Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys

A truck accident involves any collision or crash that includes a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, or other heavy trucks. These accidents can result in severe damage and injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, road conditions, and weather.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents: Occur when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can happen due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents: Happen when a truck flips onto its side or roof. This can be caused by taking a turn too quickly, overloading the truck, or uneven road surfaces.
• Rear-End Collisions: Involve a truck hitting the vehicle in front of it. These accidents are often due to the truck not being able to stop in time because of its heavy load and longer stopping distance.
• Underride Accidents: Occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. This can happen if the truck stops suddenly or if the smaller vehicle is following too closely.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Take place when a truck driver is unable to see a vehicle in their large blind spots and changes lanes or turns, causing a collision.
• Tire Blowouts: Result from a tire suddenly losing air pressure and causing the driver to lose control of the truck. This can lead to the truck swerving or rolling over.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Occur when a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, potentially colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Head-On Collisions: Involve the front ends of two vehicles hitting each other. These are often the most deadly, especially when one of the vehicles is a truck due to its size and weight.
• T-Bone Accidents: Happen when the front of a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections. This can be due to running a red light or failing to yield.
• Lost Load Accidents: Occur when improperly secured cargo falls off the truck, creating hazards for other road users. This can lead to multiple vehicle collisions and severe injuries.

Who Is Responsible for a Los Angeles Truck Accident?

In the aftermath of a truck accident, determining liability can be a complicated process, as multiple parties may bear responsibility. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers can investigate what specifically led to the accident and work to identify all liable parties.

Depending on what happened, one or more of the following parties could be liable for a truck accident:

• The truck driver. If the truck driver’s violation of traffic laws or reckless operation of their vehicle led to the collision, they may be found liable for the resulting damages. 
• The truck driver’s employer. The company employing the truck driver involved in the accident could be held legally responsible if there is evidence demonstrating inadequate driver training, the enforcement of unrealistic delivery schedules that lead to driver fatigue, or failure to conduct proper maintenance on their fleet.
• The truck manufacturer. If an accident is caused by a defective truck part, the manufacturer of the truck or the specific part can be held liable. This includes situations where brakes fail, steering systems malfunction, or tires blow out due to manufacturing or design defects.
• The truck maintenance company. Companies contracted to perform maintenance on trucks can be liable if their failure to properly inspect, repair, or maintain a truck leads to an accident. 
• The cargo loading company. Companies responsible for loading cargo can be held liable if their failure to improperly load or secure cargo in the truck contributed to the accident.