Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorneys

Understanding Truck Accidents in LA

In California, a truck accident is defined as any collision involving a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, or other heavy trucks. Given the immense size and weight of these vehicles, truck accidents often lead to severe property damage, serious injuries, or even fatalities. These accidents can occur for various reasons, but understanding the complexities of a truck accident is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation, especially in bustling areas like Los Angeles, where commercial truck traffic is prevalent.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

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.

Common Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

Truck accidents frequently lead to severe and even catastrophic injuries due to the significant size and weight discrepancy between trucks and passenger vehicles. Even a seemingly minor collision can result in life-changing consequences. 

Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). TBIs occur due to the head being violently jolted or striking an object with force and can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The impact can disrupt normal brain function, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis. The immense force exerted in a truck collision can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Such injuries drastically alter a person’s life, often requiring long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance.
• Broken bones. The force of a truck accident can easily break bones. While some fractures are relatively straightforward to treat, others, especially those involving multiple fractures or compound breaks, may require surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Lacerations and burns. Broken glass, metal debris, and even fires from a truck accident can cause deep cuts, scarring lacerations, or serious burns. These injuries may require emergency care and can lead to significant disfigurement and emotional distress.
• Internal injuries. The blunt trauma or penetrating injuries common in truck accidents can damage internal organs and cause internal bleeding. Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries. Even in less severe truck collisions, occupants of the involved vehicles can suffer from whiplash or other soft tissue injuries. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can cause prolonged pain and mobility issues.

The recovery process for these injuries can be long and challenging, often involving surgery, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. For many, the injuries sustained in a truck accident have a lasting impact, affecting their quality of life, ability to work, and psychological well-being. That is why it is so important to seek full and fair compensation for your losses when you are injured due to another party's negligence.

 You Deserve Just Compensation!

Truck accident victims face not only a difficult physical recovery but also a complex legal journey. Navigating insurance claims, dealing with medical bills, and pursuing legal action against responsible parties can be overwhelming. This is where a strong legal team makes a significant difference. Our attorneys at Carpenter & Zuckerman have extensive experience in managing complex injury claims and can guide you through every step of the process. We are dedicated to easing your burdens and fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Our trial attorneys can fight to hold negligent parties accountable and recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:

Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman as Your Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney?

Choosing the right law firm is key for a truck accident claim. Carpenter & Zuckerman distinguishes itself with years of dedicated personal injury experience, underscored by a commitment to client-first representation. Our firm has amassed over $2 billion in recoveries for our clients due to our unwavering dedication to achieving justice.

What truly sets us apart is our approach. We provide a holistic service that combines aggressive litigation with compassionate client support. From navigating complex legal challenges to assisting with immediate medical needs, we stand by our clients every step of the way. Our focus is on removing the legal and financial stress associated with the recovery process, allowing clients to concentrate on healing and returning to their lives. When you choose Carpenter & Zuckerman, you choose a team that is driven by outcomes and devoted to client care.

Ready to seek justice and recover from your truck accident? Call (888) 484-2033 or fill out our online contact form now for expert legal representation and compassionate client support.