Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are a severe and dangerous variety of traffic incidents that involve commercial vehicles. These motorized road vehicles are used for transporting goods or paying passengers; they include 18-wheelers, tankers, freight trucks, semi-trucks, delivery trucks, garbage trucks, tour buses, and other large commercial transport vehicles.
Los Angeles is a major port city and, thus, a transportation center for trucking. Thousands of trucks enter and leave the area daily, raising the risk of a traffic accident with smaller vehicles. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 117,000 trucks were involved in injury collisions in 2021, an increase of 12 percent from the previous year.
Unfortunately, when large commercial trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, it is the occupants of the smaller vehicles who are at the most significant risk for injury or death. Per the NSC, these occupants comprise 72 percent of truck accident deaths.
If you were injured in a truck accident in the greater Los Angeles area, you are likely facing an extended path to recovery. You may be unable to work, and your medical bills may already be piling up. You may be worried about how you will make ends meet and how you will pay for the medical care you need.
Atoyan Law can help. Our team of Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can provide the legal guidance you need when seeking the compensation you deserve. We know how to advocate for the rights of injury victims effectively and can build robust personal injury claims on your behalf.
Request a confidential consultation with our Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney.
Call Atoyan Law at +1 (213) 807 0077 or connect with us on our contact form.
Causes of Car Accidents in Southern California:
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and other motorists, complicating the determination of fault. This means various insurers may have liability, adding complexity. State and federal trucking regulations also come into play, often requiring comprehensive investigation.
Some of the typical causes of truck accidents include:
Each of these factors requires careful consideration and thorough investigation to establish liability.
Get The Representation You Deserve - Call us now to get a free 20-minute consultation with a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney by calling a team member at +1 (213) 807 0077 or connect with us on our contact form.
Put Atoyan Law on Your Side
Given the complexities and challenges that arise in the aftermath of a truck accident, the services of experienced personal injury lawyers are crucial.
Our law firm can help you navigate the daunting legal terrain, gather and analyze evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights. We can work to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, future predicted medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident, you deserve compensation for your losses. Let our competent team fight for that justice while you focus on restoring your life.
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We serve Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita. Our services are available in English, Armenian, Russian, and Spanish.
Some Legal Insights:
The size and weight of large commercial trucks directly threaten occupants in smaller vehicles. A typical passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds, while a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This disparity in size and weight can lead to devastating consequences in a collision.
The physical magnitude of a commercial truck significantly affects its ability to slow, stop, and maneuver. Typically, the heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes for it to come to a complete stop. A fully loaded semi-truck can be 20 times heavier than a standard passenger vehicle, which means it needs a much greater distance to stop, especially at high speeds or in wet or slippery conditions.
This stopping distance can be further exacerbated by the condition of the truck's brakes, the slope of the road, and the weight of the truck's cargo.
Large commercial trucks cannot navigate turns, lane changes, or unexpected roadway obstacles as quickly or easily as smaller vehicles. Their size makes it difficult to make sharp turns without risking a rollover or jackknife accident.
Furthermore, their height and length often lead to wide turning arcs and large blind spots, making it challenging for truck drivers to see and avoid other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. As a result, trucks' maneuverability limitations require other road users to maintain a safe distance and to be cautious when trucks signal a turn or lane change.
Finally, the weight of a commercial truck also affects its momentum. A heavy truck moving at high speed carries tremendous kinetic energy, which can translate into devastating damage and severe injuries in the event of a collision. These injuries can range from severe to catastrophic.
The above dynamics demand high responsibility from commercial truck drivers and trucking companies, including proper vehicle maintenance, adhering to load limits, and comprehensive driver training in operating large, heavy vehicles. All of these factors must be investigated in trucking accidents.
Without the assistance of a skilled legal professional, navigating what follows after a truck accident in Los Angeles may be extremely difficult and confusing. An attorney who specializes in truck crashes provides invaluable counsel and representation, ensuring that victims can effectively navigate the legal process and improve their chances of winning their case.
Reasons why securing a legal expert is crucial:
- Truck accidents typically entail complex insurance issues and multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking business, and possibly other entities, making the legal framework particularly challenging.
- An experienced truck wreck lawyer is adept at collecting crucial evidence from the trucking company, which is vital for establishing liability and securing fair compensation. These professionals understand the nuances of truck accident claims, including federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
- A trucking accident attorney in Los Angeles can also help you reach agreements with insurance companies, who sometimes try to reduce settlements. With a seasoned legal advocate on your side, you'll be better prepared to reject lowball offers and fight for the money you deserve for medical costs, lost earnings, and other damages.
In a truck accident case, multiple parties can be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, and even manufacturers of defective parts. Our attorneys will identify all potential defendants and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries or losses.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident lawsuit. However, this time frame can vary depending on specific circumstances, such as if the accident involved a government vehicle or if you were a minor at the time of the accident. It's essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
If you've been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. In cases where a loved one has been fatally injured, you may be able to seek wrongful death damages. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will work to maximize your compensation and ensure that you receive the support you need to recover from the accident.
