Truck Accident

Trucking Accident Lawyer

California witnesses some of the most severe trucking accidents in the United States, with large trucks and semis being a leading cause of traffic-related fatalities. These trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a standard passenger vehicle, making collisions devastating and life-altering for those involved.

Navigating a Truck Accident Lawsuit

Trucking accident lawsuits are often complex due to the multiple parties involved, including the driver, the truck owner, the truck manufacturer, and the owners of the loaded transportation. To receive full and fair compensation, it’s crucial for victims to take the right steps after the incident and consult with an experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.

Key Point: Trucking accident lawsuits often involve multiple defendants, such as the driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer, making legal consultation essential.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck such as a semi-trailer truck, tanker-truck, or flat-bed truck, contact Davidovich Stone Law Group. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will help you build your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (818) 661-2420 for a free consultation.

Statute of Limitations

What is the statute of limitations for trucking accidents in California?

In California, trucking accident victims have two years to file a claim for damages they have suffered. Truck accident investigations can be complex, but an experienced truck accident attorney will understand the regulations governing truck drivers and companies. Your attorney can help navigate your case and ensure you receive compensation from all responsible parties.

Key Point: In California, victims of trucking accidents have a two-year window to file a lawsuit.

Potential Defendants in a Trucking Accident Case

Who can be held liable in a trucking accident?

• The truck driver (directly responsible for the accident)
  
• The commercial trucking company (liable under California’s Respondeat Superior Law)
  
• Truck manufacturers or defective parts manufacturers
  
• Insurance providers
  
• City or county governments
  

Additionally, California’s wrongful death laws allow family members (spouse, child, registered domestic partner, or surviving grandchildren) to file a lawsuit if a loved one dies in a trucking accident. Available damages can include:

• Funeral and burial costs
  
• Loss of protection, guidance, and support
  
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
  

Key Point: California’s wrongful death laws allow family members to file a lawsuit if a loved one dies in a trucking accident, covering funeral costs and financial support losses.

Recoverable Damages

What damages can be recovered in a trucking accident lawsuit?

You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages following a trucking accident. These damages include:

Economic damages: Tangible losses like property damage, lost wages, medical bills, vehicle repairs, future medical treatment, and legal fees.

Non-economic damages: Intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or disfigurement resulting from the incident.

Punitive damages: Intended to punish negligent behavior or wrongdoing.

Key Point: Victims of trucking accidents can recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages depending on the circumstances of the case.

Determining Liability

How is liability determined in a trucking accident case?

Truck accidents are complicated because multiple parties may be held liable. Multi-vehicle accidents, especially involving semi-trucks, are often difficult to assess, as they can result from various factors. California follows the principle of comparative negligence, meaning a party found partially at fault can still file a personal injury lawsuit.

Liability can be determined through either negligence or strict liability:

Negligence

Under California’s negligence law, a truck driver can be held liable for injuries or damages caused by their negligence. To win a personal injury claim, the victim must prove that the truck driver failed to meet their duty of care and that the breach directly caused the accident and resulting losses.

Examples of truck driver negligence include:

• Driving under the influence (alcohol or drugs)
  
• Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
  
• Speeding
  
• Running red lights
  
• Unsafe lane changes
  
• Driving excessive hours (exceeding 12 consecutive hours in 24 hours)

Trucking companies can also be held liable for driver negligence if they violate transportation regulations, such as:

• Improper driver hiring or training practices
  
• Negligent maintenance of vehicles
  
• Overloading trucks
  
• Allowing drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations
  

Strict Liability

California’s strict liability law holds manufacturers or suppliers in the chain of distribution liable if a defective product contributed to the truck accident. Unlike negligence, strict liability does not require proving fault.

Defective truck parts that could cause or contribute to the accident include:

• Faulty brakes
  
• Defective tires
  
• Engine or transmission problems
  

Key Point: Negligence or strict liability laws determine liability. Drivers and manufacturers can be held accountable for accidents caused by negligence or defective parts.

Call Today and See How Our Expert Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

If you or a loved one was involved in a trucking accident, Davidovich Stone Law Group can help. Our team of expert California truck accident lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (818) 661-2420 to schedule your free consultation.