Truck accident victims who suffer from catastrophic injuries often face significant medical expenses, take significant time off work, or have no way to earn a livelihood because of their disabilities.
A skilled Westminster Truck Accident Lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options for your personal injury claim. Our attorneys have held a 99% success rate winning personal injury cases and have earned injury victims over $800 million in compensation.
If you have been severely injured in a semi-truck crash due to a negligent truck driver, you have the right to seek legal representation for your Westminster case.
Call the law offices of Bisnar Chase at 949-203-3814 for a no-charge personal injury case analysis.
Westminster Truck Accident
Liability for a Westminster Truck Accident
Regarding truck collisions, proving accountability can be a complex process. Semi-trucks usually do not belong to the driver operating the truck. The big rig’s company can be liable for the truck accident.
In truck accident cases, the negligent driver who caused the accident and his or her employer, the trucking or distribution company, can be held liable for the victim’s injuries, damages, and losses.
Companies who own semi-trucks or those occupying a truck under a lease have a responsibility to maintain the upkeep of the vehicles. Some companies avoid consistently checking on the truck’s health because they want to avoid paying for expensive auto parts.
Since commercial trucks are larger in weight and size, many problems can arise.
The types of issues that can arise as a truck driver are issues:
- Radiator
- Failing transmission
- Leakage of oil
- Defective or old tires
- Failing brakes
- Recalled auto parts
- Water pump
- Fan clutch
- Battery
The commercial truck company must ensure that all truck parts are working correctly. The manufacturer, loader of the truck, and driver can also be held accountable for severe injuries obtained in a truck accident.
It would be in the truck accident victim’s best interest not to rush to a settlement or take the first offer from the insurance company. Trucking companies have powerful insurance companies and defense lawyers on their side who will do everything it takes to protect their bottom line.
A Westminster Truck Accident Lawyer can help you investigate the cause of the accident and can win you the compensation you deserve.
Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. A catastrophic injury is one that leaves victims with lifelong health issues or disabilities.
Several types of major or catastrophic injuries may be sustained in a Westminster truck crash.
- Traumatic brain injury:
Auto accidents are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injury. A brain injury occurs when there is an impact on the head. In commercial truck accidents, there is likely to be an intrusion or blunt force trauma, depending on the nature of the accident.
For example, severe head injuries are common in truck underride accidents where the smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of the trailer. Traumatic brain injuries can be challenging to treat. Victims often undergo multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and therapy.
Some of them may even require full-time care 24/7. The cost of a traumatic brain injury can add up to millions of dollars over the victim’s lifetime.
- Spinal cord damage:
A severe spinal cord injury will usually result in paralysis. Quadriplegia or paraplegia are common consequences of such truck accident injuries. Victims are left with lifelong disabilities and undergoing significant medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Injured victims may have to be hospitalized for weeks or even months. Those who are paralyzed may need specialized equipment. All of these costs could add up very quickly.
- Fractures & broken bones:
Broken bones can result in serious injuries. Depending on the type of fracture, it could take a long time for the victim to recover. Even a minor fracture or hairline crack may require several physical therapy sessions.
When there is a serious fracture, the victim will likely need several months of therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.
- Limb amputations:
This refers to a limb that may have to be amputated due to severe injuries that may be suffered in a truck accident. Amputations, of course, have lifelong consequences for the victim. For example, they may never be able to return to their old job or remain involved in activities enjoyed before the accident.
What Damages Can I Claim from a Truck Accident?
Injured semi-truck accident victims can seek compensation for damages including but not limited to:
- Loss of wages
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Non-economic damages
- Cost of hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Vocational training
- Disabilities
- Loss of ability to earn a livelihood
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
The Dangers Truck Accidents Pose
Semi-trucks can pose an even more significant threat than four-door vehicles because if an accident occurs, the big rig can flip over and cause extensive damage.
The truck’s weight depends on various factors, such as the types of loads the truck is carrying and the weight of the cargo. Both should be thoroughly checked and secured by loaders before driving.
The federal government has enforced weight limits on semi-trucks to prevent accidents. Any entity that violates these regulations will put itself in danger and face expensive fees.
Due to the truck’s weight, drivers must be extra cautious not to speed to refrain from jackknifing. Jackknifing is a common term used among truck drivers in which the truck skids, forcing the front (towing) part of the truck to swerve into an angle facing the rest of the truck. Jackknifing is common among truck drivers who do not take extra precautions when driving in bad weather conditions.
Commercial truck accidents in the United States are a significant public safety concern, with various factors contributing to their occurrence. Comprehensive and up-to-date statistics provide valuable insights into the scope and magnitude of these accidents, including their frequency, impacts, and contributing factors.
The number of commercial truck accidents in the United States varies yearly, but they generally result in significant injuries and fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,119 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the U.S. in 2019, resulting in 4,761 deaths.
Additionally, an estimated 160,000 non-fatal injuries resulted from crashes involving large trucks in 2019. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported approximately 500,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2019, resulting in over 100,000 injuries.
Contact our Westminster Truck Accident Lawyers
As a leading California truck accident lawyer, our law firm has a proven track record of success in representing clients who have been victims of commercial truck accidents. With our extensive experience, legal expertise, and dedication to justice, we are confident in our ability to win your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
One of the key strategies we employ is thorough investigation and analysis of all available data sources and timeframes related to the commercial truck accident in question.
We leave no stone unturned in gathering comprehensive and up-to-date statistics, examining every piece of evidence to build a strong and compelling case on your behalf.
Our meticulous approach allows us to uncover critical details that may not be apparent at first glance, creating a curiosity gap that keeps the jury engaged and eager to hear more.
We also understand the scope and magnitude of commercial truck accidents, including the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities and the financial and societal costs associated with these incidents.
Armed with this knowledge, we leverage our in-depth understanding of the complex factors contributing to truck accidents, such as driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, weather conditions, and road infrastructure, to build a compelling argument that clearly establishes fault and liability.
Our team of seasoned trial lawyers is skilled in presenting a persuasive case in the courtroom, utilizing compelling arguments, expert witnesses, and state-of-the-art technology to captivate the jury’s attention and sway them in your favor.
We deeply understand the specific dangers that commercial trucks pose to other motorists, including smaller vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. We use this knowledge to craft a compelling narrative that humanizes your story and highlights the devastating impact of the accident on your life.
In addition, we are well-versed in the regulations, policies, and safety measures related to commercial trucks. We thoroughly evaluate any potential gaps or areas for improvement in the existing regulations.
Our in-depth knowledge of the trucking industry and its nuances allows us to strategically navigate through legal complexities and counter any arguments put forth by the defense.
We recognize the importance of considering the perspectives of different involved parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, regulators, law enforcement, and advocacy groups.
Our approach is not only legally sound but also compassionate and empathetic as we strive to understand the unique circumstances of your case and tailor our strategies accordingly.
Ultimately, our commitment to excellence, dedication to thorough investigation and preparation, and an unwavering pursuit of justice make us the best choice for winning your commercial truck accident case.
Trust our award-winning law firm to provide unparalleled legal representation, and let us help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the winning difference for yourself.
Our experienced Westminster Truck Accident Lawyers have helped numerous people with personal injury cases, including big rigs, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, and oversized commercial trucks. Our truck crash attorneys in Westminster have held negligent parties accountable and have obtained fair compensation for the losses injury victims for over four decades.
Call 949-203-3814 for a free consultation
