Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, we at Nagelberg Bernard Law Group understand the devastating impact it can have on your life. As experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers, we are committed to guiding you through every step of your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and complex legal proceedings. When you call our offices, you can feel confident that a top-rated injury lawyer in Los Angeles is ready to advocate for your rights and the full compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers?

Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accident claims due to the magnitude of damages and the involvement of commercial entities. Our firm has decades of experience dealing with cases involving large trucks, semi-trucks, and big rigs, and we understand how to handle these unique challenges.

Our semi-accident attorneys in Los Angeles are highly knowledgeable about state and federal regulations governing commercial trucks, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.

For instance, truck drivers are mandated to adhere to hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue-related accidents (FMCSA Hours-of-Service Regulations).

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Understanding the root causes of truck accidents can help build a strong case. Our team of big rig accident lawyers in Los Angeles has found that most truck accidents are attributed to the following factors:

1. Driver Fatigue: Despite strict hours-of-service regulations, some truck drivers and companies violate these rules to meet tight deadlines.
2. Distracted Driving: Texting, using in-cab communication systems, or other distractions can lead to catastrophic accidents.
3. Improper Maintenance: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles properly. Failure to do so can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues.
4. Overloaded Trucks: Excessive cargo can lead to imbalance and increased stopping distances.
5. Driving Under the Influence: While it is illegal for any driver to operate a vehicle under the influence, truck drivers are held to stricter blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits.

California Trucking Laws and Regulations

Our experience as a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer means we know the applicable laws. In California, trucks must comply with both state and federal regulations. California’s Vehicle Code 21702 supplements federal guidelines by addressing the number of hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle within state boundaries.

Truck drivers and their employers must adhere to strict rules regarding:

• Weight limits as outlined by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
• Licensing and training requirements to ensure drivers are qualified and competent (Caltrans Commercial Vehicle Regulations).

The at-fault parties can be held accountable for damages and injuries when these regulations are violated.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

When we handle your case, we prioritize ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your losses. As your trusted truck accident lawyer near you, we strive to recover:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

In severe cases involving wrongful death, we help families seek justice and compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.

How We Prove Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Proving liability in truck accident cases can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple parties, such as:

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first person considered when determining liability in a truck accident. Drivers are responsible for adhering to road safety laws and regulations, maintaining focus, and operating their vehicles responsibly.

They may be held liable if the following are proven:

• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other distractions while driving put everyone on the road at risk. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents involving large vehicles.
• Driving Under the Influence: Federal regulations impose stricter blood alcohol content (BAC) limits on commercial drivers (0.04% compared to 0.08% for regular drivers). If a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be held accountable.
• Fatigue: While the FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service regulations are in place to prevent driver fatigue, some drivers violate these rules to meet tight deadlines. Fatigued driving can impair judgment and reaction time, leading to catastrophic accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive lane changes, and tailgating are all forms of reckless driving that can contribute to an accident. If a truck driver demonstrates such behavior, they may be found liable.

The Trucking Company

The trucking company can also be held liable for accidents due to various factors. In many cases, the company’s policies or negligence play a significant role in causing accidents. Potential liabilities include:

• Negligent Hiring Practices: Trucking companies are responsible for thoroughly vetting their drivers and ensuring they have the necessary qualifications and a clean driving record. If a company hires an unqualified or undertrained driver, it can be held liable for any accidents.
• Failure to Enforce Regulations: Trucking companies must ensure their drivers comply with federal and state regulations, such as adhering to hours-of-service rules. Companies that encourage or pressure drivers to violate these rules to meet delivery schedules can be held accountable for resulting accidents.
• Poor Supervision and Training: Companies are obligated to provide proper training and supervision to their drivers. If a lack of adequate training leads to an accident, the company may be held liable.
• Negligent Maintenance Policies: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleet. If a company neglects regular vehicle maintenance and this results in an accident, it could be liable for the damages.

Manufacturers of Truck Parts

Sometimes, a truck accident isn’t due to driver error or poor company policies but instead results from a defect in the truck itself. Manufacturers of truck parts can be held liable under product liability laws if their components are found to be faulty.

Examples include:

• Defective Brakes: If the brakes fail due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer can be held liable for any accidents that result from this failure.
• Tire Failures: Tires that blow out due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect can cause loss of control and accidents. The tire manufacturer is responsible for injuries or damages that occur as a result.
• Engine or Transmission Malfunctions: Issues with the engine, transmission, or other crucial parts can cause mechanical failures that lead to collisions. Manufacturers must ensure their products meet safety standards; failure to do so can make them liable.
• Recall Failures: If a manufacturer fails to issue a recall or adequately warn consumers about known defects, it can be held accountable for accidents that occur as a result.

Third-Party Maintenance Companies

Some trucking companies outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party service providers. When these companies fail to properly inspect or repair a truck, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Examples of how a third-party maintenance company can be at fault include:

• Improper Repairs: A maintenance company can be held liable if it performs subpar work or uses defective parts during repairs. For instance, if a tire is improperly installed or an essential engine component isn’t correctly fixed, it may lead to accidents.
• Missed Inspections: Regular inspections are crucial to identify potential issues that could compromise the truck’s safety. A third-party maintenance provider may share liability if they fail to conduct thorough inspections or overlook critical faults.
• Recordkeeping Failures: Maintenance companies must keep detailed records of inspections and repairs. If a company fails to maintain accurate records or fabricates documentation to cover up missed work, it can be held responsible for any resulting accidents.

Determining liability can be complex in truck accident cases due to the number of potentially involved parties. Each case requires a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and ensure that victims receive full and fair compensation for their injuries.

At Nagelberg Bernard Law Group, we have the resources and experience to handle these multifaceted cases and fight for your rights every step of the way.

As a semi-accident attorney in Los Angeles, we conduct thorough investigations to identify the parties responsible. Our team collects critical evidence, including:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data: Check if the driver complied with hours-of-service regulations.
• Driver records and employment history: To determine if the driver had prior violations.
• Truck maintenance logs: To ensure compliance with maintenance requirements.
• Eyewitness testimonies and expert analyses: To strengthen the case.
• Accident scene photographs and surveillance footage.

We understand that time is essential, so we act quickly to gather evidence and build a compelling case. California’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the accident date, so we urge you to contact us promptly.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident, taking the right steps is crucial:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions may not manifest immediately.
2. Call the police: Ensure that an official accident report is filed.
3. Document the scene: If you can, take photos and gather contact information from witnesses.
4. Avoid speaking with insurance companies: Before discussing your case with any insurers, consult us—your big rig accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
5. Contact our firm: The sooner you get in touch, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.

Why You Need a Top-Rated Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles

Truck accident cases are complicated by the many factors affecting liability, such as federal and state regulations, trucking industry practices, and insurance company strategies. We at Nagelberg Bernard Law Group have successfully navigated these complexities for years. Our proven track record as a top-rated injury lawyer in Los Angeles speaks to our dedication and skill.

We use a contingency fee structure, which means you don’t pay unless we win. This ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal fees.

Contact Your Truck Accident Lawyer Near You Today

Truck accident cases require swift and decisive action to ensure the best possible outcome. Don’t delay in securing the representation you need. We’re here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process with expertise and empathy.

If you’re searching for a trusted Los Angeles truck accident lawyer, contact us at Nagelberg Bernard Law Group today. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call now for a free consultation.