Truck Accidents

Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in California

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. 

Contact Atoyan Law at (747) 245-1200 for a free 20-minute consultation about your case with our truck accident attorney in Los Angeles. We serve Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita.

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    Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

    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. 

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    Common Causes of Truck Accidents

    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: 

    • Driver fatigue
    • Distracted driving
    • Improper truck maintenance
    • Defective parts
    • Inadequate training
    • Overloaded cargo

    Each of these factors requires careful consideration and thorough investigation to establish liability.

    Common Injuries of Truck Accidents

    Common injuries may include:

    • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The effect of a truck collision can cause significant head injuries, ranging from concussions to more serious brain damage. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
    • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may face lifelong challenges, including loss of mobility, sensation, and independence.
    • Broken Bones: The power of a truck accident can cause fractures in various parts of the body, which include arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
    • Internal Injuries: The impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries are often life-threatening and demand immediate medical attention.
    • Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden jerking motions during a collision can result in whiplash, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
    • Burns and Lacerations: If the truck carries flammable materials, accidents can result in severe burns. Additionally, broken glass and metal can cause deep cuts and lacerations.
    • Emotional and Psychological Injuries: The trauma of a truck accident can lead to emotional despair, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

    Possible damages may include:

    Economic Damages

    • Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments related to the accident.
    • Lost Wages: Compensation for the earnings lost because of the inability to work during recovery. This can also include loss of future earning capability if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
    • Property Damage: Reimbursement for the restoration or replacement of the victim’s vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
    • Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for the expenses related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other rehabilitation services required for recovery.

    Non-Economic Damages

    • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured because of the accident and injuries.
    • Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, caused by the incident.
    • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies that were part of the victim’s life before the accident.
    • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on the victim’s relationship with their partner or family because of the injuries sustained.

    Punitive Damages

    In instances where the truck driver’s or trucking company's actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages could be granted. These damages are intended to penalize the wrongdoer and deter similar manners in the future.

    What If the Trucking Company Offers You a Settlement?

    If a trucking company offers a settlement after an accident, it is essential to proceed with caution. While the offer may seem appealing, especially if medical bills and other expenses are mounting, accepting it without careful evaluation could lead to long-term financial strain.

    Trucking companies and their insurers are primarily concerned with minimizing payouts. Initial settlement offers are often calculated to be less than what the injured party truly deserves. These offers may not account for future medical costs, lost earning potential, or the emotional toll of the accident. Signing a settlement agreement typically means waiving your right to pursue additional compensation, even if unforeseen expenses arise later.

    Before accepting any settlement, it is wise to have it reviewed by a qualified Los Angeles truck accident attorney who specializes in truck accident cases. An attorney can assess the full scope of your damages, including both current and future needs, and determine whether the offer is fair. If it is not, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf or take the case to court if necessary.

    Taking time to understand your rights and the potential value of your claim is critical. Rushing into an agreement with the trucking company could leave you with unmet financial needs and no recourse for additional compensation. Protecting your interests now can ensure greater peace of mind in the future.

    Why Do I Need A Lawyer After a Truck Accident?

    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.

    Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Today

    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.

    Discuss the specifics of your case with a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer. Contact us at (747) 245-1200.