A truck accident, even a minor one, could be expensive and a lot of work to remedy. If you’re looking for compensation after an accident, our Glendale truck accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience fighting against corporations with armies of legal staff. We have a team that has recovered millions on behalf of our clients in over 1000 successful cases.
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Glendale Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents can be particularly violent and devastating for those involved. Due to the size and cargo of trucks, a crash can be extremely violent, causing massive damage and devastating injuries. Between vehicle damage, medical bills, and lost wages, a truck accident can be one of the most expensive events in your life. The worst part is that insurance could refuse to cover all of your costs. To get what you deserve from insurance and the liable party, you need a top-rated accident law firm like Lawyers for Justice, PC on your side.
Causes of a Truck Accident
There are many accident causes that are not the fault of the driver, which would call for substantial compensation for those involved. If you’ve been in a truck accident, you should call Lawyers for Justice, PC, because you might not be liable even if you think you are. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Glendale include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel without sufficient rest can lead to drowsiness or even microsleep behind the wheel. Despite federal regulations limiting driving time, some drivers exceed these limits due to pressure from employers or tight delivery schedules.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Large trucks require more time and distance to stop. When a driver speeds or drives aggressively, the likelihood of a catastrophic crash significantly increases.
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, GPS, or even eating while driving can take a driver’s attention off the road at the wrong time. Negligent drivers on the road can make conditions particularly dangerous.
- Cargo Shifts: When companies overload or poorly balance cargo, they make trucks unstable and increase the risk of rollovers. The trucking company or third-party loader may be held liable for the accident, and the driver would have a strong claim to compensation.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safe operation. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can cause serious accidents.
- Inadequate Driver Training: Operating a semi-truck or a large commercial vehicle requires specific skills. It might look like the truck driver caused the accident, but in reality, the employer failed to train them properly.
- Dangerous Road or Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or poorly maintained roads can make truck driving more hazardous. In these cases, local governments or maintenance contractors could be at fault.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
In 2023, California had 392 deaths from truck accidents, according to a study from NSC, second only to Texas with 730. Unfortunately, truck-related fatalities are up 40% over the last decade. This trend indicates an unfortunate drop in safety for drivers on the road. Luckily, most truck accidents do not result in a fatality. On average, there are 35 accidents in the trucking industry for every 100 million truck miles driven.
The government has enacted federal and state laws to ensure driver safety and limit catastrophic injuries. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates a wide variety of safety laws. They work to ensure proper training, cargo is secure, and regulations of hazardous materials to prevent truck accidents in Glendale and other areas throughout the US.
Common Injuries of Truck Accidents:
After a truck accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention. Even if you think it’s a minor injury, it could turn into a larger issue later. Insurance companies and lawyers will include your medical bills when calculating your compensation.
- Abdominal Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Internal Injuries
- Illness from Exposure to Hazardous Materials
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Death
Dealing with a Glendale Truck Accident
What should you do immediately after a truck crash? First, seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may take time to surface. Then, if you’re able, document the scene: take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from the truck driver, their employer, and any witnesses. Avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer. Calling a Glendale truck accident attorney as soon as possible will increase the chances of receiving compensation.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex
Truck accident cases are not like typical car crashes because they’re usually governed by federal and state regulations, involve multiple liable parties, and often result in severe injuries with higher financial stakes. Broader factors include commercial insurance policies, driver logs, employer contracts, and maintenance records, which all must be investigated. Because of this complexity, insurance companies often give lowball settlements to victims who don’t have legal representation. This is why it’s extremely important to work with an experienced Glendale truck accident lawyer who understands how to navigate the legal process.
How Long Does an Accident Claim Take?
A truck injury claim can take anywhere from a couple of months, to over a year. The time frame is based on the difficulty of gathering evidence and the other party’s willingness to cooperate.
The legal process of an injury claim typically begins with an investigation, where an attorney gathers evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements to determine liability. Next, the lawyer sends a demand letter to the at-fault party, or their insurance company, outlining the injuries and requested compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, which involves filing a formal lawsuit, discovery, and possibly a trial. The process may sound daunting, but a truck accident lawyer in Glendale will be able to help. Throughout the process, our team at Lawyers for Justice, PC will ensure your rights are protected, and you build a strong case for maximum compensation.
How Much can you get for a Truck Accident?
In a truck accident case, the damages awarded can range from a couple of thousand dollars for minor injuries, or into the 6 and 7-figure ranges based on the severity of injuries and financial losses involved.
Victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. As a result, settlements can be much higher if you lose quality of life or the ability to work for a period of time.
The value of a truck accident claim often depends on the extent of the injuries, the clarity of liability, and the skill of the attorney handling the case.
Cases We Handle
At Lawyers for Justice, PC, we are more than just Glendale truck accident lawyers. We can help with any major event where you were hurt or your property was damaged. Including:
- Dog Bites: If someone’s dog bites you, the dog’s owner may be held liable and be legally obligated to pay for your medical expenses and any emotional trauma related to the injury.
- Slip and Fall: If you slip and fall while on someone’s property due to neglect of proper maintenance, you may have a claim for any damage that follows. This only applies to properties where you are an invited guest. So if you slip and fall while burglarizing a home, the homeowner will not be liable for your injuries.
- Car Accidents: If you’re injured in a car accident, the legal team at Lawyers for Justice, PC can help you get compensation from the liable party to cover your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and any other related damages. This includes handling the whole process from filing your personal injury claim to litigation. Find out if you need a car accident attorney.
- Motorcycle Crashes: Motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable on the road, and even a minor collision can cause serious injuries. If you’re hit while riding, the driver at fault may owe you compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Lawyers for Justice, PC helps motorcyclists get what they’re legally entitled to, especially when insurance companies try to shift the blame.
- Workplace Injuries: If you’re hurt on the job, you have a right to medical treatment and possibly additional compensation, whether it’s from a fall, faulty equipment, or even long-term exposure to unsafe conditions. Your employer’s insurance might cover part of it, but a Glendale personal injury lawyer will fight to make sure you receive all the benefits you’re owed and don’t have to pay those bills yourself.
Contact LFJ – Best Truck Accident Lawyer Glendale, CA
Call to find out how much your case is worth: (844) 568-1702