Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers

Aggressive Legal Representation for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents on the road. Many of the most common injuries sustained in these traffic collisions are often catastrophic, resulting in lifelong health complications and pain.

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by negligence, contact the team at McGee, Lerer & Associates in Los Angeles for the compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance you need to ensure the responsible party is held liable for your suffering.

Have you been involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles? Call McGee, Lerer & Associates today at (310) 231-9717 or contact us online to discuss your case and get the justice you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Several factors, including human error or environmental conditions can cause truck accidents. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Speeding: Excessive speed can reduce a truck driver’s ability to react to unexpected hazards. Trucks require more time and distance to stop, and speeding increases the likelihood of a collision.
• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers who use phones, GPS, or engage in other distractions may miss important traffic changes, leading to crashes.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, improper lane changes, and other aggressive behaviors are dangerous, especially in large trucks, where accidents can cause serious damage.
• Fatigued Driving: Truck drivers working long hours may suffer from fatigue, which can impair reaction times and decision-making and, in severe cases, lead to falling asleep at the wheel.
• Severe Weather: Rain, snow, fog, and ice make driving hazardous, especially for trucks, which are harder to control in poor conditions.
• Overloading Cargo: Overloaded trucks can become harder to control, especially when it comes to stopping or maneuvering, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Brake or Vehicle Failure: Mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, often result from poor maintenance and can cause serious accidents when drivers cannot stop in time.

Recognizing these causes can help prevent truck accidents and protect everyone on the road.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Below are the most frequent types of truck wrecks that occur in L.A.:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it, often due to driver distraction, fatigue, or insufficient braking distance. They can result in severe injuries and significant vehicle damage.
• Jackknife Accidents: This happens when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Such accidents are usually caused by abrupt braking or slippery road conditions and can lead to multi-vehicle crashes.
• Rollover Accidents: Caused by sharp turns, high speeds, or uneven loads, rollovers can result in catastrophic damage and injuries. The sheer size and weight of trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous.
• Underride Collisions: These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck's trailer, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Poor visibility and sudden stops are common causes.

Understanding these types of accidents helps identify liability and pursue compensation via the appropriate legal channels.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

As mentioned above, the injuries sustained in a truck accident tend to be life-altering. Due to the weight, size, and force a commercial truck can strike, it is no wonder why these accidents have such a deadly track record.

Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed bones
• Traumatic amputation
• Severe lacerations
• Burn injuries
• Organ damage

Given the severe nature of these injuries, damages in a truck accident case are often far higher than in most other motor vehicle accidents. Survivors often require extensive medical care and treatment and, in many cases, they are never able to achieve a full recovery.

Take action now! If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, reach out to our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers for a free consultation. We’re here to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Most car accident cases are relatively straightforward when it comes to liability. However, in a truck accident case, matters of liability are typically more complex and it is not uncommon for more than one party to be at fault. To maximize compensation, you will need an attorney who knows what to look for in a truck accident case and how to skillfully negotiate with multiple parties to ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries.

Below are some of the parties who might be held liable in a truck accident case:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The loader of the truck
• The manufacturer of the truck’s parts
• The owner of the truck

One or more of these parties might be responsible for your injuries in a truck accident. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine fault and ensure no stone is left unturned.

Compensation Truck Accident Victims Can Recover

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and substantial losses, making it essential to pursue full compensation with the help of experienced legal counsel. 

Here are some key types of compensation you can recover if you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Los Angeles:

• Medical Expenses: Covers all current and future medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery and diminished earning capacity if the injuries affect future employment.
• Pain and Suffering: Financial recovery for physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the accident.
• Property Damage: This covers repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on personal relationships, including loss of companionship and support.

Navigating the complexities of truck accident claims requires skilled legal representation to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Seeking legal advice immediately is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

What Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

Determining the worth of your truck accident claim involves evaluating several key factors that can influence the compensation amount. These factors include the severity of your injuries and the associated medical expenses covering current treatments and future healthcare needs. Lost wages from time off work and any reduction in your future earning capacity are also critical considerations.

Pain and suffering are vital components that account for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. Additionally, property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, forms part of the claim's worth. Long-term effects on your quality of life, such as permanent disabilities or lifestyle changes, further affect the claim's value.

Legal expertise is crucial in accurately assessing and maximizing your claim's worth. Experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys can navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring that all elements are considered for your fair compensation.

What Is the Truck Accident Statute of Limitations in California?

California's statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is generally set at two years from the incident date. This means you have two years to bring a lawsuit in court to pursue compensation for injuries, damages, or other losses caused by the truck crash. Failing to meet this deadline may prevent you from being able to pursue compensation for your injuries or damages.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the accident involves a government vehicle or entity, the time frame to file a claim may be much shorter, typically six months. Additionally, if injuries or damages are not immediately apparent and are discovered later, the statute of limitations may be extended, though this varies depending on the circumstances.

Contact Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Injuries sustained in a truck accident can change a person’s life forever. If you were involved in a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, the team at McGee, Lerer & Associates in Los Angeles will assist you to ensure you obtain the fair and just compensation you deserve and need to recover from your injuries.

We understand the difficulties you and your family must face and will do what is necessary to hold the responsible party accountable. You should not have to suffer for anyone else’s mistakes.

Don't wait to get the compensation you deserve. Call our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you get back on your feet after a truck accident.