Due to the extremely large size and weight of big rigs, an accident involving a big rig truck and a car often results in serious injury or wrongful death. The same is true for accidents between a motorcycle or a bicycle and a semi. Large trucks easily weigh over 10,000 pounds, with tractor-trailers and 18 wheelers tipping the scales at about 80,000 pounds or more.
When you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or wrongful death in a truck accident, you should have the best Pasadena personal injury lawyer on your side. Injuries resulting from trucking accidents can include spinal cord injuries, paralysis, brain damage, burns, and multiple fractures. Because of the seriousness of truck accident injuries, the potential value of these claims is high. With so much money at stake, trucking companies will spend an enormous amount of money to fight and defend these cases.
Contact our Pasadena truck accident attorneys today to put our 40 years of combined experience on your side! Call us now at (626) 642-9302for a free consultation.
What Are the Key Differences Between Truck and Car Accident Claims in Pasadena?
Navigating the legal landscape of truck accident claims versus
car accident claims
in Pasadena, CA, involves understanding key differences. Truck accident claims are
often more complex due to the sheer size and weight
of
commercial
trucks,
which
can
result in more
severe injuries
and significant property damage. These cases frequently involve multiple parties,
including the truck driver, trucking company,
and
manufacturers
of
truck
parts,
each
potentially liable.
In contrast, car accident claims generally involve fewer parties and may not result
in the same level of damage or injury. However,
truck
accidents
require
specialized
legal expertise
due
to the
myriad of federal
and state
regulations
governing
the
trucking industry. These
regulations
can
impact
the determination
of liability
and
the overall strategy
for the case.
Moreover, the potential for greater damages in truck accidents, both financially
and emotionally, necessitates a comprehensive
approach
to
securing
compensation
for
medical
bills, lost wages,
and long-term
care.
Engaging
a skilled
attorney
with
experience
in both
truck and
car accident
claims is crucial
to successfully
navigating
these
complexities and
ensuring
that your rights
are protected
and
justice
is achieved.
Our
Pasadena personal
injury
firm
is
dedicated to
providing
the specialized
support
and guidance needed
in these challenging
situations. Get
in
touch with McGee, Lerer & Associates
as soon as possible
if you
were injured
in a
trucking accident.
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 & Associates 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 reconstructionists, 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 & Associates 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.
Contacta top truck accident lawyer in Pasadena for help recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose McGee, Lerer & Associates?
What Makes Us Different
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
We take the time to understand all the unique factors of your case to achieve the best results.
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN
If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to recover your compensation, you owe nothing. Learn more here.
24/7 AVAILABILITY
We can be available nights and weekends and come to you at the hospital or at home.
FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
We have 4 offices in Southern California - Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica & Long Beach
