Truck accidents can be catastrophic and sometimes fatal. Because of a truck’s massive size and weight, the aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating. Truck accidents can also decimate your financial situation due to loss of income from time off work and mounting medical bills.
If you or a loved one has been injured or died in a truck accident, contact the knowledgeable, Humboldt board certified truck accident attorneys at D’Amore Law Group to discuss your options.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
You are entitled to hold the ones who harmed you accountable for their actions. And you deserve the maximum compensation possible. But navigating the steps that follow a truck accident can be complicated and daunting.
Understand that many truck companies are large. They have big budgets and high-priced attorneys on their side. The truck company’s insurance carrier might try to take advantage of you and get you to settle for low compensation.
You need an experienced and knowledgeable Humboldt truck accident attorney on your side. They can fight to protect your rights and preserve justice. At D’Amore Law Group, we understand what you are going through. And you do not have to do it alone.
Our Case Results
At D’Amore Law Group, our lawyers work tirelessly every day to ensure that negligent truck companies are held responsible. Here are some examples of compensation we have secured for our clients:
- $26.4 million for a semi-truck accident;
- $4.07 million for catastrophic injuries from a truck accident;
- $4.025 million for a rollover van accident; and
- $4.007 million for catastrophic injuries from a rollover accident.
- $3.99 million for the death of a woman in a semi-truck accident.
Although the exact same results are not guaranteed, a truck accident lawyer in Humboldt can help fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Every accident is different, but there are some common causes of truck accidents:
- Driver fatigue. Truck drivers work long hours and travel long distances. This can be exhausting, which can cause careless driving or even falling asleep at the wheel.
- Violating California traffic laws. Not all drivers obey the traffic laws. Violations like speeding or running a red light can cause accidents.
- Driving under the influence. If drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their driving ability is impaired. This is the cause of many accidents on the road for both cars and trucks.
- Negligent or distracted driving. Often, traffic accidents are caused by careless drivers not paying attention to the road. Drivers who pay more attention to their emails and social media on their phones than on the road are a danger to others.
- Truck maintenance failure. Failure of the truck company to service the trucks can cause an accident.
- Negligent hiring. A driver lacking truck driving experience can cause an accident. If the company does not provide adequate training for the job, this can also cause accidents.
- Weather. Although not in anyone’s control, weather is a common cause of truck accidents. Poor visibility and slippery roads can cause the driver to lose control of the truck or overlook a car or obstacle.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Just like accidents are different, so are injuries. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones,
- Cuts and lacerations,
- Burn damage,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Head and brain injuries,
- Psychological trauma,
- Loss of limb, and
- Disfigurement.
If the accident is severe, death may also result.
Damages for Truck Accidents
Truck accident victims can recover compensation to help them financially. You can recover economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are losses with a specific numerical value. They include things like:
- Doctor visits,
- Hospital stays,
- Emergency room care,
- Surgeries,
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, x-rays, MRI),
- Therapy,
- Rehabilitation,
- Lost wages, and
- Loss of future earnings.
Noneconomic damages are not easily quantifiable because the loss is intangible. There are no bills or previous paychecks to go off of. Noneconomic damages include things like:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of consortium,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Wrongful death.
Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving particularly egregious conduct. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the truck accident victim. Rather, they are meant to punish the party who harmed you.
FAQs
What Happens If the Accident Was My Fault?
California is a comparative negligence state. You can only recover compensation for the portion of the accident that was not your fault. For example, if you are 25% responsible for the accident, you can recover only 75% of your damages.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?
Yes, there is a time limit to file a truck accident claim in California. This is called the statute of limitations. A person has two years from the date of the injury to bring a personal injury claim. In the case of a truck accident, this would be two years from the date of the accident.
If you do not file your truck accident claim within this period, you will be barred from bringing the claim.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
It can be difficult to think after a truck accident. That is understandable. Being in any accident can be overwhelming. However, you should try to follow these steps:
- Call 911;
- Get medical attention;
- Take pictures of the scene and injuries;
- Get the name of the driver and trucking company;
- Get witness contact information;
- Get a copy of the police report;
- Save all your medical and hospital bills; and
- Contact an certified truck accident attorney in Humboldt, CA, to ensure you get the maximum compensation.
Contact D’Amore Law Group
Do not try to handle the aftermath of a truck accident alone. You need a seasoned Humboldt truck accident lawyer on your side. The National Board of Trial Advocacy has certified Tom D’Amore as a certified truck accident advocate, an honor bestowed on only a handful of truck accident attorneys across the country.
We put people first over insurance companies and corporations. Our team of dedicated and ethical personal injury attorneys has extensive resources to negotiate a favorable settlement for you or fight your case in the courtroom.
We will fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you and your family deserve. There is no fee unless we win. Contact D’Amore Law Group today for a free case evaluation.