Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer

Best Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

Strict deadlines, long shifts, and driver negligence contribute to thousands of truck accidents each year. Fully-loaded semi-trucks weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds and produce devastating injuries when collisions involve lighter passenger vehicles. Seeking justice and fair compensation after a wreck with a commercial rig is no easy task, underscoring the need to work with a qualified Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.

When it comes to superior client service and results-focused advocacy in Southern California, you can count on Hobbs Law Group. Our veteran attorneys understand the financial and emotional hardships of dealing with a debilitating injury or unexpected death and have the resources to help victims seek the money damages they deserve.

Commercial trucking companies have enormous insurance policies and an entire team of lawyers to build a defense. With the guidance of Hobbs Law Group, you can level the playing field and build a solid case that demands the compensation to which you are rightfully entitled.

Truck Accidents

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Truck Accident Attorney Serving The Greater Los Angeles Area

There are many moving parts for determining liability in an 18-wheeler accident. In some cases, the fault may rest with multiple parties. Your Los Angeles truck accident attorney works together with crash reconstructionists, experienced investigators, and medical experts to uncover the truth and identify at-fault parties.

When you retain a truck accident attorney at Hobbs Law Group, you are getting steadfast legal counsel of the highest caliber. Our track record of settlements and trial victories speaks volumes, and we are proud to put our resources and expert knowledge of trucking industry laws to work for injury victims and their loved ones.

Types of Truck Accidents

There are several types of commercial truck accidents. These collisions can involve a single 18-wheeler or a pileup with multiple other vehicles. All of these accidents have the potential to cause severe bodily injuries, as well as a much higher fatality rate. If you’ve been the victim of this type of collision, our team of truck wreck lawyers can advocate for you, so you can focus on rebuilding your life.

Rollover Semi Truck Accidents

Arguably the most devastating type of truck accident is known as a rollover. This type of crash occurs when a commercial vehicle loses control, flips, and rolls over on its side. It is particularly devastating given the number of other motorists that could potentially be involved. When trucks rollover, the length of the trailer spans multiple lanes– causing severe damage to numerous motor vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Jackknife Truck Accidents

Another type of accident that is virtually synonymous with commercial trucks is the jackknife. This happens when a commercial vehicle’s cab begins traveling in a different direction than the trailer– resulting in the trailer folding in like a pocketknife. They are especially common on wet or slippery roadways. When drivers overcorrect after losing control, their vehicle begins to slide sideways with the cab folded over against the trailer.

Overweight Semi Truck Accidents

Overweight trucks frequently cause some of the most severe accidents because they are more challenging to bring to a complete stop. What’s more, oversized trucks can cause significantly more damage in a collision. They are also more likely to be top-heavy, resulting in an increased risk of a rollover.

Side-Impact Truck Accidents

A side-impact crash occurs when a truck collides into the side of another vehicle. This can be deadly given the limited padding on the sides of passenger vehicles. Side-impact accidents most often occur when a motorist or commercial truck driver runs a red light or stop sign and collides with cross-traffic.

Rear-End Semi Truck Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common with commercial vehicles– given the amount of space they require to come to a complete stop. Often, truck drivers will stop too late to prevent a crash.

Head-on Semi Truck Collisions

A head-on collision with a commercial truck occurs for the same reasons as any other type of vehicle. The crucial difference is that it often has fatal consequences. This type of crash can happen when a truck driver drifts over the center line into oncoming traffic for various reasons, including intoxication, fatigue, or distraction. Even crossing over the line by a few feet could be enough to cause a devastating crash. Experienced truck accident lawyers could assist with pursuing a claim involving a head-on collision.

No matter the type of truck accident you are involved in, your monetary damages resulting from the wreck could be significant. Everything from pain and suffering to medical bills could cause significant financial strain after a truck crash. If you are ready to recover compensation for these damages, let the trucking accident lawyers of Hobbs Law Group help you.

Common Causes Of Large Truck Crashes

When the FMSCA performed its first Large Truck Crash Causation Study, the organization found that driver behavior was the most prevalent contributing factor in commercial trucking accidents, compared to road hazards, poor weather conditions, and vehicle malfunction. Hobbs Law Group is experienced with the many different truck accident causes and injuries that can occur in these events.

Some of the key causes of truck accidents in California include:

• Driver fatigue – Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure from their employers to get the job done quickly. This pressure often causes drivers to push through with little or even no sleep. Fatigue can lead to reduced coordination, loss of concentration, and slower reaction times.
• Distracted driving – Any kind of distraction, from texting and calling to eating a snack or messing with the radio, can lead to severe consequences for any driver, but especially truck drivers.
• Poor truck maintenance – There are laws that require trucking companies to perform thorough inspections before a truck can hit the road, but these inspections don’t always happen. And, if they do, they might not be as thorough as necessary. A poorly maintained truck is at a greater risk of an accident than a properly maintained one.
• Bad driver training – Many truck drivers were hired without receiving proper training. Safely driving a truck takes a lot of practice and skill, both of which necessitate complete training.
• Impaired driving – Driving a truck can be boring, so many drivers turn to drugs and alcohol for stimulation during the long hours on the road. Drugs and alcohol lead to bad judgment, slower reaction times, and often riskier driving.

Some other causes are:

• Speeding, or other traffic law violations
• Failure to yield
• Following too closely
• Mechanical problems
• Overloaded trailers
• Substandard hiring/screening and training practices
• Improperly secured cargo that shifts
• Inclement weather conditions

Common Truck Accident Injuries

What happens to victims when one of these common causes leads to a truck accident? Nothing good.

Most truck accident injuries are quite severe. The most common truck accident injuries are:

• Back and neck injuries
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Burns
• Amputations
• Disfigurement
• Lacerations
• Fractures
• Internal injuries

Sadly, many truck accidents also lead to fatalities.

Steps To Take After A Truck Accident

The injuries that follow a truck accident can be severe. Depending on your actions immediately following it, those injuries could become worse. The same is true of your potential legal claim if the other party is liable. Protect your rights following a collision with the guidance of a truck wreck lawyer. Before you consult with an attorney, there are steps you can take to strengthen your case and protect your health.

The first thing you should do after being involved in a truck accident is to seek medical attention. Your health and safety are the highest priority. After taking care of your health, be sure to call a truck accident attorney. A successful truck accident lawsuit can give you the compensation you need and deserve for medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, lost income, pain and suffering, and many other accident-related losses.

Here are some steps to do after a truck accident:

Seek Medical Treatment

If you sustained injuries during a collision with a commercial truck, it is vital that you see a doctor—even if they seem minor. There are several reasons why your injuries could be worse than you realize. The adrenaline rush that comes with a traumatic event can mask the symptoms in the hours or days after the crash. This is common with some conditions like traumatic brain injuries. The earlier you discuss your injuries with a doctor, the better.

Seeking immediate medical care can also strengthen your legal claim as well. By speaking to a doctor, you create a record. This is important, as it can bolster your claim for compensation at court. Without a paper trail documenting your effort to treat your injuries, the trucking company or their insurance company could argue that you were not severely hurt.

Contact The Police

Most states require the parties to report the collision to the police if there is substantial property damage or any bodily injuries. Informing them of your crash not only complies with the law but could also aid you in your claim for compensation. When the police arrive at the scene of the crash, they will speak with the parties and file a written report. This police report could provide useful information to you and your truck accident lawyer.

Obtain Evidence At The Scene

The moments after your truck accident represent your best chance to obtain evidence for your injury claim. The position of the vehicles involved in the wreck will not stay in place for long, giving you a limited chance to photograph the scene of the crash. This is also your best opportunity to identify any independent witnesses. The testimony of these witnesses could be invaluable.

Say Very Little At The Scene

As with any other collision, you should also exchange information with a commercial truck driver. However, you should say little outside of this because it could be used as evidence if your case goes to trial. Even if you were not at fault, the other driver could take something you say out of context– to suggest you admitted responsibility.

With that in mind, you are required to give a statement to the police. The police must include your identifying information in the report and ask for your license and insurance information.

Are Truck Drivers Responsible for Damages?

One of the unique factors in a truck accident lawsuit is the ability to name multiple defendants. Typically, in a two-car collision, the victim sues the negligent driver whose insurance policy pays out. However, truck drivers may or may not be held responsible.

If you’ve been involved in a crash with a large truck, you can contact the truck wreck lawyers at Hobbs Law Group for a free consultation to explore issues of liability. Our team of investigators will be able to determine who played a part in the accident and hold them accountable.

When Is A Truck Driver Responsible for Damages?

A truck driver’s personal insurance policy may be tapped in the following scenarios:

• The truck driver was “off the clock,” conducting personal business at the time of the accident.
• The truck driver broke company policy by stopping at a bar on shift, then drinking and driving.
• The truck driver improperly loaded cargo, which caused the vehicle to jack-knife or overturn.
• The truck driver intentionally used the truck to slam into another driver or cause damage.
• The truck driver stopped on the shoulder but failed to use proper safety markers, as instructed.
• The truck driver broke company policy by driving an excessive amount of hours, causing fatigue that led to the crash.
• The truck driver broke the law– speeding, failing to signal, running a light, or driving aggressively.
• The truck driver failed to allow for unsafe road conditions– such as adverse weather.

When Is A Trucking Company Responsible for Damages?

A trucking company covers situations that arise within the scope of employment, such as:

• The driver was working at the time the accident occurred.
• The driver was employed by the trucking company.
• The driver’s negligence caused injury.

Often, trucking companies try to deny liability by claiming the driver was “an independent contractor” or pointing the finger at a shipping partner. However, current federal law holds trucking companies ultimately responsible for the vast majority of accidents.

How Does Truck Accident Liability Work?

In cases of multiple defendants, liability may be ascribed to different parties. They pay a percentage of the total award based on how at fault the courts determine them to be. For instance, if a victim is owed $500,000 total, the settlement may break down to the driver’s policy paying $125,000 (for 25% liability) and the trucking firm’s insurance policy paying the remaining $475,000 (for 75% liability).

If the injured motorist is deemed at fault, the total damages may be reduced based on their ascribed negligence. This is why it’s always a wise decision to hire truck accident lawyers to maintain your innocence.

What Other Parties May Be Liable for Damages in a Truck Accident?

It is also possible another party is responsible:

• The supervisor or company in charge of truck maintenance
• The subcontractor or vendor responsible for loading cargo or who owns the cargo
• The truck or parts manufacturer who made defective brakes, tires, or control systems

Determining Fault in a Truck Accident

Accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and large commercial trucks are all too common in Southern California. Determining fault in these catastrophic collisions is a complicated endeavor best handled by an established Los Angeles truck accident lawyer. Given the life-altering injuries and legal consequences of semi-truck crashes, victims need advocates who have a proven record of prevailing in these complex claims. In some instances, there are multiple negligent parties– each of which could be held liable for personal injuries, vehicle damage, and related losses.

Large commercial trucks are governed not only by California state laws but also by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These regulations outline vehicle maintenance requirements, hours of service, alcohol and drug testing of drivers, and weight limitations. Your lawyer’s job is to investigate the truck accident and gather solid evidence that demonstrates the cause of the crash and where liability lies. At Hobbs Law Group, we know that many types of evidence can be used to prove which party or parties could be held responsible– but time is of the essence.

Collecting Evidence To Prove Liability

Prompt discovery of important evidence is crucial to the success of any personal injury claim. That is why it’s imperative to get legal representation as soon as possible. Within hours of a big rig accident, the trucking company’s insurance claims investigators will be on the scene, conducting their own investigations to minimize liability.

Your truck accident attorney will likely send a legal document to the defendant company that prevents them from concealing or tampering with important accident evidence. This might include black box information, vehicle inspection reports, maintenance records, driver’s logs on hours of service, and dashcam footage.

Trucking companies have been known to falsify or destroy evidence that could be incriminating. Commercial trucks carry massive insurance policies and claims adjusters will look for ways to shift blame and minimize payouts. That is why independent, thorough investigations by your legal counsel are necessary.

Additional evidence that may be used in a truck accident claim:

• Police accident report
• Driver logbooks indicating driving time and rest periods
• Truck cargo weigh-in reports
• Physical evidence at the accident scene
• Cell phone data from the truck driver
• Vehicle maintenance logs
• Testimony from eyewitnesses
• Expert opinion from crash reconstruction specialists

Identifying Responsible Parties

Your attorney will also investigate whether mechanical or equipment malfunction played a role in the accident. In California, victims can sue based on strict liability if it can be proven that the semi had faulty parts or components that caused or factored into the crash. Defective brakes, cargo straps, tires, hydraulics, transmission parts, and accelerators may give rise to a product liability suit against the part’s manufacturer.

The sooner your attorney begins investigating, the better the odds of preserving evidence that bolsters your truck accident claim. At-fault parties could include the trucking company or owner of the truck, the truck driver, the loading company, the company responsible for vehicle maintenance, the manufacturer of a defective part, and other negligent motorists who contributed to the accident.

Trucking Company And Driver Negligence

In California, some of the most common causes of large truck crashes include:

• Driver fatigue – failing to comply with legal limits on hours of service
• Negligent hiring and training practices
• Lack of routine maintenance
• Speeding and traffic violations
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Overweight cargo

Proving fault in a semi-truck accident is a complicated process, with many moving parts and challenges. Truck accident cases are usually resolved through skilled negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company. The goal is– recovering maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and other damages.

Fatalities from Truck Accidents

Large trucks transport 70 percent of all goods and products to their destinations, so it’s inevitable that we share the roads with them. Yet, the relative vulnerability of a smaller, lighter passenger vehicle increases the likelihood of a tragic fatality resulting from a collision.

If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, your family may be eligible to recover compensation from any parties whose negligence may have contributed to the crash, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and others.

While no amount of money can ever make up for your loss, a lawsuit can help achieve justice for your loved one by holding at-fault parties accountable for the harm they have done and providing your family with the funds you need to cover expenses related to your loved one’s death, both now and in the future.

Hobbs Law Group is here to advise you during this difficult time, offering free consultations and contingency-based representation, so you pay nothing for our legal services unless we recover money on your behalf.

Truck Fatality Statistics

• Approximately 130,000 people are injured, and 4,102 people die in truck accidents each year.
• From 2009 to the present, the number of truck accidents has increased by 52 percent.
• 74 percent of passenger vehicle fatalities involve a large truck.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Fatal?

The heavier the trucks are, the more damage they cause. A tractor-trailer weighing 26,000 pounds or more is associated with a 5.8 percent increase in death rate, over the 10,000 to 14,000-pound freight trucks. Heavier vehicles not only cause more damage when striking an object, but they also require greater driver vigilance, skill, and stopping distance. While a passenger car can stop in 300 feet after hitting the brakes, a large truck requires 525 more feet.

What Causes Fatal Truck Crashes?

Most truck accidents occur between noon and 3 pm.Defective tires are the most common cause of a truck-related accident, present in 30 percent of cases. Other common (and preventable) causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, speeding, and aggressive driving.

Who Is Liable in a Fatal Truck Accident?

There can be multiple defendants in a truck accident claim. Not only can the truck driver potentially be held liable if he or she was at fault, but the company the truck driver works for and potentially those involved in the truck’s maintenance and manufacturing as well. These claims often involve huge dollar amounts that can only be covered by commercial insurance policies. Experienced trucking accident lawyers can identify all potential sources of compensation to make sure you and your family get the maximum amount you deserve in the aftermath of tragedy.

Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer After a Loved One Has Died?

Insurance companies are eager to close the claim as quickly as possible for as little money as possible. In the aftermath of a tragic death, experienced truck accident lawyers can intercede on behalf of the deceased’s family to negotiate with the insurer and make sure their rights to full compensation are protected.

California wrongful death lawsuits allow families to seek redress for immediate losses such as unpaid medical bills, the funeral, and the cost of burial, as well as:

• Losses in care and affection, parental guidance, and spousal companionship
• Lost wages the decedent was earning and could have earned in the future.
• Reduction in the inheritance the decedent would have left at the end of a normal lifespan.
• Services the decedent provided to the family, such as childcare and housekeeping.

If your loved one has died as a result of a truck accident in Los Angeles, the Hobbs Law Group is here to help. Contact us anytime for a free consultation to explore your legal rights. Typically, a spouse or child of the decedent files the lawsuit, but parents and legal heirs may also file in some cases. It is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation. Call our offices 24/7 to discuss the details of your case at no cost to you.

Establishing Liability In Truck Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents are complex in nature, requiring in-depth investigations and familiarity with both state and federal laws governing commercial vehicles. Trucking companies and their employees are bound to regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) regarding cargo loading, maximum hours of service, inspection, weight allocation, and maintenance.

Our skilled legal team can find out if a trucking company or their drivers violated safety regulations, and seek appropriate reparations from the defendant’s insurance provider. Evidence commonly presented to demonstrate liability includes driver logbooks, black box recordings, witness statements, accident scene photos, police reports, video footage, and logbooks detailing inspection, maintenance, and repair work.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, potential defendants may include:

• Trucking company
• Manufacturer of a defective part
• Truck driver
• Company or contractor who performs maintenance
• Other negligent drivers involved in the accident

Our semi-truck accident lawyers are committed to achieving the most favorable results for clients, whether through mediation, settlement negotiations, or trial. We make sure your story is told, and that negligent parties are held accountable for their wrongdoing.

Truck Accidents Defendants

When a truck accident occurs, and negligence on the part of one or more parties was to blame, injured victims have the right to seek damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. A number of possible defendants may be named in these lawsuits, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck maintenance company, parts manufacturers, municipalities in charge of maintaining the roads – it all depends on the circumstances of the crash and who was to blame.

If these or other parties are liable for their injuries, plaintiffs can pursue monetary compensation for losses resulting from the crash, such as the cost of past, present, and future medical bills, lost wages from time missed at work, and more. For legal purposes, it’s not enough to suspect that someone was at fault for the crash; it has to be proven with evidence.

Hobbs Law Group has the experience and resources to investigate every aspect of your crash, identify all of the potentially at-fault parties, and collect the evidence needed to prove their liability. We know how to undermine the arguments of deep-pocketed truck accident defendants and protect you from insurance company tricks. If you need a truck wreck lawyer, call our offices anytime to schedule a free case review.

Who Are the Possible Defendants in a Truck Accident?

There are typically more potential defendants after a truck crash than with most regular passenger vehicle accidents. Defendants in a truck accident lawsuit may include:

The Driver Of The Truck

The driver may have caused the accident by acting negligently. Examples include:

• Speeding
• Making an unsafe lane change
• Texting while driving
• Driving under the influence
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Sideswiping you while making a wide turn

Another example of when the truck driver may be liable is if the truck’s cargo exceeded the state or federally imposed weight limit, and that was a factor in your accident. It should be noted that not all truck drivers have sufficient insurance coverage to pay for all of the damages that you incur, so you may need to identify other defendants as well.

The Trucking Company

You can impute the driver’s negligence to the driver’s employer and sue that company under the theory of vicarious liability. In other words, the trucking company is held accountable for the driver’s mistakes. Trucking companies generally have better insurance coverage and more assets with which to cover the damages you incur. Keep in mind that in order to sue the trucking company, the driver must have been operating the truck within the scope and course of employment when the crash occurred. What this means is that the truck driver must have been on the clock and performing duties inherent to his or her job description.

The Manufacturer Of The Truck

If the crash was caused – either fully or partially – by a defective part, then the manufacturer may be held liable. For example, if the lock gate securing the truck’s cargo malfunctioned and broke, caused its contents to spill out into the road, and that was what caused your crash, then the manufacturer of the truck may be a defendant in your lawsuit for having manufactured or designed a defective product. While the manufacturer of the truck may have deeper pockets and a better insurance policy than the truck driver, manufacturers generally put up a fight in these lawsuits, meaning that hiring the right attorney can make a significant difference in your case.

Other Drivers On The Road

Even if you were hit by a truck, that does not necessarily mean that the truck driver did anything wrong. For example, if another driver ran a red light and the truck driver sideswiped you when he swerved while trying to avoid the other driver, it is possible that the other driver would be found liable for the accident. In this example, the other driver may be the only defendant in your case. However, if the truck driver had been driving drunk and was speeding at the time the other driver ran the red light, then the other driver may only be partially responsible.

Government Entities

One example of this would be the city government, and you would need to draw a link showing that that entity’s wrongdoing is what caused the crash. For example, if a fire hydrant exploded six hours ago and has been causing flooding on the road ever since, and nothing has been done to fix the problem, block off the road, or advise approaching drivers of the dangerous condition, then the government may be liable if that flooding caused your crash.

Positives And Negatives To Multiple Defendants

One benefit to having multiple defendants in a truck accident lawsuit is that it is more likely that at least one of the defendants will be able to pay for the damages you are owed. On the other hand, if it is unclear as to the proportion of the fault between multiple defendants, then your case may be more challenging to litigate.

Hiring the Right Attorney Is Key

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, we invite you to call Hobbs Law Group as soon as possible after the collision to see how we can be of service. Especially when multiple defendants may be involved, the experienced semi-truck accident lawyers at our firm can hit the ground running and immediately start investigating to determine which party or parties to sue. Over the last decade, our attorneys have recovered more than $10 Million in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of our valued personal injury clients.

Your choice of truck accident attorney matters. Call Hobbs Law Group today to schedule a zero-cost consultation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, as our clients owe us no attorney fees unless we prevail in their case.

Discuss Your Case With Semi-truck Accident Lawyers

If you were involved in a truck accident and need aggressive, client-driven representation, contact Hobbs Law Group for a free, no-obligation consultation. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will review your case and explain your best options moving forward. We are proud to offer high-caliber legal services on a contingency-fee-basis– which means you pay nothing unless we collect compensation on your behalf.

Protect your rights after a catastrophic accident. Align yourself with a Los Angeles truck accident attorney from Hobbs Law Group. A successful lawsuit can net damages for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other losses. Reach out to schedule a free, no-obligation case review with a member of our team as soon as possible. Don’t delay — California has strict deadlines for taking legal action.