Your Advocate for Justice After a Truck Accident
When you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, the aftermath can feel like they’re too much. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain can leave you feeling lost. It’s natural to be unsure of where to turn. That’s where Belal Hamideh steps in. As an experienced Irvine truck accident lawyer, Belal helps accident victims navigate the complexities of the legal system and receive the compensation they deserve.
With years of experience representing clients in truck accident cases, Belal understands the unique challenges these cases present. From dealing with large trucking companies to interpreting federal regulations, he has the knowledge and determination to hold negligent parties accountable.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents are not like typical car accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Additionally, truck accident cases involve multiple layers of complexity, including:
- Federal and State Regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by laws that govern driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in proving liability.
- Multiple Parties: Truck accidents often involve several potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts.
- Insurance Companies: Trucking companies typically have large insurance policies, but their insurers are also highly aggressive in defending claims. You need someone who knows how to counter their tactics.
Belal Hamideh has a deep understanding of these complexities and knows how to build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest, but some drivers and companies push these limits to meet tight deadlines.
- Distracted Driving: Like all drivers, truck drivers can become distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, or other activities.
- Improper Maintenance: Failure to maintain brakes, tires, or other critical components can lead to mechanical failures.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo that is not properly secured can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable.
- Driving Under the Influence: Unfortunately, some truck drivers operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Poor Training: Inadequate training can lead to unsafe driving practices.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, Belal Hamideh will investigate the cause of the crash and work to identify all liable parties.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Truck Accidents
The force of a collision with a commercial truck can cause devastating injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other life-altering conditions.
- Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can cause multiple fractures, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
- Burns: In cases where fires or explosions occur, victims may suffer severe burns.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a truck accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
That’s just some of what you can receive. Belal Hamideh understands the profound impact these injuries can have on your life. He is committed to securing compensation that covers not only your medical expenses but also your pain and suffering, lost wages, and future needs.
What You Should Do After a Truck Accident
The steps you take immediately following a truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. You should:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured, some conditions may not manifest symptoms right away.
- Document the Scene: If possible to do so safely, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle.
- Gather Information: Collect contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and any other involved parties.
- Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement and ensure an official report is filed.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to admit fault or settle for less than you deserve.
- Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to Belal Hamideh as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary damages for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
Belal Hamideh will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. To learn more about what Belal’s clients think of him, we offer these reviews.
Who Can Be Liable in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, and determining liability can be complex. Unlike typical car accidents, where the driver is usually the primary at-fault party, truck accidents can involve several entities that may share responsibility. Here are the key parties that could be liable in a truck accident:
The Truck Driver
The truck driver may be liable if their actions directly caused the accident. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Violating hours-of-service regulations (driving while fatigued).
- Speeding or reckless driving.
- Distracted driving (e.g., using a phone or GPS).
- Failing to follow traffic laws or safety protocols.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often liable for accidents due to their role in overseeing operations. Common reasons for liability include:
- Negligent Hiring: Employing drivers with poor records or inadequate training.
- Failure to Maintain Vehicles: Not properly inspecting or repairing trucks, leading to mechanical failures.
- Pushing Drivers to Violate Regulations: Encouraging or forcing drivers to exceed legal driving hours to meet deadlines.
- Inadequate Training: Failing to provide proper training on safety protocols or cargo loading.
Cargo Loaders or Shippers
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to rollovers or spills. Liability may fall on:
- The company responsible for loading the cargo.
- The shipper if they provided incorrect weight or loading instructions.
Truck Manufacturers or Parts Suppliers
If a defect in the truck or its components contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or parts supplier could be liable. Examples include:
- Faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems.
- Defective trailer hitches or coupling mechanisms.
- Malfunctioning electronic systems.
Government Entities
In some cases, poor road design or maintenance may contribute to an accident. If hazardous road conditions (e.g., lack of signage, potholes, or inadequate lighting) played a role, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be liable.
Other Drivers
While less common in truck accident cases, other drivers on the road may share liability if their actions contributed to the crash. For example, a car driver who cuts off a truck or fails to yield could be partially at fault.
How Belal Hamideh Determines Liability
Determining liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. Here’s how Belal Hamideh approaches this process:
Gathering Evidence
Belal will collect and analyze all available evidence to build a strong case. This includes:
- Police Reports: Reviewing the official accident report for details about the crash.
- Witness Statements: Interviewing witnesses to gather additional perspectives.
- Truck Data: Accessing the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) and black box data, which can provide information on speed, braking, and driver hours.
- Maintenance Records: Reviewing the truck’s maintenance history to identify any lapses in upkeep.
- Cargo Records: Examining how the cargo was loaded and secured.
- Surveillance Footage: Obtaining video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.
Additionally, Belal will investigate whether any federal or state regulations were violated, such as:
- Hours-of-Service Rules: Ensuring the driver did not exceed legal driving limits.
- Weight Limits: Confirming the truck was not overloaded.
- Vehicle Maintenance Standards: Checking if the truck met safety requirements.
Consulting Experts for Your Case
To strengthen your case, Belal may work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and industry experts who can provide testimony on:
- How the accident occurred.
- The extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.
- Whether the truck or its components were defective.
Building a Strong Case
Once liability is established, Belal will compile the evidence and develop a compelling argument to prove negligence. He will:
- Draft legal documents outlining the claims.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
- Prepare to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Those are just some of the ways that Belal can help. To learn more about the process, he explains it in some of his videos.
How Belal Hamideh Could Work Your Truck Accident Case
After identifying the at-fault parties, Belal will take the following steps to hold them accountable and secure compensation for you. While every truck accident is different, for many, the process will include:
Filing a Claim
Belal will file a claim with the insurance companies of the liable parties. This may include:
- The truck driver’s insurance.
- The trucking company’s insurance.
- The cargo loader’s or manufacturer’s insurance, if applicable.
Negotiating a Settlement
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Belal will use the evidence gathered to negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage.
Pursuing Multiple Avenues of Recovery
In cases where multiple parties are liable, Belal will pursue compensation from all available sources to maximize your recovery. This may involve filing separate claims or lawsuits against each at-fault party.
A Truck Accident Attorney for Irvine
When you’re looking for an Irvine truck accident lawyer, you need someone who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and dedicated to your case. Here’s what sets Belal Hamideh apart:
Personalized Attention
Belal understands that every case is unique. He takes the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Proven Track Record
Belal has successfully represented numerous clients in truck accident cases, securing significant settlements and verdicts. His results speak for themselves.
Aggressive Advocacy
Trucking companies and their insurers often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Belal is not afraid to take on these powerful entities and fight for the justice you deserve.
Comprehensive Support
From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, Belal handles every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
No Fees Unless You Win
Belal works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless he recovers compensation for you. This ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irvine Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if the truck driver was not at fault?
Even if the truck driver was not at fault, other parties may still be liable. For example, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers could share responsibility.
How much is my case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the degree of negligence involved. Belal Hamideh can provide a more accurate assessment after reviewing the details of your case.
Will my case go to trial?
While many cases are settled out of court, Belal is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
An Irvine Truck Accident Lawyer Serving the Area and Beyond
Belal Hamideh proudly serves clients throughout Irvine and the surrounding areas. No matter where your accident occurred, he is ready to fight for your rights and help you move forward with your life. Held in high regard by his peers, he’s ready to help.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Belal Hamideh is here to stand by your side and fight for your rights. Schedule a free case evaluation with Belal today.