Few vehicles on the roads cause as many devastating accidents as trucks. Commercial truck vehicles are several times heavier than regular passenger vehicles, which means that even at low speeds, a collision can still easily result in severe injuries and extensive property damage.
In such situations, victims don’t only have to overcome traumatic experiences, financial losses, or life-altering injuries. They also face legal challenges, as pursuing a truck accident claim isn’t always as straightforward. Sometimes, it’s the truck driver’s fault. In other situations, it is the truck company, service providers, or other entities.
Victims can consult with a truck accident lawyer to share some of the burden of dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, fight for fair compensation, and establish the liable parties in these events.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., our Pasadena truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping truck accident victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether your claim involves the trucking company, driver, or other entity, our aggressive lawyers will highlight exactly who is to blame and hold them accountable. Contact our law firm in Pasadena, CA, today for a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. Let us hear your story, evaluate the merits of your claim, and guide you toward resolution! Here is what you should know about truck accidents and how a Pasadena truck accident lawyer with our firm can help!
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Trucks are far harder to maneuver and operate than regular vehicles due to their size, mass, and weight. If cargo is involved, things get even harder. Because of this, truck drivers are often trained in defensive driving techniques and other safety measures to ensure road safety.
However, truck crashes still occur due to human errors, negligence, or other unforeseen factors. Among the most common reasons why truck accidents occur in Pasadena are the following:
Driver fatigue, or distracted driving
Many truck accident cases have highlighted that driver fatigue or distracted driving were among the most determining factors in trucking accidents. In 2021 alone, there were 140 fatalities in California related to distracted driving.
Distracted driving is an issue plaguing not only truck drivers but all road participants. However, the maneuverability of large vehicles makes distracted driving even more dangerous for truck drivers.
It is far more difficult to steer or brake when you operate a truck than a passenger vehicle, especially at high speeds. Driver fatigue is also notorious among truck drivers. Although trucking companies and regulating bodies have implemented various safety protocols, hours of service, rest periods, and other regulations, driver fatigue remains a common reason for truck accidents.
Improper loading of cargo
Semi-trucks or tractor-trailers often carry heavy cargo, and several federal law regulations limit the weight. Yet, sometimes, the cargo isn’t properly secured or loaded. While in transit, the added weight can shift, causing trucks to tip over or lose balance, leading to devastating truck accidents.
Mechanical failures or inadequate maintenance
The trucking company must always keep its fleet in proper working conditions and provide routine maintenance and service of its vehicles. Yet, sometimes, a truck crash can occur due to malfunctions or poor maintenance practices. In such instances, the maintenance providers or manufacturers can be held liable for the truck crash.
Traffic law violations
Sometimes, truck drivers engage in speeding or other traffic violations to meet their schedules or for other reasons. Yet trucks are difficult to handle even at regular speeds. At high speeds, reaction time is decreased, and sudden changes can result in devastating accidents.
Poor hiring practices
A trucking accident can result from poor hiring practices and inadequate training. The trucking industry places great emphasis on proper training, but not all trucking companies adhere to these regulations, which results in accidents.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions are often responsible for typical car accidents, but even more so for truck accidents. This is because trucks have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles, and adverse weather conditions reduce visibility even more, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Consequences of Truck Accidents
A truck accident usually results in more severe injuries than other type of vehicle accidents. Some common truck accident injuries include:
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic injuries, amputations, and other severe injuries
Large trucks that carry hazardous materials can lead to even greater consequences, including environmental. Due to their size, truck accidents usually result in several victims. If you have experienced serious injuries due to a truck accident, you should consider taking legal action. The Pasadena truck accident attorneys at Crown & Stone Law, P.C. can help you hold the truck driver or trucking company responsible for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, emotional distress, and other losses.
Suppose you believe there are other responsible parties, such as the truck manufacturer. In that case, our truck accident lawyers will gather the necessary evidence to hold them liable and seek compensation on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
When you pursue truck accident claims to recover compensation, you must realize that what you do before and after your accident will play a crucial role in your claim. First, do not leave the accident scene without receiving medical care, reporting the accident, and gathering evidence.
You should prioritize your health and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. The medical records will act as evidence for your case and help establish a causal link between the accident and the injuries suffered.
Report the accident to authorities so that a police report concerning the accident will be filed. In California, you are required by law to report the accident if it results in injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Commercial trucks have DOT numbers used for quick verification, and the police will be able to conduct an investigation analyzing maintenance records and other possibly incriminating factors.
While present at the accident scene, gather evidence, such as photos and videos. Showcase your injuries and highlight the damage to the passenger cars or other vehicles. Write down the trucking company’s name, driver, contact information, and insurance information. Proving liability in a truck accident lawsuit will often highly depend on the presence of eyewitnesses and other experts. If witnesses are present, write down their contact information.
Report the accident to your own insurance company and keep detailed accounts related to your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, your well-being, and anything related to your recovery period.
Lastly, consult a truck accident attorney in Pasadena to prepare your insurance claim accordingly and have a fighting chance at receiving maximum compensation for your losses. Your Pasadena truck accident attorney will help you identify the negligent parties in your truck accident claim and hold them liable while helping you secure a fair settlement.
Why You Should Consult With a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident victims have a lot on their hands in the aftermath of a truck accident. A Pasadena truck accident attorney can help them focus on their recovery while they take on the legal complexities and challenges involved in truck accident claims.
Truck accident attorneys are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding the trucking industry and personal injury law. They can use various legal strategies to secure a fair amount of compensation for their clients.
A Pasadena truck accident attorney will gather police reports, medical records, photos, and videos and work alongside third-party experts such as accident reconstruction professionals to build a strong case for the accident victim.
Insurance adjusters might seek to undermine your claim or offer you a lesser settlement amount. However, a Pasadena truck crash lawyer knows exactly what damages you are entitled to, depending on the evidence surrounding your case. Contact Crown & Stone Law, P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case to learn more.
Compensation and Damages Awarded in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents usually result in high settlement awards due to their devastating nature, especially if semi-truck or tractor-trailer vehicles are involved. A tractor-trailer, for example, can carry 80,000 pounds of cargo, which can have a powerful impact on accidents.
Victims of truck accidents can be awarded various economic, non-economic, and even punitive damages in such cases, depending on the strength of their evidence, legal representation, and severity of injuries. Among the most commonly compensated aspects of truck accidents include:
- Lost income, including the capacity for future earning
- Medical bills, treatments, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In Pasadena truck accidents where a loved one perishes, the surviving family members can also pursue compensation for funeral costs and other expenses and damages.
Establishing Liability Against Truck Driver, Truck Company, or Other Parties
A truck accident lawyer in Pasadena can help injured victims establish liability against multiple parties. Truck accidents do not solely rely on holding the truck driver responsible. The trucking company can be held liable if it does not provide adequate training.
If the cargo loaders did not secure the load properly or if the maintenance providers did not adequately inspect or repair the truck, they can also be held liable. To determine who is liable in truck accidents, attorneys must use the available evidence and consult with third-party experts to establish liability and fault.
Settlement Negotiations and Trial Representation: How Our Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you pursue a truck accident claim, you must do so as quickly as possible. California has a two-year statute of limitations concerning truck accident claims. You may face some challenges while pursuing your claim.
For example, California follows a pure comparative negligence system. In this system, parties involved in an accident can be assigned a percentage of fault based on the available evidence, which will then be used to reduce their total compensation amount.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., our law firm has the necessary resources to take on anyone. If you need a Pasadena big rig accident attorney to help you deal with a large truck accident, we’ve got you covered!
Our dedicated truck accident lawyers will help you gather evidence and keep you informed throughout your claim process. They will also work alongside third-party experts to establish fault and negotiate settlements with the insurance companies until they reach a fair compensation amount.
Should the trucking companies and their insurance providers deny fair compensation, we will prepare your case for trial and represent your best interest. Contact Crown & Stone Law, P.C. today for a free consultation on your case and learn more about your legal options. Find out exactly what you may be owed and who is responsible.