Trucking accidents are common in Southern California and can result in severe injuries or wrongful death. When filing a personal injury claim in California, liability in these cases is often contested, making them more complex to win than passenger vehicle accidents. This article overviews:
- Common causes of trucking accidents.
- The many severe injuries these accidents can cause.
- Things to look for in a potential lawyer for filing a personal injury claim in California.
What Are Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents Across Southern California?
Tractor-trailers are often involved in motor vehicle accidents that result in significant property damage and bodily injury due to their massive size colliding with smaller vehicles. Drivers may swerve slightly into another lane, causing the lug nuts on the wheels to collide with another vehicle.
Liability is frequently contested when filing a personal injury claim in California, with truck drivers disputing fault and often claiming that the other driver made an unsafe lane change. This can have serious consequences for the driver, including increased insurance premiums and impacts on their business operations and employment.
If you are involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, you should take photographs of the scene to document the events leading up to the accident and help determine fault. We highly recommend that you do so when filing a personal injury claim in California related to a trucking accident.
What Are Common Severe Injuries From Trucking Accidents In San Bernardino County And Southern California?
Common severe injuries from trucking accidents include:
- Wrongful death;
- Burns;
- Severe fractures;
- Spinal disc injuries;
- Ligament or tendon injuries.
In addition, if you’ve been in a trucking accident, you may have more than just physical injuries. Trucking accidents are frightening and stressful, and can result in mental and emotional trauma as well. If you are dealing with any injuries after a trucking accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you get the care and treatment you deserve.
Who Is Liable For My Injuries From A Trucking Accident In California?
If you’ve been in a trucking accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for the treatment costs of your injuries. There are several parties who could be held accountable for damages. These parties may include the defendant driver, the tractor owner, the trailer owner, the broker who dispatched the tractor-trailer, and even the entity receiving the cargo.
It is crucial for all potential defendants to seek legal representation in order to conduct a thorough investigation and identify all possible parties that could be held liable. As the severity of the injuries increases, so does the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Are Trucking Accident Cases Harder To Win In California Than A Passenger Vehicle Accident?
When you are filing a personal injury claim in California related to a trucking accident, cases tend to be highly litigated and contested due to insurance issues and liability disputes. Further, more parties may be involved in your trucking accident than in a regular vehicle accident.
This might include the defendant driver, the tractor owner, the trailer owner, the broker, and even the cargo owner. Therefore, each party must seek legal representation and conduct a thorough investigation to determine all potential defendants.
For example, in one case we handled, a defendant driver claimed our client was at fault once the police arrived. This was despite admitting fault to our client shortly before.
However, we argued that the defendant driver violated a safety rule by traveling in a non-designated trucking lane, which would have required them to make the lane change instead. By holding all accountable parties responsible, justice can be served for the victims of trucking accidents.
What Should I Look For In A Los Angeles County Trucking Accident Attorney?
You will see numerous law firms advertising their services on billboards and on television, but it is essential to remember that with such widespread advertising comes a busier, less personal practice. It is vital to have a personal connection with an attorney who understands your case.
Your attorney should also be accessible, and should effectively communicate the importance of each step in the legal process when filing a personal injury claim in California. This includes managing property damage, seeking medical treatment, and understanding the benefits and risks of various medical procedures.
Equally important to note is that these cases can take a significant amount of time, sometimes years, especially if they are litigated or if the other party’s insurance carrier makes a low-ball offer. Unfortunately, insurance companies and defense firms often take a “deny, delay, and defend” approach to personal injury cases, which can frustrate claimants and their attorneys.
Despite these challenges, it is crucial to remain committed to the legal process, as giving up not only harms the claimant but also does nothing to prevent future safety violations and protect the larger community. A good attorney will know this and have the necessary patience and resilience to lead you and your case in the right direction.
For more information on Filing A Personal Injury Claim In California, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (626) 888-8264 today.
