How Is Fault in a Truck Accident Determined?
Truck accident cases tend to require more detailed investigative techniques than car accidents. This is because truck accidents often have more parties who may be held liable for damages.
Some potential parties that may be at fault include:
- The truck driver
- Another passenger car driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The company responsible for loading the cargo
To build a solid case and establish fault, the plaintiff's lawyer often has to bring in a trucking expert. It is very important that you work with a Pasadena personal injury lawyer who knows the best trucking experts to bring in and who has a war chest to go to battle with the trucking company.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
When it comes to commercial truck accidents, there are several types of accidents that occur most frequently:
Jackknife Accidents
A "jackknife" accident occurs when a truck slams on the brakes too suddenly, causing the trailer they are towing to swing out to the side behind them at a 90 degree angle. This can not only pose a danger to passenger cars in the lanes next to them, but also lead to a rollover accident.
Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents refer to when a truck makes a lane change without noticing a passenger car that may be in their blind spot next to them. Because they are significantly bigger than a typical passenger vehicle, trucks have much larger blind spots along the sides. Trucks also have blind spots directly behind their trailer and directly in front of the cab.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident may occur if a semi truck takes a turn too quickly, slams on the brakes suddenly, or loses control of their truck while driving distracted.
Underride Accidents
"Underride" accidents occur when a truck either attempts to change lanes or stops suddenly and the passenger car (usually smaller vehicles) next to or behind them ends up getting stuck beneath the truck trailer. In accidents like this it is common for the passenger car's roof to be sheared off in the collision, leading to catastrophic injuries and often death.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A trucker has the obligation to drive safely and follow the rules of the road. When drivers fail in that regard and are found to be negligent, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries.
Some of the top causes of these truck accidents include:
- Alcohol and drug use
- Reckless and aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Design flaws or manufacturing defects
- Lack of truck maintenance and inspection
- Hiring inexperienced drivers
- Poorly trained drivers
- Employer negligence
What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Truck accidents typically result in catastrophic injuries (injuries with long-term healing processes and sometimes lifelong side-effects).
Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
No matter what type of injury you have suffered, our team is prepared to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
What Are the Essential Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Pasadena?
After experiencing a truck accident in Pasadena, CA, prioritizing your safety and well-being is crucial.
- First, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms can manifest later.
- Once you are safe, document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses, as their accounts can be invaluable in supporting your claim.
- Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene, as these statements can be used against you later.
- Contact law enforcement to file an official report, which will be essential for legal proceedings.
- Most importantly, reach out to a qualified truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Legal expertise is vital in navigating the complexities of truck accident claims, ensuring all liable parties are identified, and securing the compensation you deserve.
McGee Lerer Ogrin is ready to guide you through every step of this challenging process. Call (626) 642-9302 to secure an appointment with a skilled trucking accident lawyer in Pasadena now.
What Is the Average Semi Truck Accident Settlement?
While there is no "average" settlement amount for truck accidents, these types of personal injury claims tend to be on the higher end because of the severity of the injuries typically suffered in these types of accidents.
The goal of your personal injury claim is to compensate you for damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Funeral or burial expenses
The exact settlement amount will vary widely from case to case, so the best way to determine what your case may be worth is to speak to one of our truck accident attorneys in a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Can a Pasadena Truck Accident Attorney Help?
Truck accident lawyers advocate for the rights and interests of individuals affected by truck accidents. They understand the laws and regulations governing the trucking industry, as well as the complexities that often affect the victims of truck accidents. These attorneys navigate the legal system, and help ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. By handling all aspects of the case, truck accident lawyers relieve victims of the burden of the legal process, allowing them to focus on their recovery.
Services our truck accident attorney provides can include, but are not limited to:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: They assess the details of your case to determine the best course of action and the potential for compensation.
- Accident Scene Investigation: Lawyers often employ a team of experts to reconstruct the accident scene, identify contributing factors to the accident, and gather evidence that supports your claim.
- Dealing With Insurance Companies: They handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
- Legal Representation: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare to represent you in court, advocating on your behalf throughout the legal process.
- Assistance With Medical Care: Truck accident lawyers can help you find the medical care you need for your injuries, often working with medical professionals who understand the nature of your injuries and can provide the necessary medical evaluations and treatment.
- Recovering Compensation: They help you recover compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
- Expert Testimonies: Your lawyer might bring in various experts, such as medical professionals, trucking industry experts, and accident reconstructionist, to provide testimony that strengthens your case.
- Legal Advice: They offer reliable legal advice and support throughout the claims process, helping you make informed decisions about your case.
By providing these services, truck accident lawyers ensure that victims have the support and expertise necessary to pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve for their suffering and losses.
Get Help Today!
McGee Lerer Ogrin is a husband and wife team of truck accident attorneys in Pasadena who have 38 years of combined expertise helping truck accident victims recover just and fair compensation for their injuries and for the wrongful death of a loved one.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a truck accident, we will review your case for free, and discuss the additional compensation you may be entitled to that an insurance company will not tell you about. If you already have a lawyer but are not happy with him and would like a second opinion, we will be happy to provide one for you at no charge.
Contact a top truck accident lawyer in Pasadena for help recovering full compensation for your injuries.
