Cargo Spill Truck Accident Attorney in Pasadena
The commercial trucks that transport goods up and down Pasadena freeways play a crucial role in supporting the local economy and its residents. However, the cargo loads of these trucks also pose serious safety risks if they’re not loaded or maintained correctly.
When truck cargo spills happen, the consequences can be devastating and potentially life-changing. If someone’s negligence led to a collision that harmed you, an experienced cargo spill truck accident lawyer in Pasadena can fight to hold them accountable. At the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, we can aggressively advocate for your rights and seek both justice and fair compensation on your behalf. Call today to learn how we can help in a free consultation.
How Cargo Spills Happen on California Roads
The biggest tragedy of most cargo spill accidents is that they’re so often preventable. The most common reasons these truck accidents happen include:
- Improper loading – When the goods are not properly secured or are unevenly distributed, they can shift or spill when the truck is in motion.
- Overloading – Trucks have strict weight limits for a reason. Exceeding those restrictions can place unnecessary strain on the truck’s components and increase the risk of spilled cargo or hazardous materials.
- Faulty equipment – The tie-downs, straps, and doors designed to secure the cargo can break or malfunction, leading to a disastrous spill.
- Driver error – Fatigued, distracted, impaired, or inexperienced truck drivers can make critical errors that can result in a cargo spill. This is especially true on the narrow lanes of the Pasadena Freeway, where the margin for error is even smaller than usual.
Types of Injuries Caused by Cargo Spills
Commercial trucks are massive and can carry many thousands of pounds of cargo. Unfortunately, the injuries a cargo spill can cause are wide-ranging and potentially severe. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Wrongful death
In some instances, hazardous material truck accidents in Pasadena can lead to chemical burns, toxic exposure, and explosions. These cases can be even more complex than a standard truck accident claim. Our experienced truck cargo spill injury lawyers can investigate the crash and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who’s Liable for a Cargo Spill Truck Accident in Pasadena?
Cargo spill accidents can involve multiple liable parties. When establishing liability, your truck debris accident lawyer in California will scrutinize the case to identify every responsible party. These could include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer
If hazardous road conditions or poor signage caused the semi-truck accident, your attorney may also look at state and local government entities to determine if they’re responsible. If the collision involved other passenger vehicles, your lawyer may also file a personal injury claim with the passenger car drivers’ insurance companies.
Federal and State Regulations on Cargo Transport
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has explicit rules regarding cargo securement. Those rules mandate specific weight limits, tie-down techniques, and methods for handling hazardous materials. Violations of these requirements may result in the truck driver and/or the cargo loading company being held responsible for any commercial truck accidents.
California law also mandates similar cargo-securing protocols, including legal weight limits and tie-down techniques. When these laws are broken and accidents occur, the driver or cargo loading company may be liable.
In reviewing your situation, a reliable Pasadena truck accident attorney can assess whether the driver, trucking company, or other potentially liable parties neglected the laws and rules governing commercial trucks that transport hazardous materials.
What to Do After a Truck Cargo Spill Accident in Pasadena
You can do a lot to protect your truck accident claim after a crash. Follow these tips to strengthen your case:
- Seek medical attention – Truck accidents usually result in more severe injuries. See a doctor promptly, even if you have no visible signs of an injury.
- Document the scene – Photos and videos of the truck accident scene can provide strong visual evidence to support your claim. Capture vehicle damage, accident debris, traffic signs and signals, skid marks, other damage, visible injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Keep careful records – Document the extent and impact of your injuries by keeping your medical records, medical bills, invoices, financial documents, receipts, and any other relevant documents.
- Be careful when the insurance company calls – Insurers are not your friends. Avoid providing any details about the crash until you seek legal advice. Never admit fault, accept a settlement offer, or agree to a recorded statement before consulting a personal injury attorney.
- Hire a truck cargo spill injury lawyer – An experienced truck accident lawyer can guide you through the personal injury claims process as you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact one as early as possible.
If you suffered severe injuries, you may not be able to take care of these steps yourself. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Pasadena can gather evidence and deal with the insurance company while you focus on recovering.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Cargo Spill
Under California law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That includes everything from minor fender-benders to hazardous material truck accidents in Pasadena. One of the only exceptions is when you’re suing a government entity. In that case, you have six months to file an administrative claim. The government has 45 days to respond. If they deny your claim or ignore it, you have another six months to file a truck accident lawsuit.
The legal process takes time, and insurance companies often employ stalling tactics. Don’t delay in filing your claim — reach out to a truck debris accident lawyer in California right away to get started.
How a Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your truck accident case. Your lawyer can help by:
- Offering free legal guidance – Going through the insurance claims and legal process alone can be overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer in Pasadena, CA can review your case for free, suggest a wise course of action, and then guide you from there.
- Gathering evidence – Proving your claim requires clear and convincing evidence. Your attorney will obtain police reports, investigate the accident scene, interview witnesses, collect medical and financial records, and consult with experts as needed to build a robust case.
- Negotiating with insurers – When insurance companies see that you’re represented by a reputable cargo spill truck accident lawyer, they know you mean business. Your attorney will aggressively advocate for a fair settlement at the negotiating table.
- Representing you in court – When the insurance companies won’t play fair, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit. A seasoned trial lawyer will then take your claim to court and fight for a favorable verdict on your behalf.
Contact a Cargo Spill Truck Accident Lawyer in Pasadena
If you were harmed in an accident involving a commercial truck and someone else is to blame, a qualified truck accident attorney from the Law Offices of Pius Joseph can help. Our law firm is dedicated to seeking justice and fair compensation for our truck accident victims in California. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. There’s no obligation.
