Best Truck Accident Lawyers in North Hollywood

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in North Hollywood, California?

  The LAPD's North Hollywood station is reachable at 818-754-8300 while the greater county's general non-emergency line can be reached at 877-ASK-LAPD.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in North Hollywood, California?

  The North Hollywood Area Records Unit is reachable at 818-754-8323 during business hours and is at 11640 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601.

• Why are trucks crash-prone compared to other vehicles on the road in North Hollywood?

  Trucks in North Hollywood and everywhere are more dangerous not just because of their mass but also because they have sizable blind spots where nearby cars are invisible, making lane changes unsafe for other drivers. An 18-wheeler takes twice the distance to stop compared to regular automobiles owing to the increased force that brakes need to fight.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in North Hollywood?

  Truck accidents in North Hollywood often happen because truckers tend to operate their vehicles while lacking sleep or sufficient training. Overworked employees are likely to commit fatal mistakes even off the road, like failing to secure cargo and raising the risk of heavy loads falling off and hurting others. The truck itself might be improperly maintained.

• What are the damages recoverable for truck accidents in North Hollywood?

  A North Hollywood truck accident plaintiff can claim a variety of quantifiable economic damages, including medical expenses, property repair and replacement costs, and reductions and loss of income suffered following an incident. These are proven through the use of receipts and employment documents. Non-economic compensation is also available and ranges from emotional anguish to loss of companionship.

• Is it better for a North Hollywood truck accident claimant to hire a lawyer rather than handle it alone?

  Truck accident claimants in North Hollywood are advised to get an attorney instead of handling it alone because it is difficult to navigate the complexities of insurance law and procedures, while insurers are skilled at reducing the sums released. Trucking companies might also be guilty of negligence but are backed by experienced lawyers who are adept at hardball negotiation and litigation.

• What should you do if you are involved in a truck accident in North Hollywood?

  If you are involved in a truck accident in North Hollywood, you are advised to exchange contact information with the driver of the commercial truck and document the vehicle's plate number and employer information. You should collect as many photos as possible of the site and the motor vehicles that collided. You should also report the incident to the authorities to start the fact-finding process.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.