Providing Legal Assistance for the Semi-Truck Accident Victims
If you or your loved ones have been involved in a semi-truck accident, seeking legal representation from experienced professionals who can advocate for your best interests is crucial.
At Conlogue Law LLP, our semi-truck accident attorney in Beverly Hills CA possesses extensive knowledge of California’s laws and regulations regarding truck accidents, enabling us to build strong cases on your behalf. By choosing Conlogue Law LLP, you can access our deep understanding of handling semi-truck accident cases.
We understand the unique challenges in these situations, from determining liability to assessing the full extent of damages. Our personal injury attorneys work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our commitment to our clients goes beyond legal experience. We recognize the emotional and financial toll a semi-truck accident can have on your life. That’s why we provide compassionate support throughout the legal process, guiding you every step of the way and ensuring your voice is heard.
Our firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you and helping you move forward with confidence. Don’t let a semi-truck accident derail your life. Take action today by contacting Conlogue Law LLP or visiting our website.
Our Beverly Hills semi-truck accident attorney is ready to provide you with a personalized consultation and explain how we can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Trust Conlogue Law LLP, your reliable partner for all your semi-truck accident legal needs in California.
What is a Semi-Truck?
A semi-truck is just one of the many names given to the enormous commercial trucks that travel on our roads and highways. These trucks are also known as big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, or semi-trailer trucks.
Regardless of the term used, they all refer to the same type of vehicle—a massive, heavy, and unwieldy commercial truck that consists of two main parts: the tractor and the trailer.
If you’ve been injured in a big rig accident, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from our accomplished semi-truck accident attorney. We are here to provide knowledgeable assistance and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
What Are the Top Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in California?
When a semi-truck or another sizable commercial truck is engaged in a collision, there can be numerous factors that contribute to the incident. Here are a few of the typical reasons behind semi-truck accidents in California.
Exhausted Driving
Despite state and federal regulations mandating sufficient rest periods for drivers during long shifts, some unethical trucking companies may exert undue pressure on their drivers to continue driving despite being fatigued or exhausted.
Driver fatigue significantly impairs decision-making abilities, delays response times, and stands as a major cause of trucking accidents in California.
Overspeeding
Truck drivers are typically expected to adhere to lower speed limits compared to drivers of passenger vehicles. However, when truck drivers disregard posted speed limits or drive too fast, the results can be catastrophic. The impact of such actions can lead to severe consequences.
Equipment Failure
Modern semi-trucks are equipped with advanced technology and sophisticated machinery. However, despite these advancements in the trucking industry, equipment failures continue to be a significant cause of semi-truck accidents.
Overloaded Cargo
Both state and federal regulations impose specific load size restrictions on commercial trucking companies. When a semi-truck exceeds the permissible weight limit, it can adversely impact braking time, potentially resulting in catastrophic accidents.
Intoxicated Driving
Large truck drivers and their employers are obligated to comply with rigorous alcohol and drug testing regulations mandated by federal law. However, despite these measures, substance abuse among truck drivers continues to pose a significant issue and frequently contributes to severe semi-truck accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Most individuals who have driven on California’s highways have likely encountered instances of aggressive driving. When a semi-truck driver displays aggressive or reckless behavior behind the wheel, the consequences can be extremely severe.
The majority of these typical reasons for semi-truck accidents can be avoided or mitigated through appropriate safety measures. If you suspect that any of these contributing factors influenced your semi-truck accident, it is crucial to promptly reach out to our personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Taking immediate action can help protect your rights and explore potential legal recourse.
What Are the Most Common Semi-Truck Accident Injuries in California?
Given the large size and weight of semi-trucks, any collision involving a regular passenger vehicle has the potential to result in severe injuries. At Conlogue Law LLP, our legal team frequently assists clients who have suffered the following types of injuries, emphasizing the gravity of such incidents:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Fractured and dislocated bones
- Crush injuries or loss of limbs
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in California?
Experiencing a semi-truck accident can be an extremely frightening ordeal. Given the size and magnitude of the involved vehicle, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and confused. However, by adequately preparing for such collisions, you can alleviate some of the anxiety and assist your lawyer in constructing a strong case.
Remove Your Vehicle From the Road
Following an accident, prioritizing the safety of all parties involved and preventing additional collisions is of utmost importance. To address this, it is crucial to move your vehicle to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and activate your hazard lights. Taking these immediate actions helps create a safer environment and minimizes the risk of further incidents.
Examine Yourself for Injuries
The surge of adrenaline during a distressing event can sometimes prevent us from immediately recognizing injuries. It is important to pause for a moment and carefully assess yourself and your passengers for any signs of harm. Take the time to ask everyone if they have been injured and where they are experiencing pain.
Keep in mind that head injuries might manifest through symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, and difficulties with coordination. Being aware of these potential injuries can help ensure that necessary medical attention is sought promptly.
Dial 911
It is crucial to contact emergency services, specifically dialing 911, as quickly as possible. Provide them with essential details, such as the number of vehicles involved, the extent of the accident, and your current location.
If you believe that anyone may have sustained severe injuries, make sure to inform the emergency services operator, as they can then dispatch an ambulance promptly. By promptly notifying emergency services, you ensure that appropriate assistance is on its way to the scene of the accident.
Do Not Negotiate
Truck drivers’ driving records play a significant role in their employability and compensation. In some cases, they may attempt to negotiate with you to avoid involving the authorities. However, agreeing to such requests can lead to complications for your lawyer in the future.
It is advisable to refrain from agreeing to these negotiations and instead follow the appropriate legal procedures to ensure your rights are protected and to provide your lawyer with a strong foundation for your case.
Record the Evidence
If it is safe to do so, it is recommended to capture photographs and videos of the accident scene. Additionally, write down the contact information of any willing witnesses and gather important details from the other driver, such as their license, registration, and insurance information.
These on-scene documentation efforts will assist your lawyer in verifying the facts surrounding the accident, strengthening your case.
Get a Hospital Check-Up After the Accident
It is advisable to consult with paramedics at the accident scene and seek medical attention from a doctor shortly after a semi-truck accident. This recommendation is commonly emphasized by semi-truck accident attorneys. Obtaining documented health reports from these medical professionals can provide valuable evidence to support your case.
Get in Touch With Your Insurance Company
It is important to inform your insurance provider within a week following the accident. By doing so, you can receive support for expenses related to a rental car or a replacement vehicle.
Additionally, it is crucial to inform your lawyer about the accident and the insurance notification. This will help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect your rights and interests.
Immediately Consult Our Personal Injury Attorney
Contact our semi-truck accident attorney in Beverly Hills to determine if filing a personal injury lawsuit is the appropriate step for you after a semi-truck accident. In certain cases, it may be difficult to reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, necessitating legal action against the truck driver and their trucking company.
Our California semi-truck accident attorney can assess the details of your case and guide the best course of action to seek the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident in California?
In California, determining liability in a semi-truck accident can be complex due to the various parties involved. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties may be held liable:
Truck Driver
If the accident resulted from the truck driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver could be held liable.
Trucking Company
The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held responsible for an accident if they were negligent in their hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance of the vehicles.
Vehicle Owner
If the truck involved in the accident is leased or owned by a different entity than the trucking company, that owner may share liability if their negligence, such as improper maintenance or failure to repair known issues, contributed to the accident.
Cargo Loaders
If the accident resulted from improperly loaded or secured cargo, the responsibility might lie with the individuals or companies responsible for loading and securing the cargo onto the truck.
Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers
In cases where a mechanical failure, defective part, or inadequate maintenance contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or specific components, as well as maintenance providers, may be held liable.
Government Entities
In some instances, if poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other roadway defects contributed to the accident, liability may fall on government entities responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining the roadways.
How is Liability Determined After a Semi-Truck Accident in California?
To obtain compensation following a semi-truck accident, it is crucial to establish proof of negligence. This means providing strong evidence that demonstrates the driver acted negligently and that their actions directly resulted in your injuries.
Four fundamental elements need to be satisfied in a negligence claim for a semi-truck accident:
Duty of Care
Every semi-truck driver has a responsibility to ensure the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It is their duty to operate their vehicle in a manner that is both safe and reasonable, intending to avoid accidents.
Breach of Duty
To establish a breach of duty, it is necessary to demonstrate that the truck driver acted negligently and failed to fulfill their duty of care. This involves identifying the specific negligent behavior and providing evidence that the driver acted in such a way.
Causation
In addition, victims of the accident need to demonstrate that the negligent act directly led to the occurrence of the accident and the resulting injuries.
Damages
Semi-truck accident claims aim to restore accident victims to their previous state. In California, individuals involved in crashes can receive compensation for medical costs, lost income, physical and emotional pain, and various other damages they have suffered.
Our semi-truck accident lawyer in California is experienced in demonstrating the negligence of commercial drivers. This skill ensures that injured victims are rightfully compensated for their damages.
What Kind of Compensation is Available for My Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claim?
If you or someone you care about has been harmed in an accident caused by the careless behavior of a semi-truck driver or trucking company, you may have the right to receive different forms of compensation, which may include:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost income and benefits
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of personal enjoyment and quality of life
- Potential punitive damages
What is California’s Statute of Limitations for Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claims?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a claim related to a semi-truck accident is two years from the date of the collision.
Why Do I Need a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney in California?
When you find yourself as the victim of a semi-truck accident, it’s crucial to have the service of our skilled personal injury lawyer by your side. Our semi-truck accident attorney in Beverly Hills is here to guide you on the path to recovery.
We have successfully assisted numerous victims of semi-truck accidents, helping them recover compensation for their injuries and property damage. Here are some key ways our legal team can support you:
- Our California semi-truck accident lawyer will provide a clear explanation of your rights under California laws.
- With our experience and resources, we can adeptly navigate the various factors that contribute to truck accidents in California.
- Depending on the specifics of your case, our dedicated semi-truck accident attorney will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your claim. This compensation may cover medical bills, loss of work, pain, suffering, and more.
- We skillfully negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and if necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights.
- If you’re facing hurdles and delays from insurance companies, we offer the necessary legal representation to advocate for you and protect your interests.
Personalized Legal Guidance From Our Beverly Hills Law Firm
We understand the challenges you face after a devastating accident, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a semi-truck accident, don’t settle for anything less than the best legal representation.
Contact Conlogue Law LLP today or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Our highly skilled semi-truck accident attorney in Beverly Hills CA is ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and provide you with personalized legal guidance. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Also, we can assist you legally with Pedestrian Accidents, Longshore Claims, Maritime Accidents, and Airplane Crash Accidents.
Don’t wait—take the first step towards justice today by reaching out to Conlogue Law LLP, your trusted partner in personal injury cases in California.
