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Santa Barbara Big Rig Accident Lawyers
Are You in Need of a Santa Barbara Big Rig Accident Attorney?
If your bills are piling up after a truck accident in Santa Barbara, you might not know where to turn for help. NordstrandBlack PC will file a personal injury claim or lawsuit that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Why Choose Us Over Other Big Rig Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara?
The attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC have been getting justice for accident victims in Santa Barbara for over 35 years. Our law firm is a fixture in the local community, and our personal injury law firm has a well-earned reputation for treating people right.
Nordstrand Black PC | Big Rig Accident Law Firm in Santa Barbara
- Our law firm offers a free case consultation.
- You don't pay us anything unless our lawyers win you a settlement!
- NordstrandBlack PC has a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and a Premium rating by Lawyer.com.
- Renée Nordstrand-Black has won the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award.
Call (805) 962-2022 to schedule a FREE consultation today!
Do You Have a Strong Case for a Big Rig Accident Claim?
Key indicators of a big rig accident case include substantial vehicle damage, severe injuries, and the involvement of a commercial vehicle. These cases can be complicated, even involving multiple parties, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and others.
During your free consultation with the experienced big rig truck accident lawyers at NordstrandBlack PC, we'll be able to discern if you have a viable case.
How Is Negligence Determined in a Big Rig Accident Case?
Negligence is the failure to exercise care that a reasonably prudent person would exhibit in similar circumstances. You must demonstrate that the other party was negligent in order to file a successful big rig truck accident claim.
Several types of negligent behavior can contribute to truck accidents:
Common Types of Big Rig Accidents
Understanding the different types of big rig accidents is vital for preparing a robust big rig accident case. One example is jackknife accidents, which occur when the trailer swings out from the truck to form a 90-degree angle. This often results from poor braking techniques and inadequate maintenance.
Rear-end collisions are caused by negligent trucker actions such as tailgating or distracted driving. These accidents result in significant injuries to people traveling inside other vehicles due to the immense size and weight of big rigs.
Big rigs have large blind spots on all four sides, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. Accidents occur when truckers make hasty change lanes or turns. Truck drivers must signal their intentions in advance and make sure the lane is unoccupied before changing lanes. When a truck driver makes a turn, they must be aware of their surroundings and make adjustments to account for other vehicles to avoid wide-turn accidents.
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a big rig. Trucks must be fitted with strong steel guardrails to diminish the threat of serious injuries.
What Damages Can You Get for a Big Rig Accident Claim in Santa Barbara?
One of the primary roles of a Santa Barbara big rig accident lawyer is to help clients understand and pursue the various types of damages available. Economic damages are tangible losses suffered due to an accident. Key components include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to inability to work.
- Medical devices: Wheelchairs, electric scooters, adjustable beds to enhance comfort and mobility.
- Home alterations: Wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, bathroom grab bars, and other modifications.
- Assisted living care: For victims with catastrophic injuries.
- Future earning potential: Impact on long-term financial prospects.
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of a big rig accident. This may include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress endured.
- Reduced quality of life: Inability to enjoy previous activities or lifestyle.
Common Types of Injuries in Big Rig Accident Claims
- Amputation
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
Big Rig Accident Wrongful Death Claims
In tragic cases where a big rig accident results in death, the victim's survivors may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Eligibility typically includes the deceased's spouse, children, or parents, but it may extend to other family members. Damages may cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional suffering.
What Would Happen If You Didn't Hire a Santa Barbara Big Rig Accident Attorney?
Trucking companies and the insurance companies that represent them don't play fair. Big rig truck accident victims are at a big disadvantage when going up against entities that have significant resources at their disposal.
If you don't have an experienced big rig accident law firm to represent you, there is a much greater chance that you will have to settle for an inadequate lowball offer—your claim could even be outright denied.
Contact NordstrandBlack PC at (805) 962-2022 to get an experienced big rig accident law firm on your side.
How Can Our Santa Barbara Big Rig Accident Lawyer Help After a Crash?
The accident attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC will guide you through the legal process by handling all legal formalities and negotiations with the insurance companies. As soon as our investigation is complete, we'll send a demand letter to anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries.
Liable parties in a big rig accident injury claim may include:
- Drivers in other vehicles
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles
- Supervisors
- Third-party truck-loading companies
- Truck drivers
- Trucking firms
This document lays out the legal foundation for your claim and specifies the damages you are seeking.
Tips for Protecting Your Big Rig Accident Claim
After an accident occurs, use your cell phone to collect accident scene photographs, including vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Do not apologize because this can be interpreted as an admission of fault.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Immediate medical attention can be life-saving. Visit a healthcare provider right away, even if your injuries seem minor or are not immediately apparent, as some conditions—like whiplash or internal injuries—may not manifest immediately. Your doctor can assess hidden injuries that may not be apparent at first.
Follow-up appointments are just as essential to track recovery progress, and skipping these appointments can weaken your legal position.
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Insurance Company
Insurance companies save money by reducing the amount of money they offer in settlements. It's advisable to limit your direct interactions with them.
- Redirect all communications with insurers to lawyers.
- Avoid providing recorded statements without legal guidance.
- Be wary of any quick settlement offers from insurers.
You basically want to be cautious when dealing with insurance companies since they are trained to reduce expenses. They are likely to offer truck accident victims the lowest settlement they can get away with, even if the offer doesn't come close to covering your expenses. That's why you never sign any agreements without your lawyer's advice and never make a recorded statement about the accident for an insurance agent.
To protect your claim, consult with your attorney. In fact, it's best to let your lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company. You can help your attorney file an effective claim if you maintain records of all communications with the insurance company and keep all accident-related documents in a safe place.
How Long Do You Have to File a Big Rig Accident Claim in Santa Barbara?
California's statute of limitations dictates the timeframe for filing a lawsuit. Generally, it's two years from the date of the accident; missing this deadline means losing your right to receive compensation.
At NordstrandBlack PC, our big rig accident attorneys will ensure all documents are filed correctly and on time, safeguarding your right to seek compensation. As soon as you get in touch with us, we can start investigating the accident, taking steps to preserve important evidence.
Call (805) 962-2022 and find out how NordstrandBlack PC can help!
Our Big Rig Accident Case Process
When you sign on with our Santa Barbara big rig accident law firm, NordstrandBlack PC provides the following services you need to prevail:
- Free consultation: Meet with one of our attorneys to discuss your case and evaluate its merits.
- Evidence collection: Our lawyers will gather evidence to build a strong case.
- Filing claims: We'll notify all liable parties.
- Negotiations: We'll seek a settlement that covers the cost of your injuries.
- Going to trial: When a fair settlement cannot be reached, we'll take your case to trial.
Why and How We Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
Effective evidence collection and preservation are the cornerstones of a successful big rig accident case. Dashcam and surveillance footage often play a crucial role in big rig accident cases since they provide real-time evidence of the accident, capturing details that might otherwise be disputed.
The police report is the official account of the incident, including witness statements and the officer's observations.
Your medical records document the extent of your injuries and any treatment required, allowing us to calculate damages by demonstrating the impact of the accident on your life.
The Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) in trucks captures critical information, such as speed, braking patterns, and engine performance, before and during a crash. Accessing this data often requires legal action.
Professional testimony may include input from forensic specialists who can provide insight into the accident's cause. We can also interview medical professionals to testify about the extent of your injuries.
Unhappy with Your Current Santa Barbara Big Rig Accident Law Firm?
We'll be happy to review your case and go over your options. Call our Santa Barbara personal injury lawyers today at (805) 962-2022.
Some of Our Related Case Results
$690K Settlement | Big Rig Truck Collision
In a truck accident case, a settlement of $690,000.00 was reached, with $370,000.00 awarded to an 86-year-old man and $320,000.00 to an 80-year-old woman. The incident involved a big rig truck colliding with the elderly couple's vehicle at an intersection. The man suffered from Post-Concussion Syndrome and a head injury that exacerbated his preexisting mild dementia. The woman experienced loss of consortium and sustained a shoulder impingement.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
"Very Thorough, Diligent, and Made the Process Very Easy" - Veronica Lopez (5-Star Google Review)
NordstrandBlack PC represented my husband in a personal injury case. [They] were very thorough, diligent, and made the process very easy. Their communication, status updates on the case, and overall professionalism were excellent! We will recommend them to any of our family or friends in need of a personal injury lawyer. Thank you guys; we appreciate you!
"Professional and Extremely Pleasant to Deal With" - Guylaine Therrien (Ghee) (5-Star Google Review)
[NordstrandBlack PC] represented my husband for a personal injury case. The entire [staff at NordstrandBlack PC] is professional and extremely pleasant to deal with. My experience with Doug, Renée, Daniel, and Ann has helped to change my perspective in thinking that all attorneys only look after their own pockets. What struck me most is that the human approach component could be felt at any given time. It is without hesitation that I favorably recommend [NordstrandBlack PC] for anyone in need of a fair legal representation.
Other Types of Injury Cases We Handle
- Cargo Spill Truck Accident
- Delivery Truck Accident
- Failure To Maintain Truck Accident
- Fatigued Truck Driving Accident
- Jackknife Accident
- Runaway Trailer Accidents
- Underride Accident
Other Cities We Serve Near Santa Barbara
Are you located in or near Santa Barbara? Call us at (805) 962-2022 for legal guidance about your big rig accident case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Accept the First Offer I Get from the Insurance Company?
No, you don't—and you shouldn't! NordstrandBlack PC will negotiate with the insurance company, and we won't hesitate to take your case to trial if they refuse to make a reasonable settlement offer.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Big Rig Accident Law Firm in Santa Barbara, California?
There's NO COST to hire NordstrandBlack PC to handle your truck accident case, and you won't owe us anything unless our attorneys get you a settlement.
What Factors Determine the Size of a Big Rig Accident Settlement in California?
In general, accidents that cause catastrophic injuries are more likely to receive a higher settlement. Choosing the right big rig accident lawyers can make a big difference in the settlement you receive.
Can I Settle My Big Rig Accident Case Without Going to Court?
Yes! In many cases, our attorneys are able to negotiate a settlement without having to take the case to trial.
What Documents Should I Bring to My Free Consultation?
Please bring a copy of your medical records, the police report, your insurance policy, and any letters, texts, or emails you have received from the insurance company.