accident lawyer and hiring one can provide valuable guidance and support.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 and talk to our personal injury lawyers who handle truck accidents at Arash Law to further protect your rights. We also have experienced car accident lawyers and legal teams for other types of traffic accidents.
