Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Van Nuys, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency number for Van Nuys police station is 877-ASK-LAPD.

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

  To get a copy of thr police or traffic report in Van Nuys, you must download and complete the Traffic Collision Report Request and send it along with a $16.00 check or money order made out to the LAPD to:

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

• Which Van Nuys roads are the most hazardous for truck drivers?

  According to a recent study from Crosstown LA and USC, six of the top 20 most dangerous intersections for drivers in Los Angeles City are located in Van Nuys. These are: -Sherman Way and Sepulveda Boulevard -Burbank and Sepulveda boulevards -Sherman Way and Woodman Avenue -Sepulveda and Victory boulevards -Sherman Way and Kester Avenue -Sepulveda Boulevard and Erwin Street

• Who can be held liable in a truck accident in Van Nuys?

  Different parties may be involved in or bear responsibility for truck accidents in Van Nuys. Depending on the evidence or specifics of a case, the victims may sue the at-fault drivers, local transportation companies, national distributors, large corporations, and truck manufacturers. A truck accident lawyer can evaluate the case and conduct further investigations to hold the negligent parties accountable.

• Can Van Nuys truck accident victims still be awarded compensation even if they partially contributed to the accident?

  Yes, Van Nuys truck accident victims who share some of the blame are still entitled to compensation. However, the final recovery will be reduced by the plaintiff's own degree of fault since California uses pure comparative fault statutes. A judge or jury will decide how much of the plaintiffs' own fault contributed to the injuries.

• How can negligent truck drivers in Van Nuys be held liable?

  A truck driver in Van Nuys can be held liable for an accident for the following reasons: -The victims have legally recognized injuries. -The truck driver's conduct was the direct cause of the injury. -The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. -The defendant disregarded the obligations. -The defendant's breach of duty led to the plaintiff's injuries. A lawyer can help prove fault through further research and investigations.

• Can a Van Nuys truck accident victim pick up the phone when the defendant's insurance company calls?

  Truck accident victims in Van Nuys are not obliged to answer a call from the defendant's insurance provider or trucking company. No law in the State of California requires plaintiffs to give a statement to the other parties. Prior to taking any action, it is highly advised to seek legal help.

• 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.