Truck Accident Lawyers

Expert California Truck Accident Attorneys: Your Guide to Seeking Justice

Truck accidents remain a significant issue across the United States, with California experiencing a substantial share of these incidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 162,467 truck-related crashes in 2019, including 12,761 in California alone. These accidents led to 452 fatalities and 5,464 injuries, with a striking 67% of the fatalities being occupants of other vehicles.

While not all truck accidents are fatal, thousands of Californians suffer severe injuries annually. Common injuries from these crashes include broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal injuries, and even paralysis. Such accidents can be life-changing, inflicting both physical and psychological trauma on victims and their families. If you have been involved in a truck accident, a skilled California truck accident attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in California

Truck accidents can occur for numerous reasons, often involving factors unique to commercial vehicles due to their size and the extensive time truckers spend on the road. Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions
• Blind Spot Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Jackknife Accidents

Many of these accidents stem from a trucker’s inability to control their vehicle. However, they can also result from:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Driver fatigue
• Inadequate training and experience
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Improper cargo loading and trailer defects
• Vehicle defects
• Poor maintenance

Given the considerable weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Victims and their families can seek financial compensation for their injuries or wrongful death with the help of an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney.

Determining Fault in a California Trucking Accident

Responsibility for a truck accident in California is usually based on negligence. A person is considered negligent if they fail to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. In truck accidents, both the driver and the trucking company can be deemed negligent.

In California, a negligent driver is financially liable for the injuries and losses they cause. There are four elements of negligence:

1. Duty: The truck driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely.
2. Breach: The driver breached that duty of care.
3. Causation: The breach caused an accident.
4. Damages: The victim suffered injuries as a result.

If a truck driver violates federal or state laws and that violation leads to an accident, they may be considered “negligent per se.” For example, if a truck driver fails to yield while merging onto a freeway and causes a collision, this violation of the California Vehicle Code can establish negligence per se.

Trucking companies can also be held liable for accidents. This liability can arise from actions such as encouraging drivers to break safety rules, hiring unqualified drivers, failing to maintain their vehicles properly, overloading trailers, and allowing trucks to carry unbalanced cargo. In some cases, other parties, such as manufacturers of defective truck parts, third-party loading companies, or government agencies responsible for road maintenance, may also be held accountable.

How a California Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

After a truck accident, victims often face significant physical pain and financial stress due to lost wages and mounting medical bills. It can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer from the trucking company. However, consulting with a truck accident attorney can ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.

A truck accident lawyer will:

• Investigate the accident to determine fault
• Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium
• Negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company or their insurer
• Take the case to trial if necessary to achieve the highest possible recovery for you

At Ghazarian Law Office, our experienced truck accident attorney will provide expert legal advice and representation for victims and their families throughout California. We handle each case on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge a fee if we recover money for you. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and advise you on your rights and options.