Pasadena Reckless Truck Driver Accident Lawyer

Reckless Truck Driver Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents caused by reckless drivers can leave victims facing severe and life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress. Pasadena accident victims deserve answers, strong legal support, and fair compensation for their injuries. Unfortunately, many people find themselves stonewalled by aggressive trucking companies and their insurers.

At the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, a Pasadena reckless truck accident lawyer can help you explore legal options to hold negligent truck drivers accountable. Our legal team understands the devastating impact these collisions can have. We can guide you through the legal process and seek the financial compensation you need.

For over 30 years, our law firm has successfully represented Californians seriously injured in catastrophic accidents in Pasadena and the surrounding communities. Founding attorney Pius Joseph is recognized as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, distinctions that reflect both excellence in the legal profession and a history of achieving million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.

We are proud of our case results for injury victims, which include a $2 million verdict for a client injured in a multi-car chain reaction truck accident and a $1.5 million verdict for a victim with a mild traumatic brain injury following a truck crash. Outcomes vary based on the facts of each case.

Ready to learn your legal rights? Contact us today for a free consultation with a Pasadena truck accident attorney.

Reckless Truck Driving: What It Means Under California Law

California law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.”

Reckless driving is not just a traffic infraction. It is a misdemeanor offense that can be punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines. Reckless drivers may also face other consequences, such as points on their license and driver’s license suspension.

For a commercial truck driver, a reckless driving conviction can also lead to increased insurance premiums and the potential for losing their job. Multiple offenses can also lead to the potential loss of a driver’s CDL license. If their actions cause a truck accident and injure someone else, the trucker and the trucking company may also be held civilly liable.

Common Injuries in Reckless Truck Driver Accidents

Accidents involving reckless truck drivers can lead to catastrophic injuries. Large commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making even minor collisions dangerous for those in smaller vehicles. According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 72 percent of those killed in large-truck collisions were the occupants of other passenger vehicles.

Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

Many victims injured by a reckless truck driver also suffer emotional injuries like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severely impacting their mental health and recovery.

Proving Recklessness in a Truck Accident Case

Evidence is essential to prove recklessness in a Pasadena truck accident case. You must establish several key elements, such as the commercial driver’s intent to drive with wanton disregard for the safety of others. Behaviors that may fall under the reckless driving umbrella include excessive speeding, distracted driving, failing to obey traffic signs and signals, illegal turns, and tailgating.

Potential evidence to support a case for reckless truck driving may include:

  • Police report
  • Witness statements
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • Surveillance footage and dashcam video
  • Cell phone data
  • Black box data from the truck
  • Truck driver hours-of-service logs
  • Safety and maintenance reports
  • Trucking company employment records

Much of this evidence is not easily obtainable by an accident victim and may require legal intervention from an experienced Pasadena truck accident lawyer. Black box data, employment records, and other information are truck company property. Carriers seeking to limit their liability may avoid disclosing this information to a victim without legal pressure.

 

Who Is Liable? Truck Driver vs. Trucking Company

Identifying who is liable for a reckless truck accident can be challenging because the answer is not always straightforward. Most people are quick to blame the careless truck driver. However, there are situations where the trucking company may also bear partial responsibility for the accident. This scenario is especially true in cases where a trucking company has employed a truck driver with other reckless driving incidents on their record, indicating that the company may have been aware of the driver’s propensity for dangerous driving behaviors.

A trucking company may also bear some liability due to:

  • Failure to conduct background checks on drivers
  • Hiring inexperienced or improperly trained drivers
  • Encouraging reckless behavior to meet company deadlines

A Pasadena personal injury lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident, identify all liable parties, and hold them accountable for their negligence.

Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Pasadena

California is a fault state for truck accidents. After a truck accident in Pasadena, victims can file a personal injury claim with the at-fault truck driver’s insurance company to seek compensation.

However, many insurance companies aggressively protect their bottom line by minimizing or denying large payouts, especially in truck accident cases. These types of insurance claims are often more complex and carry higher values due to the severe injuries involved. Consulting an experienced truck accident attorney is essential to prepare a strong case and navigate settlement negotiations. A skilled lawyer can build a compelling claim supported by evidence and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.

If negotiations break down, your truck accident attorney may recommend taking your case to trial. California law generally gives victims two years to file a truck accident lawsuit, so acting promptly is crucial to preserving your right to recover compensation. Deadlines may vary, especially if your case is against a government agency.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

While the value of a reckless driving truck accident claim varies, most victims can pursue money for losses like:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Physical impairment/disfigurement

Never accept anything from an insurance company without first talking to a truck accident lawyer in Pasadena.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a reckless driving truck crash in Pasadena, you deserve strong legal advocacy and a path toward justice. Put the Law Offices of Pius Joseph to work for you.

Past clients have shared their experiences with our firm, highlighting our commitment, responsiveness, and results-oriented legal support. Visit our testimonials page to read our five-star Google reviews and learn what it’s like to work with us. Then, contact us right away for your free case review.