Semi-truck accidents are fundamentally different from typical car collisions, demanding a specialized legal approach. The massive size and weight of semi trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and complex legal issues, precisely the cases our Los Angeles semi truck accident attorneys specialize in.

At Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we possess this specialized knowledge and experience, and we want to be on your side.

Why Choose Our Los Angeles Semi Truck Accident Attorneys?

When facing the aftermath of a semi-truck accident, selecting the right legal representation is crucial. Here’s why Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys are the ideal choice:

• Understanding Multi-Party Complexity: Semi-truck accidents rarely involve just two parties; the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner, cargo loader, and even maintenance providers can all share liability. We excel at unraveling these intricate webs of responsibility to ensure all negligent parties are held accountable.
• Specialized Knowledge of California & Federal Regulations: Commercial trucking is governed by a complex set of state (California) and federal regulations (FMCSA). Our attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of these rules, including driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance requirements, and cargo securement.
• Litigation Readiness and Experience: While we strive for fair settlements, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our firm has a proven track record of successful litigation against large trucking companies and their insurers, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.
• No Upfront Fees – We Work on Contingency: You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This “no-win, no-fee” guarantee allows you to pursue justice without financial burden, demonstrating our confidence in our ability to achieve a favorable outcome.

What to Do Immediately After a Semi Truck Accident

Having a clear game plan for the immediate aftermath of a semi-truck accident ensures your safety and medical well-being are prioritized, helps you collect vital evidence before it’s lost, and protects your legal rights from the outset. Acting quickly and strategically can significantly impact the strength of your personal injury claim and your ability to secure the compensation you deserve.

• Prioritize Safety & Seek Medical Attention: Your immediate well-being is paramount. Move to a safe location if possible, and always seek medical evaluation, even if you feel fine, as injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Contact Authorities & Gather Information: Report the accident to 911. Obtain a police report, and exchange information with all involved parties (driver’s license, insurance, truck company details).
• Document the Scene: Take numerous photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence is crucial.
• Contact an Experienced Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer: Before speaking with any insurance companies or signing any documents, consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. We can protect your rights and guide you through the complex legal process.

Causes of Semi Truck Accidents

There are numerous factors that can contribute to semi-truck accidents, often involving a combination of issues:

• Driver Error: This is a significant category and includes driver fatigue, distracted driving (e.g., cell phone use), speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI), aggressive driving, and failure to properly check blind spots.
• Vehicle Malfunctions: Issues such as tire blowouts, brake failure, faulty steering, and coupling failure (when the trailer detaches from the truck) can lead to serious accidents. These often stem from improper maintenance or manufacturing defects.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable, leading to rollovers or jackknifes.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, inadequate lighting, and debris on the road can all contribute to truck accidents, especially given the larger size and weight of semi-trucks.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds can significantly reduce visibility and traction, making it more challenging to control a large commercial vehicle.
• Corporate Negligence: In some cases, the trucking company itself may be at fault due to negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations, or failing to maintain their fleet properly.

Who Is Liable in a Semi Truck Crash?

Determining liability in semi-truck accident cases is often a complex process due to the potential involvement of multiple parties. Beyond the truck driver, liability can extend to the trucking company for any of the factors listed above.

• Truck Driver: Often the most obvious party, the driver can be held liable for negligence such as distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service regulations.
• Trucking Company: The company employing the driver may be liable if they engaged in negligent hiring practices, failed to properly train drivers, pressured drivers to violate safety regulations, or neglected to maintain their fleet.
• Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a party other than the trucking company or driver, the owner could be held responsible for inadequate maintenance or allowing an unsafe vehicle on the road.
• Cargo Loader: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents. If the cargo shifted and caused the crash, the company or individuals responsible for loading it could be held liable.
• Maintenance Company/Manufacturer: If a mechanical defect or failure (e.g., faulty brakes, tire blowout) caused the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part or the company responsible for vehicle maintenance could be at fault.
• Third-Party Motorists: In some cases, another motorist’s reckless actions could contribute to a semi-truck accident, making them partially or wholly liable.
• Government Entities: If poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or faulty infrastructure contributed to the accident, a government agency responsible for road maintenance could be held liable.

Common Injuries in Semi Truck Collisions

Semi-truck collisions often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the immense force involved. These can include:

• Brain and Spinal Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), from concussions to severe brain damage, are common, as are spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis or significant mobility issues.
• Crush Trauma: The sheer weight of a semi-truck can cause severe crush injuries, leading to internal organ damage, fractures, and compartment syndrome.
• Amputations: Limbs can be severely damaged in these accidents, necessitating amputation, which drastically alters a victim’s life.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Multiple and complex fractures are frequent, often requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries and Bleeding: The impact can cause significant internal damage to organs, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
• Burn Injuries: Accidents involving fuel leaks or fires can result in severe burn injuries, requiring specialized and long-term medical care.
• Psychological Trauma (PTSD): Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience significant psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which require ongoing therapy and support.
• Long-Term Treatment and Rehabilitation Needs: Many injuries sustained in semi-truck accidents necessitate extensive and prolonged medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing medical care, leading to substantial medical expenses and a lengthy recovery process.

Types of Compensation You Can Claim

Victims of semi-truck accidents may be eligible to claim damages that fall into several distinct categories, each designed to address different aspects of the harm suffered. These generally include economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some egregious cases, punitive damages, intended to punish wrongdoers.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a semi-truck accident claim refer to the quantifiable financial losses suffered by the victim. These often include past and future medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.

They also encompass lost wages and earning capacity, covering income lost due to the inability to work and any reduction in future earning potential. Additionally, economic damages can cover property damage, such as repair or replacement costs for the vehicle involved in the accident, and other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident and recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the subjective, non-monetary losses experienced by a victim of a semi-truck accident. These damages are designed to compensate for the intangible impacts on a person’s life and typically include pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of companionship or consortium for family members.

While these losses do not have a direct financial cost, they significantly affect the victim’s quality of life and well-being after the accident.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages, unlike economic and non-economic damages, are not intended to compensate the victim for their losses. Instead, they are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious.

The primary purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, both by the defendant and by others. While not always awarded, they can significantly increase the total compensation in a semi-truck accident claim when the liable party’s actions demonstrate a severe disregard for the safety of others.

Statutes of Limitations in California

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a semi-truck accident generally depends on the type of claim.

You typically have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For claims involving only property damage, the statute of limitations is three (3) years from the date of the accident.

If the accident involves a government entity (e.g., a truck owned by a city or state agency), you generally have a much shorter window, often six (6) months, to file a formal claim.

Note that there can be special rules and exceptions that apply, such as cases involving minors (where the clock may not start until they turn 18) or wrongful death claims. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer is crucial to understand how these limitations apply to your specific case and to ensure your rights are protected.

Call the Premier Los Angeles Semi Truck Accident Law Firm Today: Hillstone Law

When the unthinkable happens and you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. These aren’t just ordinary car accidents; they’re often life-altering events demanding specialized legal mastery.

At Hillstone Law, we understand the unique complexities of semi-truck collisions and are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait to seek justice after a semi-truck accident in Los Angeles, California. Contact Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation case review.

Our lines are open 24/7, and our experienced legal team is ready to provide the aggressive and compassionate representation you deserve. Call us now at (855) 691-1691.

Los Angeles Semi Truck Accident FAQ

Do semi-truck cases go to trial?

While we strive for fair settlements, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Hillstone Law Accident & Injury Attorneys has a proven track record of successful litigation against large trucking companies and their insurers, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation on behalf of our clients.

Can I still recover if partially at fault?

California operates under a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys can assess your case and help you understand how comparative negligence might apply.

How much do lawyers charge?

You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This “no-win, no-fee” guarantee allows you to pursue justice without financial burden, demonstrating our confidence in our ability to achieve a favorable outcome.

This is known as working on a contingency basis, where our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. The specific percentage is discussed and agreed upon at the outset of your case.

How long until my case settles?

The timeline for a semi-truck accident case can vary significantly depending on its complexity, the severity of injuries, the willingness of the at-fault parties and their insurers to negotiate, and court schedules if a lawsuit is filed. Some cases may settle in a few months, while more complex cases, especially those involving extensive injuries or multiple liable parties, can take a year or more, particularly if they proceed to litigation.

We work diligently to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring we achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.