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Santa Monica, CA 90403
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Fax: (888) 959-8749
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San Francisco, CA 94104
Tel: (415) 690-8234
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table of contents
If you suffered a collision with a truck, you are going to want a truck accident attorney in California. Being involved in a truck accident is exponentially more dangerous than being involved in a car accident. The dangers you face as a driver are amplified as a collision with a truck turns what would have been a simple fender bender with another car into severe injuries or even death. Furthermore, you still are subject to all the same difficulties involved in any collision: physical injuries, mental trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder, astronomical property damages, and lost income.
That’s where a skilled California truck accident lawyer enters the picture. You’ll find no more skilled than the team at Kermani LLP. While you focus on recovery and putting your life back together, Kermani LLP will put together a winning case to secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Common Causes and Types of Truck Accidents in California
Federal trucking regulations allow professional truck drivers to drive for up to 11 hours at a time. Shifts like these already significantly contribute to driver fatigue, but many drivers operate their rides for longer. Pair this with strict deadlines that push many truck drivers to speed, and you have a recipe for an accident. Distracted driving, poor training, alcohol use, overweight trailers, and insecure loads only exacerbate the potential for wrecks.
It’s important to remember that multiple types of commercial trucks are involved in accidents, and the nature of those accidents varies from vehicle to vehicle. Common trucks and the accidents they can cause are as follows:
- Tractor trucks: This is the cab of a truck where the driver sits behind the wheel. Even without pulling a load, these are massive vehicles that can cause immense damage and severe injuries in even a rear-end crash.
- Semi-trucks: This is a tractor truck pulling a cargo trailer. The load they pull increases the time it takes for them to come to a complete spot, and the blind spots that come with the trailer can cause fatal accidents.
- Tanker trucks: All of the dangers of a semi-truck are elevated by the hazardous materials transported by tanker trucks. Tanker trucks often burst into flames in a collision, causing an already grave situation to turn horrifically dangerous with the potential for burns and smoke inhalation. Death is common in tanker truck collisions.
- Delivery trucks: Although an Amazon delivery truck may not have the mass of a semi-truck, a driver’s rush to meet deadlines can cause serious accidents and injuries for other drivers on the road.
- Utility trucks: These trucks are ambulances, garbage trucks, postal trucks, fire engines, and the like. When responding to an emergency, these vehicles regularly exceed the speed limit, making for particularly violent wrecks. You should note that utility trucks are typically owned by city, state, or federal agencies, giving you only 6 months to bring about an accident claim if you are involved in an accident with one.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents and Establishing Liability
Injuries in truck accidents are as varied as the size and mass of the trucks. Typical injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Spinal cord injuries up to and including paralysis;
- Broken bones;
- Whiplash;
- Cervical and thoracic injuries;
- Back pain;
- Nerve injuries;
- Cuts and lacerations;
- Crush injuries;
- Scarring and burns;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental trauma.
The trucking company’s main goal will be to avoid liability for these injuries. They have deep legal resources that only truck accident lawyers in California can match. Kermani LLP will help you build a comprehensive case against the trucking company and prove its liability.
Navigating the Legal Process in Truck Accident Claims in CA
After a truck accident with a non-governmental entity, you typically have 2 years to file a claim. If you are suing a public entity or the government, you have 6 months to file a claim. You can expect a lawsuit trial date to be set for 12 to 18 months in the future — this is the largest timeframe your case could follow. During the trial, your lawyer will work to prove negligence and win damages.
Seeking Fair Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries
A team of truck accident attorneys in California will attempt to sue for the following damages where they apply to your accident:
- Medical costs;
- Lost earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Wrongful death.
Proving damages is a team effort between your doctors, CA truck accident lawyers, and many other parties. Kermani LLP will ensure that your compensation is fair and just.
Specialized Legal Support for Truck Accident Victims in California
Truck accidents present legal challenges not present in other motor accident cases. Rather than simply falling upon the vehicle operator, liability can be assigned to a bevy of other entities:
- The private or public entity that employs the driver;
- The owner or lessee of the tractor or trailer;
- The owner, seller, or buyer of any goods being shipped.
- A public entity responsible for roadway design.
Truck accident victims need specific legal advice and guidance to navigate these and other intricacies typical of truck accident cases.
Kermani LLP’s Expertise in Handling Complex Truck Accident Cases
Kermani LLP are among the most qualified truck accident lawyers in California. Their fierce, no-nonsense approach with insurance companies also extends to trucking companies. For an example of their expertise, look no further than the 100 trials they have litigated in just the past five years.
How Kermani LLP Supports Clients Beyond Legal Representation
Kermani LLP’s care goes beyond just their status as expert California truck accident attorneys. They are also advocates of truck accident victims, dedicated to seeking justice, maximizing compensation, and guiding their clients through complex legal procedures in challenging times.
Contact Kermani LLP for Expert Truck Accident Legal Assistance in California
Kermani LLP has an established track record of winning truck injury cases. You need an expert California truck accident attorney on your side in these difficult times. Reach out to Kermani LLP for a free consultation today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take right after being involved in a truck accident in California?
For one, you’re likely to sustain injuries after colliding with such a massive vehicle. That said, your very first step after a crash should be to evaluate yourself and anyone nearby for injuries. If injuries are present, then you need to call the police right away. Don’t hesitate to dial 911 if your situation is an emergency. For another, your car is likely in the middle of the road and could even be disabled. That said, make sure you get to safety if you can’t move your vehicle or you’re not sure if traffic will be able to stop in time.
Once police arrive at the scene, they’ll take care of the next steps while you get the medical care you need.
What types of compensation can I seek?
After a California truck accident, you can file compensation that reimburses you for the losses you sustain. These losses may come in the form of current and long-term medical treatment, lost income, property damage to your vehicle, a loss of quality of life, pain, and suffering, and potentially more depending on the severity of your losses. Get in touch with an attorney to learn more about your specific losses and compensation.
What are the unique legal challenges in California truck accident cases?
California trucking accidents are very complicated. Several different parties are usually involved and could be held liable including the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, a loading company, the truck’s maintenance company, the truck manufacturer, and other drivers. What’s more, the losses are usually severe due to the size and weight of the truck. Severe injuries with long-term recovery periods always result in bigger settlements and more complex claims.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in California?
Injured individuals have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a claim in California.
Can I claim for injuries if I was partially at fault in the truck accident in California?
California is a comparative negligence state, which means you can file a claim even when you’re partially to blame for the accident.
How are truck accident settlements calculated in California?
A truck accident settlement will be calculated by adding up all the losses you experienced due to the crash. You’ll need to provide evidence of these losses. Next, your non-economic losses, like pain and suffering, will be considered. Finally, fault will be considered, and your award may be reduced if it’s determined that you were partially to blame.
What evidence is crucial in proving negligence in a truck accident case?
First, you’ll need evidence to prove what happened and who was involved. Usually, this evidence is produced through an official police report, but you may need to conduct an independent investigation into the crash if the police report doesn’t offer up what caused the crash. Next, you’ll need proof that shows your losses. This can come in the form of bills, receipts, expense reports, statements from an employer, and more.
How can a truck accident lawyer help me navigate my claim in California?
A lawyer will help you understand your legal options based on the facts surrounding your accident and losses. If a claim is worth your effort, then your lawyer will help you compile the right evidence, file your paperwork, negotiate with the other party, and represent you through the process. Throughout the claim, your lawyer will work to maximize your settlement award and uphold your rights.
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