Sherman Oaks Truck Accident Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Dedicated Sherman Oaks Accident Attorneys Turn Injured Victims Into Victors
An average sedan weighs about 3,000 pounds, while a fully loaded big rig weighs around 80,000 pounds. A collision between them usually results in devastating damage, especially to the smaller vehicle. If you got injured or a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. Call the Sherman Oaks truck accident attorneys from Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation and to know what your legal options are.
Freeway 405 and US Route 101 (Ventura Freeway) see hundreds of delivery and cargo trucks, big rigs, and tankers every day. Motorists traveling these freeways that border the Sherman Oaks neighborhood in Los Angeles should take extra precautions, as truck accidents can occur at any time.
Our law firm, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has an irrefutable record of success in personal injury cases. Arash Law has helped more than 3,000 clients recover over $500 Million worth of compensation. We’ll back you up on your case, too.
Settlement in motor vehicle collision involving commercial truck; client suffered spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Hire Our Truck Accident Attorneys In Sherman Oaks
Our attorneys have vast experience in the personal injury field, including handling truck accident cases. Our track record only proves that we successfully resolve 99% of the cases we take on, from simple car collisions to complex truck accidents, including those that other law firms have rejected.
We are also expert negotiators. Our lawyers will handle negotiations with the at-fault party and insurance companies. Insurers will try to lowball their offers, but we know their tactics and can protect your right to fair compensation. If the negotiations fall through, our litigation attorneys will take your case to court.
Moreover, our team can help you gather vital pieces of evidence. Sometimes, it’s hard to get copies of police reports or CCTV footage, but we can expedite the process. We can also talk to witnesses and get their statements to back up your claim further.
Reach out to our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers specializing in truck accidents now. You can fill out our contact form to get your case reviewed for free.
Cases Our Sherman Oaks Truck Accident Lawyers Handle
We handle accidents involving semi-trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large 18-wheeler vehicles. Our dedicated attorneys represent victims and their families in their legal disputes with truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance providers.
If you are looking for experienced truck accident attorneys in Sherman Oaks, seek those who have successfully handled the following cases and more:
Head-On Truck Accidents
Head-on collisions happen when the front end of a truck collides with the front end of another vehicle. These accidents often result in fatalities, especially in smaller vehicles.
A head-on truck accident is considered the scariest and deadliest type of crash. A truck's impact and weight are often too much for even an airbag to withstand, almost ensuring a victim's untimely death.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
A jackknife accident happens with any commercial vehicle that has two separate parts: the cab and the trailer. Tractor trailers or big rigs often get into these types of accidents.
When a driver loses control or abruptly hits the brakes, the trailer can swing to the side, creating a V-shape with the cab. When the trailer swings, it has the potential to collide with nearby vehicles, resulting in multiple vehicle accidents and heavy traffic jams.
Moreover, jackknifing trucks could result in T-bone accidents if the rear-end vehicles slam into the derailed trailer. This way, a T-bone crash can be as deadly as a head-on collision.
Rear-Impact Truck Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents occur when a truck collides with the back of the vehicle in front of it. The common reason for this accident is tailgating or distracted drivers not braking in time.
Rear-end collisions are not typically serious for smaller vehicles. But because of the truck’s weight and size, its effect can easily be catastrophic, especially when the driver is also speeding.
Rollover Truck Accidents
Overspeeding on curved roads is the usual cause of a truck rollover. The truck leans away from the curved road because of centrifugal force and the weight of the trailer. An accident involving a truck rolling over affects nearby vehicles. In some cases, the truck can crush other cars and the occupants inside.
Sideswipe Truck Accidents
A sideswipe accident happens when the side of the truck hits or scrapes the side of another vehicle. It is less lethal compared to the accidents mentioned above but could still result in serious injuries to the other vehicle’s occupants.
In addition to causing severe injuries to people, sideswipes can cause massive damage to smaller vehicles because trucks are bigger and made of stronger materials. If you find yourself harmed due to a big rig accident, our truck accident lawyers in Sherman Oaks can advise you on how to proceed with your claim, regardless of what type of accident you were in.
What Are The Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers often make mistakes, which are the primary cause of truck accidents on the road. Our attorneys in Sherman Oaks come across the following factors that contribute to truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
Most trucking trips are between states and can last several days. As truckers spend most of their time on the road, they inevitably experience fatigue due to a lack of sleep. The exhaustion makes them more prone to errors, despite their experience driving bigger vehicles.
When a driver is tired, he may fall asleep at the wheel, especially when on a straight highway with few vehicles. Even a microsleep can get a driver into an accident with devastating consequences.
Each year, at least 328,000 drowsy or fatigued driving accidents occur, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). About 109,000 of those accidents resulted in injuries, while 6,400 were fatal.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of motor vehicle accidents in the entire United States. Distractions can remove the driver’s focus on driving safely. They also affect a driver’s reaction time.
Truck drivers may be more susceptible to getting distracted as they need to keep themselves awake after long hours of driving. Thus, more truckers are using their cell phones to:
- Browse social media
- Watch videos
- Select music to listen to
- Call or text someone
- Check maps or GPS
Similarly, truckers can get distracted by various factors other than their phones. These include:
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Looking at outdoor advertisements
- Checking for stalled vehicles or accidents on the other side of the road
Speeding
Due to their size and weight, larger blind spots, and longer braking distances, trucks are only allowed to cruise at 55 mph in California, despite the 65 mph speed limit. It is further decreased to 45 mph during poor weather conditions. Reducing their speed helps prevent accidents.
Maintaining the required speed can save innocent lives. Speeding affects a driver’s reaction time to hazardous situations that can lead to accidents. For example, maintaining proper speed can avoid rear-end collisions as drivers can stop on time.
Impaired Driving
In California, operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or more is illegal, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Alcohol can impair a driver’s coordination, cognitive skills, and decision-making.
A total of 13,384 fatalities were reported in auto accidents involving drunk drivers in the United States in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Meanwhile, at the state level, California had 1,370 alcohol-impaired fatalities in 2021, as per the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
Traffic Law Violations
Even professional truck drivers intentionally disobey traffic laws to make their jobs easier but at the expense of other motorists’ safety. Making illegal turns, not using their signals, running red lights, and not yielding the right of way are some of the offenses truckers can commit.
Several years ago, we represented a motorcycle rider-client who was severely injured as a result of a truck driver's illegal turn. Our client was awarded $5 Million in compensation after we won the case.
We also had a client who suffered a brain injury after a truck hit him in a crosswalk while he was walking. The truck driver even blamed him for using his phone while walking. Our client received $5 million in damages after the court found the driver's alibi to be absurd.
Inexperienced Truck Drivers
Truck drivers must obtain a special license called a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). It usually comes with a truck driver's training course to ensure road safety.
However, some truckers may pass all the requirements but still lack experience on the road, especially with heavier truckloads. Such inexperience can result in the accidents mentioned before.
To solve this concern, new truck drivers should handle lighter loads before handling 18-wheelers and tankers that are more difficult to maneuver. Moreover, trucking companies should give them regular training.
Contact our Sherman Oaks truck accident attorneys if you believe a negligent truck driver caused your injury. We will bring them and other responsible individuals to justice.
Most Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
Lacerations and contusions are among the most common injuries associated with truck accidents. However, we also had clients who suffered life-threatening injuries and needed more time for recovery. In the event your initial medical assessment is inadequate, our truck accident lawyers can connect you with the best medical experts in Sherman Oaks.
Among the severe injuries we have encountered are:
Health-wise, if you suffer an injury in a truck incident, you should seek medical attention for a full assessment, as some injuries are not immediately evident. Seeing a doctor at once will also ensure your safety in the long run.
Call our Sherman Oaks truck accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391; they will help get your medical bills paid. Our lawyers are committed to holding the at-fault party responsible for your injuries and other damages.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident In Sherman Oaks
In the event of a truck-related accident, your safety must always be the top priority. Here are nine steps you can follow after a crash:
- If you can, move to a safer location, preferably along the roadside. Move your car, if possible, to the side to avoid traffic jams. Call 911 and wait for the authorities.
- Locate any pain or soreness in your body. Check for wounds, fractures, and any other injuries. Seek immediate medical attention once EMTs arrive.
- Call the cops even if the injury or damage to your vehicle seems minor. A police report is a must when filing a claim.
- Never admit fault or say sorry to anyone. Apologizing may be deemed an admission of guilt and may put your claim at risk.
- Get the truck driver’s information, including their complete name, phone number, address, and insurance details. Take photos of their IDs as well.
- Take photos or videos of your injuries, car damage, and surroundings. This visual evidence can be used in your claim.
- Find available eyewitnesses. Get their personal information and permission to testify.
- It is important to seek further medical attention so you can fully assess your health condition. A medical record will be just as important as a police report for your claim.
- Seek legal advice from our truck accident lawyers in Sherman Oaks to protect your rights and assist you in your claim process.
To reduce your stress, our personal injury attorneys can help you collect other essential evidence, submit your claims, and manage your case on your behalf.
What Compensation Can I Receive After A Truck Accident?
As an injury victim, you may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages. These include medical fees and emotional distress.
Economic damage is anything that is quantifiable and has a monetary value, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost salary wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Property damages
- Household services
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damage refers to loss or damage that does not have an exact monetary value. They are:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of pleasure in activities
- Loss of companionship
- Worsening of previous injuries
Although non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify, we can calculate their financial value based on their severity and impact.
Our attorneys can assist you in recovering all the damages and losses you sustained after your truck accident in Sherman Oaks. In addition to helping you secure them, we will do our best to ensure you get the maximum amount.
Determining Liability After A Truck Accident
In order for the injured victim to claim the available compensation, he or she must prove the negligence or strict liability of the other party.
Negligence
Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care in any circumstances resulting in injury, damage to property, or death.
For example, a truck is approaching a crosswalk on Clark Street on Kester Avenue when the stop light turns red. Vehicles stop, but the truck keeps going and eventually runs over a pedestrian. Because the driver failed to stop like other vehicles to give way to pedestrians, the trucker is responsible in this case.
To prove negligence, our injury law firm in Sherman Oaks, specializing in truck accidents, need to establish these four elements:
- Duty Of Care – Truck drivers must act with reasonable care and follow traffic rules to avoid harming others.
- Breach Of Duty – Violating traffic rules or actions, such as speeding and aggressive driving, is a breach of that duty.
- Causation – The driver’s negligence directly caused the accident that injured the victim.
- Damages – These are the losses the victims are suffering from.
Strict Liability
On the other hand, strict liability is when an individual is automatically liable without proving negligence.
One example is when a defective part causes an accident. The manufacturer of that part can be held accountable, whether they intended for the component to malfunction or not.
If you have questions regarding negligence and strict liability, contact our Sherman Oaks truck accident attorneys. We will explain these concepts further in relation to your case.
Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident?
Whenever a truck accident occurs, it is common to assess the driver’s liability first. But aside from the driver, some other parties may have indirect involvement in an incident. These are:
Trucking Company
Every trucking company is responsible for maintaining a high standard of service for its clients and the general public to ensure satisfaction and safety.
In line with this, the trucking company is responsible for:
- Training its drivers about road safety rules regularly
- Inspecting its trucks before and after trips
- Ensuring its drivers are not alcohol- or drug-impaired on trips
- Ensuring all its units are insured
- Ensuring all its drivers are qualified and licensed
If the truckers get into an accident, their employers could also be held liable for their misconduct. Therefore, companies must comply with government-mandated standards to prevent any accidents.
Manufacturer
Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their trucks are free of any defects before releasing them. They should recall defective units and replace them with quality ones.
Maintenance Company
The majority of trucking businesses outsource their units’ repairs to third-party maintenance companies to save costs in terms of labor and equipment. It is the responsibility of maintenance companies to diagnose any possible problems with the trucks, replace any damaged parts, or repair them to ensure that they are roadworthy.
By failing to do these tasks, they can be deemed negligent in the event of a truck accident and may be liable for any injuries or damage sustained by the victims.
Driver’s Liability
The trucker is liable for an incident that occurs because of his reckless behavior, such as drinking and driving.
Knowing whether the truck belongs to a trucking company or whether the driver himself owns it is also essential. People sometimes hire independent contractors to deliver their products. If the driver gets into an accident and also owns the truck, he may be solely liable for the victim’s injuries and property damage.
Although there is no law prohibiting a truck accident victim from independently filing a claim, it is best to consult a lawyer from the beginning. The entire process is long, tedious, stressful, and often involves multiple parties, making it harder for victims to focus on their recovery.
Since we have managed hundreds of truck accident cases, our Sherman Oaks lawyers can do all the groundwork for you.
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Claim?
Injured victims only have two years to file a claim, according to California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Consult a lawyer immediately after the incident to prevent any technical forfeiture. Doing so also avoids having to worry about all the paperwork and being stressed out by left and right calls from the at-fault party’s insurer.
Hire our Sherman Oaks injury attorneys for truck accidents, who can assist you during the entire claim process. If you need help deciding, we have almost a thousand client testimonials. Our past clients can attest to our excellent customer service and work ethics.
Truck Accident Statistics
According to the NSC, there were 5,700 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2021. This is an 18% increase from the previous year. The number also represented 9% of all fatal vehicle crashes. Additionally, California had the second-highest number of fatalities in large truck crashes in 2021, with 437 deaths.
Meanwhile, 117,300 trucks were involved in accidents that led to injuries. Most of the injuries were caused by occupants of other vehicles, followed by truck occupants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
The Trucking Company’s Insurer Offered Me A Settlement. Should I Take It?
Avoid accepting any offers without consulting a lawyer first. The first offer from an insurance company might seem too good to pass up. However, that amount is often a lowball. The value of your injury is typically far greater than what any insurer will offer.
In our decades of helping accident victims, we have found that insurance companies always offer an undervalued amount. In some instances, insurers inform our clients that they are ineligible for claims because they were at fault.
Aside from shouldering all the legwork so you can focus on your rehabilitation, our other role in this partnership is to prevent you from accepting any lowball offers. We always aim to secure the highest compensation.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
The settlement amount varies from case to case. No case is the same, and every truck accident circumstance is unique based on our experience. However, some factors could affect your settlement. These factors include your age, the kind of injury, the impact of the injury on your daily life, and your capacity to support your family after the truck incident.
To give you an example, our client, who is a middle-aged woman, got rear-ended by a well-known delivery company and suffered back and neck injuries. To evade their responsibility, the trucking company blamed our client for her weight and pre-existing health condition. Despite their allegations, we still won $1.1 million.
If you want to know more about the potential value of your Sherman Oaks truck accident claim, speak with our lawyers. We will tell you if you have a viable case as well as an estimate of your compensation claim after reviewing your case.
Contact The Best Truck Accident Attorneys Sherman Oaks Has To Offer!
We have handled a number of truck accident cases, so we understand how traumatic those incidents can be for the victims and their families. Injured clients turn to Arash Law and trust in our firm’s ability to handle sensitive cases. Our lawyers will work with you on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe us anything if we do not win. This guarantees everyone can get quality legal assistance, regardless of their economic status.
Use our “Do I have a case?” form to book your free initial consultation with our Sherman Oaks truck accident attorneys. You can also call us now at (888) 488-1391.
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