Truck accidents are among the most severe and disastrous crashes on the road. A big rig semi-truck can weigh up to 20 times what an average car weighs, meaning injuries resulting from a collision can be catastrophic. Many victims even end up losing their lives. If you or your family have suffered from a truck accident, you should know that the law is on your side.
You do not have to face medical bills, lost wages, and other costs alone. It would be best to talk to a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer. The Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at Simmrin Law Group is here to help.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles
Your truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, will evaluate the cause of your collision carefully. This way, we can identify the parties who should be held accountable for your damages and maximize the compensation you recover. With that in mind, here are some of the most common causes of LA truck accidents:
Reckless Trucking Companies
Reckless trucking companies are one of the most common causes of commercial truck wrecks in LA. Unfortunately, trucking companies often violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
For example, trucking companies might fail to do their due diligence and hire truckers with poor driving records or a history of drunk driving. Alternatively, they might force their truck drivers to violate FMCSA work-hour regulations which require truckers to take a minimum amount of time off of work between shifts and limit the amount of time they can drive per shift.
Negligent Truckers
Another top cause of truck accidents is negligent truck driving. Unfortunately, when truck drivers fail to uphold their duty to operate the 18-wheeler as safely as possible, catastrophic and fatal injuries can occur. Some of the most common ways truck drivers cause commercial collisions include:
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Following too closely
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to stop at traffic lights or stop signs
- Distracted driving
- Failure to make necessary safety inspections
- Road rage
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Making illegal turns
Your personal injury attorney will carefully investigate to determine how negligent truckers could share the blame for your damages.
Defective Truck Parts
Truck accidents can also happen when vehicle parts malfunction or are defective. Unfortunately, if the truck’s owner, the trucking company, or the truck driver fails to make necessary repairs, notify the appropriate parties of mechanical issues, or fail to conduct safety inspections, devastating injuries, and collisions can occur. It is not unusual for 18-wheelers to have issues with braking systems, tires, steering columns, and vehicle rollovers.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accident lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident
In theory, truck accidents follow the same rules of fault and liability as any other vehicle accident. The reality, however, is that trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on the road.
Truck companies and their drivers are held to very high safety standards. Even a small violation or a moment of inattention from the truck driver can cause an accident. That means that:
- It is common for the truck driver to be the one at fault.
- In many cases, the truck company itself may also bear responsibility.
- Many truck accidents involve multiple vehicles, and a third party (neither you nor the truck driver) may be at fault.
Parties such as the company that loaded the truck or the truck manufacturer could be to blame. Legally, the bottom line is that whoever was careless or negligent is liable for the accident. Never blame yourself if you are the victim of a truck accident.
Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurers do want to blame you, and they have very deep pockets. They will throw a lot of resources into avoiding responsibility. That is why an experienced truck accident lawyer will start by launching an investigation on your behalf to recover evidence of what happened before it can be lost or destroyed.
Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How Much Money Can I Win in a Truck Accident Claim?
The law gives you a right to financial recovery. You may seek two kinds of damages.
Hard Costs
The hard costs of the accident include things like medical costs, lost wages, and the projected cost of all future medical treatment. These costs include any loss of future earning potential if you cannot return to work.
General Damages
General damages are used for severe losses that do not have a dollar value but undeniably cost you something. For example, you can be awarded additional money for serious pain and suffering, mental or emotional anguish, or permanent injuries or disabilities.
The general damages in a truck accident case can be substantial and are often the most significant part of the money you will receive. Because of this, many truck accidents result in multi-million dollar settlements. It is not unusual to see settlement figures of $10 million or more.
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Trucking Companies Have Experience Fighting Lawsuits
Attempting to fight for compensation against a large trucking company on your own is not likely to have a favorable outcome. Even a small trucking company likely has faced multiple lawsuits from drivers injured in collisions with their vehicles over the years.
The company will typically have a high-priced legal team on retainer who know all the tricks to use against accident victims. They are interested in keeping their client protected, no matter how much the company may be at fault.
To level the playing field, you must hire a truck accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will be aware of all of the tactics the trucking company will attempt to use against you and how to fight back. Consulting with a Los Angeles truck accident attorney is the most critical step you can take to protect your future after a crash.
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Navigating the Aftermath of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles’s bustling streets and highways are often the sites of truck accidents, which can be more severe and complicated than typical car accidents. Understanding the unique challenges of truck accidents is vital for victims seeking justice and compensation.
The Severity of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, causing significant physical, emotional, and financial strain on victims and their families.
Legal Challenges in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases involve complex legal issues, including determining liability among multiple parties like truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers. Navigating these legal intricacies requires specialized knowledge and experience in truck accident law.
Economic Impact on Victims
Victims of truck accidents often face substantial economic burdens, including medical bills, lost income, and the need for long-term care. The financial impact can be devastating, especially if the victim is the primary breadwinner for their family.
The Importance of Expert Legal Representation
Given the complexity of truck accident cases, having an expert legal representative is crucial. A skilled attorney can help navigate the legal system, deal with insurance companies, and ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their losses.
Local Resources in Los Angeles for Truck Accident Victims
Los Angeles offers several resources for truck accident victims:
- Los Angeles Courthouses: Stanley Mosk Courthouse (111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: +1 213-830-0803), Metropolitan Courthouse (1945 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Phone: +1 213-745-3201).
- Police Stations: Los Angeles Police Department (100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: +1 877-275-5273), LAPD – West Los Angeles Station (1663 Butler Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025, Phone: +1 310-444-0702).
- Hospitals: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, Phone: +1 310-423-3277), UCLA Medical Center (757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, Phone: +1 310-825-9111).
- Auto Repair Shops: West Coast Body and Paint (5040 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, Phone: +1 818-785-2639), Quality Auto Body & Paint (7818 Wilkerson Ct, San Diego, CA 92111, Phone: +1 858-277-7713).
Leveraging these local resources, alongside expert legal guidance, can significantly aid in the recovery and compensation process for truck accident victims in Los Angeles.
What if My Loved One Was Killed in a Truck Accident?
That is a terrible loss, and we sympathize with what you and your family are going through. Unfortunately, we have worked with many families in this situation. We know that no settlement can possibly make up for it.
Our goal is to win your case to get some sense of justice for your family and to make sure you and your loved ones are financially stable in the aftermath of the accident. Legally, when someone gets killed in an accident, their family has all the same rights that the victim themselves would have if they were alive. That means you can recover the money you need, including all medical and other expenses.
Additionally, you have a right to other damages as well:
- Final costs, such as funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship if a spouse has passed away
- Loss of earning potential if the deceased was a breadwinner
This money can never undo what happened. We hope that it will help you find closure and be able to move forward without financial loss.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Cost?
At the Simmrin Law Group, we do not believe in billing injury victims for money they do not have. We have a policy against charging out-of-pocket fees to our truck accident clients. Instead, we prioritize getting you the legal help you need.
Our truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay us only if we win you money. Under our policy:
- You can consult with us for free.
- You do not need to worry about “billable hours” if you call us with questions.
- You pay nothing while we work on your case.
- If we fail to win you money, you will not owe us a thing.
If we win you money, we get paid a percentage of the total amount recovered while you keep the lion’s share. We believe this is a risk-free way to provide you with professional legal representation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
After a truck accident in California, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. If you fail to file within this time frame, you will likely lose your right to claim compensation. You should also note that under particular circumstances, the amount of time you have to file can be significantly reduced.
To ensure that you do not miss any deadlines, you should hire a Los Angeles truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Not only will hiring a lawyer early help you avoid missing due dates, but it will also put them in the best position to build a strong case on your behalf.
Talk to a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
Truck accidents are severe, painful, and life-altering. You should not have to face the aftermath of someone else’s negligence alone. Let a respected Los Angeles truck accident lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group shield you and talk to the insurance companies on your behalf.
We will investigate the crash, assemble hard evidence, and ensure you get all the medical care you need, along with the money to pay for it. Let us give you a free consultation to get you started. Please fill out our online contact form or call us and get your free consultation today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
