Truck drivers, trucking companies, and corporations that operate large trucks to transport goods in Los Angeles and across state lines have a legal duty to ensure they follow all safety procedures and exercise due care in the operation of these vehicles.
Statistics have consistently shown us that when a large, 80,000-pound truck strikes a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the passenger vehicle are the ones who tend to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Because trucking accidents are always critical, you might wonder what to do next. At the Vaziri Law Group, our experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer is here to help you. Learn more about commercial truck accidents below. Then, contact our truck accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation.
Table Of Contents
- What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident in Los Angeles
- Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Reviews Examples of Truck Accidents: Assigning Blame
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
- Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Los Angeles
- How an Experienced Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
- Contact Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident from our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Several steps are critical if you have been involved in a Los Angeles truck accident. These measures are crucial for protecting your rights and strengthening your claim.
Get Medical Attention
If you have been injured in a large truck accident in Los Angeles, you must see a doctor to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. While most severe injuries are apparent, you may not realize the full extent of the damage.
The stress of a traumatic event could mask some drastic symptoms. Prompt medical attention and care can lead you to better health and create a trail of records and documentation integral to a successful truck accident injury claim.
Report the Trucking Accident
Soon after the accident, you should report the accident to the appropriate authorities. If your accident occurred within city limits, report it to the police agency that has jurisdiction. If your truck accident occurred on the freeway, inform the California Highway Patrol office that serves the area.
You should file an official crash report and get a copy of the report for your records.
Obtain Evidence and Documentation
Evidence and documentation are needed to substantiate and prove your truck accident injury claim. Some of the most important evidence must be obtained immediately after the crash. These include truck driver logs, vehicle maintenance logs, driver's cell phone logs, photographs and videos from the scene, contact information for witnesses, and other information about the truck driver and trucking company, including driving records, insurance details, and so on.
Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Reviews Examples of Truck Accidents: Assigning Blame
Here are some Los Angeles truck accident scenarios that result in personal injury and negligence claims:
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When a truck driver causes an accident because he or she is fatigued and failed to follow the federal Hours of Service rules that require truckers to take set rest breaks to prevent exhaustion and drowsy driving.
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When speeding or unsafe driving on the truck driver's part causes a major truck or car accident.
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When a truck driver operates the truck under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, it causes an accident.
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When a trucking firm employs drivers who lack experience, the accident is caused by inexperience and/or incompetence.
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When improperly loaded trailers cause a jackknifing accident and result in other car or motorcycle crashes with serious injuries.
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A trucking firm fails to maintain its fleet properly, and the accident results from equipment failure.
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When a distracted truck driver causes a car or pedestrian accident resulting in injuries.
Truck accident cases typically have their basis in the theory of negligence. To hold a truck driver, trucking firm, or other responsible parties financially liable for your accident and injuries, you, as the plaintiff, must be able to show that the individual's or entity's careless or reckless actions caused the accident.
To prove negligence in a commercial truck accident case, plaintiffs must show that the truck driver, trucking firm, or other responsible party owed you a duty of care, that they breached or violated this duty of care, that this breach caused your accident and injuries; and that you suffered damages as a result.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
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Driver fatigue . Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue despite regulations aiming to limit driving hours. Exhaustion impairs reaction time and decision-making, increasing the risk of accidents considerably. The FMCSA holds truck drivers to strict hour limits.
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Improper loading . Incorrectly loaded or overloaded trucks can lead to loss of control, especially during maneuvers like turning or braking. An unbalanced load might shift, causing the truck to tip over or jackknife.
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Inadequate maintenance . Failure to regularly service and maintain commercial trucks can lead to critical mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts. These maintenance issues are preventable causes that can lead to violent accidents.
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Speeding and reckless driving . Pressure to meet delivery deadlines can prompt truck drivers to drive recklessly or speedily. This behavior reduces their ability to react to road hazards and stop in time to avoid collisions.
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Driving under the influence . Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs , which dramatically increases the likelihood of causing a serious accident. This reckless decision endangers not only the truck driver but all road users.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
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Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) . TBIs can occur when the head is suddenly and violently hit or when an object pierces the skull. These brain injuries can range from mild concussions to acute brain damage.
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Spinal cord injuries . Damage to the spinal cord can lead to major nerve damage, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require long-term treatment and can be life-altering.
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Broken bones . The immense force of truck accidents can easily break bones. Victims may require multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy to recover.
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Lacerations and bruises . Shattered glass, metal fragments, and the sheer force of impact can cause deep cuts and severe bruising. These injuries can lead to substantial blood loss and may require surgical intervention.
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Internal injuries . Organs may be damaged by the collision or by penetrating objects during a truck accident. Such injuries are extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
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Burn injuries . Fires can occur if a truck's fuel tank is compromised during an accident. Burns require immediate treatment and can result in permanent disfigurement.
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Emotional and psychological trauma . Beyond physical injuries, many truck accident victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to the traumatic nature of the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Several parties could potentially be liable for a Los Angeles truck accident. However, it might come down to the trucking firm in many cases. Even if the accident occurred as a result of the truck driver's negligence, in addition to the driver, the trucking company could also be held liable because the driver was working at the time.
This is known as "vicarious liability," where trucking companies are held liable for their drivers' reckless or negligent actions. Trucking companies can also be held liable in cases where a truck, for example, loses its brakes and crashes into other vehicles due to a lack of proper vehicle maintenance.
In some cases, where a truck defect caused an accident, the manufacturer of the truck or the defective part can also be held liable. An experienced Los Angeles truck accident law lawyer can help you determine the parties that can be held responsible for your injuries and damages, which is often a complex task.
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Los Angeles
A common question most injured truck accident victims ask is what their claim might be worth. The answer will vary depending on each case and its facts and circumstances. The value of a truck accident claim will also likely depend on the nature and severity of your injuries and the level of negligence by other individuals and entities.
For example, a victim who has suffered a catastrophic injury such as limb amputation in a big rig accident will typically receive a larger settlement than someone who has suffered relatively minor injuries.
Here are some of the damages you can claim as part of your truck accident case:
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Medical expenses, including the cost of future treatment, care, and rehabilitation
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Lost income and loss of earning capacity
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Property damage
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Permanent injuries and disabilities
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Punitive damages
How an Experienced Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Truck accident claims can be extremely complex because of the various federal and state laws that could affect your case . A knowledgeable Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can help investigate your claim and help you compile the evidence you need to prove negligence and hold the at-fault parties accountable for your losses.
The experienced truck accident lawyers at the Vaziri Law Group work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge you fees if we win your case and obtain compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Immediately after a truck accident, ensure your safety, then call 911 to report the accident and receive necessary medical attention. Document the accident scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses if you can safely do so.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?
In a truck accident case, liability can extend to the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the truck's parts if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help identify all liable parties.
Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a truck accident?
Yes, you can claim compensation for non-economic damages, including emotional distress, pain, and suffering. These damages acknowledge the mental and physical pain caused by the accident.
What if the truck driver was not at fault?
Even if the truck driver was not at fault, other factors, such as faulty truck parts or improper loading by a third party, could lead to liability claims against manufacturers or contractors. A thorough investigation will determine all contributing factors and potential defendants.
Contact Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
Large truck accidents can lead to major injuries in Los Angeles, CA, even at low speeds. The Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer at the Vaziri Law Group is here to fight for you. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.