Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer
Looking for a Pasadena truck accident lawyer? The experienced attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, leaving you with both physical pain and emotional distress. If you are looking for legal representation in the Pasadena area to help you through this challenging time, contact us at the number below.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with a proven track record of handling complex truck accident cases for clients in Pasadena. In this article, we'll provide clear direction on what to do after a crash, give an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Pasadena
If you've been involved in a truck accident in Pasadena, it's important to take the following steps:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is to check yourself and others for any injuries. If you are able, move to a safe area away from the flow of traffic on the busy Pasadena streets to prevent any additional accidents.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
If anyone is hurt or the crash is severe, your first step should always be to call 911 for emergency assistance. Afterwards, make sure to get a full medical evaluation, as some injuries don't appear right away and having a doctor's report is crucial for both your recovery and any future claims.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area, including road conditions or traffic signals. You should also collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses and exchange license, registration, and insurance information with the truck driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, be careful with your words and avoid saying anything that might suggest you were to blame. It's also wise to stay off social media and refuse to sign any papers or give statements to an insurance adjuster until you've spoken with an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you've been involved in a truck accident in Pasadena, the team at Golden Gate Legal is ready to help you navigate the complicated legal and insurance landscape. We focus on managing your claim with expertise and care, so you can concentrate on healing.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of dedicated experience handling complex truck accident cases throughout Pasadena, Golden Gate Legal has a proven track record in all areas of personal injury law. Here are a few reasons why you should choose our firm to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our duty is to guide you through the recovery process and ensure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: We make it our top priority to protect your rights and interests so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees upfront, and we only receive payment when we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at all times: Our team is available 24/7 to provide both legal and emotional support from the beginning of your case to the very end.
We encourage you to see what our former clients have to say by checking out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of your Pasadena personal injury case so you can focus on what matters most, your healing:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: Our team will sit down with you for a free consultation to hear what happened, address your concerns, and evaluate the details of your potential claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: We take the lead on collecting crucial evidence like accident reports and medical bills, and we'll handle all communication with the insurance companies after filing your claim.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: Your recovery is the priority, so we assist in coordinating your medical care and track your progress to build a strong case that accurately represents your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've finished your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the full and fair settlement you are owed.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once we win or settle your case, our firm manages the final details to make sure you get your compensation check without any hassle.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Truck Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a truck accident caused by someone else's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses you've suffered. Compensatory damages for truck accidents in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses that protect their profits by undervaluing claims, which is why it's so important to have an experienced personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is not an exhaustive list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle:
Whiplash & Soft
Tissue Damage
Whiplash and other soft tissue damage from the immense force of a truck collision often lead to persistent neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
Broken Bones & Fractures
The immense force involved in a truck collision often results in broken bones, which can require surgery and immobilization with casts, potentially leading to a long recovery, chronic pain, or permanent mobility issues.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The devastating force of a truck crash can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis and permanently altering a victim's mobility, independence, and overall well-being.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries from such powerful collisions can lead to lasting problems like difficulty concentrating, memory issues, personality shifts, and persistent confusion.
Internal Organ Damage
The powerful impact of a truck crash can inflict serious harm on internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, or bowels, frequently leading to emergency surgery and a long road to recovery.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The invisible injuries from a truck crash, such as PTSD, persistent anxiety, or debilitating depression, can be just as severe as physical ones and often require professional therapy to overcome.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Pasadena
Here are some of the most common reasons for truck accidents in Pasadena:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Driving too fast or without regard for others slashes a driver's reaction time, significantly increasing the odds of a serious and destructive collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to react quickly, affects your judgment, and makes a devastating accident far more likely.
Running Red Lights
Blowing through a red light can lead to devastating T-bone collisions or strike unsuspecting pedestrians who have the right of way.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of distracted driving or following too closely, these accidents frequently lead to severe spinal injuries and concussions.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Suddenly switching lanes or failing to check for cars in a blind spot frequently causes sideswipe collisions or forces other drivers into risky, sudden maneuvers.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Lane splitting motorcyclists can surprise other drivers, causing sudden accidents and creating confusion over who is legally responsible for the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
Here at Golden Gate Legal in Pasadena, you won't face any upfront attorney fees. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we win or settle your case. For you, this means absolutely no financial risk.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Establishing that the other driver was at fault for an accident involves several key steps and often requires a detailed investigation into the specifics of the incident. If you believe the other driver was responsible for the crash, we can help you prove their liability.
However, if you are determined to be partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced according to your share of the responsibility. Understanding this is vital for correctly evaluating the compensation you could be owed, especially in a city like Pasadena where the traffic situations can be complicated.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, if you've been hurt in an accident, you generally have a two-year window from the day the incident occurred to start a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting past this crucial deadline can mean you forfeit your ability to seek financial recovery for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
California law sets specific deadlines for how insurance companies must handle your claim. Once you notify them, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start their investigation. From the day they receive your completed proof-of-claim paperwork, they then have 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
If the insurance company approves your claim, they are required to issue payment within 30 days of that approval. These timelines are outlined in the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, meaning the whole process, from the initial notice to payment, should generally be wrapped up within 85 days.
How long does a truck accident stay on your record in California?
In California, a truck accident in Pasadena will typically stay on your driving record for three years. This period starts from the day the accident occurred. For more severe cases, like those with commercial vehicles or hazardous materials, it can remain on your record for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
When you come to our Pasadena office, the first thing we do at Golden Gate Legal is listen. We want to hear your story and grasp the full impact of your accident. From there, we'll help you get a clear picture of your injuries, even connecting you with medical experts if needed, to ensure you're on the right path to healing.
Your main job is to get better. Let us take care of the rest. Our team will manage all the legal complexities, fighting to get you the financial support you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and the personal toll the injury has taken on your life.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
Fighting for your full compensation
We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
