Truck accidents on Los Angeles highways often result in catastrophic injuries that change lives in an instant. A fully loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—compared to a passenger vehicle at around 4,000 pounds. This massive size difference means accident victims frequently suffer spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain damage, broken bones, and burns requiring immediate medical attention.
Mercer Legal Group represents truck accident victims throughout Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, and surrounding Southern California communities.
A truck accident claim is a legal action seeking financial compensation for injuries and losses caused by a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or other responsible party. Under California law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1).
Truck accident cases differ from standard car accident cases because multiple parties may share liability: the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, parts manufacturer, or maintenance provider. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations also apply, governing driver hours, truck maintenance, and cargo securement.
Your truck accident claim worth depends on several factors: severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether the injuries cause permanent disability. Wrongful death claims may also apply if a loved one was killed.
Los Angeles truck accident cases involve various collision types, each presenting unique challenges:
Rear-End Collisions: A commercial truck traveling at highway speed cannot stop quickly. When a truck driver fails to brake in time, the impact can crush smaller vehicles and trap occupants beneath the trailer in Los Angeles traffic.
Jackknife Accidents: When a semi truck’s trailer swings outward at a sharp angle, it can sweep across multiple lanes on I-405 or I-10, striking several vehicles involved in a single incident.
Rollover Accidents: Large commercial vehicles with high centers of gravity may roll over during sharp turns, especially when improperly loaded. These truck crashes often cause fatal injuries to other drivers sharing the road.
Underride Accidents: A passenger vehicle may slide beneath a tractor trailer, resulting in severe injuries or death to occupants.
Big Rig Accidents: Big rig collisions on Southern California freeways frequently involve driver fatigue, distracted driving, reckless driving, or speeding.
Most truck accidents result from preventable negligence. An experienced truck accident attorney will investigate these common causes:
Trucking companies and their insurance companies have legal teams working immediately after a truck accident to minimize their liability. Evidence disappears quickly—the truck’s black box data, traffic camera footage, driver logs, and witness statements must be preserved promptly.
An experienced attorney can investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, obtain the police report, and identify every at fault party. Trucking companies may attempt to shift blame to accident victims or pressure injured clients into accepting inadequate settlements.
Without legal representation, you risk missing critical evidence, accepting less than fair compensation, or missing the statute of limitations deadline.
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California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975). Even if you share partial fault for the accident, you may still recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years; wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death.
Truck accident claim worth varies based on injury severity, economic damages like medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages including pain and suffering. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death typically involve higher compensation. Each case is unique, and results depend on specific circumstances and evidence.
Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers handle complex truck accident cases throughout California. We understand the trucking industry regulations that govern commercial vehicles and know how to prove negligence against trucking companies, truck drivers, and other liable parties.
Mercer Legal Group provides representation to injured clients in Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, and across Southern California. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis—attorney fees are only collected if compensation is obtained in your case.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Get immediate medical attention for your injuries. Medical records establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Step 2: Document Everything Preserve evidence: photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and contact information for witnesses. Obtain a copy of the police report.
Step 3: Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Insurance companies may use your statements against you. Avoid admitting fault or providing a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
Step 4: Contact Mercer Legal Group Call our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers to discuss your case. We review the facts, explain your legal options, and begin investigating immediately if you choose to proceed.
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a truck accident in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, contact our law firm to discuss your case. Our experienced truck accident lawyers serve clients throughout Southern California, including Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, and Santa Monica.
Call our Los Angeles office to schedule an evaluation.
Trucking businesses and insurance are regularly involved in complex truck accident situations. The top truck accident lawyer can handle these issues and seek maximum repay.
The top truck accident lawyer tackles semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, cargo spills, driver negligence, and trucking rules.
After an accident, the best truck accident lawyer will investigate, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court to protect your rights.
These losses may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in severe circumstances, future medical expenses or wrongful death claims.
To assure professional representation, find a truck accident lawyer with expertise, a good settlement record, and positive client ratings.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified wrongful termination lawyer in Los Angeles, California, for advice specific to your situation.