Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Hollywood, CA

FAQs

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

  Call the LAPD Non-Emergency Police Response at 1-877-ASK-LAPD or (1-877-275-5273).

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

  Copies of accident reports can be obtained online and through US Mail at least 45 days from the date of the accident. For online requests, go to the Lexis Nexis website. If requesting through mail, complete the Traffic Collision Report Request form first and include a $16.00 money order or check payable to the LAPD, then mail it to the address below. Call 213-486-8130 for more information.

  Los Angeles Police Department Records and Identification Division Document Processing Unit P.O. Box 30158 Los Angeles, CA 90030

• Should the police be contacted after a truck accident in Hollywood?

  Yes. Commercial truck accidents usually tend to be very serious and often lead to injuries. If there is a police officer who can investigate your accident in Hollywood, you will get an official police accident report that provides documentation. Insurance companies use such documentation to assess how much compensation to give injury victims.

• How long do truck accident cases in Hollywood resolve?

  It typically takes around 18 to 24 months to resolve a truck accident case in Hollywood if a lawsuit has to be filed. Because commercial truck accident cases usually involve serious injuries, a lawsuit has to be pursued to compel trucking companies to pay fair compensation. Additionally, cases involving catastrophic injuries require extensive documentation and support from expert witnesses that may take time to develop.

• What is the most dangerous intersection for drivers in Hollywood?

  Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue is considered the most dangerous intersection in Hollywood owing to the high volume of tourist pedestrians visiting nearby popular spots such as the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, and Roosevelt Hotel. The intersection is also near one of the largest commercial centers in Southern California—the Hollywood and Highland Center—and is congested with traffic from shops, restaurants, and the Kodak Theater.

• What are some common causes of truck accidents in Hollywood?

  Driver fatigue, which causes truckers to fall asleep behind the wheel or make careless mistakes, is one of the most common causes of truck accidents in Hollywood. There are also cases where driver and trucking company negligence causes accidents, such as when driving when drunk, driving while distracted, loading cargo improperly, and speeding to meet delivery deadlines.

• What compensation can be obtained by a victim of a truck accident in Hollywood?

  Both economic and non-economic damages can be sought by a victim of a truck accident in Hollywood. Economic damages include losses from medical bills, lost income and earning capacity, and vocational rehabilitation. Non-economic damages are subjective and negotiable, such as loss of companionship, pain and suffering, worsening of previous injuries, and emotional anguish.

• 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.