Valencia Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents in Valencia, CA can lead to serious injuries and damages, especially if it takes place on busy highways, like I-5 and SR 126. Such an outcome is heavily contributed by the vehicle’s large size and weight. If you were harmed as a result of a truck accident, you may be given the right to sue the liable party to secure financial compensation. Having a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, on your side will help simplify the legal process.

Our Valencia personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle any case, whether it be a truck accident or a car accident. With over 20 years of experience in the legal field and a proven track record of delivering favorable results, we are confident that we will get you the compensation and justice you deserve. No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, we will be there every step of the way. 

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can connect with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents may vary, and will have its own unique set of causes. Let’s take a look at each common type.

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision happens when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. This is typically due to the truck driver’s inability to stop in time. The following factors can provoke this kind of outcome:

• Lack of distance
• Brake failure
• Distracted driving
• Bad weather conditions
• Speeding

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle shaped as a “V” with the cab. When the vehicle’s brakes are applied too abruptly or unevenly, this problem may arise. Other elements that can provoke a jackknife accident include:

• Slippery surfaces
• Excessive speeds
• Imbalanced load

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident is when a truck tips onto its side or flips. This can be caused by:

• High speeds
• Sharp turns
• Uneven loads
• Road hazards

Due to a truck’s large size and power, severe injuries and damages are likely to occur.

Underride Accidents

An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck. This is extremely dangerous, and can cause the driver to endure serious or fatal injuries. These collisions typically occur when the vehicle is unable to react promptly to a truck ahead, strikes it, and goes under the trailer.

Blind Spot Crashes

Blind spot crashes take place when a driver of a smaller vehicle collides with a truck while in its blind spot, where the truck operator will have difficulty seeing them. To lessen the likelihood of such an accident, drivers should:

• Avoid being in the truck’s blind spot
• Give the truck enough space to travel
• See the truck’s mirrors before passing

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Injuries in a truck accident will range from minor to life-threatening due to the vehicle’s size and weight. Common forms of bodily harm that may appear after such a collision include the following:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Due to the severe nature of truck accidents, it can lead to life-long medical care, rehabilitation, or even permanent disabilities.

California Truck Laws

California’s trucking industry is operated under strict regulations in order to maintain safe road conditions. Some of the following laws include:

• CVC 12804.9: Truck drivers are required to have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet medical and training requirements.
• CVC 22406: Trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more are only permitted to speed up to 55 mph.
• CVC 35550: Trucks have maximum weight limits (80,000 pounds) to ensure road safety. But, it can be exceeded if special permits are presented.

How to Drive Safely Around Trucks

If you encounter a truck on the road, you should consider following the safety tips provided below to reduce the likelihood of a crash:

• Give trucks more time and distance to stop or slow down
• Stay out of a truck’s blind spot
• Move quickly but cautiously when passing a truck
• Use turn signals when making lane changes to allow the truck driver to anticipate your movements

What Happens When a Truck Driver Has an Accident?

When a truck driver has an accident, an investigation will commence to determine what legal consequences should be implemented. Punishments may vary depending on the severity of the collision. But first, the truck driver will need to report the incident to local authorities. Medical evaluations will be provided for the driver and any involved parties, and treatment options will be presented to those who sustained bodily harm.

The driver, along with the trucking company, must cooperate with investigators to identify what the primary cause of the collision was. If the driver is found accountable, they could be met with personal injury or property damage claims by the accident victims. In addition, penalties may be charged, especially if the driver was under the influence or distracted prior to the impact.

To get legal insight on how to handle truck accident cases, you can get in touch with our Valencia personal injury attorneys. We will take a look at the information provided and let you know whether you have a valid claim. If so, we will guide you through the legal process to ensure you get maximum compensation for the losses you incurred.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it is crucial for you to consider the steps sectioned below to protect your well-being and better your chances at developing a strong personal injury claim.

Contact Local Authorities

If you notice injuries or damages after the truck accident, contact local authorities. The police will arrive and conduct a written report. Paramedics may also show up to assist injured victims.

Exchange Information

Do not forget to exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved in the collision.

Seek Medical Attention

You should seek immediate medical care soon after a truck accident even if you believe that you sustained only minor injuries. Getting yourself evaluated by a physician is important as they can scan and detect any notable concerns that may require extensive treatment. All of your visits, procedures, and prescriptions relating to the injury will be documented and saved on file. 

Gather Evidence

Be sure to gather significant evidence to create a well-constructed claim. This includes the following:

• Photos of your injuries, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Speak to a Valencia Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can be complex to handle on your own. But, receiving legal guidance from one of our Valencia truck accident attorneys can help better your chances at obtaining a fair settlement. Our team will identify what regulations have been violated and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to make sure you do not get tricked into accepting a low offer. If your case, for whatever reason, heads to trial, we will continue to represent you until the very end. 

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident will vary in each case, but generally speaking, you will need to gather evidence to demonstrate negligence. Be sure to prove the following four elements:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care
• The defendant’s actions were the direct cause of your injury
• You endured losses, like medical bills and emotional suffering, as a result

Our Valencia personal injury attorneys will review the information provided and identify the at fault party. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, each side will be evaluated to determine percentage of fault. Even if you are found partially liable, you can still recover compensation. For instance, if the defendant was 80 percent responsible and you were 20 percent responsible, your pay will be reduced accordingly.

Below is a list of potential parties that can be held accountable for truck accidents:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Truck manufacturer
• Truck maintenance providers
• Other drivers
• Government entities

Time Limit to File a Truck Accident Claim in Valencia

Truck accidents are considered personal injury cases, meaning that you will be given two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. You will need to build your case and find the right legal representative to defend your rights. Failing to complete these tasks can cause delays. And if you happen to exceed the deadline, you will no longer be given the opportunity to secure compensation.

How Much Are Truck Accident Settlements?

The value of a truck accident settlement will differ in each case. The following factors will be considered when determining and distributing financial compensation:

• The extent of your injury
• Percentage of fault
• Current and future medical bills
• Lost income and earning capacity

To get an estimate of what you could be entitled to, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the expenses you incurred as a result of the truck accident. Usually, compensatory damages are awarded, and are categorized into: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial costs you sustained as a result of the truck accident, like:

• Medical expense
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that are difficult to quantify in monetary terms, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a FREE Consultation with a Valencia Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you were involved in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may sue the at fault party to recover damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our skilled Valencia personal injury attorneys will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for the losses you endured.

We provide legal services throughout Los Angeles County, including Valencia. You can reach out to our 24/7 legal team to schedule a FREE initial consultation by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.