East Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents can result in severe injuries for anyone involved, especially those in smaller passenger vehicles. If you believe the truck driver’s recklessness caused the accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation.
However, the legal system can be complex, so it is crucial to work with an East Los Angeles truck accident lawyer. A skilled personal injury attorney could examine the facts of your case and prepare your lawsuit.
Determining Fault in Tractor-Trailer Collision Cases
To determine fault, you must prove that the defendant was negligent in some way and caused your injuries. Truck accident cases are often more complicated than other car wreck claims because the truck drivers are generally employed by a commercial company. When determining fault in your truck wreck case, you should assess the liability of the truck operator and the trucking company.
Truck Driver Liability
Like all other motorists, truck drivers are required to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. However, truck operators face pressure to deliver within certain deadlines and may drive unsafely to get the job done. Any careless actions such as texting while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to check blind spots could be considered acts of negligence in an injury case.
Employer Liability
If the truck driver was working at the time of the accident, you may hold the employer responsible for any injuries you suffered. This legal concept is known as the doctrine of respondeat superior. Trucking companies can also be directly liable due to acts such as:
- Negligent hiring
- Improper training of truck drivers
- Overloading or improperly loading trailers
- Failing to maintain trucks and parts
- Allowing violations of safety laws
- Encouraging violations of driving hour laws
- Negligent retention of dangerous drivers
A knowledgeable attorney in East Los Angeles could help you identify the possible negligent parties in your 18-wheeler accident case.
Seeking Financial Compensation After a Truck Accident in East Los Angeles
Once you prove the liability of the other party, you may receive significant compensation for your injuries and damages. A lawyer could help you seek restitution for many types of losses, including:
- Past and future medical costs
- Property damage
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
It is important to note that there are some potential obstacles to recovering compensation. You must present evidence of your economic and non-economic damages. This may include receipts, past pay stubs, and witness testimony.
In addition to gathering proof, you must file your case before the expiration of the statute of limitations set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. A determined lawyer could help you fight for the maximum about of compensation in your tractor-trailer accident case.
Talk to an East Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney About Your Case
Truck accidents can cause extreme injuries that may significantly impact you and your family. If you believe another party was responsible for the accident, do not hesitate to seek legal help.
An East Los Angeles truck accident lawyer could help you gather evidence and seek compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
