California Truck Accident Attorney

Top California Truck Accident Lawyers

California is home to some of the largest and busiest highways in the country, which means that there is an increase in the number of commercial trucks on its roads. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more opportunities for devastating truck accidents. Truck accidents present a unique set of challenges for those involved, and victims may be unsure of how to proceed. Our truck accident lawyers are here to help.

Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for their losses, but navigating the legal process can be complicated. These cases are complicated and require the expertise of an experienced California truck accident lawyer. The right attorney can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome for your case. Not only can truck accidents cause serious injury, loss of property, or even death; the emotional suffering following a truck accident can be catastrophic.

West Coast Trial Lawyers specialize in this area of law and can provide valuable legal advice to accident victims. 

In addition to providing knowledgeable legal advice, our expert California Truck Accident Lawyers at WCTL can also assist with other aspects of the claim process such as negotiating with insurance companies, contacting all liable parties involved and filing relevant paperwork. With our experience and expertise, our attorneys are well-equipped to help individuals seek justice after being injured in a commercial truck collision.

Common Causes for Truck Accidents in California

Truck accidents are a major source of concern in California, causing thousands of injuries and deaths each year. 

The majority of California truck accidents are caused by driver error, such as:  

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving

 Other common causes include:

• Poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles, both of which can lead to serious collisions. 
• Poorly loaded cargo is another factor that can lead to catastrophic crashes due to an unbalanced vehicle or cargo that shifts while the vehicle is in motion. In addition, 
• Traffic congestion on highways and roads can increase the risk of an accident due to drivers’ inability to maneuver around other vehicles safely. 
• Weather conditions also play a role in trucking accidents, with heavy rain or snowfall making it more difficult for drivers to stay in control of their vehicle. 
• Improper training for truck drivers may be a contributing factor when accidents occur due to inexperienced or untrained drivers failing to recognize hazardous situations quickly enough and take the necessary precautions.

Who Can Be Sued in a California Truck Accident Case?

In a California Truck Accident case, there are various parties who may be sued depending on the individual circumstances of the case. First, the truck driver, who is typically employed by the trucking company, may be held liable for any injury or property damage caused by his or her negligence. In some cases, if the driver was found to have violated federal regulations or statutes governing commercial trucks and/or cargo transport, then he or she may be strictly liable for such violations.

The trucking company itself may also be held liable in certain circumstances. If it can be shown that the trucking company was negligent in hiring a driver with an unsatisfactory driving record or failed to maintain their vehicles properly, they may be held responsible for any resulting damages.

 Additionally, if there was a breach of contract between the trucking company and another party involved in the accident (such as an employer or shipper), then this breach could result in liability for both parties.

In addition to these primary parties, other related entities such as manufacturers of defective vehicle parts and entities responsible for loading cargo onto trucks could also potentially face liability due to their involvement in a California truck accident case. 

It is important to note that all potential liable parties should always be identified and investigated in order to ensure that those responsible are appropriately held accountable for any damages caused. Therefore, hiring a California truck accident lawyer becomes extremely important in producing successful results for your case.

Common Injuries After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, sometimes life-threatening. Victims of truck accidents often experience physical and emotional trauma. It is important to understand the common types of injuries that may be suffered in a truck accident.

One of the most common types of injury experienced in a truck accident is soft tissue damage. This type of injury involves damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments due to the force of impact or whiplash. 

Other common types of injuries include:

• Sprains
• Fractures 
• Dislocations
• Head trauma such as concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Immediate Death

 In addition, victims may suffer from internal organ damage or lacerations caused by objects inside the vehicle during the crash.

It is important for victims to seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident, even if they do not feel any immediate pain or symptoms. This will ensure that any potential injuries are properly diagnosed and treated before they become more serious. Consulting with an expert California truck accident lawyer can help victims determine what legal options may be available to them.

Types of Damages You Can Sue For in a California Truck Accident

When seeking compensation for a truck accident in California, it is important to understand the types of damages that you may be able to claim. 

These can generally be broken down into two categories: 

• economic
• non-economic damages. 

Economic damages are those that have an easily calculable dollar value, such as: 

• medical bills

• property damage 

• lost wages 

Non-economic damages are more subjective, such as: 

• Pain and Suffering

• Emotional distress

Economic damages can include both past and future expenses related to the accident. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to missed work are considered economic damages. In some cases, they also include the cost of future medical care if the injury is serious enough that long-term treatment is required. Property damage can include repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles or other personal items in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses resulting from a truck accident in California. These can include pain and suffering caused by physical injuries sustained during an accident, as well as emotional distress caused by the trauma of being involved in such an event. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be sought to punish those responsible for causing an accident if their actions were egregious enough to warrant additional punishment beyond compensatory awards.

It is important to speak with an experienced California truck accident attorney when considering filing a legal claim after a trucking collision in California so they can advise you on what type of compensation you may be entitled to receive based on your unique circumstances.

Semi-Truck Accidents in California

Semi-truck accidents occur frequently in California, as the state has a high volume of interstate and intrastate commercial traffic. These incidents are often severe due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. When semi-trucks collide with cars, pedestrians, and other vehicles on the road, it can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Determining liability for semi-truck accidents is often complex due to the number of different parties that may be held responsible. The driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of components used in the truck can all be liable for negligence that leads to an accident. Additionally, California’s comparative fault laws applies when more than one party is at fault for an incident.

In such cases, each party’s degree of negligence will be taken into account when determining who is ultimately responsible for compensating victims for their losses. Thus, working with an experienced attorney who has a thorough understanding of these laws is essential to ensure those affected by semi-truck accidents receive fair compensation for their damages.

What Should You Do if You Get Hit by a Semi Truck?

If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, there are several steps that you should take to ensure your rights are protected.

Firstly, seek medical attention as soon as possible and document any injuries or damages. Medical treatment should be sought even if no serious injuries were sustained. It is important to document any physical or psychological damage that occurred during the accident, as this will help in filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver later on.

Secondly, contact law enforcement immediately to file a police report. The police report is vital for providing evidence of the responsibility of each party involved in the accident. Additionally, it is important to obtain witness statements and contact information from anyone who was present at the scene of the crash.

Thirdly, consult with an experienced California truck accident lawyer who can assist you in gathering evidence and filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. An experienced lawyer can also determine whether punitive damages should be sought. Furthermore, they can negotiate with insurance companies and pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and other costs associated with your injury or damage claim.

It is critical to take all necessary steps following a semi-truck collision in order to protect your legal rights and ensure you are fairly compensated for any loss incurred.

Can You Sue for an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Truck accidents can be devastating, and those involved may suffer physical, emotional and financial losses. Knowing what to do after a truck accident is essential for ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve. One of the most important steps is understanding whether you can sue for an 18-wheeler accident.

In order to determine whether a lawsuit is possible, several factors must be considered. First, the facts of the case must be assessed, including who was at fault and which parties should be held responsible for any damages or injuries suffered as a result of the accident. Depending on these factors, it may be possible to pursue legal action against those deemed to have caused the crash. Additionally, it is important to consider any applicable state laws regarding filing a claim or lawsuit in such cases.

The availability of legal options should also factor in when deciding whether to sue for an 18-wheeler accident. Individuals with valid grounds for a lawsuit can benefit from engaging an experienced California Truck Accident Lawyer who specializes in truck accidents. An attorney will help evaluate your case and provide guidance on how best to proceed with seeking legal recourse if necessary.

Actual Settlement Amounts for California Truck Accidents

When it comes to California truck accidents, the amount of a settlement depends on a variety of factors. These include the severity of injuries, damages, and other expenses related to the accident. Generally, settlements for truck collisions will be higher than those for car accidents due to the potential for more severe injuries.

Below are some examples of actual settlement amounts for California truck accidents:

• In 2017, a victim in San Diego County received $1 million after being injured in a truck accident.
• In 2019, an individual in Los Angeles County received $3 million after he was severely injured in a crash involving a commercial truck.
• In 2020, a family in Sacramento County was awarded $2 million after their loved one was killed in an accident involving an 18-wheeler.
• In 2021, an individual in Orange County received $750 thousand after suffering serious injuries from an accident with a delivery truck.
• In 2021, a couple in San Francisco County was awarded $2 million after their child died in an accident with an 18-wheeler.

Tracy Morgan, a popular celebrity actor, was awarded an estimated $90 million for an accident he was in with a Walmart truck driver. Although the crash took place in New Jersey, Trucking accidents were thrust into the mainstream media over topics like trucker fatigue regulations and overall truck driver negligence. 

Settlements depend on many variables and no two cases are alike; therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can advise you as to what kind of settlement you may expect from your case. A lawyer can also help you negotiate for the highest possible amount based on your particular circumstances and any applicable laws that may apply.

Do I Have a Time Limit to Sue in California?

In California, there are specific time limits in place to file a lawsuit after a truck accident. These time limits, known as the statute of limitations, vary depending on the type of claim and the legal process that must be followed. Generally speaking, personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. If the injured party does not file suit within this period of time, they will likely be barred from doing so.

In addition to the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, California also has statutes that limit when certain types of damages can be recovered. For instance, punitive damages may only be recovered if a lawsuit is filed within one year of an incident occurring. Further, it is important to note that any lawsuits involving government entities or employees must be filed within six months from the date of injury in order to comply with California’s Government Tort Claims Act.

It is critical for individuals injured in truck accidents to understand their rights and adhere to applicable statutes of limitation when filing a lawsuit. Speaking with an experienced truck accident attorney can help injured parties better understand their legal options and determine how best to move forward with their case.

Our Expert Attorneys Have Won Truck Accident Cases for Our Clients

Given the complex legal issues that can arise in truck accident cases, it is important to have quality legal representation. Our top truck accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers are experienced in handling such cases and have a track record of success for our clients. We understand the intricacies involved and strive to provide the best possible outcome for our clients. With over 1.5 billion in settlements won, our attorneys will work with you every step of the way to ensure your case is handled appropriately. We will start by reviewing any applicable laws that may be relevant to your case and then develop an effective strategy for pursuing a successful result. Additionally, we will use our knowledge of trucking regulations to help build a strong case on your behalf.

We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal services and will fight vigorously for you and your family. Our California truck accident lawyers understand the emotional toll these types of cases can take on individuals, so we strive to make the process as stress-free as possible while maintaining communication throughout the process. We are here to help you obtain fair compensation for any losses you have suffered due to a truck accident whether they be for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, disability payments, or all of the above.

If you’re looking to schedule a free consultation with our skilled and compassionate legal team, feel free to get in touch with us today.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you have sustained injuries as a result of someone’s negligence or deliberate acts of malice, you have the right to hold the guilty party responsible for your losses. Our California truck accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can recover compensation for the losses you have suffered.

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.