Fighting Back After a Big Rig Accident in the Coachella Valley
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, the aftermath can be a legal labyrinth. Victims are often thrust into a situation where they must navigate complex legal systems, deal with insurance companies, and face the challenge of proving fault among multiple parties. Whether your accident happened on the I-10, CA-86, or on a smaller road, we can help. Our dedicated 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Parkinson, LLP can streamline this process, fighting diligently for your rights and helping hold all responsible parties accountable.
Injured in a truck accident? Get the compensation you deserve! Our experienced Coachella Valley truck accident lawyer can fight for you. Call (760) 469-9110 now or contact us online for a consultation!
Rules & Regulations for Coachella Valley Truck Drivers
Because trucks can cause catastrophic damage in the event of an accident, truck drivers and the companies they work for are subject to more regulations than drivers of other motor vehicles, both on and off the road. In fact, these drivers must follow stricter rules than many other employees. One of these rules is called the hours-of-service regulation, which was created to prevent fatigued driving. Because of this, most laws aim to ensure that truck drivers get adequate sleep and are not overworked.
According to this law:
- Truck drivers can work a maximum of 14 hours in one workday, still nearly double that of most other workers. Of these 14 hours, however, truckers can only drive for 11 hours, with the remaining time spent on rest or meal breaks.
- Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before beginning a new workday.
- Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals.
Unfortunately, truck drivers do not always follow these rules. Whether due to truck driver negligence or pressure from trucking companies, failing to follow hours-of-service regulations can increase the risk of an accident. If you have been injured by a negligent truck driver, it often requires an investigation into your accident to discover if these rules were violated. The attorneys at our firm are experienced in such investigations and are ready to help you today.
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We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery for you.
Establishing Liability After a Truck Accident
Determining liability after an accident can be difficult due to the number of involved parties. This is because an accident with a truck can be caused by many factors.
Some of these include:
- Poor road conditions
- Driver negligence
- Improper loading
- Lack of truck maintenance
Determining liability often involves a thorough investigation, which includes reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and the behavior of other drivers on the road at the time of the accident. Legal guidance is essential in piecing together the circumstances that led to the collision. Additionally, expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, may be required to provide objective analysis and testimony. At Parkinson, LLP, our skilled truck accident attorneys in the Coachella Valley coordinate these resources efficiently to build a strong case, support your claims, and work toward a fair resolution for you.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents in the Coachella Valley may be entitled to various forms of compensation. The severity of injuries and the financial impact of an accident determine the extent of damages recoverable.
Types of compensation in a truck accident can include:
- Medical expenses: Victims may recover compensation for surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment, and more.
- Lost wages: Compensation for lost income includes past wages, as well as potential future earnings if the victim is unable to work in the same capacity.
- Pain and suffering damages: This type of compensation accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by a truck accident. These damages do not have a fixed monetary value, making it crucial to have a skilled Coachella Valley truck accident attorney advocate for fair compensation.
- Property damage: Victims can recover costs associated with repairing or replacing their vehicle. Commercial trucks often cause extensive damage to passenger vehicles, leading to costly repairs.
Why You Need Parkinson, LLP on Your Side
When you are recovering from a collision with a commercial vehicle, you need more than a list of services; you need a team that understands what you are going through.