The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks intimidate even veteran drivers. An 18-wheeler can weigh several tons, especially when it carries a full load. Trucks cause catastrophic injury and even wrongful death when they collide with other passenger vehicles. At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, our truck accident law firm represents victims of truck accidents who need a robust legal defense.
Victim’s outcome is the same, whether due to trucker negligence or trucking company’s fault.
The competitive nature of the trucking industry often leads to illegal or negligent activity and, subsequently, avoidable accidents. Whether the accident happens due to the trucker’s negligence or the trucking company is at fault, the result is the same for the victim.
Aside from the debilitating injuries, victims also experience a lowered quality of life. Some people develop a fear of driving and may suffer permanent injuries. Others may lose a family member or friend due to the negligent parties.
Our Los Angeles trucking accident attorneys gather evidence and assertively negotiate your case. We defend your rights, communicate with insurance companies, and take the legal burden off your shoulders. A trucking accident attorney also protects you from predatory practices designed to make you admit guilt.
After your accident, you may feel vulnerable and angry. During this time, insurance companies will call you to take advantage of your situation. Some might even resort to harassment tactics to get a statement from you. Our lawyers do not let this happen, and we will negotiate on your behalf.
Our law firm specializes in helping victims fight for their rights after an accident. We stand by your side as you recover and build a strong legal strategy that increases your chances of success.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Like any crash involving a motor vehicle, most truck accidents result from driver error. Our firm has a deep understanding of truck accident laws and has experience in gathering substantial evidence that supports your personal injury claim. We speak to witnesses and analyze the evidence to understand what happened in the moments leading up to the truck accident.
Our firm knows truck accident laws well and excels in gathering strong evidence for your claim.
Truck accident law encompasses a range of legal principles and regulations governing accidents involving various vehicles, whether involving large trucks like an 18-wheeler, semi truck, commercial truck, or bobtail trucks. This includes laws related to liability, negligence, and safety compliance with safety regulations such as those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Truck accidents can happen for several reasons, and different factors come into play, such as:
- Inattentiveness: Lack of attention on the road and distractions while driving increase the likelihood of a truck accident. Truck drivers are more susceptible to accidents, as long hours on the road may cause them to lose focus. Distracted driving talking on the phone, turning around, texting, and even eating can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
- Not following road rules: Road rules exist to keep drivers safe behind the wheel. When truckers don’t follow road rules such as staying at or below the speed limit, it increases their chances of a truck accident. Guidelines and specifications also dictate times when particular trucks can operate, as well as weight and height limitations.
- Intoxication: Trucking is a stressful job, with extended hours and tight deadlines. Some drivers resort to alcohol and drugs to cope. Driving while drunk or high is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents and ruins the lives of innocent victims.
- Experience: Drivers must have the right expertise, licenses, and training to operate a truck in Los Angeles. Some people make the mistake of driving large trucks when they have never done so previously. Others do have a valid license but did not receive sufficient training before they drive for a truck company.
- Sleep deprivation or driver fatigue: Although certain laws require truckers to rest after driving for a specific amount of time, some do not follow the rules due to tight deadlines. Fatigue increases the risk of a truck accident, since it increases the risk of truckers falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Poor truck maintenance: Trucks must undergo regular maintenance to ensure they meet safety requirements on the road. Some truck companies don’t maintain their vehicles regularly, which may cause issues while the driver is on duty. The truck might break down or might cause equipment to fall and damage other vehicles.
- Log forgery: The law requires that every trucker keep a log of their driving hours. Some truckers or the companies they work for forge their hours and falsify log information. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney makes sure that driver logs are accurate and thorough in a personal injury case.
- Unavoidable circumstances: Not all accidents happen due to driver negligence. Unavoidable circumstances may also cause a truck accident, like adverse weather conditions or lack of visibility.
- Improperly loaded cargo: Improperly loaded cargo significantly heightens the risk of truck accidents due to compromised vehicle stability, increased stopping distances, and potential cargo shifts. Overloading strains braking systems and compromises maneuverability, while imbalanced weight distribution raises the likelihood of rollovers.
During the initial few days after an accident, you may still be in shock. When you need the most help, contact a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer to handle the legal process. Our legal experts at Adamson Ahdoot LLP, get to the bottom of the claim and help determine who was at fault.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Despite regulations, some truck companies prioritize profit over drivers and motorists’ safety.
In Los Angeles, truck drivers adhere to strict standards and must follow the regulations set by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LA DOT). California is not a no-fault state, and victims have the right to sue for economic damages beyond what insurance covers. Despite these regulations, some truck companies prioritize deadlines and profit over their drivers’ safety or that of other motorists.
Trucking companies know the damage their fleet can cause to innocent passengers. However, they may choose to overwork their employees and risk driver safety. In other cases, another passenger vehicle causes you and the truck to crash, even if that vehicle does not sustain damage in the accident.
After trucking accidents, lawyers get to work gathering evidence and determining whether a violation of the law occurred. Truck crashes can be the fault of one or more parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The loading company
- The trucking company or the driver’s employer
- Truck manufacturer
- Another driver or vehicle on the road
Although an investigation happens with the vehicles involved, competent truck accident attorneys investigate factors that lead to a more transparent case outcome. Since both the driver of the commercial truck and the driver of the passenger car involved in the auto accident are scrutinized, every component can lead to a different truck accident settlement.
Our years of experience working with truck accident victims means that we have seen everything when it comes to vehicle mishaps, including truck and car accidents. We make sure no one tampers with evidence, and investigate the matter to represent you favorably in court.
Seeking Help from a Truck Accident Attorney
Liability in truck accidents is complex, especially with independent contractors involved.
Common truck accident injuries include whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain trauma, and broken bones due to the immense size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles.
When these accidents occur, truck accident lawyers are vital in advocating for the victim’s rights and pursuing compensation for their injuries and losses. In cases involving commercial truck accidents, determining liability can be complex, especially when an independent contractor is involved.
It’s important for victims of semi-truck accidents or large truck accidents to seek legal representation promptly to ensure their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve.
Receiving Compensation for Your Truck Accident Claim
A competent Los Angeles trucking accident lawyer works to build your claim after the crash. Some ways our law firm gathers information include investigating the accident scene and reviewing footage, if available. Your lawyer will also examine police reports and may collect other evidence when possible.
Your truck accident claim is worth more than compensation for your medical bills. You may receive financial compensation for other factors, such as serious injuries that cause permanent changes in your life, such as a traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and paralysis. You might also have to deal with property damage, inability to work because of your injury, or lost wages and time from work.
In addition to compensation from the other party’s insurance company, lawyers for truck accidents know that your insurer may not give you all the benefits you deserve. Our experienced truck accident lawyers file your case on time and work hard to ensure that you get the best possible outcome after the accident.
Why You Should Hire a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney in Los Angeles saves you time, money, and hassle. After an accident, you already have several issues to handle. Serious injuries, for example, could mean weeks or even months in a hospital, along with numerous physical therapy visits.
Different scenarios affect your compensation, so you need a legal expert who knows the law.
Even if you are in shock, you still need to file your car accident claims and deal with aggressive insurance companies in the wake of the truck accident. The truck could have insurance from one company and their tractor trailers from another, which further complicates the matter. Multiple commercial vehicles may also be involved in the accident. The different scenarios and parties factor into your final compensation amount, which is why you need a legal expert who knows the law.
When dealing with truck accidents, lawyers know what to look for and how to work with insurance companies. A lawyer covers the processes of paperwork, negotiation, and gathering evidence for the truck accident case. If you receive an offer from the other party, your lawyer knows whether it’s a fair deal or if the court can do better.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us analyze your accident case. We will review your options and let you know what we can do to represent your personal injury lawsuit in court or in negotiations.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our truck accident and personal injury lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot LLP will help you fight for fair compensation.
Call us today at (800) 310-1606 to schedule your free consultation today
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