Trucking Accident Attorney San Fernando Valley CA
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, having a knowledgeable San Fernando Valley, CA trucking accident attorney on your side can be invaluable. From the initial investigation to fighting for the compensation that you deserve, a lawyer can help you through every step of the process. Learn how an attorney represents their client’s case, and then contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry P. Goldberg for help.
How a Lawyer Helps
When you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you protect your rights and get the most compensation you deserve. A lawyer can offer assistance with every stage of your case, including:
- Investigating the accident – An attorney will conduct an extensive investigation of the accident scene, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and more to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault.
- Calculating damages – To determine the amount of compensation you should receive, a lawyer will calculate all of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies – A lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurance companies and ensure that any settlement offered is fair.
- Representing you in court – In some cases, it may be necessary to take your case to court to get the justice you deserve. An experienced attorney will represent you throughout the entire process and advocate for your best interests.
Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most compensation you are entitled to. With the right representation, you can be sure that your legal rights will be protected every step of the way.
Representing Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, the best way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve is to hire an experienced San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney to represent your case. Before you meet with your lawyer, it’s important to have all relevant facts and information readily available. This includes any medical records and treatment information related to your injury, a copy of the police report and other witness accounts, photographs of the scene of the accident, any relevant documentation regarding your employer and the other driver’s insurance coverage, and any additional evidence that may be helpful in establishing liability and damages.
Additionally, your attorney will likely ask you questions about the details of the accident and your injuries. They’ll want to understand the full extent of your injury, including whether you are still receiving medical care for your injury or if you’re out of work due to it. This information will help them build a strong case for your claim. Plus, your lawyer should also provide you with information about the timeline for filing your claim, which is typically three years from the date of the incident in California. It’s important to be mindful of this time frame when gathering evidence and preparing your claim. Your attorney should also explain the court process to you and what to expect at each step.
If you have been involved in an accident, contact a San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney at the Law Offices of Barry P. Goldberg for help today.
What Are the Five Main Reasons Trucking Accidents Happen?
Trucking accidents can happen for various reasons, but working with a San Fernando Valley CA trucking accident attorney can help you no matter the cause of the accident. Let’s explore five of the main reasons trucking accidents occur:
1. Distracted Driving
Truck drivers can engage in distracted driving just like anybody else, and while we mostly associate distracted driving with texting and driving, many other distractions exist. Trucking accidents can happen due to a driver eating while driving, listening to loud music, or reaching for something in the seat next to them. Any action that takes a driver’s eyes off the road may constitute distracted driving, and, unfortunately, sometimes, it only takes a second or two to cause an accident.
2. Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to operate heavy machinery. While under the influence, a driver can engage in behaviors they normally wouldn’t, like speeding or passing vehicles in risky situations. Drugs and alcohol also slow a driver’s ability to react in real time. Worse yet, drugs or alcohol can cause a person to blackout. Even closing your eyes for a moment can cause an accident. Unfortunately, truckers may engage in stimulates like meth in order to keep themselves awake.
3. Drowsy Driving
Truckers are often unsung heroes of the road, and without their help, we wouldn’t have many of the items we have when we go shopping. Driving a heavy semi-truck for long hours on the road is a difficult job, and this job is only exacerbated by the fact that truckers often don’t have consistently short shifts. The typical shift for a 40-hour work week is eight hours with at least a couple of 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch shift. Truckers, however, can work 10+ hours without a guaranteed break. This results in many drivers dealing with driver fatigue.
4. Defective Parts
In the past few decades, the automobile industry as a whole has become much more rigorous in relation to defective parts. While defective parts do happen, those parts or automobiles are recalled before a customer can jump behind the wheel. However, defective parts can still slip under the radar and cause or contribute to an accident. Furthermore, unless a trucker owns their own trucking business, there’s a good chance they’re driving the company’s rig. Over time, any automobile can have defective parts due to wear and tear. Depending on the situation, the driver, the company, or the manufacturer itself might be held liable for a failing part causing an accident, which a San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney can help sort out.
5. Bad Weather or Road Conditions
A trucking accident always isn’t the result of a driver or drivers. Instead, poor road conditions, like crumbling asphalt, can be the issue. Bad weather conditions can also play a role, especially rain or snowstorms. Of course, sometimes poor road conditions or bad weather might be a contributing factor, but there can still be negligence exhibited by a driver. Determining who’s at fault often requires a San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney, which the Law Offices of Barry P. Goldberg can assist.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents can cause significant damage to property and life, as a San Fernando Valley truck accident lawyer knows. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them particularly dangerous in the event of a collision. There are many common types of damages you can recover if you were a victim in a truck accident.
Vehicle Damage
One of the most common damages in a truck accident is damage to the vehicles involved. The impact of a collision with a truck can cause significant damage to cars, SUVs, and other passenger vehicles. Repairing the cost of damages can be significant especially if the vehicle was a total loss.
Personal Injury
Many victims involved in truck accidents suffer terrible physical injuries. Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, which can be costly. They may also experience pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost wages.
Wrongful Death
In the most severe cases, truck accidents can result in fatalities. Losing a loved one in a truck accident can be devastating for families. Funeral expenses, medical bills and other costs can have a devastating toll on surviving family members.
Property Damage
In addition to vehicle damage, a truck accident can also cause damage to property. If the accident occurs in a residential area, homes and other structures can be damaged. Businesses may also suffer extensive damage to their property, which can amount to thousands of dollars in expenses.
Environmental Damage
If a truck is carrying hazardous materials, a spill can occur, leading to contamination of soil and water. As a San Fernando Valley truck accident lawyer like one from Barry P. Goldberg is familiar with this, this can have a devastating impact on the surrounding environment. Even if the truck is not carrying hazardous materials, an accident can result in spills of fuel or other substances, causing environmental damage.
Roadway Damag
Truck accidents can also cause serious damage to roads. This can include damage to guardrails, signage, and the roadway itself. The cost of repairing these damages can be significant and can result in road closures and delays for other drivers.
Do not wait to contact a lawyer if you have been in a truck accident. Vehicle damage, personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, environmental damage, and roadway damage are some of the most common types of damages that can occur in a truck accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seek the help of an experienced San Fernando Valley truck accident lawyer who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
San Fernando Valley Trucking Accident Infographic
Trucking Accident FAQs
Our San Fernando Valley, CA trucking accident attorney knows that being injured in a trucking accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of your rights or what steps to take next. These situations often raise a lot of questions about safety, responsibility, and recovery. Our consultations are free, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm. To help, we’ve answered some of the most common concerns people have after a serious truck crash.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Involved In A Trucking Accident?
The first priority is always safety. If possible, move to a safe location and call emergency services right away. Even if injuries don’t seem serious at first, it’s important to get medical attention because certain injuries can take time to appear. Gathering information at the scene is also useful. This may include taking photos, getting the truck driver’s details, and collecting contact information from witnesses. Contacting law enforcement ensures an official report is created, which may later help when dealing with insurance companies.
How Is A Trucking Accident Different From A Regular Car Accident?
Collisions involving large trucks are often more complicated than accidents between smaller vehicles. As our San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney knows, trucks are much heavier, which usually means injuries and property damage are more severe. In addition, liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, the owner of the truck, or even maintenance providers. Regulations also play a major role in trucking cases, and violations of safety rules can have a significant impact on determining responsibility. Because of these factors, trucking accidents often require a deeper investigation compared to standard car crashes.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Trucking Accident?
Determining responsibility is not always straightforward. While the truck driver may be directly involved, there are often multiple parties to consider. The trucking company might be liable if it failed to follow proper hiring or training procedures. A manufacturer could be responsible if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. Cargo loaders may also play a role if improper loading caused instability. Sorting out these details requires careful review of records such as logbooks, maintenance schedules, and company policies.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Seek After A Trucking Accident?
Victims of trucking accidents may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. These may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and property damage. In more serious cases, long-term care and reduced earning capacity may also be considered. Pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, can also be part of a claim. Each case is different, so the specific amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the overall impact on daily life.
Why Should I Work With An Attorney After A Trucking Accident?
Trucking companies and their insurers often have extensive resources and legal teams working to protect their interests. Having an experienced attorney can level the playing field. A lawyer familiar with trucking regulations can uncover violations, handle communication with insurers, and build a strong case for fair compensation. At Barry P. Goldberg, we understand the challenges accident victims face and are committed to protecting their rights every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident, we encourage you to reach out to our San Fernando trucking accident attorney for guidance. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward. We provide translation services for our Spanish-speaking clients. Let’s take this important step together so we can pursue the recovery you deserve.