Beverly Hills has some notable streets with high vehicle and foot traffic, like Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Wilshire Boulevard. Sharing these roads with large vehicles may, at times, create complications that can ultimately result in collisions.ย Residents and visitors can be at risk, and undergoing the aftermath of such an accident may require specialized guidance.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills truck accident lawyers know local traffic patterns and the dynamics of commercial trucks within the area. Our law firm manages personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not owe us anything unless we are successful. While we take on all legal aspects of your commercial truck accident claim, you can prioritize your health and safety.ย
To set up a FREE consultation with one of our skilled truck accident lawyers, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick contact form.
Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers?
West Coast Trial Lawyers is committed to provide exceptional service and strong representation. We set ourselves apart with a client-centered approach and a notable record of success. Here is what makes us the right fit for your case:
Weโre Available Around the Clock
Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, which is why we are available 24/7 to give you the legal representation you need.
Putting Clients First, Always
Your needs guide our approach, and your comfort and clarity shape how we handle your case.
Results You Can Trust
Our track record shows what weโre capable of. Thatโs winning cases and securing justice for clients just like you.
Communication You Can Count On
Youโll always know whatโs happening with your case. We take pride in providing clear updates you can count on.
Connected to the Local Area
Weโre not just familiar with the area, weโre connected to it. Those relationships help our clients get the support and resources they need.
Beverly Hills Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,714 people were killed in large truck accidents in 2021. It was reported that 68 percent were in passenger vehicles, 16 percent were truck occupants, and 15 percent were pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicyclists. The number of deaths in large truck accidents was 50 percent higher compared to 2009, which was when the lowest number of cases occurred.
The following list provides additional details about the types of truck accidents that occurred in 2021 and the amount of motorists affected:
- In two-vehicle crashes between a passenger vehicle and a large truck, 97 percent of those killed were occupants of passenger vehicles.
- 11% of all motor vehicle deaths were linked to large truck accidents.
- 74% of fatal large truck accidents involved tractor-trailers and 27 percent included singe-unit trucks.
- 63% of truck drivers who were in a multi-vehicle accident were struck by another truck.
- 48% of large truck accidents took place on major roads excluding interstates and highways, 36 percent were on interstates and highways, and 16 percent were on minor roads.
- 50% of truck accidents happened between 6am to 3pm, and 16 percent occurred on weekends.
What Is the Leading Cause of Truck Accidents?
The leading cause of truck accidents is driver error. Certain actions that fall under this category include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Impaired driving
In the trucking industry, drivers will often be met with pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to hours-of-service violations and fatigue-related truck collisions. Other contributing factors may involve improper vehicle maintenance, defective tires, and hazardous road conditions. When a commercial truck crash happens as a result of negligent driving, California law (Civil Code ยง 1714) will allow injured victims to hold liable parties financially responsible for the damages incurred.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Many truck accidents can result in devastating injuries due to the vehicle’s size and weight. Common forms of bodily harm may include:
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Because truck accidents can be serious and sometimes trigger hidden injuries, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention even if symptoms may appear minor in the beginning. Proper evaluation will ensure your injury is diagnosed early on, treated effectively, and documented for your records.ย
Simultaneously, victims may often need legal guidance to sue the at fault party for damages sustained. Consulting with a skilled truck accident lawyer can guide you through difficult claims, preserve evidence, and help acquire a fair settlement so you do not have to pay unless your case is successful.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Experiencing a truck accident can be frightening and stressful, especially due to the size of the vehicle, potential injuries, and the complicated legal issues involved. Knowing the right steps to take shortly after the incident can help protect your safety and improve your personal injury case:
- Call 911: Reach out to local authorities for emergency services. Once they arrive, a police report will be created. This will be used as an official record of the truck accident, which is important to have at hand when pursuing claims or compensation.
- Seek medical treatment: You should always prioritize your health by receiving medical attention promptly after the incident as injuries from truck collisions may not always be immediately obvious. Proper care will improve your quality of life while also supporting your truck accident claim as you will have documentation readily available to use if you plan on pursuing legal action against the at fault party.
- Collect evidence: Documenting the scene with photos or video, along with information about your injuries and the surrounding conditions, is crucial. This evidence can help assess damages, support your claim against the responsible party, and increase your likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome.
- Avoid admitting fault: After a truck crash, you should never confess that you were the primary cause of the event or speculate over what could have triggered it. Any statements made at the scene or on social media could be used against you. Stick to presenting factual details when speaking with police or medical personnel.
- Consult with a Beverly Hills truck accident lawyer: Truck accidents often involve unique legal complications, like federal trucking regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple parties. Discussing your case with an experienced truck accident attorney will ensure that your rights are protected, deadlines are met, and compensation is acquired.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, which can make liability more difficult. Depending on the type of personal injury claim, fault may fall on either of the following:
- The commercial truck driver
- The trucking company
- Maintenance crews
- Cargo-loading contractors
- Truck manufacturers
- A government entity
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that if more than one party shares responsibility for the crash, they will each be held liable only for their percentage of fault. Even if you are partly responsible for the incident, you can still recover damages. But, keep in mind, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of accountability.
Beverly Hills Truck Accident Laws
In a Beverly Hills truck accident, more than one party can be held responsible for causing injuries and damages. Under California’s negligence law, the injured party will need to prove that the motorist who hit them committed the three elements of negligence, which are:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care,
- The defendant breached their duty of care, and
- The defendant’s reckless behavior caused you to endure losses.
A duty of care is a legal requirement in which all motorists must use reasonable caution when operating a vehicle. For instance, a duty of care for a truck driver would be to keep an eye out for pedestrians and vehicles, and obey the city’s traffic lights and signs.
According to the state’s strict liability law, you can pursue legal action against an entity, such as designers or manufacturers, in a product’s chain of distribution if a faulty parttriggered your accident. Under this circumstance, you will not be required to prove that the defendant failed to provide reasonable care like you would in a negligence claim. You will only need to show that the truck’s part was defective and it ultimately lead to your injuries or damages.
There are several areas within the large vehicle that may become unresponsive or nonfunctional. Some examples include:
- Tires,
- Brakes,
- Accelerator pedals, or
- Cargo ties or straps.
What Are Damages in Truck Accident Cases?
In a truck accident case, damages will refer to compensation a victim may recover for losses incurred as a result of the crash. Since truck accidents usually involve larger vehicles, more severe injuries and complicated liability issues are expected to arise. Given these factors, damages can be substantial.
Economic damages are tangible losses that can be calculated by using documentation. Some examples include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages will cover intangible losses that are difficult to quantify, like emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
In some cases, courts may also give punitive damages if the truck driver or trucking company acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The intent is to punish the at fault party and prevent similar conduct from occurring again in the future.
Accurately calculating damages in a truck accident claim can increase the likelihood of securing fair compensation. Keeping detailed records of your medical treatment, lost income, and property repairs will help lawyers present a strong case against the opposing side.
To learn what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the losses you sustained because of the truck accident.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
An experienced truck accident lawyer plays a major role in protecting the rights of injured victims and helping them acquire the compensation they deserve. Such cases often have multiple parties involved, complex accident scenes, and commercial insurance carriers. A lawyer will:
- Conduct an investigation.
- Protect the rights of truck accident victims.
- Calculate full and fair compensation.
- Ensure no part of the case has been overlooked.
- Manage evidence and accident reports.
- Represent you in negotiations or in court.
A knowledgeable legal representative has an understanding of rules covering large commercial vehicles and delivery trucks, allowing them to identify violations that may have caused the crash. Their level of advocacy will greatly improve your opportunity to achieve favorable results.
Involved in a Truck Accident? Schedule a FREE Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you do not have to go through the legal process on your own. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team will protect your rights, fight for full compensation, and guide you every step of the way. We handle a variety of personal injury cases, including truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and wrongful death claims. We are readily available to advocate on your behalf and help you seek the justice you deserve.
We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until your case has settled. To schedule a free consultation, you may reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy contact form. We are available 24/7 to answer phone calls and form submissions.
More Resources
Hit And Run Truck Accidents In California
California Truck Accident Attorney
UPS Truck Accidents In California
