If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of a commercial truck driver, contact a Los Angeles truck accident attorney at Bisnar Chase at (323) 238-4683. Semi-truck collision victims may be compensated for related damages, injuries, or losses.
The Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm of Bisnar Chase has sustained a 99% success rate, winning hundreds of millions for our injury clients. When you call our LA offices, you will receive a free case analysis with a top-rated truck collision attorney in LA to discuss the legal specifics of your case. Free consultation.
Award-winning truck crash attorneys in Los Angeles
We’ve spent decades representing injured plaintiffs in California, with winning results. Our truck injury lawyers have received hundreds of legal awards and recognition for their superior legal work, winning over $850 million for our clients and reaching outstanding verdicts and settlements in Southern California personal injury claims.
Bisnar Chase has taken on some of the most challenging 18-wheeler, big-rig, and commercial truck crash claims with outstanding results and may be able to help you, too.
Truck Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
How Much does a Truck Accident Lawyer Charge in California?
California law allows personal injury attorneys to charge up to 42% of the total amount won on the client’s behalf. Bisnar Chase has a typical fee structure of 33 1/3% for our service. The money is never paid up front, as we work on a contingency fee basis.
Protecting you financially
We are only paid if we win your case, and that shields you from financial responsibility. We also work to reduce your medical costs by working with your doctors and hospital so that you keep more of your settlement.
Our paralegals and your lead attorney on your case will also negotiate to place your medical bills into liens so that you only have to pay after your settlement comes in. This can help protect your credit rating by keeping medical debts out of the hands of bill collectors.
Los Angeles Truck Accident Settlement FAQs
The level of compensation a victim could receive will always vary from case to case. It can depend on the insurance coverage of the trucking company as well as your own insurance coverage.
But it will also depend on factors such as the severity of the crash, how bad the victim’s injuries are, their medical expenses, lost wages, and level of suffering. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers have a 99% success rate in winning cases, including seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements.
The typical payout for a semi-truck accident in California can vary from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
The typical settlement for minor incidents is between $25,000 to $100,000. The payout for moderate accidents may fall between $100,000 and $500,000. Settlements for serious accidents may range from $500,000 to $1,000,000 or more.
It’s crucial to remember that these are only averages and that the particulars of each accident will have a significant impact on the settlement sum. Many factors, such as who was at fault, the caliber of the evidence gathered, and the severity of the injuries sustained in each case, can have a significant impact on semi-truck accident settlements.
The experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase have a long and successful track record in dealing with trucking companies, as well as their attorneys and stubborn insurance companies. We understand the serious challenges our injured clients and their families face physically, financially, and emotionally after a crash. Call (323) 238-4683.
California is a comparative law state, meaning that even if you were partly responsible for an accident, you could still file for compensation. The amount of compensation you would receive will be based on how much of the collision you were accountable for. Reach out to a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer to determine how much fault you may be liable for.
Actions To Take After a Los Angeles Truck Collision
A trucking injury victim’s steps following a crash can be vital later in their truck accident case. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney can guide you through the correct measures to take after a collision.
The initial steps you take could include the following:
- Seek medical attention. This is important and should be done as soon as possible. Semi-trucks are larger and heavier than smaller vehicles, which makes truck accidents highly dangerous. A crash involving a big rig could be deadly. Getting immediate medical help will ensure that a crash victim’s injuries are treated quickly. It will also document those injuries and help strengthen a later truck accident injury claim.
- Document the scene. It is helpful to have photos or videos of the accident scene. Take photos and notes of everything, including the scene, road, and vehicle damage.
- Get witness statements. If possible, also acquire the information of any witnesses to the truck crash and their contact information. Call the police and make sure a report is filed as well. A copy of this report can be requested later and will provide proof of important facts.
- Contact a Los Angeles truck crash lawyer for expert help. Our dedicated team of commercial truck accident investigators is passionate about ensuring that truck crash victims and their families can access the help and support they need through these challenging times.
If you are unsure if your accident qualifies for a case, please get in touch with a truck accident lawyer in LA for a free consultation. Call 323-238-4683 for a free consultation.
Commercial Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial trucking accidents can result in various types of injuries, ranging from mild to severe.
1. Whiplash: The sudden back-and-forth head motion can result in whiplash, a neck injury. It can lead to pain, stiffness, and restricted neck movement.
2. Back injuries: The impact of a truck accident can cause back injuries such as sprains, strains, herniated discs, or even spinal cord damage, which can result in long-term disabilities.
3. Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur when the head strikes an object or experiences a violent jolt during a truck accident. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disabilities.
4. Fractures and broken bones: The force of a truck collision can cause fractures or breaks in various bones, including the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or skull.
5. Internal injuries: The impact of a commercial truck crash can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, or kidneys. These injuries may require immediate medical attention and surgical intervention.
6. Spinal cord injuries: Severe truck accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or loss of motor function below the site of the injury.
7. Burns and lacerations: In accidents involving fires or explosions, victims may suffer burn injuries, ranging from first-degree burns to more severe third-degree burns requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Serious lacerations to the head, face, and neck are common in motor vehicle accidents.
8. Soft tissue injuries: Commercial truck accidents can cause damage to soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
9. Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of a traumatic truck accident can lead to psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
10. Death: Tragically, commercial truck accidents can result in fatalities. The size and weight of commercial trucks increase the risk of severe injuries and fatal outcomes for occupants of smaller vehicles involved in the collision.
It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention after a commercial truck accident, even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can help prevent further complications and document the extent of injuries for insurance claims or legal court proceedings.
Contact our Los Angeles truck accident lawyer if you have questions about your case. There is no fee for the consultation.
Determining Fault In Your LA Commercial Truck Crash
When it comes to the aftermath of an accident, truck crashes are often more complicated than other auto incidents. As well as dealing with the semi’s driver, truck accident victims may have to negotiate with the truck owner, the trucking company, truck manufacturers, and all insurance companies associated with the potentially liable parties.
Individuals and corporations that may be named in a truck accident lawsuit include the driver, the manufacturer of the truck, the manufacturer of truck parts, the truck owner, the company that leased the truck from the owner, and the company responsible for maintaining or loading the truck.
It is all too common for these potentially liable parties to deny responsibility and refuse compensation for truck accident victims. This is where an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney comes in to defend your rights and make sure you are compensated for damages.
Filing a Semi Truck Accident Claim in Los Angeles
Crashes involving large trucks can be extremely dangerous and have devastating consequences. Truck accident claims can be complicated, and many injured trucking accident victims take the first offer they are given immediately.
Do not accept a settlement offer unless you are confident that your losses are covered adequately. This is why hiring a high-quality truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles is important.
Trucking companies will look to protect themselves at all costs. As a result, if you are involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you might end up battling for fair compensation against expensive attorneys and insurance adjusters who will do anything to avoid paying up. This is not a fair fight.
Another step you must take when claiming your insurance is reviewing your policy. Are you insured if an at-fault driver does not have insurance? Will the compensation you are offering cover the extent of your damages? If you are not confident in your knowledge when filing a truck accident claim, seek advice from a Los Angeles big rig accident lawyer.
Common elements of a commercial truck accident case
- Legal team strategies
- Insurance limits: The amount of coverage the trucking company carries impacts settlement
- Deposing defendants
- Investigation of facts on how the trucking accident occurred
- Review truck companies’ records and logs of the driver
- Review truck maintenance and truck manufacturer records
- Review of medical records (Doctors, hospitals, physical therapy)
- Review of the crash site (highways, roadways, bridges)
- Reviewing property damage evidence (trucks, vehicles, cargo loaders)
- Truck accident litigation (trial if necessary)
Statute of limitations for a California trucking accident
In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years or one year from the date you discovered the injuries. You must file your claim in a timely manner to avoid the tolling of the statute and an expired time limit.
How does the fault of the truck driver affect my settlement?
The trucker’s responsibility is crucial in determining the settlement amount in a truck accident case. If the trucker is deemed responsible for the accident, the victim may be eligible for a larger settlement. Contact a Los Angeles commercial vehicle accident attorney if you are unsure who is at fault.
Importance of Safety Regulations and the Potential Negligence of Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies.
Safety regulations in the trucking industry are crucial for protecting drivers and the public from accidents. Adherence to regulations, such as driving hour limits, maintenance requirements, and cargo loading standards, is essential to preventing accidents.
Neglecting safety protocols increases the risk of accidents, emphasizing the need for enforcement and accountability. Legal professionals are critical in advocating for victims’ rights and pushing for adherence to safety regulations in the trucking industry.
Do Not Trust the Insurance Company to Offer Fair Compensation
People don’t often realize that insurance companies are not rushing to help you collect compensation. Their number one priority is to cut costs and offer the least amount possible. The insurance company may try to offer you a settlement that may not be in your best interest after your truck accident.
Before considering any settlement offer, it is crucial to understand that you may be entitled to more compensation than what is being offered. Additionally, the insurance company will likely try to get you to sign a settlement release. This legally binding document prevents you from seeking further compensation for your injuries and damages.
This is why it is essential to consult with a qualified Los Angeles truck accident attorney before accepting any offer from the insurance company. A compensation attorney can review the offer and advise you on the case’s potential, ensuring that the settlement you accept is fair and just.
Compensation and Damages in a California Trucking Accident
When claiming damages in a personal injury lawsuit, you must remember the monetary losses you have experienced and the physical and emotional challenges you have faced because of the truck accident. The critical difference between economic and non-economic damages is in measurement.
In personal injury cases, economic and non-economic damages are the two primary categories of compensation that may be awarded to the harmed party. Here are some types of economic and non-economic damages that can be claimed:
Economic Damages
1. Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical bills, hospitalization costs, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other medical treatments related to the injury.
2. Lost wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury, including wages missed during recovery, reduced earning capacity, or inability to work in the future.
3. Property damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing damaged property, such as a vehicle involved in an accident.
4. Loss of earning capacity: If the injury prevents the individual from earning income at the same level as before the accident, compensation may be awarded for the diminished ability to make a living.
5. Rehabilitation and assistive devices: Costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, mobility aids (crutches, wheelchair), prosthetics, or modifications to the home to accommodate the injury.
6. Funeral and burial expenses: In cases involving wrongful death, the family may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial costs.
Non-Economic Damages:
1. Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress from the trucking accident.
2. Emotional distress: Damages awarded for the psychological impact of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
3. Loss of companionship: Compensation for the loss of the injured person’s ability to provide love, affection, companionship, or support to their spouse, children, or other family members.
4. Loss of consortium: Damages awarded to the spouse or partner of the injured party for the loss of intimacy, affection, or companionship resulting from the injury.
5. Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent physical disfigurement or scarring caused by the injury or necessary medical treatments.
6. Loss of quality of life: Damages awarded to account for the injury’s negative impact on the harmed person’s overall quality of life, including the inability to engage in activities they enjoyed before the accident.
The specific types and amounts of economic and non-economic damages awarded in a personal injury case can vary depending on the circumstances and strength of your evidence.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages in California truck accident cases are awarded to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar behavior. The plaintiff must prove malice, oppression, or fraud with clear and convincing evidence.
The amount of punitive damages is not capped but typically should not exceed a single-digit ratio to compensatory damages. These damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly harmful.
If you still have questions about the damages you can be compensated for, contact our Los Angeles personal injury attorney for a free consultation. We offer a contingency fee basis where you will not pay unless we win your case.
Out of State Guidelines for a Semi-Truck Wreck
If you were injured in a state other than California, receiving compensation for your accident may be challenging but not impossible. One of the most important aspects of an accident that is out of state is which state it occurred in and its fault policy. For example, the state of Alabama operates under pure contributory negligence
Pure contributory negligence states that if one driver was even 1% at fault for a collision, they could not file a compensation claim. Only a few states operate under pure contributory negligence; these areas include Alabama, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Common Causes of Los Angeles Commercial Truck Crashes
Truck Driver Error
Drivers who fail to operate their trucks carefully put everyone on the roadway in harm’s way. All road users need to drive safely, but truckers can cause more damage than most if they do not drive carefully at all times.
Speeding, running red lights, and making unsafe turns or dangerous lane changes are common examples of truck accidents involving negligent drivers. Truckers must follow the proper safety regulations to keep everyone, including themselves, hazard-free on the road.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Driving while fatigued or drowsy can be very dangerous. To reduce the number of fatigued driving accidents, the federal government restricts the hours of service drivers can work without rest. For example, property-carrying truck drivers can only drive for 60 hours over seven consecutive days before having to take 34 hours off for rest.
Distracted Driving
Mobile phones, GPS systems, and other electronics often distract long-haul truck drivers and eat on the road.
Speeding
Truck drivers must adjust their speed relative to roadway conditions, traffic congestion, and cargo weight.
Truck Maintenance and Equipment Failure
Drivers must perform a thorough inspection before getting behind the wheel. When a truck part failure leads to an accident, it must be determined if it failed to replace a worn-down part or was initially defective. Trucking companies must also keep vehicle records showing when parts were replaced or when vehicles were serviced.
The most common maintenance problems with commercial trucks are tire blowouts and brake failures. A massive, big rig can cause a lot of damage, resulting in severe injury and death. This is a clear negligence case if the trucking company failed to maintain their vehicles properly. California trucking law is very clear on the regulations that must be followed to protect the motoring public.
Inadequate Trucker Training
Load-securing techniques and proper training are often lacking in the commercial trucking industry, leading to accidents.
Improperly Loaded Truck Cargo
Driving a truck with improperly loaded cargo can be challenging. Too much weight in the tractor-trailer’s front, back, or side can make it difficult to maneuver or brake. Improper loading could result in jack-knifing accidents.
Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, and ice can cause hazardous driving conditions that lead to jackknifing and rollovers. Strong winds cause many commercial trucking accidents annually because of tipping hazards when the cargo is light on a large box truck.
Failure to Follow Traffic Rules
Violations of traffic laws such as red light running, improper lane changing, or failing to yield can also create a dangerous environment on the road.
Road Conditions Contributing to Truck Accidents
- Potholes: LA’s roads are riddled with potholes due to weather, aging infrastructure, and heavy traffic volumes. Hitting potholes can cause drivers to lose control and collide with other vehicles or roadside objects.
- Poorly marked lanes: Faded lane dividers make it difficult for drivers to stay in their lanes, especially at night and in the rain. This leads to sideswipe crashes and head-on collisions involving commercial trucks.
- Slippery surfaces: Large oil spills and certain pavement materials can cause slippery roads. This leads to skidding and reduced braking capability.
- Uneven pavement: Buckled concrete, raised manholes, and uneven road patching creates an uneven surface. This can impair the traction and handling of large trucks.
- Damaged guardrails: Guardrails damaged by accidents, weather, or old age may fail to prevent run-off-road collisions and head-on crashes.
- Narrow shoulders: Many LA highways lack wide shoulders, giving drivers little room for error and fewer escape routes.
- Steep slopes: Runaway truck ramps and escapes may be needed on inclined roads prone to losing brake control.
LA’s aging infrastructure and road defects create unsafe driving conditions that can precipitate accidents if drivers are not extremely vigilant. Better funding for maintenance and improvements could help make the roads safer.
These causes are much different than common causes of car accidents and involve layers of liability. Contact our Los Angeles trucking accident attorneys to determine if you have a case.
Many truck accidents result from issues with cargo. When a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can lead to steering and braking issues. Read more about shipping regulations in California and how the laws can influence an injury case.
Commercial Truck Crash Statistics
According to California’s most recent truck accident data, the following are revealed:
- California ranked second in the country in 2021 with 437 fatalities from big truck crashes, behind Texas’s 806 fatalities.
- Between 2013 and 2017, there was a slight increase of about 32% in the number of people killed in truck crashes and a nearly 30% increase in the number of people injured in truck crashes.
- In 2017, truck crashes claimed the most lives in Los Angeles County, with Riverside and San Bernardinofollowing closely after.
These figures demonstrate the serious effects of trucking accidents on Californian road safety, underscoring the necessity of ongoing efforts to enhance trucking safety and lower the state’s accident and fatality rates.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a one-year sample in 2020, 4,965 people were killed, and about 146,000 people were injured in crashes involving vehicles from the trucking industry. Across the United States, an estimated 433,000 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes annually.
The key findings of the NHTSA study are as follows:
- In 2020 there were 4,965 people killed in crashes involving large trucks. This was a 1-percent decrease from 5,032 in 2019.
- Seventy-one percent of people killed in large-truck crashes in 2020 were occupants of other vehicles.
- Seventy-six percent of the fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2020 occurred on weekdays (6 a.m. Monday to 5:59 p.m. Friday).
- Three percent of drivers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2020 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher, much lower than drivers of other vehicle types (27% for motorcycles, 23% for passenger cars, and 19% for light trucks).
- Drivers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2020 had a higher percentage (21.3%) of previously recorded crashes than drivers of other vehicle types (motorcycles, 20.5%; passenger cars, 19.7%; and light trucks, 17.3%).
- In 2020, drivers of large trucks in fatal crashes were less likely (7.3%) to have previous license suspensions or revocations than other vehicle types (motorcycles, 20.5%; passenger cars, 15.8%; and light trucks, 12.6%).
According to most truck accident statistics, brake failure—frequently resulting from poor maintenance or misuse—is a common cause of these accidents. This emphasizes how crucial it is to conduct in-depth inquiries into the history and maintenance records of the implicated vehicle.
Since the burden of demonstrating negligence frequently rests with the victim, obtaining evidence as soon as possible is imperative. Having an experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer on your side is crucial, regardless of the reason for the accident—braking failure, drug usage, or any other circumstance.
Regardless of how complicated your case may be, our mission is to safeguard your rights and ensure you get the money you are due. We recognize that interacting with insurance companies and other legal authorities can be daunting for someone who has been in a truck accident.
Truck Accident Fatalities in California
According to the California Highway Patrol, the number of truck accident fatalities in California in 2019 was 898. This number represents an alarming increase from the 741 deaths reported in 2018.
The number of fatalities from truck accidents accounts for nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities in California. With this in mind, it’s clear that truck accident fatalities are a significant problem in the state, and something needs to be done to address them.
The California Department of Transportation is taking steps to make the roads safer, such as increasing enforcement of truck safety regulations and encouraging truckers to take safety courses. However, more must be done to prevent truck accidents and reduce fatalities.
Drivers must know the risks and take extra precautions when driving around large trucks. Only then can we hope to reduce the number of truck accident fatalities in California. A big rig accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you recover financial compensation after your accident. We have a 99% client satisfaction rate for winning cases and recovering top money for them.
Motorcycle Fatalities from Commercial Trucks
The tragic news of a truck accident in Los Angeles recently caused three riders’ motorcycle fatalities. This event has highlighted the importance of safety measures for motorcyclists when sharing the road with large trucks. It has also raised questions about the trucking industry and its standards.
Drivers of large vehicles must be mindful of the smaller vehicles around them and how their size and speed can lead to devastating accidents. Motorcyclists need to be aware of their surroundings and always do their best to stay out of the blind spot of larger vehicles.
Additionally, bikers should avoid tailgating and weaving between vehicles. The trucking industry needs to ensure their vehicles meet all safety standards and that the drivers are well-trained and aware of the risks they can cause to other drivers.
It is important to remember that these are preventable accidents and that everyone must do their part to stay safe on the road.
Top reasons for Motorcycle injuries
The leading causes of motorcycle injuries include:
- Vehicle and road conditions: Vehicle and road conditions are significant, especially when surfaces are slippery or uneven. Poorly maintained roads and unmarked hazards can cause riders to lose control and crash.
- Operator negligence: Operator negligence is another major factor, as riders who do not obey traffic laws, lack proper training, or ride recklessly are more likely to suffer injuries.
- Excessive speed: Excessive speed is also a significant factor, as it increases the risk of crashing and adds to the severity of any impact.
- Alcohol and drug use: Alcohol and drug use can impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, significantly increasing the crash risk.
- Over 5,000 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2019 alone.
- Drunk driving on motorcycles accounted for a large percentage of motorcycle deaths, around 30% in the same year.
- Not wearing proper riding gear, especially a helmet.
By understanding these causes, riders can take steps to reduce the risks and stay safe, especially when navigating around large commercial vehicles. A truck accident law firm in Los Angeles can assist motorcycle riders injured in the crash to seek compensation. We have a solid reputation for winning complex cases in and out of the courtroom and are very familiar with defense teams throughout LA.
Do Big Rig Collisions Occur Often in Los Angeles?
Motor vehicle collisions frequently occur in LA County. Data collected from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated that 604 vehicle crashes resulted in deaths in just one year.
In Los Angeles County, commercial transportation significantly affects traffic and accidents. For projects that fit specific requirements, a Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) must be prepared and submitted under the Los Angeles County Public Works Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines.
Traffic congestion in Los Angeles is a major issue, with RAND Corporation identifying it as arguably the worst in the nation.
The Port of Los Angeles assesses the incremental impacts of commercial vessel accidents, including those involving trucks servicing port terminals and other regional traffic not related to the port. This assessment includes determining existing truck and automobile traffic along study roadways and intersections.
Below are just a few of the many truck accident cases that took place in the county of LA.
- Wilmington semi-truck accident leaves 2 dead: Around 10:00 a.m., two people were killed instantly in a truck collision near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Alameda Street. The car collided into an 18-wheeler, and local authorities stated that both the passenger and driver died at the scene of the incident.
- Lamborghini and Mercedes crash on 101 Freeway: Two cars (a Mercedes and Lamborghini) crashed into an Amazon truck at 2:30 a.m. The accident took place on the 101 freeway near Alvarado Street. Both of the drivers exited the cars and fled the scene of the incident but were suspected to be injured due to blood being found on the ground.
- Two 18-wheelers collided, leading to a freeway shutdown. Two 18-wheelers collided with each other in a crash that took place at 3:00 a.m. The accident occurred on the 5 freeway and left a serious wreckage in the area. Some of the wreckage left on the road included organic acid, which led to the shutting down of the freeway until it was properly cleaned.
Most Dangerous Highways in California
I-5: This important north-south highway is frequently congested through many significant cities. Several trucking accidents surround Sacramento, LA, and San Diego.
I-80: An additional significant east-west freeway that passes through cities. Truck crash rates are often higher in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento regions.
I-210: This route passes through the San Fernando Valley from Pasadena. Accidents result from the metro LA area’s congested traffic and twisting roads.
The primary freeway that runs from Southern California to Las Vegas is I-15. Wrecks frequently occur in the parts that pass through Temecula and Cajon Pass, especially when large rigs are involved.
I-10: There are a lot of trucks on this road, which runs from Santa Monica through Los Angeles and out to the border with Arizona. The steep mountain grades and congested LA areas are to blame for truck accidents.
US-101: This roadway, which stretches from LA through the Bay Area along the California coast, is dangerous for large vehicles due to its congested, limited lanes. Accidents occur regularly in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Jose.
SR-99, also known as the Golden State Freeway, traverses the Central Valley north-south. The areas surrounding Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento have high collision rates.
Reach out to our LA truck accident lawyer if you have questions about an accident you were involved and injured in. Call 323-238-4683
Types of Large Commercial Vehicles
Semi-trucks: also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, are the most common large commercial vehicles on the road. They are used to transport goods over long distances.
Dump trucks: heavy-duty trucks that transport loose materials such as sand, gravel, and construction debris.
Concrete mixers: these vehicles are used to transport and mix concrete for construction projects.
Tanker trucks: these trucks are used to transport liquids such as gasoline, oil, and chemicals.
Refrigerated trucks: these vehicles are equipped with refrigeration units and are used to transport perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Flatbed trucks: these trucks have an open bed and are used to transport large and heavy objects such as machinery and construction materials.
Box trucks: known as straight trucks, these vehicles have an enclosed cargo area and are used for local deliveries and the transportation of smaller goods.
Preparation for Meeting A Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Our injury accident lawyers only represent plaintiffs. We never represent defendants, and our entire practice is dedicated to injured plaintiffs’ rights. When you meet with one of our personal injury lawyers, bring any notes and evidence that pertain to your trucking accident.
Your accident lawyer must review photographs and video footage from the scene, as well as written statements and witness accounts if you have them. Be sure to include medical bills, proof of treatment if possible, and a copy of the police report if you have obtained one from the LAPD.
The more evidence you provide, the stronger the case, and your Los Angeles truck accident attorney will be able to build a solid truck accident litigation plan.
Los Angeles Commercial Truck Accident Laws
State and federal laws and regulations are relevant to Los Angeles, California, and truck accidents. These elements are essential when considering negligence in a trucking accident claim. Among these rules are the following:
- License for Commercial Drivers (CDL): A valid CDL is required for truck drivers to operate commercial vehicles in California.
- Insurance Requirements: According to California law, truck drivers must carry a certain amount of insurance, depending on the truck’s gross vehicle weight rating.
- Hours of Service: According to federal laws, truck drivers must spend a minimum of 10 hours without driving after 11 hours of driving during a 14-hour workday.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection: Truck drivers and their employers must do routine maintenance and inspections on their vehicles to guarantee roadworthiness.
- Cargo Securement: Trucks are subject to laws governing weight distribution, maximum permissible weight, and cargo securement.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: To make sure they are not operating a vehicle while intoxicated, truck drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing.
Truck drivers, trucking companies, and truck part manufacturers are among the parties that could be held accountable for damages in a truck accident.
Truck accident lawsuits can be complicated because of the interplay between federal and state laws. To fully understand these rules, speaking with an expert attorney is imperative.
2023 Top-Rated Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in LA, the top-rated truck accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help. Our firm has been helping truck crash victims for over 45 years, and we have an outstanding record of collecting more than $850 million for our clients.
Founded in 1978, we have over 150 years of combined experience winning tough personal injury cases and maximizing compensation for California plaintiffs. We’ve built a reputation as tough litigators familiar with all California courts, judges, and defense teams.
Our highly skilled team of truck injury attorneys excels at taking on challenging cases such as wrongful death and serious injury cases. We are passionate about providing superior representation while seeking the compensation and justice our clients deserve.
We represent injured plaintiffs securing justice all over California and have five locations: LA, Orange County, Fresno, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Francisco.
Call now at (323) 238-4683 or click to contact us for a free consultation.
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