Azusa Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Legal Obstacles in Truck Accident Cases

A truck accident can easily generate far more complex legal disputes than a standard motor vehicle accident. While the victim of a truck accident may face a somewhat similar recovery process of an insurance claim followed by a civil suit against the party who caused the accident, truck accidents tend to raise more complex legal questions than most standard passenger vehicle accidents.

One important legal mechanism that often applies to truck accident claims is “vicarious liability,” a legal term used to describe any situation in which one party bears partial responsibility for damages caused by another related party. This most commonly applies to employers of employees who cause injuries to others. If a truck driver’s employer fails to meet their regulatory requirements, background check requirements, or other legal obligations in managing a newly hired driver and assigning them work, the employer could face vicarious liability for the actions of the employee in question.

Another challenge facing most truck accident victims in Azusa is the severity of their damages. Large commercial trucks are capable of inflicting catastrophic injuries on multiple victims, and fatalities are also possible depending on the location and severity of a truck accident. In the event a victim dies from a truck accident, their family would need to file a wrongful death claim against the party responsible for the death.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents can happen for many reasons, including some of the most common causes of other motor vehicle accidents. Distracted driving, speeding, and reckless driving can easily cause a serious truck accident, and driving under the influence can not only harm other drivers but also lead to criminal charges for the at-fault driver. Trucks are also vulnerable to many other safety risks that do not apply to most passenger vehicles:

• Large trucks carrying cargo must have balanced and properly loaded trailers. Any imbalance or failure to secure cargo correctly can contribute to an accident. The vehicle’s high center of gravity means imbalanced cargo can easily cause a devastating crash.
• Negligent maintenance may also cause a truck accident. Commercial trucks have more demanding maintenance requirements, more complex internal mechanics, and experience more wear and tear than standard passenger vehicles. If negligent maintenance causes a crash, the party responsible for maintaining the truck is liable for the resulting damages.
• Truck driver error and failure to follow trucking industry regulations can also result in accidents. Depending on the nature of the driver’s actions, vicarious liability may apply to their employer. For example, if the driver neglected to follow hours of service rules and their employer did not enforce those rules, they both could face liability if the driver caused an accident because of fatigued driving.

An experienced Azusa truck accident attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove who is responsible for your accident and the scope of damages you can claim from them. When you choose Belgum, Fry & Van Allen to represent your claim, we will secure physical evidence from the scene of the crash, witness statements from anyone who saw it happen, and consult expert witnesses if necessary to assess the complex and technical details of your accident.

Recovering From Your Truck Accident

If you successfully prove fault for your recent truck accident, your attorney can help you secure compensation for all the damages the defendant caused. Your recovery process may begin with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault truck driver and/or their employer, but a more extensive recovery is possible with a successful personal injury claim. You have the right to seek full repayment of all immediately noticeable economic damages and those your accident is likely to generate in the future. For example, you can not only claim compensation for your medical expenses and lost income, but also ongoing treatment costs and lost future earning capacity.

Plaintiffs in personal injury claims can also seek pain and suffering compensation to reflect the severity of their experiences. An Azusa truck accident attorney will be a critical asset for making a strong argument for pain and suffering compensation; other damages may also come into play depending on the nature of the defendant’s behavior. However, if a plaintiff is found to bear partial liability for their damages, they will lose a percentage of their final case award under the state’s pure comparative negligence law.

Ultimately, your truck accident likely caused a host of expensive damages, and you are likely to have many pressing legal questions when it comes to proving fault for the damage you suffered. Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is ready to provide the comprehensive legal support you need to navigate your recovery efforts as effectively as possible.

FAQs About Azusa, CA Truck Accident Law

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Azusa?

While there may not be any strict requirement that you hire legal representation for a truck accident claim, the right attorney can provide various benefits that not only make your case easier to manage but also more likely to secure the results you hope to see. They can manage court filings and other deadlines on your behalf, and they will also be vital for accurately calculating all the damages you can seek from the defendant.

How Much Does an Azusa Truck Accident Attorney Cost to Hire?

It’s normal to worry about the cost of hiring an attorney when you are already struggling with many economic damages from a truck accident. The team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen accepts personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning our clients only owe legal fees when we win their cases, and the fee we take is a percentage of the client’s total case award.

How Soon Should I Contact an Azusa Truck Accident Attorney After an Accident?

Your health should be your first priority after a truck accident. Once you have received medical treatment and your condition is stable, it’s best to consult an attorney before discussing an insurance claim or any other type of recovery. Your attorney can quickly assess the details of the situation and help you formulate an effective strategy for holding the at-fault driver accountable for the damages they caused to you and your family.

Will I Need to Go to Court for a Truck Accident in Azusa?

When a defendant is clearly to blame for a truck accident, it suits their interests to agree to a swift settlement with the plaintiff and to avoid a protracted litigation process. A good Azusa truck accident attorney can help their client settle their case if possible, but if settlement is not an option for any reason, the case must be resolved in court. Hiring an experienced Azusa truck accident attorney can minimize your chance of facing litigation,  but you will have legal representation readily available in the event you must resolve the case in court.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth in Azusa?

The total amount of compensation you could potentially secure from a successful truck accident claim in Azusa depends on the amount of your economic damages and whether you suffered any severe injuries. You have the right to seek full repayment of all the economic losses you suffered from the event in question, and you also have the right to recover pain and suffering compensation that reflects the scope and severity of the injuries you sustained.

Contact Us

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen has a team of compassionate and skilled attorneys ready to provide the legal support you need after a damaging truck accident. We can assist you with an initial insurance claim, determine fault when multiple parties bear liability for your damages and maximize the total compensation you receive. To find out how our firm can assist you with your specific truck accident claim, contact us today and schedule a consultation with an Azusa truck accident attorney.

Azusa, CA Truck Accident Resources

• Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California