Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer When Wrongful Death Happens

truck accident lawyer wrongful death

A truck accident lawyer wrongful death professional is an advocate that can support you legally and financially. Talk to a wrongful death lawyer California-based specialist to receive compensation for the injuries received in a big truck mishap. These injuries often are severe, so make it a priority to seek legal help immediately.

Why You Should Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Wrong Death Specialist

Trending information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shows that fatal large truck crashes increased 2% from 2018 to 2029. During that time, the number of crashes increased from 4,909 to 5,005. The rate of large trucks involved in fatal accidents per 100 million miles driven increased from 1.61 to 1.67, or approximately 4%. 

Therefore, the rate of crashes has not dwindled but seems to be taking an upward climb. That is why retaining the services of a wrongful death lawyer California professional should never be overlooked. If your loved one was killed in a commercial truck crash due to the fault of another party, you need to discuss your case with a top truck accident lawyer wrongful death specialist.

truck accident lawyer wrongful death

Driver Fatigue and Inexperience

A further review of truck crash statistics proves to be very insightful. For instance, the site, Drivingtests.org shows that 97% of commercial large truck fatalities happen to males. On the roadways, 18-wheelers count as the most hazardous, if not most destructive, form of transport. According to statistics, most accidents result from driver fatigue or inexperience. 

Commercial trucks are indisputably a challenge to drive. Therefore, a driver needs to be well-rested and prepared to control and operate mammoth-sized vehicles. According to TeleTracknavman, only 20,000 women work as truckers out of the 3.5 million people who drive the big rigs. That is why most of the fatalities happen to men.

Hazardous Cargo

Hazardous cargo is present in about 4% of the fatal crashes involving large trucks. The site, Rhoads and Rhoads, states that hazardous cargoes may include flammable liquids, oxidizing substances, flammable solids, explosives, or radioactive materials.

Needless to say, driving a truck is dangerous. It is a job that requires experience and thoughtful planning. A wrongful death lawyer California lawsuit professional can help you find out the exact reasons for an accident and calculate the damages. 

Types of Wrongful Death Truck Collisions

A wrongful death lawsuit can result from one a variety of collisions. For example, common large truck accidents that result in fatalities include the following:

  • Sideswipe accidents
  • T-bone crashes
  • Head-on collisions
  • Multi-vehicle pile-ups
  • Truck rollovers

Other Revealing Facts

Because of these crashes, a trucker can suffer permanent disability or death. The site, PolicyAdvice.net states that big truck fatalities have increased 52% since 2009. Besides a lack of sleep or inexperience, tire defects (about 30% and the most common cause) also lead to fatal crashes. 

About 68% of truck fatalities involve the passenger in a regular-sized truck or car. The most dangerous time of day to travel is from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 pm. About 20% of fatal truck accidents happen during this time.

Wrongful Death Damages for Big Truck Accidents

If you have been in an accident with a big truck, you need to speak with a truck accident lawyer wrongful death specialist about the settlement and how it is assessed. A settlement in a wrongful death case is meant to cover any losses a family suffers from the accident and its aftermath. Damages may cover the following:

  • Medical and hospital costs
  • Property damages
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • The loss of companionship or consortium
  • The loss of parental instruction
  • Funeral and burial expenses

Figuring out a truck accident claim is not that easy. A truck accident lawyer must assess the following:

  • The seriousness of the accident and the decedent’s injuries.
  • Who was specifically at fault, based on negligence
  • Whether intoxication led to the mishap

While you can calculate damages with a calculator online, only a wrongful death lawyer can pare down the costs and give you a realistic picture of what you will receive.

What Is the Attorney’s Fee?

For a wrongful death claim, most attorneys work on a contingency basis. Therefore, they will not ask for compensation until they settle your case. If they don’t succeed at winning your case, they will not ask for a percentage of the proceeds for payment. 

If you feel your loved one’s wrongful death resulted from negligence, you need to speak to a legal representative right away. According to the law in California, you have 2 years from the decedent’s date of death to file your claim. After 2 years, family members or dependents of a decedent lose their chance to file a claim.

Call Belal Hamideh for Further Info

To ensure you receive fair compensation, contact a truck accident lawyer wrongful death professional such as Belal Hamideh. Call the firm 24/7 at (562) 526-1224 today.