Injured in a Truck Accident Near LA? We Can Help.
Truck accidents often cause an incredible amount of damage since the size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles is so great. Because of this, they are commonly regarded as one of the most dangerous types of accidents.
If you suffered an injury in a truck accident, you have choices. A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can help you and your family understand your rights and options under the law. A capable personal injury attorney could advocate for you.
Laws Governing Truck Accidents in California
Truck accidents in the southern California area pose a great danger to drivers and pedestrians. In 2014, the California Highway Patrol reported that 61 people were killed and 1,635 people were injured in truck accidents in Los Angeles County.
Most truck accident claims are filed under a theory of negligence. This legal principle holds the truck driver and the owner of the truck responsible for the injuries and property damage they cause if they did not exercise ordinary and reasonable care.
California law may hold the truck driver responsible for payment of damages caused by their negligence. However, many injury victims do not know that the owner of the truck, usually a large firm, also may have to pay damages to injured parties.
Comparative Negligence
In some accident cases, the people injured in a truck accident may have taken some actions that contributed to the accident. Under California law, even when the injured person’s actions contributed to the accident, they may still be able to recover damages for their injuries from the truck driver. However, it is important to note that if they were more than 50 percent responsible for their accident, they may be barred from any recovery.
Types of Trucks that Often are Involved in Accidents
Truck accidents can occur in several situations and involve several classes of vehicles. However, some common examples of vehicles usually considered to trucks in these suits include:
- Long distance, or “big rig” trucks
- 18 wheelers
- Dump truck
- Tractor-trailer combinations
- Box trucks
- Bobcat trucks
- Automobile transport trucks
- Tow trucks
Each class of truck can cause serious injuries, even though the actual collisions may look different. Freeway collisions involving big rig or 18-wheeler trucks typically are caused by unsafe lane changes or excessive speed. On the other hand, local delivery trucks tend to cause accidents on city streets, at intersections, or in parking lots.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Immediately after a truck accident, everyone involved should seek any necessary medical attention. People are often transported from the accident scene by ambulance to a local emergency room. Even someone who does not seem to be injured immediately after an accident should still seek treatment to make sure they are alright.
Along with medical treatment, anyone in a truck accident should be concerned about gathering or preserving evidence. Photographs of the damage to vehicles and photographs of the freeway, street, or intersection where the crash happened and gathering witness statements should all be done as soon as possible to avoid losing any crucial evidence. Following medical treatment and the documentation of the accident, individuals should reach out to a Pasadena, Claremont or Los Angeles area truck accident lawyer that could help them start the process of filing a claim.
Contacting a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney
The damage caused in a truck accident can be staggeringly expensive. You may be facing expensive medical bills, time away from work, and costs associated with other damages. Compensation could help you cover these losses.
Some truck accident cases can be won or lost based on the actions taken in the first 48 hours after the incident. Do not delay contacting a passionate truck accident lawyer. They can help you today. Call for an appointment and learn your rights.