Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Pasadena, CA

Large commercial trucks are familiar sights throughout California and play a crucial role in the US economy. While most American trucks manage their routes safely every day, truck accidents do occur, often with devastating effects. A fully loaded commercial tractor-trailer is exponentially larger and heavier than most standard passenger vehicles. When these large trucks crash, it’s possible for multiple other drivers to experience severe damage.

Representing Victims of Truck Accidents in Pasadena, CA

If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident that someone else caused, recovery from your damages may be easier than you think when you have the right attorney handling your case. The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes has years of experience representing Pasadena, CA, clients in a wide range of personal injury claims, and we can put this experience to work for you in your case.

Benefits of Working With a Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer

Liability for your recent truck accident may seem perfectly clear at first, but the reality is that many truck accident cases in California are far more complex than they initially appear. Determining fault for these incidents can be challenging, especially if vicarious liability comes into play. For example, when commercial drivers are involved in traffic accidents, their employers could bear fault for these incidents. As a result, your case may be more multifaceted and complex than you initially anticipated, and having legal counsel you can trust is an invaluable asset in this situation.

A Pasadena truck accident attorney can assist you in establishing fault for your damages, accurately calculating the full scope of those damages, and guiding you through the legal mechanisms required to obtain compensation. Instead of attempting to handle your legal affairs and your recovery simultaneously, have an experienced Pasadena truck accident lawyer manage your claim and maximize your recovery to the fullest extent possible under California law.

How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Truck accidents occur for many of the same reasons that passenger vehicle accidents happen. However, due to the large size of many commercial trucks, these vehicles also present additional risk factors. Some of the most commonly reported causes of truck accident claims in the Pasadena, CA, area are:

• Truck driver negligence. Commercial truck drivers have a higher duty of care than standard private drivers and are expected to handle their vehicles responsibly at all times. As a result, a truck driver may face liability for an accident they caused due to carelessness or recklessness behind the wheel.
• Trucking company negligence. If a truck driver causes an accident, but their employer fails to follow appropriate regulations in their handling of the driver, the company may face responsibility for the resulting damages under the vicarious liability law. For example, if a truck driver was driving while intoxicated, their employer may have neglected to perform a background check that would have exposed the driver’s intoxicated driving risk.
• Third-party negligence. It’s possible that you experienced a truck accident caused by a third party’s actions, likely another private driver on the road. Your Pasadena truck accident lawyer will help you determine the fault for your accident and whether the fault falls on more than one other party.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Any driver puts themselves and others at risk when they get behind the wheel after ingesting alcohol or drugs. For example, if a truck driver operates a commercial vehicle under the influence and causes an accident, they may face not only civil liability for victims’ damages but also criminal prosecution for DUI and loss of their commercial driver’s license.
• Improperly loaded cargo. All commercial vehicles must be packed in a manner that ensures the cargo load is balanced. An off-balance load can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle very easily in certain situations.

If you believe you have grounds for action for a truck accident, your legal team can assist you with establishing fault for the incident. You will also need to rely on your legal team to uncover the full extent of your claimable losses. Many personal injury plaintiffs initially undervalue their claims until they consult with experienced attorneys.

Damages and Compensation for a Truck Accident in Pasadena, CA

California’s personal injury laws allow the plaintiff in a truck accident claim to seek full repayment of all economic losses sustained from the incident. While the defendant may have some auto insurance coverage, anything but a very comprehensive policy will likely cover only a portion of the plaintiff’s total damages.

In a California personal injury case, economic losses typically include medical treatment costs, lost income, and property damage. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy may cover some of these losses, but a personal injury claim is likely required for a full recovery. Your attorney can assist you in claiming long-term losses in addition to your immediate damages, such as lost future earning capacity and ongoing medical treatment costs. You also have the right to seek compensation for your pain and suffering.

Your recent truck accident may have resulted in expensive medical bills and further economic strain from the inability to work. When another party bears responsibility for these losses, an experienced Pasadena truck accident attorney is the best possible resource to have on your side for holding them accountable.

What to Expect From Your Pasadena Truck Accident Attorney

When you choose the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes to represent your truck accident claim, we will begin by assisting you in gathering all the evidence needed to prove fault for the incident in question. This may include traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and the police report from the accident. We will then help you calculate the full amount of economic damages you can seek in your claim. Finally, if we believe you have grounds to seek pain and suffering compensation, we will help you determine an appropriate figure based on the severity of your injuries.

Our team has successfully represented many Pasadena, CA, clients in a wide range of personal injury claims. We know the stress and uncertainty that often follow vehicle accidents and the challenges many injured drivers and passengers face as they work toward recovering their losses. Contact the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Pasadena truck accident lawyer.