Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers
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Powerful Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers Protecting The Injured
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you’re likely dealing with costly medical bills, time off work, and the stress of negotiating with insurance adjusters. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers understand the pain and frustration you’re going through. We’re here to provide compassionate legal support and fight for your compensation. Call us now at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Los Angeles, or L.A., is the second-largest city in the United States, with an estimated population of 3,822,238 in 2022. The City of Angels is known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic and cultural diversity, and the Hollywood film industry. Los Angeles is located in Southern California, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and extends through the Santa Monica Mountains and far into the San Fernando Valley, which covers about 469 square miles (1,210 km2).
As a vibrant metropolis, Los Angeles’ freeways are packed with commercial vehicles. Massive trucks, like big rigs, share the road with delivery trucks, vans, garbage trucks, and other utility vehicles. While most people try to be extra cautious around big trucks, accidents inevitably occur. Sadly, serious truck accidents remain all too common in California, often with devastating consequences. There is nothing more frightening than getting into an accident with a truck, where a fender bender can result in serious injuries or even death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 315 people are killed in large truck accidents in California each year. Thousands more innocent victims suffer severe, even life-changing, injuries. Negligent trucking companies must be held responsible for any injuries and damage they caused.
After a truck accident, you need the resources and experience of a powerhouse law firm in L.A. You can be sure the trucking company will have a team of lawyers working for them. Oftentimes, they’ll make a lowball settlement offer or even attempt to blame you for the accident.
Our truck accident lawyers know these tactics and how to fight them. We’ll also help ease some of your financial burden. When you hire us, you don’t pay unless we win your case, so don’t worry about upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
J.M v. Doe Defendant (settled on 11/18/2022) – Settlement involving a man who fell from a moving truck a sustained a traumatic brain injury requiring extensive rehabilitation. We substituted into the matter over two years after his accident when our client had been discharged home with limited support and had suffered a seizure due to missed medication. We got him into a brain injury rehabilitation program and, subsequently, an assisted living program which provided him with the structure and support he needed.– TINA ESHGHIEH
How Can Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers Help Your Case?
Truck accident cases often involve large trucking companies that have one primary goal: to avoid liability. These companies have access to significant legal resources that they will leverage to protect their interests.
Our experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can go toe-to-toe with these well-funded companies. We won’t let you settle for less than what you deserve. We’ll work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong legal strategy to hold all the responsible parties accountable.
Los Angeles Truck-Related Traffic And Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a “large truck” as one that weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Tractor-trailers or semi-trucks with 18 wheels can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a standard passenger vehicle only weighs around 4,000 pounds. The ratio is about the same as comparing a gigantic pro football player with a newborn baby.
Large commercial vehicles traveling at high speed among smaller vehicles are inherently dangerous, especially to a car’s driver and passengers. Truck accidents often result in more serious injuries compared to other traffic collisions. In addition, they pose legal problems and concerns not found in most car accident cases. That is why it is essential that anyone injured in a truck crash get help from a Los Angeles lawyer with experience and proven expertise in litigating truck accident cases.
Commercial truck accidents in California have seen a steady increase in fatalities and injuries due to crashes from 2013 to 2017, according to the California Highway Patrol. Los Angeles County continues to lead all counties with the most yearly fatalities and injuries.
- 2013 – 53 fatalities and 1,689 injuries
- 2014 – 61 fatalities and 1,635 injuries
- 2015 – 49 fatalities and 1,722 injuries
- 2016 – 61 fatalities and 1,948 injuries
- 2017 – 46 fatalities and 1,918 injuries
In 2021, there were 416 large trucks involved in fatal crashes around California. These crashes killed 48 truck occupants, 328 occupants of other vehicles, and 61 non-occupants (e.g., pedestrians or cyclists).
The Types Of Trucks Commonly Seen On L.A.’s Streets
When people think of truck accidents, they may expect them to involve big rigs. This is understandable since it’s probably the most commonly featured truck when the evening news highlights a particular traffic accident. They create dramatic visuals, but they aren’t the only kinds of trucks that get into major accidents on our freeways and streets.
News reports and the general public often interchange certain terms when referring to trucks. While some are understandable, others can be confusing. Is a semi-truck the same as a big rig? Or is it different?
Here are some of the different types of trucks that pass through Los Angeles streets every day:
- Tractor Trucks – Also referred to as bobtail trucks, this is the front of the truck. It’s where the engine and driver’s cabin are located and can be driven on its own. Tractor trucks with no cargo trailer or flatbed attached are common sights on our freeways. Even with nothing attached, these large vehicles can cause severe damage and injuries in a crash.
- Big Rigs – There are several names for a tractor truck with a cargo trailer hitched to it. One of them is a big rig. Other well-known terms are “18-wheeler,” “semi,” and “tractor-trailer.” Those are all terms for the same type of truck, and they are all classified as commercial vehicles. Given their sheer size and weight, there’s no such thing as a fender bender between a big rig and a passenger car. The driver must then be careful to ensure the truck isn’t overloaded with cargo.
- Tanker Trucks – These vehicles combine two dangers: an oversized truck and hazardous materials. Tanker trucks have been known to burst into flames on impact, making a severe accident even more horrific for everyone involved. Besides the crash itself, a driver unfortunate enough to get into an accident with a tanker truck can suffer burns and smoke inhalation injuries. Deaths are also common.
- Delivery Trucks – Amazon has been a game-changer in the retail world. But millions of deliveries also mean thousands of Amazon trucks and vans on the road. That’s not counting the other delivery trucks out there. Drivers of delivery trucks are trying to meet deadlines and may engage in speeding. Unfortunately, being hit by a speeding delivery truck can result in serious injuries for those in passenger vehicles.
- Utility Trucks – Utility trucks come in various shapes and sizes. They can include street cleaning trucks, ambulances, garbage, postal, fire, and construction trucks. Unlike big rigs, utility trucks generally have access to all roads and highways, regardless of size. And if responding to an emergency, they can drive well above the posted speed limit.
There is one other unique fact you should be aware of if you get into an accident with a utility truck. In most cases, they are owned by the city, state, or federal agencies. That means anyone involved in an accident with a utility truck only has six (6) months to present an accident claim. Our truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles can help ensure you don’t miss this crucial deadline.
Award-Winning Truck Accident Attorneys With An A+ Reputation
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you have important legal rights that must be protected. You are entitled to compensation for all your losses, including those that cannot be seen (such as pain and suffering) and those that have not yet occurred (such as future medical bills).
The experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you get the compensation you deserve. We fight hard for injury victims, and we will ensure that your legal right to compensation is protected, too.
What To Know If You're Involved In An Accident With A Truck In L.A.
Truck collisions are undoubtedly unpleasant. As an injured victim, it’s crucial to know that commercial truck companies maintain the following minimum liability coverage for their drivers in the unfortunate event of an accident:
- Trucks (weighing less than 10,000) carrying general freight – $300,000
- Trucks (weighing 10,000 pounds or more) carrying general freight – $750,000
- Trucks carrying oil – $1,000,000
- Trucks carrying hazardous materials – $5,000,000
If a truck driver is at fault in an accident where someone is injured or killed, the victim or family can collect more compensation than would be available in other kinds of accidents. Private vehicle drivers typically carry only enough insurance to protect their assets, with coverage levels of as low as $15,000 per year. Our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys can help identify all possible avenues of compensation to maximize the amount you can recover.
Usual Causes Of Truck Accidents
Here are common causes of truck accidents that our Los Angeles lawyers frequently encounter:
- Traffic law violation – Examples include running a red light, speeding, failing to yield, etc.
- Truck driver fatigue – Truck drivers, who face tight and demanding schedules, may experience fatigue that can impair their judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted driving – Whether it’s texting, adjusting the radio, or using GPS, any diversion from the road can be dangerous. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have severe consequences.
- Adverse weather conditions – LA has a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city averages around 300 sunny days every year. However, rain after a long dry spell can be particularly dangerous. Oil and grime accumulate on the road surface and get mixed with rainwater, creating a slippery film that significantly reduces traction. This can make it harder for drivers to control their vehicles, especially heavy trucks that require more stopping distance.
- Mechanical defects – Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they’re operating safely. Brake failures, defective tires, and engine malfunctions can spell disaster on the highway. The responsibility for proper maintenance falls on the trucking company and the driver.
- Impaired Driving – Truck drivers are subject to stricter regulations regarding alcohol and drug use. Unfortunately, these regulations are sometimes violated.
- Inadequate Training – Truck drivers need specialized training to handle these massive vehicles. Lack of proper training can lead to errors, such as improper braking and failing to navigate tight turns.
Determining the cause of an accident is crucial when pursuing a claim. Our truck accident lawyers can investigate and identify any negligence that contributed to the accident, be it by the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the truck manufacturer.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents In Los Angeles
Different accidents can lead to various injuries. Severe accidents that occur at high speed or with heavy vehicles tend to cause more severe injuries. Here are the common ways that truck accidents occur on Los Angeles highways:
Jackknife
A “jackknife accident” occurs when a large truck begins to skid. The trailer swings away from the truck, causing it to fold across the highway (like a jackknife). These accidents often lead to severe traffic congestion because the trailer can block many traffic lanes and be especially difficult to remove.
Truck Rollovers
Rollovers can occur in large trucks, just like any other vehicle. In fact, if a truck driver is inexperienced or not used to the load on his rig, a rollover is likely to occur. Truck drivers must maintain control over their cargo load at all times. If not, the vehicle can roll.
Rollovers are dangerous in any vehicle because they cause multiple collisions in the same accident. When a heavy truck or large cargo load is involved, the collision generates even more force, and injuries are more likely to be serious or even fatal.
Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts also occur in large trucks, not just in passenger vehicles, and they tend to be more dangerous. A blowout in an 18-wheeler is even more likely simply because there are more tires to blow. This increased danger occurs because it is more difficult to maintain control of a large vehicle, especially one with a separate cargo load.
Wide Turn
Large trucks have a larger turning radius than smaller vehicles. As a result, they need more room to maneuver like in intersections. Truck drivers who are not prepared for this can cause collisions with other vehicles or hit pedestrians nearby. They can also injure other drivers when parts fly off the truck or the truck tips over.
Blind Spots
Trucks have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. The limited visibility can lead to accidents when truck drivers are not prepared or rely too heavily on the available mirror range. Other drivers nearby must be cautious and allow more room when driving alongside a truck. Doing this helps them stay out of the driver’s blind spot.
Rear-End Collisions
Large trucks also require a longer braking distance. The weight and size of the vehicle generate more force, which in turn takes more braking effort to stop. Newer truck drivers may rear-end vehicles ahead of them if they are not prepared to stop in time. Even experienced drivers can cause rear-end collisions if they are distracted while operating the truck.
Underriding
Because semi-trucks are so high, small passenger vehicles can become wedged underneath them, potentially leading to catastrophic injuries such as decapitation. The Department of Transportation required the use of “Mansfield Bars” on the back of all trucks in the United States after an especially devastating accident in the 1960s.
Actress Jayne Mansfield was riding in the front seat of a car that was wedged under the semi-truck in front of it. The accident killed her instantly. Her children in the backseat – including future Law and Order Actress Mariska Hargitay – survived the accident. After this tragic accident, the government required trucks to be equipped with bars across the back to prevent vehicles from being pulled under the truck. Unfortunately, these bars are still not required on the sides of trucks, and underride accidents can occur in these areas.
Lost Load
Trucks are difficult to control, and the load they’re carrying can add to the challenge. Liquid cargo, like gasoline, can create a sloshing effect, potentially causing the driver to lose control if not managed properly. Semi-trucks also have large trailers that alter the vehicle’s center of gravity, requiring constant adjustments from the driver. In some cases, loss of control can lead to cargo detaching from the truck, posing a serious danger to everyone on the road.
Who Is Typically Responsible For Truck Accidents?
The parties that can be potentially at fault in truck injury accidents include:
- The truck driver (whether an employee or owner-operator)
- The corporation, business, commercial enterprise, non-profit, or public entity that owns and/or operates the truck or employs the driver
- The owner, operator, and/or lessee of the tractor and/or trailer
- The owner, seller, distributor, and/or buyer of the goods being shipped
- The maintenance company that serviced the truck if a mechanical issue caused the accident
- The designer and/or manufacturer of the truck and/or trailer if there was a mechanical or recall issue
- The driver and/or entity that owns another vehicle (that causes or contributes to the accident)
- A public entity for roadway design or maintenance issues
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties in your case. We’ll also demonstrate how the negligence of these parties directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Typical Catastrophic Injuries In Truck Accidents
Truck accidents cause some of the most severe injuries of all auto accidents. This is because the added size and weight of a truck generate more force in a collision than smaller, lighter vehicles. The more force that is generated in a crash, the more severe the injuries are likely to be. Many injuries are even fatal.
If a victim is able to survive an accident, they could be left with permanent disabilities. Our truck accident lawyers have seen victims sustain the following catastrophic injuries:
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of use or amputation of limbs
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Damage to vital organs (such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver)
Catastrophic injuries can leave a person unable to return to work. They can even leave the victim unable to walk, talk, or complete simple daily tasks (such as feeding or dressing themselves). When injuries cause these permanent losses, the victim is entitled to compensation for all the care they will require.
Other Common Truck Accident Injuries
Of course, not all truck accidents result in catastrophic injuries. Many are far less severe that victims are able to recover on their own after a few days of rest.
Other times, the victim might require a period of physical therapy or chiropractic care. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Other common injuries that occur in truck accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
Insurance companies sometimes try to claim that these injuries “aren’t worth very much” if they don’t result in dramatic losses. Remember that they are working against you and are on the other side.
Only your own Los Angeles truck accident injury lawyer can give you a fair idea of what your claim is really worth. Our experienced truck accident lawyers at Arash Law have handled many cases and know what fair compensation is in your particular case.
Potential Defendants In A Truck Accident
In order to get compensation for your injuries, it is important to identify the person who is legally “at fault” (liable) for causing the truck accident. After all, only liable parties are legally obliged to compensate injury victims. This liability could be split between more than one defendant, which could be an individual or a company.
So, who can be sued after a Los Angeles truck accident? Here are some of the most common defendants in the truck accident cases our Los Angeles lawyers have handled:
The Truck Driver — Many truck accidents are the result of the truck driver’s negligence. The driver might be distracted or simply not paying attention. They might be dozing off or falling under “highway hypnosis,” an altered mental state where a driver zones out after too many hours on the road. They could even be impaired by drugs, alcohol, prescription medications, or a dangerous combination of all of these substances.
The Truck Company — Truck drivers are not the only ones who are liable for their negligence. The United States follows laws of “vicarious liability,” which allow an employer to be held liable for any negligence committed by their employees while on the job. A truck company that employs a negligent truck driver can be held liable. Many companies have tried to get around this rule by classifying their drivers as independent contractors instead of employees.
While vicarious liability might not apply in these situations, it is still possible to hold the transportation company liable for its own negligence. For example: what if a company allowed an independent contractor to continue driving for them after causing several accidents? In this case, the company could be directly liable for its own negligence in allowing the driver to continue working for them.
The Owner of the Truck — The owner of any vehicle can be liable for damage caused by that vehicle. Because of this, auto insurance policies will usually cover damage caused by someone who had permission to drive your vehicle (unless that person is regularly driving your vehicle in violation of your auto policy). Commercial truck owners can also be held liable for allowing a negligent truck driver to operate the vehicle.
Often, this is an LLC or other company, and the business is required to carry a commercial auto policy with high policy limits. Doing this ensures that there are funds available to injury victims who are legally entitled to compensation.
The Manufacturer of the Truck — Some truck accidents are not the fault of any of the involved drivers. Imagine, for example, that a truck had defective brakes, and the driver was unable to prevent a collision because of this. Truck manufacturers are liable for accidents caused by defects in their products.
Those products can include the vehicle, its systems, and all of its parts. Manufacturers of products sold in the United States are subject to laws of “strict liability.” This phrase means that injury victims do not have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent – only that they were injured while the product was being used as intended.
How Long Do Truck Lawsuit Cases Usually Last?
In most jurisdictions, once you file a lawsuit, the trial date will be set 12 to 18 months into the future. This typically marks the most extended time frame your case should take. In some cases, especially if your injuries are severe, it might be beneficial for you to wait until your injuries have stabilized before filing your lawsuit. This can add time to the total length of your case.
What Is The Truck Accident Statute Of Limitations In California?
People who were hurt in a truck accident should act quickly to file a claim so they don’t miss California’s filing deadline, also called the statute of limitations. What is the time limit to file a truck accident claim? Under California law, a person hurt in an accident has two years from the date of the accident or the date they found out they were hurt to file a claim with the civil courts.
If you don’t file a lawsuit within that time limit for injuries or wrongful death, the courts will usually throw out your claim. Do not wait to take action following a semi-truck accident. Contact a prominent truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.
The Losses That Must Be Compensated From A Truck Accident
Injury victims are entitled to compensation for all the losses they suffer as a result of the defendant’s negligence. Some of these are easy to prove with receipts or invoices. Others are less tangible and more challenging to prove. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers will ensure that all your potential losses are submitted to the insurance company for compensation.
Here are some of the most common areas of compensation in a personal injury claim:
Medical Bills – All medical bills that are related to the accident are subject to compensation in a personal injury claim. These bills can include your immediate medical care, such as an ambulance ride or an emergency department bill. It also includes your follow-up care with your primary care provider, any recommended specialists, and other medical professionals who diagnose, evaluate, and treat your injuries.
Finally, your medical reimbursements also include rehabilitative services. You might require physical therapy or chiropractic care to manage your pain. You might need occupational or speech therapy to relearn skills that were lost in the accident. Sometimes insurance companies try to claim that you got too much treatment, that your providers charged too much, or that you made your own injuries worse by waiting to get treatment. Injury lawyers are prepared for these tactics and know how to prove the value of your medical bills.
Lost Wages – Most injury victims miss at least some time from work as a result of a truck accident. If your injuries are minor, this might only be time on the day of the accident or for a day or two of recovery. More severe injuries might lead to weeks of lost work (or time off to make your medical appointments). The most severe injuries can result in permanent disabilities. Whatever time off work your injuries require, you are entitled to compensation for the wages you have lost during this time.
Pain and Suffering – Injury victims endure a wide variety of intangible losses as a result of a truck accident. These are collectively referred to as your “pain and suffering.” This includes the physical pain of your injuries and the emotional suffering of the accident. It includes your loss of enjoyment of life, your fear of getting back on the road, and other emotional changes. These are real losses.
You are entitled to compensation for them – in fact, pain and suffering is often the largest component of many personal injury awards. Because of this, the insurance company will try to challenge it and claim your pain and suffering “isn’t worth very much.” The truck accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. know how to fight for fair compensation for your pain and suffering.
Future Losses – Some of your losses may not be immediately apparent. You might have medical bills for years to come. You might be permanently out of work, and your pain and suffering could last the rest of your life. You are entitled to compensation for these losses. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers know how to hire expert witnesses to make accurate projections about these costs in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
Factors Affecting Your Settlement
- The severity of your injuries
- The magnitude of the property damage to your vehicle
- Length of hospital stay
- Prognosis, amount of time, and cost of your anticipated recovery
- Whether there’s a permanent disability or a life-long injury
- Time away from work and/or the inability to continue working
- Your health and lifestyle pre-accident
- Your age
- The negative impact on your life
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Truck Accidents And Wrongful Death Claims
Unfortunately, a high number of truck accidents result in fatalities. The state’s personal injury statutes allow surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim. Here’s a breakdown of who can file:
- Immediate Family – This includes the deceased’s surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children. They generally have first priority to file the claim.
- Those Who Would Inherit – In the absence of a spouse, domestic partner, children, or grandchildren, anyone who would inherit the deceased’s property according to California’s intestate succession laws can potentially bring a wrongful death claim. This could include parents, siblings, or other relatives.
Wrongful death claims can’t bring back a loved one, but they can help ease the financial burden families face after such a tragedy. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can help you through the legal process during this difficult time.
How Lawyers Prove Negligence And Win Truck Accident Cases
To determine who is responsible for damages after a fatal truck accident in Los Angeles, negligence must first be proven. Negligence, in legal terms, refers to a failure to exercise the care that a reasonable person would have in similar circumstances. It boils down to someone acting or failing to act in a way that creates an unreasonable risk of harm to others.
To establish negligence, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will help you prove the presence of these four key elements:
- Duty of Care – Truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal obligation to act with reasonable care towards others on the road. This includes following traffic laws, maintaining a safe vehicle, and driving attentively.
- Breach of Duty – The truck driver or company must have failed to uphold their duty of care. Examples include speeding, distracted driving, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
- Causation – The breach of duty must be directly linked to the accident and your injuries. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers will meticulously examine the evidence to establish this crucial cause-and-effect relationship.
- Damages – These refer to the losses you’ve suffered due to the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Our team will gather evidence to support your case. We’ll also look into regulations governing the truck industry to determine fault.
How Do You Gather Evidence To Support A Truck Accident Claim?
The moment our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers take on your case, our team goes into action. We dispatch investigators and expert consultants to gather evidence meticulously. In a truck accident case, evidence often includes:
- Witness testimony – Eyewitness accounts can be invaluable in building a strong case. Witnesses can shed light on crucial details like erratic or aggressive driving behavior or other issues that may have contributed to the accident.
- Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) – These devices are more commonly known as “black boxes.” They store crucial pre-crash data, such as speed, braking application, and even engine performance. Our team can leverage the expertise of crash reconstruction specialists to decipher this data and reveal evidence about the moments leading up to the accident.
- Truck camera footage – Many trucks are equipped with inward or outward-facing cameras. If available, this footage can be instrumental in determining whether the truck driver engaged in negligent or reckless conduct.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – Federal regulations require truck drivers to use ELDs to track their hours of service. Examining ELD data can expose violations like exceeding the permitted driving time, a factor that significantly increases the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
- Trucking company records – Trucking companies have a legal obligation to maintain accurate driver records, including pre-employment drug and alcohol tests. A meticulous review of these records can uncover lapses in safety protocols, such as hiring a driver with a history of failing such tests. Such evidence can support claims of negligent supervision against the trucking company.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
Any accident is traumatic, but being hit by a truck can have devastating consequences on a person’s life. If you are injured as a result of a truck accident, here is a checklist of action items you should do if you are able:
- Get out of harm’s way immediately, but only if it’s safe to do so.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Report the accident to the authorities.
- Get witness contact information and the names of the driver and trucking company.
- Take photos of your injuries and those of anyone else. Also, photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, the truck, and the accident scene, including traffic signals and street signs.
- Do not give statements or sign any documents provided to you by a trucking company or insurance representative. And don’t apologize! Apologizing to anyone will be used against you as proof of fault for the accident.
- Seek or demand medical treatment.
- Keep all accident-related medical bills and receipts in a secure place. Your lawyer will use these to calculate some of the damages (financial compensation) you should be entitled to.
- Enlist the help of a proven truck accident personal injury lawyer immediately.
- It’s imperative to follow these guidelines immediately after a truck accident to ensure your rights are preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accident Cases In Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, victims have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a claim against the negligent parties. The same deadline applies to the rest of the Golden State. Missing the deadline is detrimental to your case since the court can deny your claim. You won’t be able to receive compensation for your damages and losses. That’s why we highly recommend retaining our truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles. We can start the claims process as soon as possible and help you avoid missing any important deadlines.
Why Are Truck Accidents A Serious Issue In Los Angeles?
Truck accidents lead to more serious injuries because trucks are heavier and bigger. For that reason, they are also more likely to result in fatalities. In addition, Los Angeles is a populous city, so having serious accidents on the road puts more lives at risk.
If a truck accident causes you severe injuries or permanent disabilities, our Los Angeles lawyers will advocate for your right to a favorable settlement.
Why Trust A Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer To Help Me Get Fair Compensation?
Truck accidents pose a whole new set of challenges. Trucks are much larger and heavier than regular vehicles, which often results in far more catastrophic injuries. Additionally, the trucking industry is heavily regulated, with specific laws governing driver qualifications, truck maintenance, and cargo securement.
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can take care of the legal legwork, so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Our team has a deep understanding of state and federal regulations specific to trucks and their drivers. We’re well-prepared to handle even intricate cases involving multiple defendants.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?
Each truck accident case is unique, so it’s difficult to come up with an exact number without knowing the specifics of your claim. Understanding how much most truck accident settlements are can be a helpful starting point. The average settlement in the United States is approximately $40,000. However, the largest trucking accident settlement in US history is $80 million for a fatal multi-vehicle wreck in Georgia.
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can help you accurately assess the value of your claim. We’ll conduct a personalized evaluation, considering factors specific to your case, such as the severity of injuries, property damage incurred, additional accident-related losses, the number of parties involved, and available insurance coverage.
Although we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, our firm is relentless in our pursuit of justice. We leverage tried-and-tested legal strategies and powerful negotiation tactics to secure significant settlements and judgment awards for our clients. Here are some of the results of our recent cases:
- We secured $5 million for our client, a pedestrian struck by a large truck in a crosswalk. Our client suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. The truck company tried to argue that our client was on their phone and not paying attention, but we were able to prevail.
- We recovered $1.15 million for a driver who was rear-ended by a large delivery truck and suffered neck and back injuries. The defense tried to blame the client’s weight and pre-existing conditions, but we were able to resolve the case at mediation.
- We won $1 million for a driver who was parked on the freeway with their signal lights on and was struck by a swerving tow truck. The client sustained serious injuries to their head and other body parts.
What Is The Largest Trucking Settlement?
The largest trucking accident settlement is $281 million. It was given to the family of a driver after a truck’s shaft detached and slammed through his windshield, killing him. The next largest settlement was $101 million after an impaired truck driver hit the victim’s vehicle.
Our truck accident lawyers at Arash Law successfully secured a $5 million settlement for a pedestrian who was struck by a large truck. The trucking company tried to blame him, but our lawyers were able to protect his rights and ensure he was paid for his damages.
How Long Do Truck Lawsuit Cases Usually Last?
Truck accident cases can take months or years to settle, depending on their complexity. Simple cases with clear negligence and mild to moderate injuries may take six to 12 months to resolve. However, if the negligent party disputes any details of the claim, it may take longer to settle.
Rest assured, our truck accident attorneys in Los Angeles will stay by your side throughout the process, regardless of how long it takes to settle your case.
If I Don’t Have Insurance And Can’t Afford Medical Treatment, Can You Help Me?
Even if you don’t have insurance, we can connect you with reputable doctors and facilities in your area. They can offer you treatment secured by a lien on your case, which is a claim by a third party on the proceeds of the settlement. This medical lien will be added to your compensation demand. When we win your case, the settlement will cover both your medical care and your compensation. Our team can also explore options for obtaining free or low-cost health coverage through programs like Medi-Cal or Medicare if they’re applicable to your situation.
If My Injuries Make Me Unable To Work, Can You Help Me Get By?
Yes. Our Los Angeles truck accident can connect you with lending institutions that offer loans specifically for injury cases. A lien secures these loans and can help bridge the gap in income while your case progresses. When seeking compensation from the responsible party, we’ll include both past and future lost wages due to your injuries. This ensures you’re not only compensated for immediate financial losses but also for potential long-term limitations on your earning capacity.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially Responsible?
Yes. In pure comparative negligence states like California, a court assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. This percentage of fault determines the proportionate share of damages each party is responsible for.
For example, the total cost of your losses is $50,000. If the court decides you were 20% responsible, $10,000 will be deducted from your final award to cover your percentage of fault. California’s pure comparative negligence system allows you to recover the remaining 80% ($40,000) from the other party.
Why Should I Hire A Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Who Specifically Works On Truck Accident Cases?
The trucking industry operates under a complicated set of rules and regulations. There are many federal guidelines and state-specific laws that govern truck drivers and trucking companies. Our Los Angeles lawyers specializing in truck accidents know the ins and outs of these regulations and can ensure your case is handled with precision.
Trucking companies also have vast resources, including legal teams. Our lawyers can help you level the playing field. They have the experience and skills to face these giants head-on, ensuring your voice is heard, and your rights are protected.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers For All Los Angeles County Cases
The best truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles are right here at Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. Our skilled accident lawyers have decades of experience and know how to handle all types of truck accident cases. In addition to Los Angeles, we serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California.
We have collected over $750 million for clients across the state. We fight hard for accident victims, and we will fight hard for you, too. Call (888) 488-1391 or complete our online intake form to schedule your free consultation. The sooner you have an experienced truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles fighting on your side, the better protected your legal rights will be.
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