Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Glendale, CA

FAQs

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

  (818) 548-4911 is the Glendale Police Department non-emergency line.

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

  The Glendale Police Department Records bureau hold police reports and is at 131 North Isabel Street, Glendale, CA 91206. The police have a partnership with LexisNexis to facilitate the retrieval of documents over the web.

• What are the common kinds and causes of truck accidents you are likely to experience in Glendale?

  In Glendale, you are likely to experience jackknifing accidents when a truck's trailer swings too hard from the tractor and strikes other motorists or pedestrians because of excessive driving speeds, equipment failures, or improper braking. Turning mishaps are also common and caused by a failure to see other cars while making wide turns without looking. Trailers can also just detach completely and hit unsuspecting victims.

• If you want to sue a commercial trucking company that caused a truck accident in Glendale, what kinds of negligence can you show in court?

  If you want to sue a commercial trucking company in Glendale over a road accident, you can show that the business failed to properly train its drivers to run safely and follow traffic rules. You can demonstrate that the transportation corporation allows or forces its crews to stay on the road beyond the statutory limits allowed in state law. It is also possible to show that the trucks are improperly maintained.

• Why should you hire a truck accident lawyer in Glendale instead of representing yourself?

  You should hire a truck accident lawyer in Glendale instead of representing yourself because a lawyer is adept at negotiating with insurance companies and stressing the just valuation of the injuries suffered and the damages due. Attorneys are skilled at collecting evidence like medical records and witness testimonies that the courts find relevant.

• Who are the parties who can file a wrongful death suit after a truck accident in Glendale?

  The parties who can file a wrongful death claim after a truck accident in Glendale include the spouse of the deceased, the surviving children, a domestic partner, and a personal representative. If the victim passed on without any remaining children or spouses, the law allows heirs enumerated in the dead decedent's will to pursue claims. If there’s no will, the parents are entitled to compensation if they were being supported by the victim.

• What are the damages you can recover for truck accidents in Glendale?

  Truck accident claimants in Glendale can seek the monetary value of the medical expenses incurred after a crash, plus the value of lost wages during the time the plaintiff was recuperating. The quantified value of the vehicle and repairs could be recovered. Intangible and non-economic damages are also due, covering the emotional and mental trauma following the incident.

• 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.