Truck Accident Lawyer in Alhambra
Did you or someone you love suffer injuries in an Alhambra truck accident?
Because of their large size and weight, crashes involving commercial trucks often result in serious injuries.
Truck drivers and companies have a legal duty to minimize risk to others and can be held financially liable when their negligence causes harm. However, holding them accountable can be challenging without the help of an experienced attorney.
In California, injury victims can recover compensation for losses like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering after a commercial vehicle accident. An Alhambra truck accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Pius Joseph can help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit seeking the money you deserve for a fresh start. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.
Reasons to Hire Our Truck Accident Attorney in Alhambra
Attorney Pius Joseph has been providing Alhambra residents with quality legal representation for over 25 years. No matter the type of injury, he’s here to protect your rights and safeguard your well-being. Our firm has extensive courtroom experience and a long history of battling stubborn insurance companies in personal injury cases. You’ve been through enough — you don’t need to handle your truck accident claim alone, too.
We focus on the toughest cases — and truck accident claims certainly qualify. Commercial trucks are subject to state and federal regulations. Understanding how these laws apply to your case requires skill and legal finesse. Pius Joseph is a nationally recognized lawyer honored by distinctions such as The National Trial Lawyers Top One Percent and membership in the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum.
Here’s what one satisfied client had to say about their experience with our firm:
“Everyone was so helpful and friendly. They treated their clients as family and focus more on their clients’ needs and problems rather than about themselves. Definitely would recommend getting a consultation with Mr. Pius Joseph. You won’t be disappointed.” – Jennifer R.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Many tractor-trailer accidents result from drivers and companies violating traffic laws or state and federal trucking rules. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Driver inexperience
- Negligent hiring practices
- Lack of supervision
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Defective truck parts (e.g., tires, brakes, trailer hitch, etc.)
- Unbalanced, unsecured, or overweight cargo loads
- Inclement weather
- Poor road conditions
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Crash?
Several parties could bear liability for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances:
- Truck drivers – Truckers can be liable if they make unsafe decisions behind the wheel or break rules that apply to the trucking industry.
- Trucking company – Truck companies may be at fault if they hire unqualified drivers or do not properly maintain their fleets.
- Cargo loaders – If unsecured freight causes a truck accident, the crew or company that failed to load it properly can be liable.
- Truck manufacturer – Automakers and parts manufacturers may be at fault if faulty parts or equipment failures cause an accident.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Alhambra, CA?
The steps you take after a truck accident can play a significant role in how your personal injury case proceeds.
Seek Emergency Medical Assistance
Seek medical attention immediately. In severe injury cases, you may have no choice but to leave the scene for emergency medical treatment.
Gather Information
If possible, document the accident scene and your injuries with photos and video. Get the truck driver’s employer and insurance information, the names and contact information for any witnesses, and the police accident report.
See a Doctor
Get a checkup promptly after a truck crash, even if you don’t feel injured. Symptoms of serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away. Your physician can perform tests to rule out these hidden injuries, protecting your health and establishing a connection between your injuries and the truck accident. This step is crucial when filing insurance claims after truck accidents.
Contact an Alhambra Truck Accident Lawyer
Make sure to consult an Alhambra personal injury lawyer who handles truck accidents. Your lawyer can issue a spoliation letter to the trucking company to preserve critical evidence and begin the insurance claims process. They can also explain the legal process for seeking maximum compensation from the liable parties.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Injury Claims in California
California law typically gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a truck accident lawsuit (Cal. Civ. Code 335.1). For hidden injuries, the two-year deadline begins from the date you discovered the condition.
If the truck that struck you was a government vehicle, different rules apply. You only have six months to pursue claims against government entities, and must exhaust all administrative remedies first before filing a lawsuit (Cal. Gov. Code 911.2). If the government denies your claim, you typically have six months from the date of the denial to file suit.
What Damages Can I Recover from a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident victims can seek compensation for losses like:
- Emergency medical costs and continuing medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Out-of-pocket injury expenses (e.g., medical equipment, home health care, alternate transportation, childcare, etc.)
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Lost quality of life
What Is the Average Settlement for Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accident settlements in Alhambra vary. Because these claims can cause catastrophic injuries, they tend to have a higher case value than other types of personal injury claims. Your lawyer can place an estimated value on your case, but cannot guarantee any specific outcome.
Factors that can influence settlement amounts include:
- Injury severity – Severe injuries that cause high degrees of pain and impairment can generate higher settlements.
- Medical bills – The more expensive your medical bills, the more money a settlement will require to compensate for them.
- Insurance limits – Insurance policy limits can cap how much money you can recover in a settlement.
- Comparative negligence – Comparative negligence can reduce your compensation if you share partial fault for the accident.
Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Alhambra
A large truck accident can change your life forever. Don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel to learn your rights for pursuing fair compensation. Call or contact the Law Offices of Pius Joseph today for a free initial consultation.