A truck accident can result in devastating injuries. Trucks are often more than twice the size of normal cars and the ensuing accidents can create troublesome situations for everyone involved. There are many times when a client calls us and has been involved in a crash with a truck; he will often want quick representation and effective litigation. If you were hurt in a truck accident, you should be aware that the lawsuit process is seldom quick or cut and dry. Even the most slam-dunk cases have a few weeks of consideration from all parties in them. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to contact our Carson truck accident lawyers today at the Downtown LA Law Group. We will see to it that your case is expertly handled.
Why Truck Accidents Happen
Truck accidents most often happen on the freeway and highway since many do not travel on residential roads. There are often rear-end crashes due to truck drivers inappropriately changing lanes, sideswipes that happen when vehicles try to pass on the right, and head-on collisions that happen when trucks drift into other lanes. Many accidents are caused due to the negligence of the truck drivers; some are on the road for longer than the 14-hour legal limit, and others drive through the night with little to no sleep to meet their deadlines and drop off deliveries. Some drivers are negligent in other ways. Examples include:- Driving while drunk
- Speeding
- Improper weight distribution of materials in the hitch
- Uncovered and dangerously overfilled loads
- Lack of warning signs or wide load signs
- Truck problems, like brake issues, blown tires, and faulty engines
- Turning without signaling
- Ignoring right of way laws
- Road defects
- Steep hills and curved streets
- Hidden driveways
- Using the phone while driving
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Improper merging or failing to use turn signals
Injuries From Truck Accidents
A truck accident is often more damaging than a normal car crash. This is because trucks are often traveling at fast speed just like cars are, but they are many times larger. The same exact accident with cars traveling at the same speeds can result in a totaled vehicle in the case with the truck. Because of the vast difference in results, the injuries suffered can also be varied. Many injuries in truck accidents happen to the other drivers, and seldom those in the trucks. Injuries include:- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal organ damage
- Knee and hip injuries
- Neck and spinal cord damage
- Herniated and slipped discs
- Crushing injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Severed body parts
- Paralysis
- Torn muscles
- Nerve damage
- CRPS
- Quadriplegia
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Coma
- Death
Truck Accident Procedure
Victims of truck accidents are often confused and do not know what to do after a crash. It is important that you do not leave the scene of the accident unless you are injured; even then, you should be treated by paramedics at the scene, and if you need additional or emergency treatment, go to the hospital. Getting medical treatment is also of paramount importance; if you do not get a doctor’s help, you may have a hard time proceeding with your claim. The insurance agent handling your case could se this lack of a hospital visit as a red flag and claim that you were not as hurt as you initially stated. You should collect all the necessary evidence for your case once you have been seen by a medical professional. This evidence can include the following:- Pictures of your injuries
- Medical notes and hospital bills or receipts
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Surveillance camera footage
- Photos of the damage done to both vehicles
- Copy of the police report
Learn more about your options for compensation by calling (213) 389-3765.
Filing A Lawsuit
If you wish to file a lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the truck driver acted negligently. To prove negligence, you must show the following:- You were owed a duty of care
- The duty of care was breached
- The breach of duty led to an accident
- The accident resulted in physical harm
Truck Accident Lawsuit Restitution
You should pursue ample coverage for your damages after a truck accident. We will work to bring you the money you need to cover the expenses and bills that likely racked up after the incident. We will help you win the following:- Medical bills from the past and future
- Lost wages from the past and future
- Property damage for repair of your vehicle or reimbursement for personal items and belongings
- Pain and suffering damages for mental and psychological traumas
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one or family member died in the crash
- Punitive damages if the driver acted with gross negligence or deliberately tried to hurt you
Get started today by calling (213) 389-3765.
It can be hard to win these damages by yourself. You may not have any legal experience and you may not know how to negotiate a fair deal. Our Carson truck accident lawyers can win your lawsuit for you. You should not have to worry about these expenses or about completing a claim if you have been hurt. We can take care of everything from start to finish.