If you or a loved one have experienced an accident involving a large, commercial truck, it would be advantageous to contact a Tarzana, CA truck accident lawyer. The attorneys at Barry P. Goldberg are willing and able to assist you and your case.
The weight, and size of a large, commercial size colliding with another vehicle, can have devastating implications. If a small car or standard SUV collides with one another, the impact may be great, but not as intense as it would be with a large truck. Those who drive commercial trucks have an incredible responsibility to themselves, and everyone else on the road as well. If the driver feels distracted, stressed, or unwell, he or she should refrain from getting behind the wheel. The risk of an accident is greater for those driving such a large vehicle. Breaking, for example, is much more difficult due to the weight and size of the heavy machine. If a car suddenly pulls out in front of a large, commercial truck, it may not be able to stop in time. If the driver were distracted by something or someone, they may not be alert enough to even try to stop the truck.
Distractions are the main reason why accidents occur. Cell phone use is the leading distraction for those on the road. Whether being used to get directions, calling, texting, FaceTiming or on social media, phones can be incredibly dangerous for those behind the wheel, as well as everyone else they encounter on the road. For this reason, many states have made cell phone use in cars illegal for drivers. Driving on the road is dangerous enough without adding the distraction of a phone. Listening to music, applying makeup, and talking with other passengers are examples of other distractions a driver may encounter.
When an accident involving a truck occurs, the drivers and passengers should all adhere to thorough medical evaluations. Even if individuals appear physically unharmed, concussion and internal bleeding may be present. Adrenaline typically masks pain, and the severity of injuries and those who experience a traumatic event may be overcome with adrenaline for some time. Physical injuries may require hospitalization, outpatient treatment, prescription medication, or surgery. Those all result in expensive medical bills that can be overwhelming for the injured victim. Rather than focusing on their recovery, individuals may be struggling to figure out how to pay for all these expenses. By hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer, such as those at Barry P. Goldberg, clients can focus on what truly matters, their health. Attorneys desire to advocate on behalf of their clients, fighting for the highest compensation available.
Time off work and emotional and mental pain are also considerations attorneys and clients must discuss when pursuing compensation. Whether the client chooses to settle out of court, or file an official lawsuit, they should understand their rights, and fight for them. Thankfully, Tarzana truck accident lawyers are willing and able to walk through the legal process with their clients, supporting them every step of the way. If you are in need of legal counsel following an accident involving a large, commercial truck, contact an attorney at Barry P. Goldberg today.
An In-Depth Look At Truck Accident Law
Our Tarzana, CA truck accident lawyer understands the importance of having a clear understanding of the legal aspects surrounding a truck accident, especially considering the devastating consequences they leave in their wake. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of truck accident cases, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Truck Accident Law
Truck accidents are a specialized area of personal injury law that involves accidents and collisions between large commercial trucks and other vehicles on the road. These accidents can result in serious injuries, substantial property damage, and even fatalities. To protect your rights and interests after a truck accident, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of the legal framework that governs these cases.
Liability In Truck Accidents
Determining liability is a fundamental aspect of truck accident law. In most cases, multiple parties can be held responsible for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and third parties. Identifying who is at fault requires a thorough investigation, examining factors such as driver negligence, vehicle maintenance records, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Trucking Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated to ensure the safety of both drivers and the general public. These regulations cover various aspects of truck operation, including:
- Hours of Service: Regulations dictate the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road each day and week to prevent driver fatigue.
- Weight Limits: Trucks must adhere to specific weight limits to avoid causing undue stress on the roads and bridges.
- Safety Inspections: Trucks must undergo regular safety inspections to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Licensing and Training: Commercial truck drivers are required to have the appropriate licenses and undergo specialized training.
Investigating Truck Accidents
Investigating a truck accident is a complex process that involves collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. In an effort to build a strong case that demonstrates liability, gathering information and evidence is crucial. At Barry P. Goldberg, our team of dedicated Tarzana truck accident lawyers are skilled in conducting thorough investigations to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims may suffer from injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. These injuries can lead to extensive medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term disability.
Compensation For Truck Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
- Wrongful Death: In cases of fatal truck accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims.
Taking The Next Step
Facing the aftermath of a truck accident can be challenging and even lonely, but it’s important to know that you don’t have to navigate the legal aspects of the accident alone. At Barry P. Goldberg, our Tarzana truck accident lawyer, has the knowledge and experience to help you seek the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for a consultation. Let us be your trusted legal partner during this challenging time, and together, we will work towards achieving the justice you deserve.
How Do Truck Accidents Occur?
As our trusted Tarzana, CA truck accident lawyer knows, when it comes to roadway safety, few accidents are as potentially devastating as those involving commercial trucks. These massive vehicles, while essential for transporting goods across the country, also pose significant risks due to their size, weight, and the demands placed on their drivers. At Barry P. Goldberg, we understand the complexities surrounding truck accidents and the devastating impact they can have on victims and their families. Attorney Barry Goldberg has won his clients millions of dollars for their personal injury claims and is dedicated to helping you. It’s important to understand the five common ways in which truck drivers can cause accidents, shedding light on the dangers associated with commercial trucking and the importance of seeking legal recourse in the event of a collision.
5 Ways A Truck Driver Can Cause An Accident
- Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations. Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times. When truck drivers exceed their allowable hours of service or fail to take adequate breaks, they put themselves and others at risk of accidents. We understand the importance of holding negligent drivers and their employers accountable for violations that contribute to collisions.
- Distracted Driving. Distractions such as cell phone use, eating, or adjusting GPS devices can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Even a momentary lapse in focus can have catastrophic consequences on highways and busy streets. Our team is committed to investigating the root causes of accidents and pursuing justice for victims of distracted driving incidents.
- Improper Loading or Cargo Securement. Poorly loaded or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or leading to cargo spills on the roadway. This negligence can result in rollover accidents, jackknifes, or collisions with other vehicles. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to cargo-related issues, we can help assess liability and seek compensation for your damages.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving. Pressure to meet delivery deadlines may tempt truck drivers to exceed speed limits or engage in aggressive maneuvers on the road. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to changing conditions and increases the severity of accidents. Our legal team is dedicated to holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions and advocating for fair compensation for those injured in accidents caused by speeding or aggressive driving.
- Inadequate Training or Supervision. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are properly trained and supervised. Lack of training or oversight can result in drivers who are ill-equipped to handle the challenges of operating large commercial vehicles safely. We are committed to seeking justice for victims of accidents caused by negligent hiring, training, or supervision practices within the trucking industry.
Truck Accident Infographic
Find Help You Can Rely On
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance from Barry P. Goldberg. Our experienced team is here to provide compassionate support and expert representation as you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve. Attorney Barry Goldberg is so dedicated to injury claims that he even has a personal injury blog with over 5,000 unique visitors each month. Contact our truck accident lawyer in Tarzana today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.
Tarzana Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents pose serious risks due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Large trucks are involved in approximately 10% of all fatal vehicle crashes in the U.S., with most fatalities (around 70%) occurring to occupants of smaller vehicles). Annually, 500,000 trucking accidents occur, and 1 in 8 traffic fatalities involves a truck. Common causes include driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper vehicle maintenance, and speeding. Over 60% of crashes involving large trucks happen on rural roads, and 80% of accidents are attributed to driver error.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash, call a Tarzana truck accident lawyer for legal assistance.
How Therapy Can Help After Suffering From PTSD From A Truck Accident
Our Tarzana, CA truck accident lawyer knows that experiencing a truck accident can be a traumatic event, often leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy can play a crucial role in recovery. Attorney Barry Goldberg has obtained millions of dollars for his personal injury clients and is here to help you too. Schedule a call now.
What Types Of Therapy Are Most Effective For PTSD Following A Truck Accident?
Several therapeutic approaches are particularly effective for PTSD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common, focusing on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another effective method, which involves processing traumatic memories through guided eye movements. Additionally, Exposure Therapy helps patients gradually face and diminish their fears related to the accident. Each of these therapies aims to reduce the symptoms of PTSD and improve overall mental health.
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Help In Managing PTSD symptoms?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps by addressing the distorted thinking patterns that often accompany PTSD. Through CBT, patients learn to identify and challenge their negative thoughts, replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. This approach not only helps in reducing symptoms like anxiety and depression but also equips patients with coping strategies to handle triggers and stressors. Regular sessions with a trained therapist can lead to significant improvements in daily functioning and quality of life.
Can Therapy Help With Sleep Issues Caused By PTSD?
Our truck accident lawyer in Tarzana knows that therapy can be very effective in addressing sleep disturbances, which are common among PTSD sufferers. Many patients experience nightmares, insomnia, or difficulty staying asleep. Therapies such as CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) are specifically designed to tackle these issues. Through CBT-I, patients can learn techniques to improve sleep hygiene, manage anxiety that interferes with sleep, and develop healthier sleep patterns. Addressing sleep problems is a critical component of overall PTSD treatment and can significantly enhance recovery.
How Long Does It Take To See Improvement From Therapy?
The timeline for seeing improvements from therapy varies for each individual. Some patients may notice positive changes within a few weeks, while for others, it may take several months. Consistency and active participation in therapy sessions are key factors in achieving progress. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that healing from PTSD is a gradual process. Regular communication with your therapist about your progress and any concerns will help tailor the treatment to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Is It Beneficial To Involve Family Members In The Therapy Process?
Involving family members in the therapy process can be highly beneficial. Family therapy sessions can help educate loved ones about PTSD, its effects, and how they can provide support. Understanding the challenges faced by the patient allows family members to offer more effective emotional and practical support. Additionally, having a strong support system can improve treatment outcomes and help the patient feel less isolated in their recovery journey. At Barry P. Goldberg, we encourage integrating family support into the therapeutic process to enhance recovery and provide a comprehensive support network.
Truck Accident Glossary
If you’ve been injured in a truck or motorcycle accident, having a reliable resource to understand the legal landscape is essential. For residents of Tarzana, CA, finding a motorcycle accident lawyer who can clarify the terms and processes involved is the first step toward recovering damages. This glossary offers straightforward explanations of key legal terms related to truck accidents to help clients grasp the essential concepts in their case.
Comparative Fault
Comparative fault is a principle that determines how much each party in an accident is responsible for the resulting damages. In truck accident cases, several parties may contribute to the cause of the accident, including both drivers and possibly even third parties. For instance, if a truck driver and a car driver are both partially at fault for a collision, the court may assign each a percentage of responsibility. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by that percentage. This way, compensation is adjusted based on the degree of fault assigned to each party, making it essential to understand how this concept may impact your recovery.
Vicarious Liability
Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the course of employment. In the context of truck accidents, a trucking company may be held liable if its driver causes an accident while performing job-related duties. This means that if a driver was delivering goods or performing other job responsibilities at the time of the accident, the company employing the driver could share liability. Vicarious liability often brings a broader scope of parties into the case, potentially impacting the available compensation since the trucking company may have insurance or assets to cover damages that an individual driver might not.
Hours Of Service (HOS) Regulations
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are federal guidelines that limit the number of hours truck drivers can operate without taking breaks. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents by requiring rest periods to keep drivers alert on the road. Violating HOS regulations can be a significant factor in truck accident cases. If a truck driver has exceeded the mandated hours and causes an accident, both the driver and their employer could face increased liability. Recognizing HOS violations in a case can be crucial for establishing a company’s or driver’s accountability, potentially strengthening the injured party’s claim.
Personal Injury Law
Personal injury law is an area of law that provides a pathway for individuals injured due to another party’s actions or negligence to seek compensation for their damages. Truck accidents are a common form of personal injury cases, given the severe injuries that can result from these collisions. Victims in such cases may seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Since truck accidents often involve larger vehicles and higher speeds, the injuries are frequently more severe, making the personal injury claim process critical for helping victims secure financial support during recovery.
Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim arises when an individual loses their life due to another party’s negligence or wrongful act. In cases of fatal truck accidents, the surviving family members of the deceased have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for the survivors’ losses, including funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. Wrongful death claims provide a way for families to pursue justice and receive support following a tragic and avoidable loss. In truck accident cases, these claims can sometimes involve the employer of the truck driver, adding a further dimension to the process for affected families.
If you’ve been affected by a truck accident in Tarzana, CA, we’re here to assist. At Barry P. Goldberg, our team is committed to providing clarity and support through every step of your legal journey. Contact us today for a consultation to explore your options for recovering the compensation you deserve.
Finding Trusted Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD following a truck accident, therapy can offer the path to recovery and improved quality of life. At Barry P. Goldberg, we are committed to helping you access the resources and support you need. Attorney Barry Goldberg has been practicing law for 35 years and has the compassion and experience necessary to help you. Contact us today to learn more about how our Tarzana truck accident lawyer can assist you in finding the right therapeutic solutions to overcome PTSD and regain control of your life.