Truck Accidents Lawyers in Westlake Village

When an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. The majority of commercial trucking accidents happen due to the negligence of the truck driver and the trucking company.

At the King Law Firm, we have secured over $50 million in verdicts and settlements for injured victims in Los Angeles County. Our record speaks for itself. We have the skills, experience, and resources to take on powerful trucking companies and large insurance carriers to maximize your compensation. 

Contact us online or call our law offices at 805-448-4306 today to schedule your free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Westlake Village

Commercial trucks are much heavier than regular cars so their drivers have more responsibility when they are on the road. As such, they are governed by a specific set of rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including:

• No alcohol consumption is allowed within four hours before driving.

• Truck drivers cannot have a blood alcohol content over 0.04%.

• Drivers must be at least 21 years old and capable of driving safely.

• They must inspect their cargo at regular intervals.

• They must take rest breaks at pre-scheduled times.

• They must not drive beyond the Hours of Service.

• They must practice extreme caution during bad weather or stop driving altogether.

Unfortunately, some drivers and their employers may overlook these rules to complete their jobs faster or maximize their profits. When a driver is forced to drive beyond the HOS to meet their demanding schedule, it can result in a dangerous combination of fatigue, distraction, aggressive driving, and speeding, which are major factors in most fatal accidents. 

Why You Need Our Truck Accident Attorneys On Your Side

When you choose the King Law Firm for your personal injury claim, we get to work immediately. The key to building a strong truck or car accident case — and winning — is to investigate every detail and apply the state and federal laws governing truck operations at different levels. To make sure every responsible party answers for the harm they have caused, our car accident lawyers in Westlake Village CA will take the following steps:

Analyze the truck driver’s log books and ELD

This comparison helps spot any discrepancies in reported driving hours, indicating if the driver exceeded the federally mandated 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Overstepping these federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) limits means the driver was likely overworked and fatigued.

Identify signs of distracted or reckless driving

We obtain cell phone records, GPS data, and information from the Event Data Recorder (EDR) or black box to check whether the driver was texting, speeding, or engaging in any other erratic behavior before the accident. Our team cross-checks any speeding instances with traffic reports and EDR data to establish if the driver was violating speed limits consistently.

Review the trucking company’s records

By cross-examining the driver’s logbooks with electronic records and the truck’s GPS data, we try to find any mismatches or signs of tampering that can indicate the trucking company’s negligence in enforcing regulations. We also review their safety protocols, training programs, and accident history to find patterns of non-compliance.

Inspect the truck and its maintenance logs

All commercial motor vehicles must undergo regular servicing, so we look for any skipped or overdue tasks. A detailed assessment of the truck’s condition pre- and post-accident helps us identify if poor maintenance practices contributed to the crash. If there were any outstanding recalls or known defects with the truck model, we will find that, too.  

Evaluate other contributory factors

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can make it difficult for the driver to control the truck, so we inspect loading dock protocols, review the cargo manifest, and check whether the proper protocols were followed. 

In personal injury cases where elements like poor road conditions or the actions of other drivers might have been a factor, we review all the available traffic camera footage and witness statements and consult with accident reconstruction experts to understand the whole picture.

The knowledge of law is central to our legal process, of course, but piecing together your medical reports, witness statements, camera footage, accident reports, and other evidence is a big part of our job. When you work with us, you’ll find we’re dedicated to investigating each aspect of your car accident or truck accident case because the quality of evidence can significantly influence the outcome, be it in negotiations with insurance companies or in court.

From Negotiation to Courtroom Battle: Our Best Truck Accident Lawyers Are Prepared Every Step of the Way

The first step in these cases is to negotiate with the truck driver’s or freight company’s insurer. Based on your hospital bills, treatment costs, lost income, future care needs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, we calculate a fair settlement amount for you.

Our priority is to obtain a settlement that covers your immediate and long-term expenses without unnecessary delay. However, if they aren’t willing to settle fairly, we aren’t afraid of litigation. We have the resources to take your case to trial and represent you before a judge and jury. More often than not, just the threat of trial is enough to make the other side agree to your demand.

Our Truck Accidents Lawyers in Westlake Village CA Can Maximize Your Injury Claim

Remember, you’re not just up against the driver, but massive corporations and their insurers. At the King Law Firm, we can rigorously collect and analyze every piece of evidence and bring forth the facts of your case to prove the liability of the negligent parties and pursue the largest possible damages on your behalf. Call us at 805-448-4306 or complete this online form to schedule a free legal consultation with our truck accident attorneys serving Westlake Village today. To learn about other services we offer to Westlake Village residents, refer to our Westlake Village personal injury page.