Experienced Big Rig Accident Lawyer in Pasadena
Large truck accidents often leave victims with significant injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. It can be overwhelming to think about filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party while you’re still recovering from your injuries. A Pasadena big rig accident lawyer can help you seek compensation without sacrificing your physical, mental, or financial well-being.
If you need legal advice after a commercial truck accident in Pasadena, contact the Law Offices of Pius Joseph for a free consultation. Our top-ranked legal team can review your case, explain your options for recovery, and fight for maximum compensation.
Why You Need Our Big Rig Accident Attorney in Pasadena
The Law Offices of Pius Joseph has represented injury victims in Pasadena for over 30 years and won multiple $1 million+ verdicts for truck accident victims. When you work with our law firm, you can rest assured that we’ll handle your case with the utmost care and keep you informed about its status.
Here’s what client Michael Frias has to say about working with firm founder Pius Joseph:
“The Law Offices of Pius Joseph has been an amazing pleasure to work with. His team is always quick, responsive, and resourceful. Joseph was very clear and understanding of my personal needs and would put me first.”
One of the main reasons to hire a Pasadena big rig crash attorney is the complexity of truck accident claims. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, and it takes experience to identify and hold each one financially accountable. The trucking industry is also governed by California and federal laws, and it takes an attorney’s experience to understand the intersection between these statutes and how to apply them to your case.
Truck accident injuries are often severe, driving up the value of a personal injury claim. Recovering full compensation requires a proper calculation of damages (the money you seek for your losses). In the aftermath of a tractor-trailer wreck, it can be challenging for private individuals to determine the fairness of a settlement offer from the insurance company. That’s especially true when there are catastrophic injuries and the victim will have long-term medical needs. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Pius Joseph will factor future expenses and pain and suffering into your truck accident claim when determining what your case is worth.
Compensation Available to Victims of Large Truck Crashes
Truck accident victims can seek economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages through personal injury lawsuits in Pasadena.
- Economic damages – Compensation for tangible financial losses like medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation, and property damage
- Non-economic damages – Money for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and loss of consortium
- Punitive damages – Compensation punishing the at-fault party for gross negligence or reckless behavior (awarded in rare cases)
Determining Liability for a Big Rig Accident
A Pasadena big rig crash attorney uses various means to determine liability in a trucking accident case. A typical investigation involves:
- Reviewing the police report
- Gathering accident scene photographs, dashcam or traffic camera footage, and witness statements
- Examining the trucker’s actions for potential violations of trucking regulations
- Requesting truck company hiring records, training practices, and vehicle maintenance histories
- Reviewing the truck driver’s cell phone records and any toxicology reports
- Collecting data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD)
- Consulting accident reconstruction specialists and other experts for insight into what happened and how the crash impacted your life
Depending on the results of the investigation, potential defendants in your truck accident lawsuit could include:
- Truck driver
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loaders
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Third-party motorists
- Government agencies
In many cases, liability may fall upon several parties — even you. Fortunately, California law allows truck accident victims to recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for a wreck.
Common Causes of Pasadena Big Rig Accidents
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Driver negligence – Driver fatigue, distracted driving, or drunk driving increases the likelihood of a serious truck crash.
- Mechanical failures – Faulty brakes, worn tires, and other maintenance issues can cause truck accidents, leading to liability for the maintenance provider or vehicle manufacturer.
- Improper loading – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can cause truck instability, increasing the chances of rollover and rear-end accidents.
- Road or weather conditions – Poor road conditions, including inclement weather and damaged roads, also contribute to commercial truck wrecks. Truck drivers who fail to adjust their driving to the conditions could be liable. Government entities responsible for maintaining or clearing roads could share liability as well.
- Trucking company negligence – If a truck company has negligent hiring practices or incentivizes drivers to violate trucking laws, it could be financially responsible for your injuries.
A big rig wreck lawyer in Pasadena can help you determine the cause of the crash that injured you.
Common Injuries from Pasadena 18-Wheeler Accidents
Commercial trucks are huge compared to passenger vehicles, which is why semi-truck accidents often result in serious injuries. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Vital organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Crush injuries leading to amputation
Victims may also experience emotional trauma after a Pasadena truck accident, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
A successful personal injury lawsuit can provide money for truck accident victims to pay for their immediate medical bills and ongoing medical needs. Consulting an experienced California truck accident attorney is essential to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Big Rig Accident
You can start protecting your big rig injury claim moments after the crash. Here’s how:
- Report the truck crash to the police.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident.
- Collect evidence from the accident scene, such as photos and witness names (if possible).
- Request a copy of the police accident report.
- Preserve all evidence, including medical records, bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, giving only the facts of when and where it occurred. Do not agree to make a recorded statement or sign any releases.
- Contact a qualified big rig accident law firm.
- Let your Pasadena truck accident attorney manage all insurance company communications.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
How the Law Offices of Pius Joseph Can Help After a Big Rig Wreck
Many Pasadena truck accident lawyers are ready to take your case, but not all offer the same benefits as the Law Offices of Pius Joseph. Clients choose us for our long history of successfully handling California truck accident claims, commitment to personalized attention, and zealous representation of clients in settlement negotiations and court. Come learn what a difference we can make in your life. Contact our Pasadena big rig accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
