Los Angeles trucking accidents typically happen because of truck driver or trucking company negligence. If you sustained injuries in a recent truck crash, the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is ready to help. We can aggressively fight for your rights and interests and will work hard to pursue the full compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Los Angeles truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why Should We Represent You?
When it comes to securing favorable compensation for truck accident injuries, you want a knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate legal team in your corner fighting for your rights. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of accidents due to others’ negligence. We can aggressively negotiate on your behalf and welcome the opportunity to litigate your case if the insurance company will not compensate you fairly.
You can review our most recent client testimonials by clicking here. Let us secure the justice and compensation you need for your accident-related losses right away.
How Much is a Los Angeles Trucking Accident Case Worth?
The value of a Los Angeles truck accident case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the degree of negligence involved. Determining how much your case is worth also involves assessing both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are straightforward and include all of the financial losses you incurred due to the accident. These may include:
- Medical Expenses – This includes the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need because of the truck accident.
- Lost income – If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can recover your lost earnings. If the accident leaves you unable to return to your previous job, you may also recover compensation for diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damage – If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the truck accident, you can recover the cost of repairs or the vehicle’s replacement value.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses – These can include transportation costs to and from medical visits, the cost of hiring someone to help with household chores, and other similar expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate you for the intangible losses you suffer due to the truck accident, such as:
- Past and Future Pain and Suffering – This type of damage compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you endure as a result of your injuries.
- Emotional Distress – Truck accidents can be traumatic, and you may be compensated for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that develops after the crash.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities and hobbies you once loved, you can seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium – If your injuries negatively affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and intimacy.
Where do Trucking Accidents Most Often Occur in and Around Los Angeles?
Truck accidents in Los Angeles most often occur in areas with heavy traffic, complex road systems, and high volumes of commercial vehicles. Here are some of the most common locations:
- Interstate 5 (I-5) – Interstate 5 is one of the busiest highways in Los Angeles and a major route for commercial trucks traveling through California. The high traffic volume, combined with frequent lane changes and merging vehicles, makes it a common site for truck accidents. Congestion during rush hours increases the likelihood of collisions, especially near downtown Los Angeles and the East L.A. Interchange.
- Interstate 405 (I-405) – The I-405, also known as the San Diego Freeway, is notorious for its heavy traffic and frequent accidents. This freeway runs through the western parts of Los Angeles and is a vital route for trucks carrying goods to and from the Port of Los Angeles. The combination of narrow lanes, frequent construction, and high-speed traffic creates a dangerous environment for truck accidents – especially near key interchanges like the one with I-10.
- State Route 60 (SR-60) – State Route 60, also known as the Pomona Freeway, is another hotspot for truck accidents. Commercial trucks use this route heavily when transporting goods between Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. The steep grades and sharp curves, particularly in the Montebello Hills area, increase the risk of rollover accidents and brake failures.
- Port of Los Angeles – The Port of Los Angeles is one of the busiest ports in the world, with a constant flow of commercial trucks entering and leaving the area. The roads surrounding the port, such as Terminal Island Freeway and Alameda Street, see frequent truck accidents due to the high volume of large vehicles, tight schedules, and complex traffic patterns.
- Downtown Los Angeles – Downtown L.A. is a bustling area with narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, and numerous intersections. Commercial delivery trucks navigating these crowded streets often face challenges that can lead to accidents – particularly during peak traffic hours.
Common Types of Los Angeles Truck Accidents
Los Angeles sees various trucking accidents, many of which result from the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies. Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, distracted driving, driver fatigue, improper maintenance, and failure to adhere to safety regulations. Here are some of the most common types:
- Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end truck collisions often occur when a truck driver follows too closely or fails to stop in time due to distracted driving or fatigue. Trucks require much more distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. When a truck driver is not paying attention or is driving too fast for conditions, they may crash into the back of another vehicle, causing serious damage and injuries.
- Jackknife Accidents – A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This often occurs when the truck driver brakes suddenly or improperly, especially on slick roads. Jackknifing can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, especially on busy Los Angeles highways like I-5 or I-405.
- Underride Accidents – In underride accidents, a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and becomes trapped underneath. These accidents are often fatal and can result from truck drivers failing to use proper lighting, reflective tape, or underride guards. Poor maintenance by the trucking company, such as not keeping lights in working order, can also contribute to these deadly crashes.
- Rollover Accidents – Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side, often due to speeding, turning too sharply, or carrying an unbalanced load. Truck drivers who fail to account for their vehicle’s high center of gravity or trucking companies that improperly load cargo can be held liable for these dangerous accidents.
- Blind Spot Accidents – Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, where smaller vehicles can easily go unnoticed. If a truck driver fails to check these blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn, they can sideswipe or collide with other vehicles. This type of negligence can cause serious injuries or fatalities, particularly on crowded Los Angeles roads.
- Tire Blowouts – Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control, leading to accidents. Blowouts often result from poor maintenance, such as failing to check tire pressure or ignoring signs of wear and tear. Both the truck driver and the trucking company can be held responsible if their negligence causes a blowout that leads to an accident.
Truck accidents in Los Angeles often result from preventable mistakes. When truck drivers or companies fail to uphold safety standards, the consequences can be devastating for other road users.
Common Injuries in a Los Angeles Truck Accident
Truck accidents in Los Angeles often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries that victims may suffer in these accidents:
- Head and Brain Injuries – Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in truck accidents. The force of a collision can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Even with a seatbelt, the collision can lead to concussions, skull fractures, and other serious brain injuries. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive issues, memory loss, and changes in behavior.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The force of a trucking accident can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Even less-severe spinal injuries, like herniated discs or fractured vertebrae, can cause chronic pain and limited mobility. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones – The sheer force involved in a truck accident can cause multiple fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. Broken bones can be extremely painful and may require surgery, physical therapy, and a long recovery period. Compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, can lead to infections and other complications.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, internal bleeding, or ruptured blood vessels, are common in serious truck accidents. These injuries are often life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after the crash. Internal injuries require emergency medical attention and, in many cases, surgery.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth – a common occurrence in rear-end collisions. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. While whiplash is often considered a minor injury, it can cause long-lasting discomfort and require physical therapy.
- Cuts and Lacerations – Shattered glass, twisted metal, and other debris can cause deep cuts and lacerations. If not properly treated, these wounds may lead to scarring, infections, and nerve damage.
Fighting the Insurance Company after a Los Angeles Truck Collision
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Los Angeles, dealing with the insurance company can be overwhelming. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, often trying to minimize the amount they pay out on claims. This is where we come in. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our team can fight the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Thorough Investigation – We will begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the trucking accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We will also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault. This solid evidence strengthens your claim and makes it harder for the insurance company to deny or undervalue it.
- Negotiating with Insurers – Our experienced personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who know the tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts. We will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, using the evidence we’ve gathered to argue for a fair settlement. If the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, we’ll push back and demand what’s right for you.
- Calculating Full Damages – We’ll ensure that all of your damages are accounted for, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to the accident. Insurance companies often try to overlook certain damages, but we’ll fight to make sure everything is included.
- Litigation – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to present a strong case to a judge and jury, aiming for the maximum compensation possible.
With us on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the fight against the insurance company.
Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
If you’re involved in a trucking accident in Los Angeles, taking the right steps afterward is important for your safety and to protect your legal rights. Here are the most important steps to take:
- Gather Evidence – Gather any pictures you have of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, retain contact information from witnesses and the truck driver, including their insurance details.
- Avoid Admitting Fault – Be cautious with your words. Don’t admit fault or make any statements that can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police or the at-fault truck driver.
- Contact a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney – At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can guide you through the legal process, gather additional evidence, and deal with the insurance companies.
Taking these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your claim for compensation.
Speak with an Experienced Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will do everything possible to maximize the settlement or litigation compensation you receive for your truck accident injuries.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Los Angeles trucking accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online right away.