Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

Get Immediate Help From a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers fight for justice, accountability, and the maximum financial compensation for victims and families. Truck crashes can cause terrible injuries. Victims must have the support that they need to put the pieces back together.

If you or a family member was hurt in a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig accident, you need top-tier legal guidance and support. Contact us at our Los Angeles law office today for a free case review. 

Commercial Trucks are Disproportionately Likely to Cause Catastrophic Accidents

A fully loaded truck can be up to 72 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Unfortunately, when trucking accidents happen, the consequences are disproportionately likely to be catastrophic. While trucks make up less than 2 percent of all vehicle traffic nationwide, they are involved in nearly ten percent of fatal accidents.

For reference, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 436 people were killed in commercial truck accidents in California in 2022. The California Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) reports that more than 1,400 people were injured in tractor-trailer accidents in Los Angeles County alone in 2022. 

Four Things to Do Immediately After an Accident with a Truck in Los Angeles

Southern California is full of large commercial trucks. When a crash occurs, the aftermath can be especially chaotic. Knowing what to do after a serious truck accident is key to protecting yourself and your rights. Here are four important steps to take after a truck accident in Los Angeles: 

1. Pull Over and Report the Collision: Hit by a commercial truck in Los Angeles? Be sure to stop your vehicle as soon as safely possible. You should exchange information with the trucker. Report the crash to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).  
2. Get Medical Care from a Doctor Right Away: All truck accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. It is not uncommon for injuries to be more severe than they initially seem. Without medical records, it will be more difficult to bring a legal claim.
3. Save All Details About the Accident: In California, the law assigns truck accident liability based on fault. Be sure to take photographs of the crash, damage, and surroundings. In addition, gather contact information for any witnesses. The more evidence you have, the easier it’ll be to prove liability.
4. Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurer: Truck companies are typically defended by aggressive legal teams. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, be sure to consult with an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney. 

Understanding Truck Accident Liability in California

Neither a trucker nor a trucking company is automatically liable for a crash in Los Angeles. Instead, California operates under a fault-based system.

The party at fault for the crash is responsible for damages. Sometimes fault lies completely with the truck driver or his company. Other times both parties involved share some responsibility.

California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows the fault to be shared among parties. As an example, imagine that you are 20 percent at fault in a collision with a truck. Furthermore, suppose you sustained $50,000 in total damages.

Under California law, you would be liable for $10,000 (20 percent) of your crash damages. However, you can pursue compensation for the remaining $40,000 (80 percent) from the truck driver and/or trucking company. 

Negligence is the key to liability in any claim. The Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions explains that negligence is the failure to take proper care. For example, it could be a truck driver speeding or a trucking company failing to conduct proper vehicle maintenance. 

Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims   

In California, semi-truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including non-economic losses.

With that being said, commercial trucking companies and their insurance carriers can make the claims process hard. They often want you to settle for less than what’s fair. We are here to protect your best interests. Along with other types of damages, our Los Angeles truck accident attorney helps injured victims seek financial compensation for: 

• Vehicle repairs
• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital bills
• Medications
• Medical equipment
• Loss of wages
• Loss of earning power
• Pain and suffering 
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful death

How Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help 

Taking on the insurance company after a bad truck accident is hard. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we are here to be by your side every step of the way.

Our firm has a passion for justice. You can review our client testimonials, and our case results. You may also contact us directly with any specific questions about your case. We are ready to get started working on your behalf right away.

Our top-rated attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers will: 

• Carefully listen to your account of the accident and answer your personal injury questions
• Investigate your truck accident—gathering all of the relevant evidence
• Develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize your financial recovery
• Handle the settlement negotiations with insurance companies
• Advice you whether or not we should consider taking your case to court

Common Types of Trucks Involved in Local Accidents

Truck accidents can be devastating due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. Therefore, understanding the different types of trucks involved in local accidents can help you be more aware on the road. Here are some of the most common trucks that frequently get involved in accidents around Los Angeles county:

• Flatbed trucks
• Box trucks
• Auto haulers
• Trailers
• Semi trailers
• Cement trucks
• Dump trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Delivery trucks
• 18-wheeler trucks

Each of these trucks presents unique risks on the road.

Los Angeles Truck Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does a Truck Driver Need a CDL?

Yes. In California, a truck driver generally needs a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate commercial vehicles, including a semi-truck.

The CDL ensures that drivers have undergone the necessary training and testing to operate such vehicles safely and competently. Different classes of CDL cover different types of vehicles/cargo. If a trucker lacks the proper license, that is negligence. 

What Type of Insurance Policy Does a Commercial Truck Company Have?

Large commercial trucks typically have higher policy limits. Indeed, California law mandates that commercial truck companies in California are required to have liability policies with far higher limits compared to passenger vehicles. The exact coverage and limits depend on the nature of the goods transported and the size of the truck. Insurers can be aggressive in these cases. 

What are the Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents?

Semi-truck accidents in Los Angeles happen for a wide range of different reasons. Every crash requires an investigation to determine exactly what happened. Still, tractor-trailer accidents can generally be prevented with the proper care. Some of the leading causes of accidents include: 

• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions increases the risk of losing control
• Distracted Driving: Using mobile devices, eating, or other distractions can divert the driver’s focus from the road
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to reduced reaction time and attention
• Improper Loading: Incorrectly loaded or secured cargo can cause trucks to tip over or shed their loads
• Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning brakes, tires, or other critical components can lead to catastrophic accidents

How Long Do I Have to File Truck Accident Injury Claim in California?

While you have two years from the truck accident date to file a personal injury claim, for a property damage-only claim, you have three years to take action. Do not wait to get started.

You do not want to fall behind on the claims process. Consult with a Los Angeles semi-truck accident lawyer right away. 

Does Federal Law Impact a Truck Accident Case?

It can. While semi-truck accident injury claims in Los Angeles are brought under California law, there are federal safety regulations that apply to trucks operated in interstate commerce. If a trucker or trucking company violates these safety rules, that is evidence of negligence. A safety violation could be key to establishing fault in your truck accident claim. 

Should I Agree to a Truck Accident Settlement? 

It depends. A full and fair settlement offer from the insurance company is a good outcome in a truck accident claim. With that being said, you should not agree to resolve your case for a lowball settlement.

You always have the right to take your truck accident injury claim to court if the compensation does not meet your expectations. An experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can review your case, determine the value of your claim, and represent you in settlement negotiations. 

We Handle Commercial Truck Accident Cases in Los Angeles On Contingency Fee

How much does it cost to retain a truck accident attorney? With El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, there are no upfront costs or hourly bills.

Our Los Angeles commercial truck accident attorneys represent injured victims on a contingency fee basis. Until you receive your payment, we do not receive ours. Your initial consultation with our law firm is free, confidential, and carries no obligations. 

Contact Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney Today

At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our truck accident attorneys hold negligent trucking companies accountable. If you were involved in any type of truck crash, we are here to help. From our main office in Los Angeles, our attorneys handle accident claims throughout Los Angeles county and beyond.    

Call our office at (213) 985-1120 or contact us online and benefit from our 50 years of combined experience, driven by commitment, passion, and justice.