Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys

Understanding Truck Accidents in LA

In California, a truck accident is defined as any collision involving a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, or other heavy trucks. Given the immense size and weight of these vehicles, truck accidents often lead to severe property damage, serious injuries, or even fatalities. These accidents can occur for various reasons, but understanding the complexities of a truck accident is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation, especially in bustling areas like Los Angeles, where commercial truck traffic is prevalent.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

The most common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: Occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often happens due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents: Occur when a truck flips onto its side or roof, caused by taking a turn too quickly, overloading, or uneven road surfaces.
• Rear-End Collisions: Involve a truck striking the vehicle in front. Heavy loads and longer stopping distances often lead to these accidents.
• Underride Accidents: Happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities—typically if the truck stops suddenly or if the smaller vehicle follows too closely.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Take place when a truck driver cannot see a vehicle in their large blind spots and changes lanes or turns, causing a collision.
• Tire Blowouts: Result from a tire suddenly losing air pressure, causing the driver to lose control. This can lead to the truck swerving or rolling over.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Happen when a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, potentially colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Head-On Collisions: Involve the front ends of two vehicles colliding. These are often the most deadly, especially when one vehicle is a truck because of its size and weight.
• T-Bone Accidents: Occur when the front of a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections due to running a red light or failing to yield.
• Lost Load Accidents: Occur when improperly secured cargo falls off the truck, creating hazards for other road users. This can cause multiple vehicle accidents and severe injuries.

Who Is Responsible for a Los Angeles Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, determining liability can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers examine what led to the accident and identify all liable parties.

Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties could be liable for a truck accident:

• The truck driver. If the truck driver’s violation of traffic laws or reckless operation caused the collision, they may be held liable for the resulting damages. 
• The truck driver’s employer. The company employing the truck driver could be legally responsible if poor driver training, unreasonable delivery schedules leading to fatigue, or failure to maintain their fleet contributed to the accident.
• The truck manufacturer. If an accident resulted from a defective part, the truck or part manufacturer can be liable. This includes cases where brakes fail, steering systems malfunction, or tires blow out due to manufacturing or design issues.
• The truck maintenance company. Companies hired to perform maintenance can be liable if their failure to inspect, repair, or maintain a truck leads to an accident. 
• The cargo loading company. Companies responsible for loading cargo may be held liable if improper loading or failing to secure cargo contributed to the accident.

Common Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in severe, even catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight difference between trucks and passenger vehicles. Even a minor collision can have life-changing consequences. 

Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs result when the head is violently jolted or strikes an object with force, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain trauma. The impact can disrupt brain function, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis. The force in a truck collision can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and support.
• Broken bones. Truck accidents can easily break bones. While some fractures heal with minimal intervention, complex or multiple breaks may need surgery and extended rehabilitation.
• Lacerations and burns. Broken glass, metal debris, and fires from a truck accident can cause deep cuts, serious burns, or scarring lacerations. These injuries may require emergency care and can lead to significant disfigurement and emotional distress.
• Internal injuries. Blunt trauma or penetrating injuries in truck accidents can damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding. These injuries can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries. Even in less severe truck collisions, occupants may suffer whiplash or other soft tissue injuries. These injuries may not be immediately obvious but can cause lasting pain and mobility issues.

The recovery process for these injuries can be long and challenging, often involving surgery, physical therapy, and counseling. For many, injuries caused by a truck accident have a lasting impact, affecting quality of life, ability to work, and emotional well-being. Seeking full and fair compensation for your losses is crucial if you have suffered because of another party's negligence.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident victims face not only a difficult physical recovery but also a complex legal journey. Navigating insurance claims, dealing with medical bills, and pursuing legal action against responsible parties can be overwhelming. This is where a strong legal team makes a significant difference. Our attorneys at Carpenter & Zuckerman have extensive experience in managing complex injury claims and can guide you through every step of the process. We are dedicated to easing your burdens and fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Our trial attorneys can hold negligent parties accountable and seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

Trucking Laws & Regulations in Los Angeles

Commercial trucks in Los Angeles must comply with a range of local, state, and federal regulations designed to protect public safety. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) enforces additional weight and size limits for trucks operating within the city, while local ordinances may restrict truck access on certain routes during specific hours. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national requirements for driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle inspections, and maintenance. In California, the Vehicle Code introduces additional accountability that may factor into civil claims, particularly regarding rest breaks and drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers.

Agencies such as the CHP have commercial enforcement units and conduct regular roadside inspections throughout Los Angeles County. If a driver or carrier violates these standards, documentation can support an injured party’s claim. Understanding these laws helps claimants build a strong case that holds responsible parties accountable. Clients benefit from legal guidance that interprets both the rules and practical application of these standards when seeking compensation after a truck accident in Los Angeles.

What to Do After a Truck Accident 

When a truck accident occurs on highways like the 10, the 405, or in busy neighborhoods, taking the right steps immediately can help your chances of receiving fair compensation. Start by moving to safety and calling 911, especially if anyone is hurt. Document the scene by photographing the vehicles, injuries, and road conditions. Ask witnesses for their contact information and avoid discussing fault or making statements to the other driver or insurers before speaking with an attorney.

Request a copy of the police report from the LAPD, CHP, or the responding agency, as this record serves as a key piece of documentation during the claims process. Keep copies of all medical records, repair estimates, and any insurance communications. Truck accidents in Los Angeles may involve several layers of insurance and complex liability questions. Working with a law firm familiar with the local legal system and commercial truck accident cases gives you an advantage as you pursue your claim.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right law firm is key for a truck accident claim. Carpenter & Zuckerman distinguishes itself with years of dedicated personal injury experience, underscored by a commitment to client-first representation. Our firm has amassed over $2 billion in recoveries for our clients due to our unwavering dedication to achieving justice.

What truly sets us apart is our approach. We provide a holistic service that combines aggressive litigation with compassionate client support. From navigating complex legal challenges to assisting with immediate medical needs, we stand by our clients every step of the way. Our focus is on removing the legal and financial stress associated with the recovery process, allowing clients to concentrate on healing and returning to their lives. When you choose Carpenter & Zuckerman, you choose a team that is driven by outcomes and devoted to client care.

Ready to seek justice and recover from your truck accident? Call (888) 484-2033 or fill out our online contact form now for experienced legal representation and compassionate support from our Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.