Auburn Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial trucks are essential to the California economy and the logistics network of the entire United States. While most commercial truck drivers complete their routes safely every day, and most drivers in the Auburn, CA, area are accustomed to seeing large trucks on the roads without issue, trucking accidents can happen unexpectedly for many reasons. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in devastating losses for those involved.
Legal Counsel for Auburn, CA, Truck Accident Claims
If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries and economic damages from a truck accident that someone else caused, an Auburn truck accident lawyer is the best asset to have on your side as you determine your best options for legal recourse. The right attorney handling your case can significantly impact the outcome, potentially resulting in far more compensation for your losses than you initially expected.
The Kreeger Law Firm has extensive experience representing clients in Auburn, CA, in many personal injury claims, including those revolving around truck accidents in the area. We understand that you have legal questions if you or a loved one is recovering from injuries suffered in a truck accident. We can offer you the comprehensive legal support you need to secure appropriate compensation for your losses.
Benefits of Working With an Experienced Auburn Truck Accident Attorney
It is much easier to approach a complex personal injury case with legal counsel you can trust. The Auburn, CA, civil court system can be incredibly difficult to navigate when you do not have formal experience with the legal system and a firm understanding of civil law. Instead of attempting to meet the procedural requirements of your case while managing your medical needs after your accident, an Auburn truck accident lawyer can represent you, handling your case proceedings on your behalf while you recover.
Your attorney can ensure your case meets all procedural requirements and deadlines with the court. They can also maximize your recovery by revealing channels of compensation you didn’t know were available to you. Without an attorney representing you, you would risk settling for less than you legally deserve with no recourse to seek further recovery. Ultimately, hiring the right Auburn truck accident attorney can substantially improve your chances of winning your case and maximizing your final case award.
The Kreeger Law Firm has years of experience navigating complex civil court proceedings. We take time to learn as much as we can about our clients to ensure the fullest recovery possible under California state law. If you believe another party bears fault for your recent truck accident in the Auburn, CA, area, we can help you hold them accountable.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Trucks are vulnerable to many of the same risk factors as standard passenger vehicles. Severe weather, poor visibility, road debris, potholes, and other unpredictable hazards can easily result in a truck accident. However, personal injury claims pertaining to truck accidents focus on negligence or a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care. Every driver has a duty of care on the road to operate their vehicle responsibly and abide by posted traffic signs and signals. When drivers exceed posted speed limits, commit moving violations, or drive while distracted, these actions violate this duty of care. Some truck accidents occur due to egregious negligence and illegal behavior. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal and very dangerous for the intoxicated driver and everyone else around them. A driver who causes a truck accident because of DUI faces criminal prosecution as well as civil liability for the victim’s damages. In addition, if a truck driver operates a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will likely lose their commercial driver’s license. If you intend to file a personal injury claim for your recent truck accident in Auburn, CA, you must identify the party or parties you believe to be responsible for the incident. Your Auburn truck accident lawyer will help you gather whatever evidence you may need to prove the defendant violated their duty of care in a manner that directly caused your injuries. In some truck accident claims, proving fault can be challenging due to a lack of physical evidence or witness accounts. In these situations, your Auburn truck accident lawyer could consult expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and others who may provide insights that support your case. Your attorney may also need to prove that the truck driver’s employer or another party is vicariously liable for the incident. Proving how your accident happened and who is responsible for it is the first step toward recovering your losses.
Calculating Truck Accident Damages and Compensation
The personal injury laws of California allow a plaintiff to claim full repayment of all economic damages a defendant causes. Truck accidents can easily total smaller passenger cars, and the occupants of vehicles struck by commercial trucks usually suffer traumatic injuries.
If you sustained injuries from your recent truck accident in Auburn, your attorney could help you calculate hospital bills, emergency room fees, ambulance bills, and other immediate medical costs you incur. The defendant is responsible for these medical expenses, and they are liable for any long-term treatment you require. Your attorney will help you assess the full amount of medical expenses your case will entail.
Your injuries might leave you unable to work for an extended time, and the defendant is responsible for any income you lose during this time. If you have to use any accrued paid time off from work, the defendant is also responsible for the lost value of the time. If you suffer any permanent harm, such as an incurable medical condition or disability because of your injuries, you could be unable to work at all in the future. The defendant would then face liability for the income you would have expected to earn had the accident not occurred.
You can also claim compensation for the damage to your vehicle. After most vehicle accidents in California, injured drivers file insurance claims against the policies of the drivers responsible for their accidents. California uses a fault-based system to resolve car accident insurance claims, so every driver must carry liability insurance that comes into play if they cause an accident. However, insurance claims for truck accidents are different and often more difficult to navigate.
If a truck driver caused your accident, their employer’s insurance carrier might reach out to you with a settlement offer. You will need to contact them within a few days to notify them of the accident and your intent to file a claim, but they may contact you unexpectedly. Never agree to any settlement offers without consulting legal counsel. Politely inform the insurance carrier you need to speak with your attorney before filing your claim. You will also need to notify your own insurance company of the accident even if you did not cause it. Failure to report an accident as required by your policy terms could result in termination of coverage.
After obtaining what recovery you can from insurance, your Auburn truck accident lawyer will help you build your personal injury claim. Beyond your economic damages like medical expenses, property damage, and lost income, you also have the right to seek compensation for your pain and suffering. California state law allows plaintiffs to seek pain and suffering compensation in proportion to the severity of their injuries. Your Auburn truck accident attorney can help you determine an appropriate amount to include in your claim based on the seriousness of your situation.
FAQs About AUBURN, CA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAW
Is It Worth Hiring an Auburn Truck Accident Attorney?
Legal counsel you can trust significantly improves your chances of winning your truck accident claim and maximizing your recovery. Your Auburn truck accident lawyer can help you establish fault for your damages, expose the full extent of those damages, and guide you through the legal proceedings necessary to obtain the compensation you legally deserve.
What Happens If I’m Partially at Fault for an Accident?
California’s pure comparative negligence law comes into effect in this situation. You would lose a percentage of your case award equal to your percentage of fault for causing the accident. Comparative negligence can leave a significant dent in your final recovery depending on the value of your claim and your fault percentage. Consult your attorney if you have any concerns about bearing partial fault for your damages.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?
Most truck accident cases filed in California end in settlement. A swift settlement saves both parties time, money, and stress, and it’s possible that you could resolve your truck accident claim within a few weeks or a month or two. However, if your case proceeds to litigation, it will take much longer to resolve. Some civil cases can take several months to more than a year.
Much Does an Auburn Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
The Kreeger Law Firm offers personal injury clients contingency fee billing. This means you pay no upfront legal fees and only owe us a fee after we win your case. The contingency fee is a predetermined percentage of your case award, ensuring that you have the legal counsel you need when you need it and receive appropriate compensation for your losses.
Contact Us Today
The Kreeger Law Firm can answer any other questions about your rights after a truck accident. To discuss your case with an Auburn truck accident lawyer, contact us today and schedule your consultation.