The continuing rise in online shopping has led to a substantial increase in delivery trucks in our neighborhoods, streets, and freeways. With the rise in delivery trucks for companies such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS, and DHL, there has been a corresponding increase in delivery truck accidents. After a crash, a Los Angeles delivery truck accident lawyer can help.
At Vaziri Law Group, our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers are prepared to represent you during settlement negotiations and at trial. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients through negotiated settlements and court verdicts. Learn more about what we can do to help you by contacting us today and scheduling a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents involving deliveries can happen for all types of reasons. Lack of sufficient training, distractions, and tight deadlines often contribute to delivery truck accidents. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you determine the cause of the crash so you can begin the process of pursuing compensation.
Here are some of the most common causes of delivery truck accidents:
Sudden Stops
When a delivery truck driver makes a sudden stop, they might cause another vehicle to rear-end the truck. These types of crashes often occur when a truck driver looking for a delivery address comes to a sudden stop. In such cases, the delivery truck driver could be liable for causing the rear-end collision.
Sudden Turns
Truck drivers who are constantly under pressure to deliver under tight schedules could make sudden turns that result in collisions at street intersections. Such movements could also cause serious injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
Backing Up
Larger delivery trucks, in particular, often have large blind spots, resulting in collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists while backing up.
Parking Brake
Some delivery truck accidents occur when a driver, in a rush to deliver the items, forgets to engage the parking brake before exiting the vehicle. The truck could roll back and cause significant damage to others on the roadway.
Improperly Secured Loads
If the goods are not properly secured or if the truck is overloaded, the driver may lose control of the truck. Items that fall off the truck pose a serious hazard to other drivers.
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We Can Help You File an Insurance Claim
After a delivery truck accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and confusing. Our experienced Los Angeles delivery truck wreck lawyers can handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf, helping ensure your rights are protected.
We understand the tactics that insurance companies might use to minimize their payouts. Our goal is to make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve for any damages and injuries. Filing an insurance claim involves several steps and requires detailed documentation.
We will help you gather all necessary documents, such as medical records, repair bills, and income loss verification, to support your claim. Our team will negotiate with the insurance companies to seek a fair settlement. We are prepared to work for a better outcome if the insurance company’s offer is too low.
We Can File a Personal Injury Lawsuit on Your Behalf
If the insurance claim does not fully cover all your losses, or the delivery company’s negligence was significant, we can file a personal injury lawsuit for you. A lawsuit may allow you to recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not typically covered by insurance.
Our lawyers are skilled in litigating delivery truck accident cases and are selective in the cases we take on, keeping a manageable caseload, so we can provide each client with personalized care.
We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept to provide dedicated, high-level support to each client.
We start by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts to build a strong argument.
We will handle all legal filings, court appearances, and negotiations with the opposing parties. Our team will keep you informed at every step, helping ensure you understand your legal options and the progress of your case. We are committed to achieving your best possible outcome through a personal injury lawsuit.
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Recovering Damages
The injuries and damages that occur as a result of a collision between a delivery truck and a passenger vehicle can be severe. Such a traumatic event could result in substantial physical, emotional, and financial hardship.
Here are some of the damages you may be able to receive after a delivery truck accident:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of future medical care
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage and property loss
- Disabilities
- Permanent injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Our goal is to maximize your truck accident claim. We focus on ensuring our clients receive the personalized attention they need. We limit the number of cases we take on to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
California’s Statute of Limitations
California has a statute of limitations under which you need to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. The clock for your deadline to sue starts ticking on the day the delivery truck accident occurs. Not filing your truck accident lawsuit before this deadline can result in you not being able to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses.
Our legal team can help you secure the crash report and other crucial evidence necessary to strengthen and substantiate your case. We will also help you file the lawsuit within the deadline to ensure your rights are protected and your damages are accurately calculated.
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California Vehicle Code 17150
California Vehicle Code Section 17150 states: “Every owner of a motor vehicle is liable and responsible for death or injury to person or property resulting from a negligent or wrongful act or omission in the operation of the motor vehicle, in the business of the owner or otherwise, by any person using or operating the same with the permission, express or implied, of the owner.”
This essentially means that an employer is responsible for the actions of their employees during the time of their employment. For example, if a person is employed as a delivery truck driver and causes a crash that results in injury to another person, the truck’s owner/operator can be held liable and can therefore be sued for compensation by the injured victims.
Determining Liability in a Delivery Truck Accident Case
There are a number of parties who can be held liable for a delivery truck accident, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Identifying all of the liable parties is crucial for recovering the full value of your claim.
The Delivery Truck Driver
If the driver of the delivery truck is an independent contractor as opposed to an employee of the delivery company, you may be able to sue the driver individually. The other driver’s insurance company might offer you a settlement.
Your Los Angeles delivery truck accident attorney can help you pursue additional avenues of compensation. Truck driver fatigue, drunk driving, and distracted driving can play a role in truck crashes.
The Delivery Company
A delivery company can be held liable for the actions of its employees. If a driver who is employed with a trucking firm or corporation causes an accident because of his or her negligence or wrongdoing, the injured victim can bring claims against the company in addition to bringing claims against the at-fault truck driver.
In California, the employer is vicariously liable for employees’ negligence and wrongdoing if those acts are committed within the scope of employment. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyer is ready to protect your rights.
A Third Party
In some delivery truck accidents, a third party, such as another driver, a roadway maintenance crewmember, a governmental entity, or a vehicle/product manufacturer, may be liable for the truck crash.
In such cases, the injured victims would sue the third party. Depending on the specifics of the situation, a lawsuit against a third party may be taken in addition to legal action against the delivery truck driver or delivery company.
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Our Case Results
At Vaziri Law Group, we’ve delivered substantial victories for our clients through both negotiated settlements and courtroom litigation. A few of our notable results in truck accident cases include:
- $9,250,000 Box Truck Accident Settlement: Achieved on behalf of a client who sustained catastrophic injuries after a box truck driver executed a sudden and careless U-turn, triggering a serious crash. The victim suffered a traumatic brain injury, extensive spinal damage, and required multiple surgeries with continuing medical care.
- $6,500,000 Tractor-Trailer Rear-End Collision Settlement: Obtained for a commercial truck driver who endured long-term injuries, including a mild TBI and the need for several spinal procedures, after being struck from behind by another tractor-trailer.
- $4,000,000 Work Truck Accident Settlement: Recovered for a client in Los Angeles who suffered major spinal injuries when a work truck slammed into their vehicle while they were stopped at a red light.
- $997,324 Trucking Company Accident Verdict: Secured a jury award for a client badly injured in a trucking collision. Our outcome in this case was recognized as one of California’s Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts.
Our reputation for success in the courtroom against large national defense firms has led to the creation of a referral network of doctors and other lawyers who will send clients our way if it seems their case will require litigation.
Our team includes lawyers who have previously worked for insurance companies and defense firms. This well-rounded experience helps us during negotiations and at trial.
Protect Your Rights After a Delivery Truck Accident in Los Angeles
After a delivery truck accident, do not discuss your case with the trucking company or an investigator for the company’s insurance provider. It is in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Los Angeles delivery truck accident lawyer who will look out for you and protect your legal rights every step of the way.
Our diverse team is committed to helping people of various backgrounds handle their legal issues. We know that the challenges you face can vary depending on your history and any language barrier you may face, which is why we have cultivated a team of multilingual legal professionals.
Pure Comparative Negligence in California
Due to California’s comparative negligence law, even if you were partly at fault, you might still be eligible for compensation. As long as you were not solely responsible, you will likely be eligible to pursue some money to help cover your losses.
However, the amount you will be able to recover will be reduced in direct proportion to your level of liability. For example, if your claim is worth $100,000 and you were 80% at fault, the most you would be able to recover would be $20,000. We can help assess your situation and determine the possible impact your fault will have on your compensation.
What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Los Angeles Delivery Truck Accident?
Being involved in a delivery truck accident in Los Angeles can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps after the incident can protect your rights and help you build a strong case if you need to file a claim.
Whether you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, or both, knowing what to do immediately following the accident can help protect your rights and your ability to recover damages.
Move to Safety
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and prevent further accidents.
Call the Police
Contact law enforcement as soon as possible so they can come to the scene and create an accident report. This report will be necessary if you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Exchange Information
Swap contact and insurance information with the delivery truck driver and any other drivers involved in the crash. Be sure to get the truck driver’s employer information as well.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, and road conditions. These photos can provide important evidence for your claim.
Gather Witnesses
If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information. They may be able to provide statements that support your version of the events.
Contact a Los Angeles Delivery Truck Crash Lawyer
Before speaking to insurance companies, consult a Los Angeles delivery truck accident attorney. A lawyer can guide you on how to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Common Injuries in Delivery Truck Accident Cases
An accident involving a delivery truck could result in major or even catastrophic injuries, including:
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries that affect the back or neck, which could result in paralysis
- Serious bone breaks or fractures that could require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing treatment
- Burn injuries that could cause scarring and disfigurement
- Torso and limb injuries, including amputations
- Internal organ injuries that could prove fatal
- Emotional and mental health issues, from depression and anxiety to PTSD, which could require counseling or long-term therapy
The medical care you need in the aftermath of a delivery truck accident might also include emergency room care, hospital admissions, pain medications, medical equipment, and rehabilitative therapy. These are all damages and losses that should be included in your delivery truck accident case.
Choosing the Right Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me
Finding a lawyer who understands the legal challenges of your case can make all the difference. You want an attorney with a history of winning cases similar to your own. You should also choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable. At the Vaziri Law Group, we have over 200 years of combined legal experience and provide personalized advocacy to all of our clients.
We will use all available tools to help you recover maximum compensation for your losses, including employing the latest technological advancements, such as relevant AI tools. Contact our diverse and multilingual team today to schedule a free case consultation with our client-focused team.