Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

When passenger vehicles are involved in a collision with a large commercial truck, there is a much higher likelihood that the occupants of the smaller vehicle suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. Recovering compensation after a tractor-trailer crash often requires strategic legal action. You need a Los Angeles tractor-trailer accident lawyer by your side.

The experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers at Vaziri Law Group have helped injured victims recover over $1 billion for their losses. They understand the needs of accident victims and their families and put their clients first in everything they do. Contact them today to schedule a free case consultation!

Holding Trucking Companies Liable After a Crash Caused by a Tractor-Trailer Driver

Truck drivers operating commercial trucks are often employees of a company, corporation, or agency. When an employee of a trucking company causes a crash, liability may extend beyond the driver to the company that employs them. Being able to hold the trucking company responsible can significantly increase the compensation you can recover.

Having an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will examine the evidence and determine who the liable parties may be in a tractor-trailer accident. In addition to the truck driver and the trucking company, some of the parties most commonly to blame include:

• The company responsible for providing maintenance to the truck
• The government agency responsible for maintaining the roads where the accident occurred
• The company that loaded the truck
• The truck manufacturer
• A parts manufacturer
• A third-party driver whose actions caused the collision

Factors That Lead to Tractor-Trailer Crashes

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the vast majority of deaths in large truck crashes involve occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. 

The massive size and weight of tractor-trailers can intensify the impact of a crash. The force of a collision is often severe, leading to catastrophic damage to other involved vehicles. The height of these vehicles can also lead to dangerous collisions, as smaller vehicles can get trapped beneath tractor-trailers.

In addition, braking capability can play a role in truck crashes. Compared with passenger vehicles, stopping distances for large trucks are much longer. This is often the case on wet and slippery roads or if the brake systems need to be better maintained.

Driver Fatigue

Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of tractor-trailer accidents. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations, large truck drivers must take breaks so they are not tired behind the wheel.

There are strict regulations regarding how long a driver can operate their truck before they need to take a break, how many hours they can work in a day, and how long they need to rest between shifts.

Tight delivery schedules can lead drivers to ignore these regulations, creating dangerous situations for everyone on the road. If a trucking company encourages its drivers to ignore the regulations set forth by the FMCSA, either directly or indirectly through incentive programs, the company can be held liable for a violation.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major risk for any traffic accident. However, it can be more dangerous when large truck drivers operate their rigs while distracted. Texting while driving is a contributing factor in a significant number of truck accident cases. Making a call on a handheld cell phone and reaching for an object in the truck also play a role in many crashes.

Federal laws prohibit truck drivers from texting or talking on a handheld cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. When truck drivers operate their vehicles while distracted, the consequences can be catastrophic.

After suffering injuries in an accident caused by a distracted truck driver, our experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyers in Los Angeles can help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is always dangerous, and the risk of severe damage increases when someone gets behind the wheel of a larger tractor-trailer while intoxicated. Because of this, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for commercial truck drivers is 0.04%, which is half of the limit for drivers of standard passenger vehicles.

Alcohol impairs a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities. When truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence, they pose a significant risk to everyone on the road.

Many truck accidents have been linked to drivers with illegal blood alcohol content levels. Laws and regulations prohibit commercial drivers from drinking and driving to help prevent these tragedies.

Improper Maintenance

Improper truck maintenance can lead to critical failures that cause accidents. Essential components like brakes, tires, and lights need regular checks to ensure they function properly.

When trucking companies or drivers neglect these maintenance requirements, the risk of an accident increases significantly. A poorly maintained truck is not just unreliable but also a potential hazard on the road.

Lack of Proper Training

Lack of proper training for truck drivers can lead to serious accidents. Driving a large commercial vehicle requires specialized skills acquired through comprehensive training programs.

Without adequate training, drivers may be unable to handle complex driving situations, leading to errors on the road. Trucking companies must provide thorough training to ensure their drivers are prepared for the challenges they will face.

Damages a Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help You Recover After a Crash

The value of a truck accident claim can vary greatly depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Several factors are taken into consideration when determining how much compensation you may be entitled to recover.

Here are some of the damages our tractor-trailer accident law firm can help you pursue:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for medical expenses includes past, present, and estimated future medical costs. You can claim damages for everything from emergency room visits to ongoing physical therapy and any required surgeries.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. If your ability to earn money in the future is compromised, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Calculating pain and suffering can be complex and often requires expert testimony.
• Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for repair or replacement costs. These damages are calculated based on the fair market value of the items at the time of the accident.

Punitive damages: Although less common, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions causing the accident were reckless or malicious. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Our Case Results

At Vaziri Law Group, we have a long track record of securing favorable outcomes for clients, whether through strategic settlement negotiations or aggressive courtroom advocacy. Some of our standout truck accident case results include:

• $9,250,000 box truck accident settlement: Recovered for a client who suffered life-altering injuries after a box truck driver made an abrupt and reckless U-turn, causing a violent collision. The client sustained a traumatic brain injury, severe spinal trauma, and underwent multiple surgeries with ongoing medical treatment.
• $6,500,000 tractor-trailer rear-end collision settlement: Obtained for a commercial truck driver who was hit from behind by another big rig, resulting in lasting injuries, including a mild traumatic brain injury and the need for several spinal procedures.
• $4,000,000 work truck accident settlement: Awarded to a Los Angeles client who experienced significant spinal harm when a work truck plowed into their stopped vehicle at a red light.
• $997,324 Trucking Company Accident Verdict: Won at trial for a client who suffered serious injuries in a trucking collision. This verdict was recognized as one of California’s Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts for the year.

Our strong courtroom performance against major national defense firms has helped us build a trusted referral network of medical professionals and attorneys who turn to us when a case is likely headed for litigation.

Our legal team also includes former insurance and defense attorneys, giving us valuable insight that strengthens both our negotiation strategy and our trial preparation.

Deadline for Pursuing Compensation After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

After a tractor-trailer accident in Los Angeles, California’s personal injury statute of limitations dictates how long injury victims have to file a claim. The general deadline in these cases is two years, which means that you will need to submit your lawsuit against the liable party within two years of the date of your accident.

Hiring an experienced tractor-trailer lawyer in Los Angeles soon after your crash is the best way to ensure that all deadlines are met. If you fail to file on time, you could be out of options for pursuing compensation from the liable party.

Another benefit of hiring a lawyer soon after your accident is that doing so will put you in the best position to build a strong case supporting your claim. Your lawyer will be able to collect evidence before it can become lost or corrupted and speak with witnesses before their memories of the incident begin to fade.

Pure Comparative Negligence in California

When assessing fault after a tractor-trailer accident in California, the state’s pure comparative negligence rule plays a large role. Under this rule, anyone who suffered damages in an accident is entitled to pursue compensation for their losses as long as they were not fully to blame. Even if you were 99% at fault, you can still file a claim for damages.

However, if you do share the fault for your accident, the amount you can recover will be reduced in direct proportion to your level of liability. That means that if you were 30% at fault, the most you would be able to recover would be 70% of the full value of your claim.

Using this example, if your claim is valued at $100,000, the maximum compensation you could recover would be $70,000.

What Sets Our Firm Apart

At Vaziri Law Group, we distinguish ourselves from other personal injury firms by providing truly personalized attention, employing forward-thinking technology, and having a long track record of successful outcomes. 

Our approach blends genuine human care with data-backed strategy. We will put every available resource to work on your behalf.

Here are some of the ways in which our team stands out:

• Individual, focused representation: We intentionally maintain a limited caseload so every client receives our full dedication.
• A multilingual, inclusive staff: We proudly serve Los Angeles’s diverse communities with cultural awareness and respect.
• Deep knowledge of personal injury law: Our attorneys bring more than 200 years of combined experience to every case.
• Technology-enhanced legal advocacy: From advanced case-management systems to AI-powered research and accident reconstruction software, we use cutting-edge tools to strengthen your claim.
• Proven performance in the courtroom: When litigation is necessary, we are fully prepared to fight for you at trial.
• No cost upfront: You owe nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

When major corporations put profits ahead of people, we make it our purpose to hold them responsible and to stand up for those who have been harmed as a result.

Contact Our Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers Serving Los Angeles for a Free Consultation

If you are hurt in a trucking accident, seeking medical attention should be your priority. After that, reach out to the Vaziri Law Group for legal assistance. Even injuries that seem manageable at first can have lasting consequences after a truck accident. We have a long history of success going up against big trucking companies and securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients.

With over 200 years of combined legal experience, we have the legal knowledge you need. Injured accident victims can request a free consultation by filling out the contact form on this page. Contact us today to discuss your truck accident claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Los Angeles Trailer Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you are hurt in a trucking accident, see a doctor first. Then, let Vaziri Law defend your rights. We know that even common truck accident injuries can have lifelong consequences. We have experience with truck accident cases and can hold the trucking company, truck driver, or even a third party responsible.

Injured accident victims can request a free consultation by filling out the contact form on this page.  Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident claim.