Norco Truck Accident Lawyer

Norco Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents tend to be more complex than car accidents, as they have their own rules and procedures. There are also more details to evaluate than car accidents, such as whether the driver or the company they work for is liable. There are national laws for truck drivers, but each state also has its own laws that truck drivers must also adhere to. A Norco truck accident lawyer can help you understand the relevant laws after you’ve been involved in this type of accident.

Choosing a Law Firm You Can Trust

Whenever someone fails to operate in their duty of care and it results in the injury, harm, or death of another, that person (or their close family in the event of death) has a right to file a claim. The victim can recover damages including medical bills, funeral costs, and pain and suffering. Karlin & Karlin can help you in the process of recovery. We operate with care and trust, and we can help you fight for your rights and recover compensation during this difficult time.

Karlin & Karlin has an extensive history of collecting compensation for our clients in personal injury cases. We have obtained settlements of over $5,000,000 for our clients’ injuries. Our attorneys can provide legal assistance to help you gather everything you need to meet your legal requirements for filing a claim.

Causes of Truck Driving Accidents

Truck drivers in Norco, California must abide by certain regulations in order to maximize their level of safety while on the road. Some of these include regular truck maintenance, mandatory breaks, state weight limits, and anti-drug and alcohol requirements. When these are violated, the risk of injuries and accidents increase.

A truck driving accident can happen for a number of reasons. Here are the most common:

• Drowsiness or fatigue: Federal laws limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can drive at once to reduce drowsiness and fatigue. When a driver is sleepy, it impairs their judgment, slows their reaction time, and decreases their ability to operate a vehicle.
• Driver errors: These errors could be driving too fast, turning or changing lanes too fast or without checking for other drivers, or not monitoring blind spots.
• Equipment problems: These include any problems with the truck itself, such as defective tires or brakes. Regular maintenance is required to decrease the number of equipment problems on the road.

Liability in a Truck Driving Accident

In a truck driving accident, different parties could be held liable, depending on the circumstances. Claims can potentially be filed against the truck driver, the driver’s employer, the truck maintenance company, and the owner of the truck.

If the truck driver’s negligence caused an accident, you can file a claim against them. The truck driver’s company could potentially be held liable under the law. However, an employer may argue that the driver is an independent contractor, which would absolve them of liability. If a driver is working within the scope of employment for the employer’s benefit, the company could be held liable for the accident.

An employer would not be responsible if the driver’s acts were intentional. For instance, if you and the truck driver knew each other personally and they hit you in retaliation for something else, their employer would not be liable. A lawyer can help you file a claim against appropriate parties.

What You Should Do If Involved in a Truck Driving Accident

If you are involved in a truck driving accident in Norco, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention if necessary. If you do not need medical attention, check for any passengers in your car and the truck to see if they are in need of medical attention.

Next, you will want to contact the authorities immediately. Gather the truck driver’s information, including their insurance information. Take photos and/or video of the incident. Make note of anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as inclement weather. Finally, get the contact information of any witnesses willing to give a statement.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Most truck accident settlements should cover the expenses suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the accident. Each truck accident case is unique, and settlement amounts are based on the unique details of the accident. Some factors that are considered in a settlement include the extent of the victim’s injuries, the level of fault on both sides, and property damage.

Q: How Much Do Lawyers Take From Truck Accident Settlement in CA?

A: In California, lawyers typically take 30%-40% of a client’s compensation from an accident settlement. This is based on a contingency plan. Many lawyers offer clients a contingency plan, where they do not charge anything upfront. Their only fee is the aforementioned percentage of their compensation. Therefore, if you do not receive anything, you do not owe your lawyer anything.

Q: How Much Can Someone Sue for a Truck Accident in CA?

A: In California, there is no limit to how much you can sue someone for an accident. You can file a claim up to the extent of your injuries. You can also file a claim for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. An attorney can help you in your specific case and inform you of the reasonable amount to claim based on your damages.

Q: What Is the Longest a Settlement Can Take?

A: The longest a settlement can take is a few years, while others could be resolved in just a few months. This is dependent on a number of factors, including how complex the case is, the extent of injuries, the number of people involved, how cooperative each party is, and how much evidence needs to be collected.

Contact Karlin & Karlin

In a trucking accident, many more factors come into play than in a car accident. An accident attorney can explain these details to you and ensure that you are filing claims against the appropriate responsible parties. If you are injured, a lawyer can fight for your rights and ensure that you receive compensation for your damages, including any medical attention, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Karlin & Karlin can help you during this process. Contact us today to get started.