East Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer

East Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

Few incidents in your life can be as catastrophic as a truck accident. Due to the sheer size and power of most commercial trucks, accidents caused by trucks can result in disastrous injuries that may cause you lifelong struggles and health issues should you survive the accident. In the event that you survive a truck accident, you may wish to pursue legal action with the help of an East Los Angeles truck accident lawyer who can help you build a strong case.

What Can You Do After a Truck Accident?

In the event of a truck accident, you can try and take precautionary steps to protect yourself and your future personal injury claim should you wish to pursue legal action. A truck accident can result in severe injuries and property damages that you could attempt to recoup compensatory damages for. Here are some important steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident in East Los Angeles that can help you when it comes time to pursue legal action:

• Remain calm. A truck accident can be a sudden, terrifying ordeal. Your first instinct may be to panic. Try your hardest to stay calm and keep a level head, as panicking serves no purpose but to make matters worse. It may be difficult to get your bearings, and you may be dealing with some level of shock. Still, if at all possible, calm yourself, assess your situation, and start checking yourself for any obvious injuries.
• Do not flee. Fleeing the scene of an accident in California is a crime and can result in significant penalties, including up to five years in prison. No matter the situation, you should remain at the scene until authorities arrive to secure the scene. A hit and run could severely impact your future and give you a criminal record.
• Check yourself for injuries. Once you have calmed yourself and assessed your situation, you should start to check yourself for injuries. Some injuries may be internal, and you may not immediately recognize them. It is important to go see a medical professional later so you can get a thorough check-up. At the moment, though, look for obvious injuries and check any other passengers for injuries as well.
• Move your vehicle. If your car was hit by a truck, there is a good chance your car has suffered severe, possibly irreparable damage. Moving it may not be possible in its current condition. If you are not injured, you may want to attempt to move it anyway. After all, if the car is in the middle of oncoming traffic, it could cause another accident.
• Call 911. If you have not done so already, be sure to call 911 as soon as you are physically able. If you are too injured to call, have another passenger or a witness call the authorities on your behalf. You will need police to secure the scene and EMTs to check everyone involved for injuries. If your injuries are particularly severe, the EMTs may take you directly to the hospital.
• Document the scene. Once you have been checked for injuries, you can start documenting the scene of the accident. Be sure to take photos of all vehicles involved in the accident, as well as your injuries, any property damage, the condition of the road, and the license plate number of the truck.
• Contact your insurance. You will have to notify your insurance provider of the accident. The other party may report the accident first. If you fail to report the accident, you could face harsh penalties, such as a loss of your insurance and a suspension of your driver’s license.
• Consult a lawyer. If you wish to pursue legal action against the truck driver, you should reach out to an experienced East Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who can help you build a case.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: There’s no telling how much a truck accident settlement may end up being. Every truck accident case is different, with each case having its own set of circumstances, details, and specifics. If one truck accident case results in a favorable settlement, that is not a guarantee that your case will result in a similar settlement. It depends entirely on the severity of your injuries, the evidence you have that proves negligent behavior, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

Q: When Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?

A: You should accept a settlement offer whenever you feel the truck driver’s insurance company has made you a reasonable offer. You should never accept a settlement offer that you feel is unfair or disrespectful. Your lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement amount that you feel appropriately reflects the damage you’ve had to deal with and your struggles since the accident.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident?

A: No, you do not technically need a lawyer for a truck accident case in California. You can do what you can to handle your own case without the need for a lawyer. However, it is highly recommended that you retain legal counsel throughout this process. Having someone on your side who understands the complexities of truck accident law can only help you.

Q: What Do I Do After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles?

A: There are many steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. You should try your hardest not to panic and do what you can to assess your situation. Once you’ve checked yourself for injuries, you can call 911 and get the police to the scene. When the EMTs have looked you over, you should start documenting the scene and exchange your insurance information with the other drivers involved.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The legal team at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes can help you develop your case, gather the evidence you need to prove your claim, and represent your interests against insurance companies who may be seeking to take advantage of you. Reach out to speak with a valued team member and schedule a consultation as soon as you can.