Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles?

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. If you’ve been involved in a crash, here’s what you should do:

1. Prioritize Medical Care: Even if you don’t feel injured, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to appear.
2. Report the Accident: Call 911 to notify law enforcement. The Los Angeles Police Department will document the scene, and emergency responders can assist if needed.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
4. Exchange Information: Get the truck driver’s contact and insurance details. If there were witnesses, ask for their statements and contact information.
5. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies: Avoid making statements or accepting blame before speaking with a lawyer.

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorneys will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in LA

Truck accidents often stem from negligence, poor decision-making, or mechanical failures. Understanding the most common causes can help identify liability and prevent future collisions.

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, delayed reactions, and impaired judgment. Many truckers exceed legal driving limits to meet deadlines.
• Distractions Behind the Wheel: Checking a phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating while driving takes a driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Excessive Speed: High speeds, especially on major highways like the I-5 and 405, make it harder for truck drivers to stop or maneuver safely.
• Unsecured or Unbalanced Cargo: Improperly loaded freight can shift unexpectedly, causing a truck to tip over or lose control.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and poor maintenance create hazardous situations that can lead to serious accidents.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Navigating Los Angeles’s congested streets and complex freeway systems requires skill that some new truck drivers lack.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use affects reaction time, judgment, and coordination, making a large commercial truck even more dangerous.

When a truck accident results in injuries, a thorough investigation is crucial to proving fault. If you’ve been affected by one of these factors, our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Los Angeles

The size and weight of commercial trucks often make accidents particularly devastating, leading to serious injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries that cause concussions, memory loss, or cognitive disabilities that last
• Spinal cord injuries, that can turn into paralysis (either partial or complete), affecting your independence and mobility
• Broken bones and joint injuries, including fractures in the limbs or ribs, often requiring surgery and lengthy recovery.
• Internal injuries, like internal bleeding or even organ damage
• Burn injuries because of chemical spills or fires
• Amputations, where the severity of the crash can cause loss of limbs
• Psychological trauma—this includes PTSD, emotional distress, and anxiety which are common after serious truck accidents.

If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, our team is dedicated to helping you secure compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, and any long-term support you may need.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents come in various forms, each with unique dangers and complexities. Common types of truck accidents in LA include:

• Rear-end collisions, often caused by trucks requiring longer stopping distances. Speeding or distracted drivers frequently trigger these crashes.
• Jackknife accidents, where a truck’s trailer folds sharply, blocking lanes and causing multi-vehicle pileups.
• Underride crashes, where smaller vehicles slide beneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Rollover accidents, caused by sharp turns, excessive speed, or unbalanced cargo, putting nearby vehicles at risk.
• Blind spot accidents, due to large areas around trucks that drivers cannot see, making lane changes and turns hazardous.
• Tire blowouts, where a sudden tire failure can cause the truck driver to lose control, leading to serious collisions.
• Wide-turn crashes, as trucks require extra space to turn, and misjudgments can result in collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.

No matter the type of truck accident, our Los Angeles legal team is prepared to investigate the incident, determine its cause, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who is at Fault in a Truck Accident?

Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Those who may be held liable include:

• The truck driver, if they were fatigued, distracted, speeding, or under the influence at the time of the crash.
• The trucking company, for issues such as poor vehicle maintenance, hiring unqualified drivers, or failing to follow safety regulations.
• Cargo loaders, if improperly secured or unbalanced cargo caused the accident.
• Vehicle manufacturers, in cases where defective brakes, tires, or other components contributed to the collision.
• Third parties, including other drivers, road construction companies, or government agencies, if their actions or negligence played a role in the accident.

Each case is unique, and a thorough investigation is essential to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.

How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

Proving negligence in a truck accident case can be more challenging than it seems, even when fault appears obvious. Without proper legal guidance, critical details might be overlooked. That’s why our experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers meticulously review and analyze all evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

Key elements of negligence in a truck accident case include:

• Duty of Care: Truck drivers and trucking companies are legally required to operate safely, follow traffic laws, and adhere to federal regulations to protect others on the road.
• Breach of Duty: We show that the responsible party—whether the driver, trucking company, or another entity—failed to uphold this obligation. Examples include reckless driving, excessive speed, ignoring safety protocols, or failing to maintain the vehicle properly.
• Causation: Our legal team links these negligent actions directly to the accident, proving that the breach of duty led to your injuries and financial losses.
• Damages: We compile strong evidence, such as medical records, bills, proof of lost income, and documentation of the accident’s impact on your daily life, to support your claim for compensation.

By addressing each of these elements, we work to establish a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve.

How Can Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys Help?

Why Choose Thompson Law As Your Truck Accident Lawyer

Selecting the right attorneys can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident claim. Our team is dedicated to delivering top-tier legal representation, personalized support, and proven results for truck accident victims in Los Angeles. Here’s what sets us apart:

• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
• Proven Track Record: With over $1.9 billion secured for our clients, our experience and results speak for themselves.
• Streamlined Process: Getting started is simple. Contact us anytime to speak directly with a lawyer. You can sign up from your phone or computer, and we’ll begin working on your case immediately.
• 24/7 Availability: Accidents happen at all hours, and we’re always ready to help—day or night.
• Client-Focused Approach: We treat every case with care and respect, ensuring you receive regular updates and personalized attention.
• Bilingual Legal Support: Our Spanish-speaking team members ensure language is never a barrier to getting the justice you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need experienced attorneys who will fight for maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

At Thompson Law, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve. Whether investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, or preparing for trial, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.

Don’t delay! California law sets strict deadlines for filing a claim after a truck accident. Call us today for a free. Let our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

What is the average settlement for a truck accident?

The compensation awarded in a truck accident case depends on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and property damage. Settlements often range between $75,000 and $300,000, but cases involving catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death can result in payouts exceeding $1 million.

How do attorney fees work for truck accident cases?

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Legal fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

How long does it take to settle a truck accident case?

The timeline for resolving a truck accident claim varies. Cases involving minor injuries may be settled in a few months, while more complex claims—especially those with disputes over liability or serious injuries—can take 12 to 24 months or longer, particularly if they proceed to trial.

What are a driver’s legal responsibilities after an accident?

After a crash in Los Angeles, all drivers must:

• Remain at the scene and ensure safety.
• Check for injuries and call 911 for emergency assistance if necessary.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Exchange information with other involved parties, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
• Refrain from admitting fault and limit discussions about the accident to police officers and legal representatives.

How do truck accident cases differ from car accident claims?

Truck accidents are more complex due to multiple legal and logistical factors, including:

• The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, which often result in severe injuries and significant property damage.
• Federal trucking regulations that dictate driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo handling, adding legal challenges.
• Potential liability involving multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and truck manufacturers.
• Higher settlement amounts due to the increased severity of damages and long-term impacts on victims.