San Pedro Truck Accident Lawyer

San Pedro Truck Accident Attorney

When a careless truck driver causes an accident that results in your injuries or the injuries of a loved one, you may be entitled to seek certain forms of legal compensation. These can be difficult times as the injuries that often result from these accidents can be devastating, and the medical bills may begin to accumulate while you are unable to work due to the damage you have sustained. A San Pedro truck accident lawyer can provide legal support.

Commercial trucks are a common sight on state roadways and can pose a large risk to other drivers due to their immense size and weight. You may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future as you recover from the physical and emotional harm you have been dealing with. When you hire a San Pedro personal injury attorney from the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes, you can rest assured someone has your back during this time.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in San Pedro, California

Commercial trucks can be involved in a wide variety of accidents in San Pedro, each one carrying the potential for serious injuries. Due to the size and heft of these vehicles, the operators must operate them with extreme caution and precision. When they fail to do so, it can result in horrific accidents that can lead to injury, property damage, and even death. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

• Unsecured Freight: These kinds of accidents occur when a truck’s load has not been properly secured, causing it to fall from the truck’s trailer and creating the potential for a multi-car pile-up.
• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a vehicle collides with the back of a commercial vehicle, causing extensive damage to both body and property. These usually occur as a result of sudden braking or driver inattention.
• Head-On Collisions: These kinds of accidents happen when the front of one vehicle makes impact with the front of a commercial truck. They often result in the most catastrophic injuries and even death. They are usually due to lane drifting or swerving to avoid road debris or animals.
• Rollover Accidents: When a driver loses control of their truck, it can slide and roll over onto its side or roof. This can place it in the path of oncoming traffic and create the potential for devastating accidents.
• Underride Accidents: When a vehicle crashes with the trailer of a commercial truck and goes beneath the trailer, this can be one of the most fatal forms of truck accidents in California.
• Blind Spot Accidents: In some cases, a truck driver is unable to see all of the vehicles around them. This is due to the truck’s immense size, which creates large blind spots. If they do not check these blind spots while making a turn or changing lanes, accidents can occur. Remember, if you cannot see a driver in their mirrors, they cannot see you.
• Jackknife Accidents: When the trailer of a truck swings out from the cab at a harsh angle. This can be the result of slippery roads, sudden stopping, or driver error. These accidents can be extremely dangerous to both nearby drivers and the driver of the commercial truck.
• Intersection Accidents: One of the most common forms of all vehicle accidents. Accidents that occur at an intersection can be due to speeding, failure to stop or yield, poor weather, or tailgating.

Common Injuries Seen in a San Pedro Truck Accident

Crashes involving commercial trucks can cause some of the most devastating injuries and even death. Some common injuries seen in San Pedro truck accidents include:

• Internal bleeding
• Head, neck, back, and shoulder injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Punctured lungs
• Whiplash
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Chemical burns
• Cuts, bruises, and lacerations

FAQs

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in California?

In the state of California, there is a strict time limit for when you can file a claim for all personal injuries, including those caused by a truck accident. Currently, this time limit, or statute of limitations, stands at two years, meaning you have exactly two years from the date of the accident or the date on which you discovered the injury to file your claim.

What Factors Can Lead to Truck Accidents?

There are several factors or behaviors that can lead to truck accidents in California. These factors include bad road conditions, oversized loads, ignoring traffic signs or signals, speeding, driver fatigue or overwork, maintenance issues with the truck, backing up improperly, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and tailgating.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement in a Truck Accident Case in California?

It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline for how long it may take to reach a settlement in a truck accident case in California. This is due to the fact that there are several elements at play in most of these cases that can affect the overall duration of the case. These elements include the complexity of the case, the nature and severity of your injuries, how long it may take you to recover, and the cooperation of involved parties.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in California?

There is no exact amount for how much a truck accident settlement might be worth in California; however, there are several forms of compensation you may be entitled to based on the nature of your accident, your injuries, and who is determined to be at fault. These forms of compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages.

Speak With a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck in San Pedro, you need to seek the legal counsel and guidance of a skilled personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes. With our experience and vast network of resources, we can build a case against the negligent party and hold them accountable for the damages you have sustained. Trust us to get the job done. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.