Truck Accidents Lawyers in Los Angeles
When you are involved in a truck accident, your injuries may be dire. Truck accident victims often struggle to get the full compensation they need because truck accidents can be severe. It can also be difficult to pursue compensation from the truck company’s insurer without a truck accident lawyer.
That is why it is so important to have truck accidents lawyers in California from The King Law Firm on your side to pursue compensation. A California truck accident can have many obstacles, so being prepared can help you stand up to the companies and get the compensation you deserve as a truck accident victim.
Understanding California Truck Accident Laws and Regulations
Because trucking accidents can be so dangerous, many state and federal laws govern truck drivers. When these rules and regulations are broken or fail to prevent an accident, you may have grounds for a truck accident claim.
So what can you and your truck accident attorney expect, and what laws may impact your case? When filing your truck accident lawsuit, keep the following laws and statutes in mind as you navigate your claim:
Regulations on Working Hours
Trucking companies have strict regulations according to the California Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws are to prevent trucking accidents from occurring, but they are not always effective.
First, there are certain regulations regarding the hours of service of each truck driver. This is the maximum time a driver can be on duty. That limits the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without taking a break. However, some drivers may choose to break this rule.
Likewise, there are many regulations regarding the maintenance of trucks and their maximum weight. If this maximum weight is exceeded, cargo is not properly secured, or other issues are present that should have been regulated, you may be able to file a claim for the injuries you have suffered.
Statute of Limitations
When you are involved in a truck crash, you have a limited amount of time to act. Truck accident cases have a strict statute of limitations in California, leaving you without compensation If you do not act in time.
In California, you have only two years to contact a California trucking accident lawyer and get your case started. If you do not act within this time, your claim may be dismissed, leaving you to pay out of pocket for your damages. California truck accident lawyers can step in on your behalf when you act within these time limits to seek compensation.
Employer Liability
When you have suffered catastrophic injuries because of an accident, one of the first steps to compensation is determining who is liable for your truck accident. In most motor vehicle accidents, the fault lies with the driver.
Truck accident claims can be different. In most cases, trucking accident lawyers will not usually go after the truck drivers. Instead, a trucking accident lawyer will usually pursue a claim against the trucking company.
The company takes liability for its workers, as they are responsible for the training, maintenance, and other factors that can impact an accident. Speak with a personal injury attorney if you are concerned about your chances to pursue compensation from these companies.
Coparative Negligence Laws
Residents of Los Angeles and other parts of California may have suffered serious injuries because of semi-truck accidents, but they may be concerned about taking some of the blame. Large truck accidents can be severe and expensive, and the at-fault party may try to blame you for the accident to reduce this cost.
California’s comparative negligence laws state that if you are found partly at fault for the accident, you may lose a percentage of your compensation because of your liability. This reduction in compensation can mean paying out of pocket for some of the expenses caused by truck crashes. So contact an attorney for the best options to defend your case and protect your opportunities for compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California
Commercial trucks are large and dangerous, and when something goes wrong, it can lead to devastating injuries or even a wrongful death. Because these accidents are so dangerous, identifying the cause of your truck accident can help you pursue a claim.
Your California truck accident attorney will need to know whether to pursue a claim against the trucking company and their insurance company, or a third party like a truck manufacturer. Below are a few common causes of big rig accidents that your California truck accident lawyer may investigate to help you get the full compensation you are due:
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Proactive Measures to Prevent Truck Accidents in California
Once an accident happens, drivers should follow certain steps to protect the safety of those at the scene, gather evidence, and seek medical attention. However, there are some proactive measures that can be taken to prevent truck accidents in California.
Maintaining safe speeds and following road rules when driving near or passing a truck Is crucial to protecting your safety and preventing truck accidents. Keep in mind that trucks have huge blind spots, and if you are not aware of them, it is easy to drive in a place where the truck driver cannot see you.
In other cases, follow your gut if you think that a truck driver is driving dangerously. If you have any reason to believe they may cause an accident, slow down and put some distance between you and the truck. This can help you avoid an accident.
However, many of the proactive measures that can help prevent a truck accident are a concern for the truck company, not you. It can be difficult to avoid an accident if there is an issue with the truck that should have been noticed.
Fortunately, you do not have to deal with the aftermath alone. If you have been involved in a truck accident in California, reach out to The King Law Firm for help getting the compensation you are due.
California Top Rated Truck Accident Attorneys
However, that does not mean there is a clear average. In less severe accidents, you may be owed a few thousand dollars. In more severe accidents, your compensation may run into the millions of dollars. What we can say for sure is that our team of attorneys is dedicated to your claim and will do all we can to maximize your compensation.
How much do accident attorneys charge in California?
Rather than charging a flat rate, personal injury attorneys in California tend to charge on a contingency basis. That means you are only obligated to pay a percentage of your compensation when your claim is a success. If your case is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.
This takes the pressure off California accident victims so that they do not face further legal fees if they lose and that the legal fees are proportional to their financial award.
What is the statute of limitations for a truck accident in California?
If you are involved in a truck accident in California, you have a strict time limit to file your claim or lawsuit. California residents will need to file a claim within two years of their accident. If you do not file within that time period, you may lose your chance to get compensated.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations can help your case in certain ways. For example, evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, leaving you with less information to prove you were not at fault for the accident. Acting early can help preserve that evidence, giving you a stronger defense if the at-fault party tries to blame you for the accident.
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident in California that was not my fault?
When a car accident or truck accident is not your fault, you may think that that it should be obvious. Your case may seem like an open-and-shut one. However, even if the accident was not your fault, the at-fault party may try to pin part or all of the blame on you. That can reduce or eliminate your compensation.
When this happens, you may need a strong legal team on your side to get the compensation you are due for your injuries. Talk to your attorney about defending your case and ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Connect with a Truck Accident Attorney in California
Facing a California truck accident claim can be tough. Truck accidents can be very difficult to deal with alone and leave you seriously injured and struggling to recover. Unfortunately, without the right knowledge and resources, your claim may be dismissed, leaving you without compensation to cover the severe losses you have suffered.
Fortunately, you have options with the team at The King Law Firm. Our team offers free consultations where you can discuss your opportunities and options for legal compensation. If you have any questions or concerns about the specific details of your claim, your attorney can guide you through every step and every question you have regarding your case.
Are you ready to get your case started with expert truck accident lawyers in California? Our team is here to help. All you have to do to schedule a free initial consultation with our team is to call or fill out our online contact form.
How The King Law Firm Investigates Truck Accident Cases
When you have suffered severe injuries because of a trucking accident, experienced truck accident attorneys in California can get to work on your truck accident case. Drivers of passenger vehicles may be overwhelmed by the severe injuries and devastating harm caused by the accident, which is where California truck accident attorneys can step in to help.
Pursuing compensation with The King Law Firm can help you get compensated fairly, but what can you expect when we begin your truck accident case? Our team understands how to approach accidents involving commercial trucks and can guide you through every step of your case, from the initial investigation to the final moments in the courtroom.
Initial Investigation
Following commercial truck accidents, you can expect your experienced trucking accident attorney to investigate your case. That may start with determining what truck accident injuries you have suffered, gathering evidence from the scene, and speaking with eyewitnesses and expert witnesses about building a comprehensive collection of evidence for your case.
Most truck accidents are complex and dangerous compared to other vehicle accidents. Because of this, experienced truck accident lawyers are prepared to dive deep into your investigation and gather all the information you need to understand your case and get you compensated fairly.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
After the truck accident, you may have wondered about an insurance claim. Commercial trucking companies are required to carry both worker’s compensation insurance and accident coverage.
However, negotiating with insurance companies, which are big businesses with plenty of experience in protecting their profits, can be difficult when you are injured. Your California trucking accident attorney can step in to pursue the full settlement you deserve for your truck accident injury case.
However, negotiation is not always effective. The insurance company may continue to avoid a complete settlement offer or avoid mediation entirely. Fortunately, this does not mean you are out of options.
Litigation in Unresolved Cases
Experienced truck accident lawyers understand how intimidating it can be to file a claim against a big business. Commercial truck companies have more money and resources than the average person and will use that to their advantage. Fortunately, your trucking accident attorney can guide you through this process.
When your case goes to litigation, accident attorneys from The King Law Firm can be a vital part of getting your compensation. Truck accident attorneys can represent you in the courtroom, and they can argue for the maximum compensation you are due if your truck accident settlement is denied. Our goal is to help you get the highest compensation possible for your California trucking accident, and we are prepared to represent you throughout the process.
Legal Options and Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
When you are injured in a semi-truck accident, you have legal options you can take with your trucking accident attorneys. When a commercial truck driver makes a big mistake and you get hurt, you may need compensation that covers all your costs and suffering from the accident.
Fortunately, your attorney can guide you through your legal options for California truck crashes. If you are struggling to get compensation, talk to California truck injury lawyers to get the help you need to recover and to get fair compensation for the following damages:
Economic Damages
According to most truck accident statistics, accidents involving large trucks tend to have more severe injuries and property damage. Tractor trailers and other large trucks can collide with far more force than other vehicles, and they could be carrying dangerous cargo.
Because these accidents are so dangerous, you may need to speak with your attorney about the financial losses you have suffered because of the accident. Your losses could include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, among other losses. Keep in mind that any future damages you suffer, such as ongoing medical treatment, should also be included in your compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
While car accidents can cause emotional trauma, truck accidents can be especially dangerous and difficult to recover from. Beyond the financial losses you suffered, you may also be dealing with pain and suffering. These economic damages are intangible but can make a big difference in your semi-truck accident claim.
Talk to your attorney about calculating these damages based on the severity and impact the damages have on your life and your future. For example, if you were disfigured in an accident, you may be able to receive more compensation depending on how severe the disfigurement was, or whether it impacted your life.
California Truck Accident FAQ
You may be overwhelmed, in severe pain, and without the resources you need to file a claim after a California truck accident. These claims can be complex and can leave you struggling to overcome the injuries you have suffered. You may need specific legal guidance to get you through this lawsuit.
Our California truck accident attorneys are here to make your recovery as easy as possible. That includes answering all your questions and guiding you through your claim. To get the answers you need for your case, working with an attorney is typically the best possible option. To make the most of your time while you wait for your consultation, check out some of our frequently asked questions to learn more about our services:
How much are most truck accident settlements worth?
Truck accidents tend to be more severe than other motor vehicle accidents, such as ones involving cars or motorcycles. Because of this, you can often expect a truck accident settlement to be higher than the average car accident settlement.
California Top Rated Truck Accident Attorneys
However, that does not mean there is a clear average. In less severe accidents, you may be owed a few thousand dollars. In more severe accidents, your compensation may run into the millions of dollars. What we can say for sure is that our team of attorneys is dedicated to your claim and will do all we can to maximize your compensation.
How much do accident attorneys charge in California?
Rather than charging a flat rate, personal injury attorneys in California tend to charge on a contingency basis. That means you are only obligated to pay a percentage of your compensation when your claim is a success. If your case is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.
This takes the pressure off California accident victims so that they do not face further legal fees if they lose and that the legal fees are proportional to their financial award.
What is the statute of limitations for a truck accident in California?
If you are involved in a truck accident in California, you have a strict time limit to file your claim or lawsuit. California residents will need to file a claim within two years of their accident. If you do not file within that time period, you may lose your chance to get compensated.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations can help your case in certain ways. For example, evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, leaving you with less information to prove you were not at fault for the accident. Acting early can help preserve that evidence, giving you a stronger defense if the at-fault party tries to blame you for the accident.
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident in California that was not my fault?
When a car accident or truck accident is not your fault, you may think that that it should be obvious. Your case may seem like an open-and-shut one. However, even if the accident was not your fault, the at-fault party may try to pin part or all of the blame on you. That can reduce or eliminate your compensation.
When this happens, you may need a strong legal team on your side to get the compensation you are due for your injuries. Talk to your attorney about defending your case and ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
Connect with a Truck Accident Attorney in California
Facing a California truck accident claim can be tough. Truck accidents can be very difficult to deal with alone and leave you seriously injured and struggling to recover. Unfortunately, without the right knowledge and resources, your claim may be dismissed, leaving you without compensation to cover the severe losses you have suffered.
Fortunately, you have options with the team at The King Law Firm. Our team offers free consultations where you can discuss your opportunities and options for legal compensation. If you have any questions or concerns about the specific details of your claim, your attorney can guide you through every step and every question you have regarding your case.
Are you ready to get your case started with expert truck accident lawyers in California? Our team is here to help. All you have to do to schedule a free initial consultation with our team is to call or fill out our online contact form.
Contact a Los Angeles Truck Accident Injury Attorney Open 24 Hours a Day – 7 Days a Week
When you are injured in a California car accident, recovery is rarely easy. You may be suffering from severe injuries, you may be worried about time off work, and you may not have the knowledge or experience needed to defend your case in court. Fortunately, the team at The King Law Firm is here to guide you through your case and help you get the compensation you are due from the at-fault party.
When you need California car crash lawyers, do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation with our team. We can discuss what we can do for your claim and what you can expect when you file. To learn more about our services, simply call or fill out our online contact form.