One moment, you are driving home on the freeway. Next, a loaded truck is heading your way. It all happens so quickly, you don’t know how, only that you are in incredible pain.
This is the reality of many Los Angeles drivers. In fact, Los Angeles saw 1.17 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the first half of 2024 alone.
These trucks often belong to major companies that have lawyers and insurers on speed dial. Their goal is to protect the company from lawsuits, which means they are prepared to fight any claim that comes their way.
So, if you want to secure the compensation you deserve, you need to hire an experienced truck accident attorney.
Their goal is to fight claims, and you need a seasoned lawyer to help you.
Not just any lawyer.
What you need is a truck accident attorney with a proven track record of winning truck accident lawsuits against big companies in LA. This expert will be your guide, your advocate, and your best chance at securing the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Truck Accident Lawsuits in Los Angeles
Truck accidents are not simple fender benders. They involve multiple parties and complex liability issues. This is why you need the expertise of a seasoned lawyer to navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If the truck belongs to a large corporation, such as a delivery company, the company may be liable. These companies have multiple layers of protection in place. They might argue that the driver was not an employee, or claim that the maintenance contractor or cargo owner caused the crash.
Now imagine you are injured, drowning in medical bills, and dealing with psychological trauma from surviving a near-death experience.
You are in no position to determine which party or combination of parties is responsible. If you can’t tell for sure who is at fault, how can you accept the settlement you are being offered?
In California, courts and attorneys often settle commercial truck collision liability by having several parties share the responsibility of paying for damages. There can be multiple defendants in the case. For example, the trucking company and the driver both share the responsibility for the crash.
Then there are insurance companies that employ adjusters to focus on minimizing payouts. On top of this, there are complex federal and state regulations in place that may affect how liability is determined in these types of cases.
An expert truck accident attorney can help you navigate the case.
Common Cases of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles
Every truck accident is unique, and to determine who was responsible, every single choice made by the trucking company has to be evaluated.
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers, just like many employees, are often pushed to meet tight delivery schedules. When you are driving on a freeway, a momentary lapse can lead to a catastrophic crash.
Another reason drivers crash is due to distractions. This could also be linked to long hours on the road. Using your phone for navigation or simply zoning out can increase the chances of crashes.
Poor maintenance is another reason why truck accidents occur. Large corporations are required to keep their fleet in a safe condition. Skipping inspections, worn-out brakes, and bald tires are a hazard and shift the responsibility of the accident onto the company.
There is one common theme here.
The negligence from truck companies that push drivers to cut corners, prioritize speed, and profit over safety.
The result: innocent lives lost, lifelong injuries, and psychological trauma.
You could argue that truck accidents aren’t ‘accidents’, they are events caused by negligence—a direct consequence of the choices made by corporations.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
Truck accidents are unfortunate and unpredictable. No one gets on the freeway thinking they will get into an accident, but it’s a possibility. Here’s what you should know if you ever find yourself in that situation.
Seek Medical Attention
Nothing is more important than your well-being. So even if you feel okay, call 911 and get checked by a doctor. Sometimes a patient may feel ‘fine’ at first, but later discover that they have sustained injuries.
The medical records also serve as crucial evidence of your claims, so you must get medical attention immediately.
Document Everything
Even though you were just in an accident, assess the vehicle, guardrails, traffic lights, skid marks, and road conditions. These details will help you build a stronger legal case.
Contact a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney
After a truck accident, you will need to talk to an insurance adjuster, but we recommend that you speak to an experienced attorney before you do. They will help protect your rights and gather evidence before it disappears. They also communicate with the insurance company and the trucking company to handle any negotiations, so you can focus on getting better.
How to File a Lawsuit Against a Big Trucking Company
Filing a lawsuit against a major corporation sounds intimidating, especially if you have never done it before.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you file a lawsuit against a truck company in Los Angeles.
Step 1: Hire a Professional
Your first move should be to hire an attorney who specializes in truck accidents. They can help you investigate the car crash and preserve the critical evidence you may have collected at the time of the accident.
An experienced lawyer will be able to work with accident reconstruction experts if needed. This way, a strong case can be built against the trucking company in court.
Step 2: File the Lawsuit
The second step is to file a formal complaint in California. This legal document identifies the company you’re suing and the reasons for your claim.
Step 3: Negotiation & Settlement Talks
Most trucking companies settle cases out of court. This is where your attorney can help you handle negotiations with corporate insurers to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and future care.
Step 4: Trial (If Necessary)
If the settlement talks are not successful, your lawyer can take the case to trial, where the evidence will be presented and cross-examined. The lawyer will present the facts of the case to a judge or jury on your behalf.
The goal is the same: securing the settlement you deserve and giving you the best possible chance to hold the company responsible.
How to Handle Big Rig Crash Lawsuits Like a Pro
For the record, taking a trucking giant to court is incredibly brave. But you don’t have to face this alone. A lawsuit of this scale often involves multiple defendants, powerful insurers, and corporate lawyers, all working together to limit your compensation.
So, having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side will help level the playing field. At Freeway Injury Lawyer, our goal is to gather evidence, handle aggressive insurers, and maximize your compensation.
With years of experience and a reputation built on standing up to major truck companies, we are confident in our ability to secure justice for you.
We work on a no-win, no-fee (contingency) basis, so you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you.
Reach out today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Los Angeles?
The first thing you should do after a truck accident is call 911 and report any injuries you have. Then try to document the scene and get in touch with your lawyer.
- How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in California?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file for a lawsuit in California.
- Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
According to California law, the liability may fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the truck manufacturer.
- What makes lawsuits against big trucking companies more complex?
Lawsuits where big trucking companies are involved are often represented by legal teams and insurers, all fighting to minimize payouts. This makes these cases more complex than others.
- How much compensation can I get for a truck accident?
You can be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain, and suffering, as well as attorney fees, depending on the outcome of the case.
- Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?
Yes, a lawyer can help you gather evidence, deal with corporate insurance, and handle negotiations on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- How are commercial truck collision liability cases handled in California?
Commercial truck collisions are often under negligence law, with fault divided among multiple parties that share the responsibility.
- How long does a truck accident lawsuit take to settle?
Truck accident lawsuits can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and whether the case goes to trial.
- Will I have to go to court for my truck accident case?
Most cases are settled out of court, but in some cases, the case will go to trial. In either case, the goal is to secure a fair settlement for you.
- How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in LA?
Truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if you win.
