From the perspective of a personal injury attorney, when a truck driver has an accident, multiple parties may be at fault. Yes, the truck driver may be at fault. But, they very well may not be the only part at fault.
From independent contractors to commercial organizations, private citizens to government entities, they all share a common thread – the potential to be liable in the event of a trucking accident. Given the unique characteristics of every accident, discovering who is at fault can be a convoluted process, but it’s a task we excel at.
If you were hurt in an accident involving a big rig, it’s worth it to reach out to an experienced trucking accidents lawyer. Belal Hamideh can help with all aspects of your case. Schedule a free case evaluation today.
Benefits of Working With an Experienced Attorney
Depending on the specifics of your accident, different parties could be held accountable. The truck driver alongside their insurance company might be the first on the list, especially if they failed to observe safety protocols or were erring at the time of the accident. But the responsibility does not end there.
The truck owners can also share the blame if it is established that they overlooked the necessary safety rules and guidelines. Similarly, any manufacturer that distributed the truck despite knowing about its defects could be implicated in the liability. Mechanics who negligently handle the repairs of the truck are not exempt. Furthermore, if the cargo was improperly loaded onto the truck, the loading team could also be identified as responsible. In some cases, the accident location owner could face fault if they contributed to the accident’s conditions, even if only slightly.
Our experienced team is well-equipped to delve into the intricate details of your accident. Through exhaustive investigations, we will uncover all liable parties, allowing you to secure the compensation you rightly deserve from each one.
When it comes to truck accident liability, one might wonder, what happens if I am partially at fault? Well, you are still entitled to recover damages, regardless of minor fault on your part. This scenario falls under the comparative negligence rule. In essence, your recoverable compensation will be reduced proportionally based on the extent of your fault in the accident. For instance, if it is ascertained that you were 30% at fault, your compensation will be trimmed by 30% accordingly.
The reality of truck accidents is that as a regular motorist, there is a limit to what you can do. The sheer size of a truck compared to a regular car makes it challenging, if not impossible, to maneuver your car out of harm’s way, regardless of your driving experience. It is here that our team comes into play. We strive to allocate liability appropriately and unequivocally, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable, thus maximizing your potential compensation.
If you were injured in a trucking accident, it’s worth it to reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. To schedule this with Belal, message us through our site or call.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help You
In the unfortunate event that you have been a victim of a truck accident, a proficient California-based truck accident attorney is the crucial ally you need at this difficult time. With trucks often weighing around 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, the implications of these accidents can be far-reaching, often causing far more damage than the typical vehicle collision. These lawyers can provide essential assistance in identifying appropriate medical care as well as proffer vigorous representation with the advantage of zero upfront cost.
Belal Hamideh Law, a seasoned law firm with a vast experience of standing in the gap for clients in distressing situations similar to yours, is well-positioned to ensure you receive the full compensation you so richly deserve. We take immense pride in serving the great state of California, and it is our relentless commitment that each of our clients achieves optimum results. Our mission is to ensure you are adequately compensated for the challenging ordeal you’ve had to endure. To understand your situation better and offer targeted assistance, we provide free consultations – reach out to us via our website or telephonically.
Among the plethora of factors that can lead to truck accidents, the following are the most prevalent –
Fatigue: Despite regulations stipulating a maximum number of driving hours for truck drivers, the pressure of deadlines or coercion from their superiors may result in drivers pushing themselves to the brink, leading to slowed reaction times, impaired decision-making, or in extreme cases, falling asleep while driving.
Excessive Speed: Tight schedules often drive truck drivers to exceed safe speed limits, thus increasing the risk of accidents due to the significant distance and time trucks require to decelerate and come to a halt.
Distracted Driving: Regrettably, even truck drivers fall prey to distractions such as texting, eating, or other activities while driving, leading to accidents.
Driving Under the Influence: Instances are not scarce where truck drivers operate the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Poor Maintenance: Accidents could stem from hazards related to ill-maintained parts of the truck such as brakes, tires, wheels, steering, and the like.
Manufacturing Defects: Defects at the manufacturing stage pose a higher risk of accidents than many anticipate.
Improper Loading: Factors such as loose, overweight, or unsecured cargo containers could trigger accidents.
Inclement Weather: Weather conditions such as snow, ice, strong winds, rain significantly increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
Regardless of the circumstances of your truck accident, if the responsibility lies with the other driver, our firm stands ready to represent your case with tenacity and vigor.
Understanding Your Next Steps After Enduring a Truck Accident
Finding yourself in a truck accident can leave you in a state of shock and possibly nursing injuries. The situation can be overwhelming as you grapple with physical pain, mental distress, unexpected financial disruption, and so much more. This is why we’re here to guide you throughout the entire legal journey, from start to finish, ensuring that you navigate the process smoothly for the best possible outcome.
In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, there are specific steps you need to take:
React Quickly by Calling the Authorities.
Regardless of the scale of the accident or the apparent absence of injuries, it is paramount to call the police. This is because damages to your person or vehicle might only become apparent over time. Having an official police report filed can serve as a critical piece of evidence in your claim.
Prioritize Medical Assistance.
After an accident, it’s essential to seek medical help, even if you feel unscathed. Hidden internal injuries could potentially manifest later, and having documented medical treatment could prove invaluable in your accident claim.
Collect Evidence if Possible.
If you are mobile and can safely navigate your surroundings after the accident, try to take pictures that illustrate the damage inflicted on your person or your vehicle. Furthermore, capture environmental evidence like skid marks and damage to nearby structures, as these may disappear over time.
Obtain Information from All Parties.
If circumstances allow, gather contact and insurance information from the other driver. If more people were involved in the accident, it’s important to obtain everyone’s details. Also, don’t forget to speak to any witnesses and collect their information, as it could prove beneficial later.
Involve a California Truck Accident Lawyer.
Reaching out to us at the earliest opportunity allows us to commence working on your case promptly. Our aim is to ensure that you are adequately compensated.
The Importance of Hiring a California Truck Accident Lawyer Following a Truck Incident.
Cases involving truck accidents present a unique set of challenges, making it particularly tough for victims to represent themselves successfully. Trucking companies often aggressively defend themselves against lawsuits, and they typically have teams of investigators whom they dispatch to crash sites immediately. Moreover, these companies usually collaborate with insurance firms to minimize the compensation accident victims receive.
Also, multiple parties are frequently implicated in truck accident cases. The driver, the trucking company, the leasing firm, the company responsible for loading the truck, the truck’s manufacturer, and others could all be held liable. A seasoned attorney who specializes in truck accident lawsuits can identify the liable parties on your behalf. This way, you stand the best chance of receiving just compensation from all parties who have caused you harm.
Understanding Your Claim Potential in a Truck Accident
Are you wondering what kind of injuries you can claim for in a truck accident? Whether it’s economic or non-economic damages, there’s a wide range of injuries that can be included in your claim. Economic damages are designed to provide you with financial reimbursement for all the expenses you’ve had to bear in the aftermath of your accident — be it medical costs like therapy, counseling, treatment or even ambulance bills.
But economic damages don’t stop at covering your health expenses. You could also be entitled to recoup lost wages — income that you would have earned had you not been involved in the accident. If the accident has left you unable to return to work, you can claim the income you would have made during your recovery period. If your vehicle was damaged, you might be entitled to money for repairs or even replacement. If the injuries sustained were catastrophic, necessitating modifications to your residence or requiring in-home healthcare, you can claim for these expenses too.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover a different set of losses. These include emotional distress such as anxiety and the pain and suffering you’ve undergone. If the accident caused disfigurement, limb loss, or any other severe body injury, these are recognized as non-economic damages. Additionally, certain non-tangible losses, like a diminished quality of life or loss of consortium (loss of a spouse’s companionship), are also considered. Our firm is committed to advocating fiercely on your behalf so that you can receive the compensation you genuinely deserve.
Unraveling the Complexities of Liability in a Trucking Accident
The issue of liability in a truck accident can be complex and multidimensional. Unlike car accidents, where usually one driver and their insurer might be held accountable, a multitude of parties can be implicated in a truck accident. Truck drivers often bear responsibility, whether they are independent contractors or employees of a commercial entity or the government.
In the context of your accident, it might not just be the truck driver or their insurer who is responsible. Owners of the truck who did not adhere to requisite safety norms and regulations could be held liable. So could manufacturers who sold the truck despite being aware of its defects. Mechanics who did not competently repair a truck might be implicated, as could individuals who loaded cargo onto the truck incorrectly. Even the owner of the location where the accident occurred could be held accountable if they were even partially responsible for the conditions that led to the accident.
Leveraging our extensive experience, we can meticulously investigate your case to identify all the parties who were at fault. This comprehensive approach ensures you get the compensation you deserve from every liable party.
Dealing with Partial Fault in a Truck Accident
Even if you were partly to blame for the accident, you can still receive compensation for your damages. This falls under the principle of “comparative negligence” — your compensation might be reduced commensurate with the degree to which you were at fault. For instance, if you were deemed 30% at fault, your compensation could be reduced by 30%.
In a truck accident, there’s only so much you can do to prevent it, given the size disparity between your car and the truck. Despite being a proficient driver, avoiding a truck might not always be feasible. Our dedicated team can assist in identifying the responsible parties, ensuring the liability is rightly assigned.
Reach Out to Our Experienced California Truck Accident Attorney – No Win, No Fee!
In life’s most chaotic moments, you deserve a competent ally with a history of defeating trucking companies and securing wins for clients. Post a truck accident, there are numerous concerns you’d be grappling with. Allow us to lighten your load by taking up your case, representing you vigorously to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. We are ready for a free consultation — reach out via call or message.