Woodland Hills Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are a rare occurrence in the Woodland Hills area, but nonetheless when it occurs, it can cause serious and even fatal injuries that can affect those involved and their families. Due to the large nature of trucks, they are naturally more difficult to maneuver in cases of emergencies as opposed to standard passenger vehicles. Should a truck operator be negligent in their actions or if they were struck by a reckless driver, it can lead to a complex legal situation where you can possibly be held liable for damages.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our compassionate team of truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for you and represent you during this stressful time in your life. As a law firm that specializes in personal injury law, our team of attorneys have handled a variety of trucking accidents from simple collisions to truck rollovers. With over 20 years of legal experience, we are confident that we can get you the financial compensation that you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in compensation to our deserving clients and our team of attorneys understand how stressful filing a truck accident claim can be and the emotional trauma that can arise with those who have suffered catastrophic injuries. So if you have any questions or concerns regarding your case, our team of attorneys are available 24/7 to address them and put your mind at ease.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, you can get in touch with us by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling out our quick online contact form.

What Can Cause a Truck Accident?

From what is typically seen in the Woodland Hills area, the most prominent factors that can cause a truck accident are negligent drivers, defective parts, and severe weather and road conditions. As each cause has their own sets of challenges, it is important to understand the differences between each one so you can discuss your case with your truck accident lawyer effectively.

Driver’s Negligence

Driver’s negligence is referred to as reckless actions drivers perform when they are on the road. This includes actions such as distracted driving, drunk driving, and drowsy driving, all of which can cause significant damage and injuries in an accident. According to a large truck causation study conducted by the FMCSA, commercial truck accidents caused by the driver’s negligence and recklessness make up around 66% of all accidents.

Should a negligent driver cause a truck or car accident, then they would be held liable for all damages. In fact, in some cases the trucking companies that hired them can be responsible for not properly training their employees and conducting performance evaluations to ensure that these types of accidents do not occur.

Defective Parts

One of the rarer instances of truck accidents, defective parts and mechanical failures is a complex issue that actually happens more than one would think. Despite all the proper maintenance that these commercial vehicles receive after making hundreds of trips, the chances of a mechanical failure can still happen to anyone. According to the FMCSA causation report, roughly 10% of all commercial trucking accident cases were due to mechanical failures such as defective tires or worn down brakes.

With that in mind, truck accident cases where the main cause was due to defective parts can have the truck department’s maintenance department or the affiliated third party truck manufacturer be held liable for not properly checking the operational standards of the truck.

Weather Conditions

Environmental conditions are referred to as severe environmental problems that can have a drastic effect on a driver’s performance on the road. This can be heavy rain, potholes, thick fog, high winds, and general slippery roads, and if drivers are not careful then they could possibly cause a severe trucking accident such as rollover or a jack knife accident. While trucking companies cannot be held liable for accidents caused by an act of god, they can be held liable for not properly training their truck drivers and have them be prepared for such scenarios.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

When it comes to determining liability for a traffic accident, California is a comparative negligence state, which means that victims can be held liable for partial damages that cause an auto accident as per California Civil Code 1431.2. So if an accident victim is partially responsible for a truck accident, then the percentage of their liability will be reflected in their awarded compensation.

For example, if a truck accident victim is 25% responsible for the accident in question, then 25% would be subtracted from their total awarded compensation to take account of their portion of causing the accident.

However, this doesn’t excuse any damages or injuries that a negligent truck operator has caused in an accident. As all trucks are expected to comply with state laws, federal laws, and regulations, California negligence law states that a truck driver who is found guilty of negligence will be held accountable for causing injuries or damages.

In addition, California’s strict liability law states that designers, manufacturers, and even any companies involved in a product’s chain of distribution can all be held responsible if their defective product was the cause of a truck accident. So if you have been involved in a truck accident in Woodland Hills and are having a difficult time determining liability, it is vital that you seek legal counsel to ensure that the liable parties are held accountable for their actions.

What Is California’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims?

All truck accidents and personal injury cases must be filed within two years of the accident date according to section 335.1 of California’s Code of Civil Procedure. If you do not file a claim within that time limit, then you automatically waive your right to pursue compensation for any sustained injuries and damages. The only exception to the rule is unless the victim is either a minor, in jail, legally insane, living out-of-state, or disabled. As filing for personal injury claims can become a time consuming process, it is important to hire an experienced attorney who is able to ensure your chances to recover compensation.

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you have sustained injuries in the city of Woodland Hills as a result of a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of truck accident lawyers are ready to serve as your trusted legal counsel throughout this endeavor. We are a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of legal experience and our team of truck accident lawyers are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our deserving clients and we will continue to do our duty to represent them and look out for their best interests at heart. Whether you were involved in a severe trucking accident or unsure about the total value of your personal injury claim, our lawyers are available to address any questions or concerns you may have about your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents In Woodland Hills

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

The awarded amount of a truck accident settlement will be dependent on a variety of factors such as the intensity of the sustained injury and the scale of the occurred damage. For example, truck accident victims who have sustained serious long-term injuries such as a brain injury or a spinal cord injury can potentially receive a settlement anywhere within the six to seven figure range to accommodate for all of the various medical bills and treatments.

If a Loved One Did Not Survive a Trucking Accident Am I Entitled to Compensation?

Depending on your connection to your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim and recover compensation for their untimely passing. However, you would need to be an immediate family member such as a spouse, parent, or child to file a claim, but if the deceased does not have any of the following family members then the eligibility would be extended to distant family members and official representatives.

Is the Trucking Company Liable if a Truck Driver Is Drunk, Distracted, or Fatigued Behind the Wheel?

Yes, the trucking company can be vicariously liable for the actions of the truck driver should they get into an accident if they were drunk, distracted, or fallen asleep behind the wheel. This is due to the fact that trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are complying with road rules and are physically and mentally fit to complete their job without incident. This would particularly apply, should the driver showcased a history of automobile accidents due to their own volition and actions.