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 Goldberg Injury Lawyers 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 Goldberg Injury Lawyers 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 Goldberg Injury Lawyers can assist.

Types Of Trucking Accident Cases Our Firm Handles

As our San Fernando Valley, CA trucking accident lawyer knows, trucking accidents often lead to serious injuries and lasting consequences. Because commercial trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, even a single mistake can cause major harm. If you are injured in a crash involving a truck, you may face extensive medical care, time away from work, and ongoing physical limitations. These cases often involve multiple parties and insurance policies, which can affect how your claim is handled and resolved. We believe in ethical and transparent representation, so call us to see what that would look like for you.

Rear-End Truck Collisions

Rear-end trucking accidents often occur when a truck fails to stop in time due to speed, distraction, or poor maintenance. The force of impact can cause severe neck, back, and head injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle, blocking lanes of traffic. These crashes can involve multiple vehicles and lead to widespread damage and serious injuries.

Underride Accidents

Our San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney knows that underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck or trailer. These cases are especially dangerous and often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Truck Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers may be caused by sharp turns, shifting cargo, or uneven roads. When a truck tips over, nearby drivers are at risk of being struck or crushed.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control suddenly. Poor tire maintenance or defective tires often play a role in these dangerous crashes.

Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents

Driver fatigue remains a common issue in the trucking industry. Long hours behind the wheel can slow reaction time and increase the risk of serious collisions.

Distracted Driving Truck Accidents

Distraction from phones, GPS systems, or onboard devices can lead to missed hazards. When a truck driver is not fully focused, the results can be devastating for others on the road.

Speeding Truck Accidents

Excessive speed reduces a truck’s ability to stop or maneuver safely. Speed-related trucking accidents often lead to high-impact crashes and severe injuries.

Improperly Loaded Cargo Accidents

Shifting or overloaded cargo can throw off a truck’s balance. These cases may involve loading companies or other parties responsible for securing the freight.

Mechanical Failure Truck Accidents

Brake failures, steering issues, and other mechanical problems can cause a driver to lose control. Maintenance records often play a key role in these claims.

Truck Accidents In Construction Zones

Construction zones create narrow lanes and sudden stops. When truck drivers fail to adjust to these conditions, workers and motorists can be seriously hurt.

Truck Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials

Crashes involving hazardous materials can expose victims to burns, toxic substances, or long-term health risks. These cases often involve strict safety rules and reporting requirements.

Multi-Vehicle Truck Accidents

Large trucks can trigger chain-reaction crashes involving several vehicles. Determining fault in these cases may involve reviewing driver conduct and roadway conditions.

Fatal Trucking Accidents

When a trucking accident results in loss of life, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases address financial losses and the impact of losing a loved one.

Trucking accident cases demand careful attention to facts, records, and how the crash has affected your life. At Goldberg Injury Lawyers, your situation is treated with respect and focus on your recovery. If you were hurt in a trucking accident, taking action for your injury claim can make a difference in protecting your rights and future. Contact our San Fernando Valley trucking accident attorney today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn how to move forward with your claim.

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 Goldberg Injury Lawyers 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 Damage

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

 

San Fernando Valley Trucking Accident Statistics

Truck accident statistics show that crashes involving large commercial trucks account for a significant share of serious roadway injuries and fatalities in the United States. Federal safety data indicates that thousands of large trucks are involved in fatal crashes each year, and well over 100,000 large trucks are involved in injury-related crashes annually. In addition, hundreds of thousands of property-damage-only truck crashes occur each year, demonstrating how frequently large commercial vehicles are involved in roadway incidents.

Truck crashes are especially dangerous due to the size, weight, and stopping distance of commercial vehicles. When a collision occurs, passenger vehicle occupants account for the majority of deaths, highlighting the disproportionate risk smaller vehicles face in truck-involved crashes. Common crash scenarios include collisions with other vehicles, lane encroachment, rear-end crashes, and loss-of-control events.

Driver behavior and operational factors also play a role. Data shows that fatigue, speed, distraction, and unsafe lane changes contribute to a substantial portion of serious truck crashes. Safety belt use is another critical factor, as a meaningful percentage of truck occupants involved in fatal crashes were not wearing restraints.

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 Goldberg Injury Lawyers, 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.