Truck Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles: Fighting for Your Rights
Getting involved in a truck accident can have catastrophic consequences. The sheer size and weight of large trucks make them a force to be reckoned with on the road, and collisions with these vehicles often result in severe injuries and even fatalities. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 5,000 fatalities in 2019 from accidents involving large trucks. If you’ve been a victim of a trucking accident in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from experienced truck accident lawyers who will fight for your rights.
At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and have been advocating for truck crash victims for over 25 years. Our team of skilled attorneys has the knowledge and resources to navigate the legal process on your behalf and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident: Understanding the Parties Involved
Determining liability in a trucking accident is often more complicated than in a car accident. Due to the nature of the commercial trucking industry, there are multiple parties that can potentially be held liable for a crash. It’s essential to identify these parties to ensure you pursue the appropriate legal action. Let’s take a closer look at the main parties involved in truck accident cases:
1. Truck Driver
The truck driver can be held liable if they caused the accident due to driver error, intoxicated driving, or distracted driving. Their negligence or reckless behavior can have devastating consequences on the road.
2. Trucking Company
In many cases, if the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident, the trucking company can also be held liable. This is known as the principle of vicarious liability. Additionally, the trucking company may be responsible if they failed to properly maintain the truck, overscheduled the driver, or neglected to provide essential driver training.
3. Truck Manufacturer
If a defective truck or truck part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer can be held liable for the injuries sustained. Product liability laws allow victims to seek compensation from the manufacturer if the truck or its parts were unsafe.
4. Government Entity
In some instances, a city, county, or state government entity may be held responsible for the accident if they failed to maintain or repair the road where the accident occurred. Negligence on their part could have contributed to the collision.
It’s important to note that insurance companies and trucking companies often try to shift blame onto the victim to protect their interests. This can make the legal process even more challenging and stressful. By working with a skilled truck accident attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents: Seeking Compensation for Your Damages
Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to accidents involving passenger vehicles only. The massive size and weight disparity between trucks and smaller vehicles can lead to catastrophic consequences. Here are some of the most common injuries victims sustain in truck accidents:
1. Broken Bones
The impact of a truck accident can cause fractures or breaks in various parts of the body, such as the legs, arms, or chest. These injuries can be extremely painful and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
2. Spine Injuries
Spinal injuries in truck accidents can be life-altering and have long-term effects on the victim’s quality of life. Complete spinal cord injuries, where the cord is compressed or severed, can result in paralysis below the point of injury. Incomplete spinal cord injuries may still cause significant limitations and disabilities.
3. Traumatic Brain Injuries
The sudden trauma or force of a truck accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can range from mild to severe and have a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, memory issues, mood changes, and even coma.
4. Abdominal Injuries
Victims of truck accidents can sustain blunt force or penetrating abdominal injuries. Blunt force trauma occurs when an object impacts the abdomen, potentially damaging internal organs. Penetrating injuries, on the other hand, involve a break in the skin and can result in severe blood loss and organ damage.
These are just a few examples of the injuries that can result from truck accidents. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries or others due to a trucking accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney to understand your legal options.
Why You Need a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Navigating the legal complexities of a truck accident case requires the expertise of a skilled attorney who specializes in this area of law. Here’s why it’s essential to have a truck accident lawyer on your side:
1. Legal Knowledge and Resources
Truck accident cases involve intricate legal issues, and having a lawyer with specialized knowledge in this field is crucial. They understand the nuances of trucking regulations, liability laws, and insurance requirements. Additionally, reputable law firms have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
2. Protection Against Manipulative Tactics
Insurance companies and trucking companies often employ manipulative tactics to minimize their liability and avoid paying fair compensation. By having a skilled attorney by your side, you’ll have someone who can shield you from these tactics and negotiate on your behalf. Your lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
3. Maximizing Compensation
Truck accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial damages. A skilled truck accident lawyer will work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs. They will fight to maximize your compensation and help you rebuild your life after the accident.
Contact Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from Carpenter & Zuckerman. CZ Law team of experienced truck accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and helping them recover the compensation they deserve. We have offices in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Orange County, Irvine, San Diego, Bakersfield, and Las Vegas, and proudly represent clients throughout California and other states.
Contact cz.law today for a free consultation and let us provide the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time. Remember, you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Take the first step towards justice and schedule your consultation now.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is important to consult with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal rights and options.