Whether you were a driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you're entitled to file a compensation claim if you've been injured in a truck accident. While no law says you need a lawyer for a truck accident in Los Angeles, it's widely recommended—collecting evidence from the trucking company and determining liability can be complicated after such a collision.
Your chosen truck accident lawyer will collect evidence, interview eyewitnesses, identify the at-fault party, prepare a claim outlining all your damages and their value, negotiate with the insurance provider, and represent you in court if necessary.
Why Hire a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Los Angeles?
Accidents involving trucks tend to be more complex than those involving smaller vehicles, since trucks are heavier and often cause severe damage. Although commercial trucks are under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations to ensure road safety, these accidents still occur.
Here are some reasons to consider hiring an attorney for your Los Angeles truck accident:
There May Be Multiple Liable Parties
Even though the truck driver may be directly responsible for the crash, several parties might also be liable for the collision. Overall, you may have a case against:
- The truck driver:Most truck accidents happen due to driver error, which can be attributed to speeding, exhaustion, distracted driving, and impairment due to the use of drugs and alcohol.
- The parts or truck manufacturer:The manufacturers have a duty of care to ensure the trucks and parts released into the market are of high quality. If they breach that duty of care and an accident happens, they'll be liable.
- The trucking company: Usually, after a truck accident, the trucking company is responsible for its employees' actions. The trucking company's responsibility is to ensure the drivers are adequately trained, perform a background check before hiring, and ensure the drivers follow state and federal trucking regulations.
- Maintenance company or mechanic:If a truck accident occurs due to mechanical failure caused by negligent repair or maintenance, the individual or company responsible for these tasks could be liable for the crash.
- The loading company: The trucking company usually contracts a third party to load the trucks. Improper loading, such as failure to secure the cargo properly or failure to distribute the weight of the load, can cause a crash.
These Cases Involve Complex Trucking Laws
Commercial trucks in the United States are under the FMCSA regulations. The complex trucking laws FMCSA enforces are usually considered in a truck accident claim since a violation can be presented as evidence of negligence.
Some of the regulations to be considered in a truck accident include:
- Driver qualifications, including training, medical fitness, and a valid commercial driver's license
- Hours of service; how long is a driver required to work before taking a rest?
- Transportation of hazardous materials
- Insurance requirements
- Maintenance, repair, and inspection
Your truck accident lawyer has an in-depth knowledge of the trucking regulations and how they affect your case.
You May Have to Deal With Multiple Insurers
Since a truck accident usually has more than one party responsible for the accident, each party will be represented by a different insurance company. Dealing with one insurer after a car accident can be difficult enough; now imagine negotiating with representatives from several insurance companies.
After a truck accident, your priority is healing and recovering from your injuries. Your lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance companies as they pursue the injury claim on your behalf.
Serious Truck Accident Injuries Mean Significant Damages
If your injuries are serious, litigation will likely become more complicated. Your lawyer must collect evidence to show the nature and seriousness of your injuries to be eligible for compensation after your truck accident.
Injuries that result in lifelong medical conditions require more evidence. You should consider getting in touch with a lawyer immediately if you sustain any of the following injuries:
- Spinal cord injury, including paralysis
- Brain injury
- Amputation of limbs
- Burn injuries
- Vision loss or blindness
What Damages Can I Get After a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents resulting in death or severe injuries often involve a significant payout to the victims or their families. A settlement or court award accounts for damages suffered due to the negligence of the at-fault party.
You can enlist a lawyer to negotiate for a fair settlement based on the value of the damages. Your lawyer will take time to calculate your claim and include all potentially recoverable damages, like:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
Compensation for wrongful death generally covers funeral and burial expenses as well.
Let Our Truck Accident Lawyer Handle Your Claim Today
Contact the Dolman Law Group to hire one of our lawyers if you've been injured in a truck accident in Los Angeles. Our team will collect evidence, launch an investigation, build a compelling case, and negotiate for a fair settlement while you concentrate on healing. Call us today to review your case with a member of our team.