Echo Park Truck Accident Lawyer

Echo Park Truck Accident Attorney

Collisions that involve large commercial trucks can have devastating consequences. While any motor vehicle accident has the potential to cause severe and fatal injuries, it is much more common for truck wrecks to cause life-altering and deadly accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in a trucking crash, you need an Echo Park truck accident lawyer with experience in these incredibly complex cases.

Truck accidents are more complicated because of the severe injuries they cause, the numerous parties who might be at fault for the accident, and the federal trucking regulations that govern the industry.

The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes: Supporting Victims of Truck Accidents

The team at the Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes has decades of experience in many types of auto accidents and trucking collisions. We know how to navigate these claims and deal with trucking companies’ insurance providers when they are involved.

A trucking collision can cause disabling injuries and long-term pain, which may prevent you from ever working again and can limit your ability to do the things you enjoy. These are significant physical and emotional losses that should be properly compensated, and our attorneys can fight for the justice you deserve.

Liability in a Trucking Accident in Echo Park

After a truck collision in Echo Park, the liable party is the one whose negligence or recklessness caused the accident and the resulting damages. Liability is both legal and financial responsibility, so a liable party is responsible for the cost of any economic and noneconomic damages for any person injured in the crash.

While the liable party is often a driver in the accident, truck accidents can be more complicated. These collisions are much more likely to have numerous at-fault parties, so injured individuals can hold each of these parties liable. This can result in the ability to maximize compensation, but it also means pursuing several separate claims and negotiations.

Many parties may be partially or fully liable for an accident, depending on the circumstances. These parties can include:

• The Trucking Company: A trucking company can be liable if they ignore regulations about truck maintenance or encourage truck drivers to ignore regulations about breaks and rest to meet deadlines.
• The Truck Driver’s Employer: If the trucking company does not directly hire truck drivers, then the employer may be vicariously liable for the negligence of the driver. The employer may also be liable for failing to vet their drivers or properly train them.
• The Truck Driver: Truck drivers can be negligent or act with misconduct and cause an accident, such as driving while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence.
• A Truck Manufacturer: If a faulty truck component or truck design caused the incident, the manufacturer may be liable.
• The Shipping or Loading Company: A third-party shipping company may be liable if they overloaded the vehicle or improperly loaded it, causing a blow-out, turn-over, or jackknife accident as a result.
• A Truck Maintenance Company: If improper maintenance was done on the truck, or the truck was cleared when it needed maintenance, the mechanic team may be liable.
• Other Drivers: Any other driver or party on the road may be liable for negligence or misconduct while driving.
• The Owner of the Truck: The owner of the cab, trailer, or freight being transported may be liable if there is an issue with the truck or freight that leads to an accident.
• Governmental Agency: Accidents can be caused by missing or damaged road signs and signals as well as unmaintained roadways. This may mean that the governmental agency responsible for that maintenance is liable.

An attorney is essential for properly investigating a truck collision and determining the at-fault party in the accident. Your Echo Park personal injury attorney is also helpful in managing multiple claims if needed, and negotiating a fair and reasonable settlement from each at-fault party.

FAQs

How Much Do Truck Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

How much truck accident attorneys charge in California will vary, although most accident attorneys charge a contingency fee. Rather than an hourly or a flat fee, a contingency fee is not an upfront or continuous charge. Instead, it is a percentage of the injury settlement that you recover with the attorney’s help.

Because most injured individuals secure much more compensation with an attorney, they are able to cover more of their damages. If the car accident attorney in Echo Park does not win their case, they do not owe them attorney’s fees.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in California?

Having a lawyer for a truck accident in California is not a legal requirement, but it can benefit you significantly. When you have a lawyer investigating your accident, proving your damages, and negotiating with the insurance provider, you are more likely to have a successful claim and get the most compensation that is available. You are also able to do this with less stress, as your attorney can handle the details while you rest.

What Is the Truck Accident Statute of Limitations in California?

The statute of limitations on a truck accident in California is two years if you suffered an injury. This statute of limitations applies if you are filing a civil claim. If you are filing a claim with the truck company’s insurance provider, the time limit to file is much shorter. When negotiating an insurance claim, it is crucial to keep the civil statute of limitations in mind. If the insurance adjuster will not settle for a fair amount of compensation, then you may need to file a civil claim to get the damages you are owed.

How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record in California?

An accident stays on your driver’s record for at least three years in California. It can be present for as long as ten years in situations where the accident is reported by the police and involves a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials. Because the collision is recorded on your driving record, it may continue to be publicly accessible by insurance providers and others.

Legal Protection and Support After a Devastating Accident

Trucking claims are complex, and they often require negotiations with a corporate insurance provider. These companies possess significant resources, and their primary goal is limiting the compensation you recover. Working with an attorney helps you protect your interests and your future financial stability. The Law Offices of Carl D. Barnes is prepared to fight for the compensation you need and hold at-fault companies and other parties liable for their negligence. Contact us today.