Norwalk Truck Accident Lawyer
You are driving through the interstate and notice a semi-truck in the rear-view mirror recklessly heading towards you. With no time to save yourself, it collides and swipes you off the road. Next thing you know, you are in the emergency room, injured from a truck accident in Norwalk.
Truck accidents can have traumatic consequences. The large and heavy build of the truck makes such accidents extremely dangerous and even life-threatening to the occupant of the smaller vehicle. While recovering from all the pain and suffering from the injuries caused, medical bills are piling up, resulting in physical pain, emotional distress, and financial losses.
As a fault-based state, California grants all accident victims eligible to claim accident compensation from the defendant’s insurance company. You can recover all the financial losses and hold the defendant accountable with the right legal support. It is never fair to suffer from someone else’s mistake or negligence, and Nordean Law is here to help.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the most common causes of truck accidents are distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding. Some other common causes in Norwalk are:
Speeding
According to the California Vehicle Code § 22406, trucks with more than three axles have a speed limit of 55 mph on the freeway and interstate and must stick to the right-hand curb lane at all times per the California Vehicle Code § 21654. But some truck drivers exceed the limit to meet tight delivery deadlines, causing severe accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another common cause of truck accidents. Devastating accidents can occur when drivers keep their eyes off the road to use cell phones, GPS, or other electronic devices.
Tired and Fatigued Drivers
Often truck drivers work long hours, crossing their hours of service deadline of 14 hours to fit in more deliveries in a short period. Tiredness and driver fatigue cause slow reactions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure occurs when a truck is not maintained timely or properly or if defective parts are used. Brake failures and tire blowouts are the most common mechanical failure and can cause serious accidents in Norwalk.
Improper Loading
In some trucks, the cargo is overloaded and not loaded consistently; the goods are bulging to the sides or the back or not secured properly. It is difficult to balance if they shift or fall in the middle of traffic. This is one of the major causes of jackknife accidents as well.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk driving is another common occurrence in California. When a trucker is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they do not have full control of the truck, cannot concentrate on the road, and act responsibly in sudden circumstances.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Some common truck accident injuries are:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Leg and arm fractures
- Rib fractures
- Muscle injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions
- Organ Damage
- Lacerations
California Truck Accident Facts and Statistics
In 2020, based on a California Highway Patrol report, there were 283 fatalities and 6,073 injuries from commercial truck accidents in California. The stats improved compared to 2019, when California had the second-highest report in fatal truck accidents with 46 fatalities, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Breaking the data down to Norwalk, in 2021, the city reported 26 truck accidents, among which there was 1 fatality and 28 injuries per a SWITRS report by the Transportation Injury Mapping System(TIMS). Staggeringly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that most of the truck driver defendants of fatal truck crashes in the state had a history of traffic convictions.
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California Trucking Laws
California has implemented strict laws that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow to ensure road safety and prevent harm to others.
- According to the FMCSA Code of Federal Regulation §382.303, all commercial trucks must receive the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing (CSAT) by their employer before employment, during suspicious circumstances, and on random occasions. If there is an accident, the test must be done within 8 hours, and the report must be registered to the FMCSA within 32 hours.
- According to the Hours of Service regulation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a commercial truck driver must take a 30-minute break in between a 14 consecutive hour drive, followed by a 10-hour off-shift. After completing 60 to 70 hours of driving, they must take 34 hours off in one week.
- Similarly, all drivers must log in their pick-up, drop, and break activities, including the time and location in the company-provided electronic logging devices (ELDs).
- The FMCSA safety standards require all trucks to carry properly-maintained fire extinguishers and three red emergency reflectors.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Claim in Norwalk?
Dealing with insurance companies for your truck accident claim can be overwhelming. The insurance policies are complex, and it can be difficult to understand your legal rights in the situation. The defendant’s insurance companies can often take advantage of your inexperience and offer you the minimum amount to favor the defendant. If you are filing a truck accident claim in Norwalk for the first time, you might not be aware of how you’re being mistreated and may receive less compensation than what you’re entitled to.
We recommend consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible after the truck accident. They will analyze the accident and suggest the best way to move forward. Our Norwalk truck accident lawyers have the expertise to determine the liability of the accident and calculate the compensation amount based on the damages done.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Norwalk, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. Truck accident cases can be complex, and navigating the legal system and negotiating with insurance companies alone can be challenging. We will represent you throughout the case and negotiate with the insurance company to recover a deserving amount.
How Can a Nordean Law Truck Accident Attorney Help in Norwalk?
Nordean Law has stood up for accident victims to attain fair compensation for years. We have extensive resources when gathering evidence and building a case, skilled attorneys practicing expertise in truck accidents, and years of experience handling complex personal injury cases. Our reputation lies in solving cases without having to go to court. At the same time, we also provide litigation representation. We are devoted to indulging ourselves in providing legal protection and expert advice and applying in-depth strategies to have solid support for your statement. Contact our law office at 888.527.1267 today to schedule a free consultation.
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Compensation for Your Truck Accident Case Claim in Norwalk
You can claim three types of damage compensations in Norwalk after a truck accident:
Economic Damages
You may have experienced direct losses from accidents like medical expenses, property repair costs, lost wages, etc. Economic damage compensation cover for such monetary losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensations cover non-monetary losses caused by the accident, like the pain and suffering you endured or a degradation in the quality of your life.
Punitive Damages
In Norwalk, truck accident cases rarely result in punitive damage compensation. The court charges such damages as a punishment for a defendant guilty of extreme negligence.
"We never lose sight of the pain and suffering of your recovery, not to mention emotional trauma that lasts for years."
Contact Our Top-Rated Norwalk Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident in Norwalk, seeking legal advice from an expert Norwalk truck accident lawyer is crucial. It is never fair to deal with the consequences of someone else’s fault. Nordean Law provides free consultations where we sit with you to discuss the best course of action.
Our lawyers immediately start taking action to gather all information as soon as possible. We bring expert witnesses like medical experts, road engineers, or accident experts to assess the evidence for complicated cases. A solid case is built and brought to the defendant’s insurance company to negotiate your deserved settlement amount. Contact us at 888.527.1267 today.
Recent Results
$5,800,000
Wrongful Death
$1,250,000
Traumatic Brain Injury
$1,000,000
Auto v. Truck
$633,000
Medical Malpractice
$480,000
Slip and Fall
$450,000
Slip and Fall
$2,000,000
Auto V. truck
$500,000
auto v. Auto
Final Thought / Conclusions
No matter the type or severity of your truck accident case, a truck accident lawyer can change the way your case proceeds by offering legal expertise. They are not only there to help you win fair compensation but also stand as emotional support to assure you of the silver lining after you have suffered from such traumatic accidents. Their experience and familiarity with the local laws, past Norwalk personal injury cases, and the litigation system will help you build a strong case against the defendant. Contact us now, and your attorneys will get back to you for a free consultation session.
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FAQs About Truck Accidents In Norwalk, CA
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Truck Accident?
According to the Statute of Limitation, there is a 2-year deadline to file a lawsuit. You must file a personal injury claim as soon as possible to have enough time to prepare for taking the case to court if necessary.
Why Is It Important To Hire a Specialized Lawyer for Truck Accident Cases in Norwalk?
A specialized lawyer will conduct an in-depth investigation to back all evidence to support your statement. They will aggressively negotiate with the defendant’s insurer to stand up for fair compensation. There are fewer chances of any mistakes or misunderstandings with a professional legal representation, and you will more likely receive maximum injury compensation.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in Truck Accident in Norwalk, CA?
The accident defendant, i.e., the at-fault party, is liable for your injuries, and they must compensate you for all damages their fault has caused.
What To Do After a Norwalk Truck Accident?
You must first seek medical attention to treat your injuries and report the accident to the police. Then, contact a Norwalk truck accident lawyer who will observe your case and incorporate the best course of action.
What Evidence Is Important To Gather After a Truck Accident?
The most crucial pieces of evidence for a truck accident are:
- Medical report
- Police report
- Witness testimony
- Security footage
- Photo/video documentation of the accident
- Past traffic/criminal conviction of the defendant
Will I Have To Go to Court for My Truck Accident Case in Norwalk?
If your truck accident case is fairly settled through negotiation in the settlement meeting, you do not have to take it to court. However, if there is a disagreement, mistreatment, or unfair offerings, you have the option to file a lawsuit against the defendant and stand trial to fight for deserving compensation.
Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
The pure comparative negligence rule is applied if you were partially at fault. The share of fault is divided into percentages, and a deduction is made from the overall compensation. Therefore, you have the right to file a personal injury claim for the portion of the compensation amount you are eligible to receive.
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