Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Burbank, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number of the Burbank Police Department is 818-238-3000.

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

  Individuals involved in a car accident can request a copy of their collision report online through the Burbank Police Department website. A convenience fee is added to the normal $15 report fee for these online requests. Individuals may also visit the Burbank PD’s Records Bureau at 200 North Third St., Burbank, CA 91502 to personally obtain a copy of the collision report. Wait for at least four days from the date of the car collision before trying to get a copy of the report. Collision reports are available in English and Spanish.

• What is the deadline to file truck accident claims in Burbank, CA?

  According to California Civil Code Section 335.1, truck accident injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash. However, if the truck driver involved is employed or contracted by the government, the statute of limitations to file claims is reduced to six months. For truck accident-related property damage claims, the statute of limitations in Burbank is three years from the date of the accident.

• Who can you sue for a truck accident in Burbank, CA

  Depending on the cause of the Burbank truck accident, there are several potentially at-fault parties you can sue: the truck driver for driving negligence, the trucking company for maintenance issues, the truck manufacturer for defective parts, and the truck loading company for placing unsecured cargo on the truck. There may be multiple parties at fault in a single truck accident.

• Can you claim for damages if you are partly at fault for a truck accident in Burbank, CA?

  You can still claim damages under California’s 'pure comparative negligence' rule. Even if you are partially at fault for the truck accident, you can claim compensation in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you were speeding and the Burbank court found you to be 10% at fault for the crash, you will still be awarded compensation, but the award will also get a 10% reduction.

• What types of damages can you claim after a truck accident in Burbank, CA?

  Depending on your situation, the following damages may be claimed for after a truck accident in Burbank:

  • Economic damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity.
  • Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property damages, like the repair or replacement costs of your crashed car.
  • In cases of wrongful death, the surviving family may also claim burial and funeral expenses.

• Should you still get medical attention after a truck accident in Burbank, CA, even if you are not hurt?

  Yes, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel or see any injury. Most truck accidents cause serious injuries due to the truck’s size and weight. Common truck accident injuries, such as brain injury and whiplash, show symptoms only after a few days. It is recommended that you get a medical exam from your own doctor in Burbank soon after the accident to establish a connection between a discovered injury and the accident.

• 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.