Truck Accident Attorney in the San Fernando Valley

Having an experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference to make sure you get the help and justice you deserve.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

An accident with a truck can be serious and can change your life forever. The first thing is always to make sure that you and those around you are safe. Each year, approximately 500,000 trucking accidents occur, and account for nearly twice the percentage of fatal crashes that occur in the United States.  

Whether you are the private driver, part of the party, or the truck driver, different circumstances can create challenges around the dynamics of your situation. But, most certainly your experience is traumatic and can amount to medical costs, insurance costs, disputes over liability, and even issues with insurance companies.

Paying careful attention to all the little details that can protect you and your case after a truck accident may fall through the cracks but working with the right lawyer will protect you.

What Consists of a Commercial Truck in California?  

A commercial truck refers to any truck used for a commercial purpose, such as one that carries goods or provides commercial services. It is not based on the type or style of truck and instead depends on the purpose for which the truck is used.

A truck is determined by its size and weight and drivers of a commercial truck typically require special training or a license.

Whether because of the size or the demand of trucks across the country, accidents often end up with large margins of property damage or catastrophic injuries. Common types of commercial and private trucks in Southern California counties consist of:

1. Dump and Garbage Trucks
2. Big Rigs or Tractor-Trailers
3. Tanker Trucks
4. Flatbed Trucks
5. Last-Mile Delivery

What Happens When a Truck Gets into an Accident?

Proving liability can be challenging during a truck accident because of the heavy federal and state regulations that relate to the overall trucking industry. When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, it is imperative to provide liability of drivers or companies by examining many different factors.

Like any other vehicle incident, it is difficult but not impossible to prove negligence, as well as any injuries that may have occurred, were the result of the disregard for safety in some manner. That is why is important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who understands the elements that will help you receive justice.

California negligence law favors those affected by a truck driver who is found negligent. In those instances, a truck driver can be liable for injuries and damages caused to other motorists or those involved in the incident. However, the burden is on those affected to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the truck driver was negligent during the affair using the four elements of negligence:

1. The company, driver, or a third party must demonstrate intent toward safety and regulatory practices with any elements that may potentially cause harm to others
2. The company, driver, or third party failed to meet that standard
3. The injuries you received were a direct result of the negligent behavior
4. Damages occurred

Are Truck Drivers Always at Fault?  

Truck drivers are not always at fault during a collision or accident. Just like with any motor vehicle incident, there are many factors that can contribute to the events that could put fault on the truck driver, the other motorist, or even a third party like the trucking company. In cases of negligence, motorists can be at fault for similar reasons as truck drivers.

Understanding who is at fault is important for any party involved, especially if you want to pursue a claim. In order to receive just compensation for the incident, whether that comes in the form of collecting damages, medical costs, or other forms of repayment, the right attorney can make informed decisions that protect you.

How Long do Truck Lawsuit Cases Usually Last?

A typical truck accident lawsuit in Southern California can take anywhere from one year to several years. In reality, the length of time it takes for the case may depend on what your intended outcome is. You want and deserve compensation for your losses and the possibility of recouping much of that may occur quickly after an accident.

But when working with the right attorney, you can also determine the cost of other damages you inflicted that you may not have thought about, which could result in a completely different number than what you expected after you consider how the accident impacted your life.

What Is My Truck Accident Worth?

Every person's truck accident is unique and the worth of any case is specific to the events that occurred. Each detail can shape the amount you may collect or that may not affect the monetary outcome of the case at all.

The real question is not what your case is worth but what an experienced truck accident attorney can help you receive and recover that you may not realize you deserve. Examples of experiences that you may have that you should recover damages for include:

• Medical Bills
• Emotional Distress
• Property Damage
• Loss of Wages
• Disability
• Pain and Suffering

Why Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

There are nearly 5,000 truck driver fatalities across the United States in a given year, and a number of those occur in Southern California where congestion, dangerous conditions, and high trucker traffic is a dangerous reality for residents.

When a truck accident takes place, a great personal injury attorney not only focuses on getting you financial compensation, but also finds the needed avenues to make sure you are covered in beyond damages.

Finding the right representation is important. Finding someone who can understand your needs and goals is difficult. Big firm results with small firm attention means I.Donald Weissman listens, understands, and helps you get justice.