If you were hit by a flatbed truck in Los Angeles, you're likely dealing with pain, confusion, and a lot of questions. We help people in your position figure out what to do next and how to hold the right people accountable.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers, we focus on serious truck accidents. These cases can get complicated fast. Rules for truck drivers and companies are different from regular car crashes. That’s why having a skilled Los Angeles flatbed truck accident lawyer matters. We know how to deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and insurance pushback that follow these kinds of crashes.
As experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyers, we work to get our clients the support and fair outcome they deserve, so they can move forward with confidence.
Injured in a Flatbed Truck Accident in LA? Here’s What to Know First
Flatbed truck accidents can change your life in an instant. These trucks are huge, and when something goes wrong like a shifting load or a tired truck driver, the results can be serious. Especially on Los Angeles roads, where traffic is tight and fast-moving, flatbed trucks add an extra layer of risk.
In California alone, flatbed and other large commercial trucks were involved in over 9,000 injury crashes last year, according to CHP data. Many of these crashes led to long-term injuries like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
If you're hurt in a flatbed truck crash, it’s not always easy to know what to do next. Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and even the cargo loading team. That’s why it helps to speak with someone who understands these types of cases.
At our firm, we help people protect their rights and pursue compensation through well-prepared insurance claims and legal action. We work with you to figure out what happened, who’s at fault, and what your next steps should be.
Why Flatbed Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Flatbed trucks carry heavy loads on open trailers, which makes them riskier than enclosed trucks. These trailers don’t have sides or a roof, so anything that shifts or comes loose can fall straight into traffic.
Some of the key dangers of flatbed trucks include:
- Open trailers with no sides or roof – This design leaves cargo exposed to the road, increasing the chance it can fall off and hit another vehicle.
- Unsecured or shifting cargo – Even small movements can change how the truck handles, making it harder to stop or turn safely.
- Higher rollover risk due to load height or imbalance – If the cargo is stacked too high or isn’t evenly placed, the truck is more likely to tip during sharp turns.
- Longer braking distances and wide turns – These trucks need more space and time to stop, which adds to the risk on crowded streets or highways.
These risks often lead to serious damage, from crushed vehicles to rollovers that block multiple lanes. That’s why we take these cases seriously from the start, reviewing every detail to find what went wrong.
Top Causes of Flatbed Truck Accidents in Los Angeles
Flatbed truck crashes often happen because of a chain of avoidable mistakes. Identifying those mistakes early helps us build a stronger case for the people we represent.
Here are the most common reasons we see behind these accidents:
- Improperly Secured Loads – Flatbed cargo needs to be tightly secured with proper straps and tie-downs. If it isn’t, it can fall into traffic or shift during a turn.
- Driver Negligence – Some crashes happen because a truck driver is speeding, looking at a phone, or ignoring safety checks. These lapses can have big consequences.
- Mechanical Failures – When brakes fail or tires blow out, trucks can lose control fast. Poor maintenance or ignored repairs often cause these failures.
- Adverse Weather Conditions – Rain, fog, and high winds all affect how a flatbed handles. A strong gust can push a tall load out of balance or make a slick road even more dangerous.
- Driver Fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel can slow a trucker’s reaction time. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules limit hours for a reason, but not everyone follows them.
- Poor Cargo Loading – If the cargo isn’t evenly loaded or the weight isn’t balanced, it increases the risk of rollover accidents or load spills.
These causes all point to preventable errors by drivers, trucking companies, or those in charge of load security. Our job is to trace the problem back to its source and hold the right people accountable.
Who’s Liable in a Flatbed Truck Crash? It’s Not Always Just the Driver
When a flatbed truck causes a crash, it’s easy to assume the truck driver is the only one responsible. But in many cases, the fault lies with more than one party and figuring out who’s liable is key to getting a fair outcome.
We look at the full picture and hold all responsible parties accountable. That can include:
- Truck Driver – The driver is responsible for safe driving, checking their truck before each shift, and following rest limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Trucking Company – These companies may fail to train drivers properly, push them to skip required breaks, or neglect routine truck maintenance.
- Third-Party Contractors – Sometimes outside workers handle loading, repairs, or manufacturing. If cargo wasn’t secured right or a part failed, they could be legally responsible too.
In a truck accident claim, it’s important to uncover each mistake that led to the crash. Doing this helps build a stronger case and increases the chance of recovering full compensation through a settlement or lawsuit.
Untangling Liability in Multi-Party Truck Accidents
Flatbed truck accidents often involve more than one company. That means different insurers, different stories, and a more complex legal process. These kinds of cases can drag out unless you know how to deal with the back-and-forth.
We take steps early to make sure key evidence is preserved, things like driver logs, black box data, and records from the Electronic Logging Device. These details help show what went wrong and when.
If several parties share responsibility, we work to divide the fault based on what the law allows. This is part of what makes commercial truck accidents different from regular car crashes. We push for fair results, no matter how many people are involved.
Understanding the Legal Process and Your Deadline to File
Once we take your case, we handle the steps that come next, starting with an investigation into the truck accident itself. We contact witnesses, pull records, and review the crash in detail. From there, we deal with the insurance claim or prepare for a truck accident lawsuit if needed.
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure, you usually have two years to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, California courts can throw out your case completely.
The sooner you act, the better your chances. Evidence fades and companies move fast to protect themselves. We help you stay ahead by filing everything on time and fighting for what the law allows.
How California’s Comparative Fault Law Can Affect Your Case
In California, fault isn’t always black and white. You might still be able to recover money even if you're partly responsible for the crash. That’s because of something called comparative fault.
Let’s say the other driver was mostly at fault, but you were speeding. If the court finds you 20% responsible, you could still recover 80% of your damages. That includes things like lost income, non-economic damages, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Understanding how fault works helps you prepare for what to expect in your case. It also helps us shape your claim so that insurance companies or a jury see the full story not just part of it.
Key Evidence We Gather to Build a Strong Truck Accident Claim
We move fast to secure critical evidence before it’s gone. Flatbed truck accidents involve many moving parts, and proving what happened takes more than just a few photos or a crash report.
Here are some of the records we review in most cases:
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows how long the trucker was driving, breaks taken, and if any rules were broken.
- Police and crash reports – Help us understand the scene, citations issued, and who was involved.
- Dashcam or traffic cam footage – Visual proof of how the crash occurred can back up your version of events.
- Logbooks, maintenance history – Tell us whether the truck had issues or missed scheduled checks.
- Cargo manifests – Reveal what was loaded, how it was secured, and whether weight limits were followed.
- Witness statements – People who saw the crash can confirm key facts, especially when the trucking company disputes your claim.
- Expert testimony – We may work with accident reconstruction professionals or medical experts to explain how the crash happened and how injuries affect daily life.
Each piece of evidence adds clarity and power to your claim. Our job is to collect it early, protect it, and use it to strengthen your case.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Flatbed Truck Accident?
When someone is injured in a flatbed truck crash, the effects can last for months or even a lifetime. Getting compensated isn’t just about fixing a car. It’s about covering the real losses that come with serious injuries.
Economic Damages:
These are the financial costs you’ve had to deal with, or expect to face.
- Medical bills (past and future) – This includes everything from ER visits to surgeries and follow-up care.
- Rehab and therapy – Ongoing treatments like physical therapy can add up over time.
- Lost wages and diminished earning power – If you can’t return to work or can’t earn the same income, that’s part of the claim.
- Property damage – Covers your vehicle damage and anything else lost in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages:
These are about how the crash changed your quality of life.
- Pain and suffering – Serious injuries come with pain, and that deserves recognition.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, and fear can follow traumatic events like truck accidents.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If you can’t do the things you once loved, the law considers that a real loss.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement – Long-term effects, like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, often result in additional compensation.
Each person’s damages are different. We help you calculate what’s fair, based on your specific situation, not just what an insurance company is willing to offer.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Hard Against Trucking Claims
Insurance companies don’t like paying large settlements. And when it comes to truck accident claims, the costs can be high, especially if there are catastrophic injuries or long-term treatments involved.
They may delay the claims process, look for gaps in medical documentation, or even try to blame you for the crash. Some will offer a fast payout hoping you’ll take less than you deserve.
We understand how insurance policies work and what’s at stake. Whether it’s a fight over vehicle damage, liability insurance, or compensation for non-economic damages, we work to make sure your case isn’t undervalued or dismissed.
Truck accidents are different from typical claims. The rules, paperwork, and resistance you face all take experience to handle. We’re here to push back and make sure you’re treated fairly.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different From Car Accidents?
Not all crashes are the same. Flatbed truck accidents involve a different level of risk, responsibility, and regulation than a typical car wreck. These cases require extra attention to detail.
Unlike car accidents, truck crashes involve federal rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include strict rules on how many hours a truck driver can work, how they must document rest periods, and how loads should be secured.
The damage is usually worse because semi-trucks and flatbed rigs are heavier and larger. That means higher medical expenses and a longer recovery. These factors increase the size of truck accident settlements and make insurance companies fight harder to avoid paying.
There’s also more to prove. You may be dealing with multiple parties, from trucking companies to cargo loaders. Each has its own legal team, records, and version of the story. That’s why we handle every truck accident case with a focus on the extra steps needed to get results.
The Advantage of Hiring a Lawyer Who Focuses on Truck Accidents
Truck accident claims aren’t like regular car crashes. They take experience with laws, evidence, and strategies that apply specifically to commercial vehicles. That’s why working with a focused truck accident lawyer makes a real difference.
- Regulation Expertise – We stay current on FMCSA regulations, California Vehicle Code, and safety requirements for commercial trucks. This helps us spot violations others miss.
- Strategic Evidence Handling – We collect black box data, driver logs, and inspection records fast. Timing matters, some records disappear quickly.
- Tough Negotiation & Trial Experience – We don’t just talk to insurers, we prepare every case like it might go to court. That pressure often leads to better outcomes.
- Complex Liability Management – Whether it’s the driver, the company, or a third-party contractor, we know how to untangle vicarious liability and hold each party accountable.
Every detail matters. From understanding driver fatigue rules to challenging cargo-handling procedures, our experience helps protect your claim.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect?
No two truck accident cases are exactly alike. Your compensation depends on how serious the injuries are, how much insurance is available, and how fault is shared between parties.
For cases involving catastrophic injuries or long-term care, truck accident settlements often reach into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. But it all comes down to the facts, the proof, and how hard we push.
We work to recover all eligible damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the cost of future care. If the case involves wrongful death, we also seek compensation for the impact on surviving family members.
Our job is to be honest about what’s realistic and to work hard to reach it.
What Should You Look For in a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Choosing the right lawyer is an important step. Not every personal injury attorney knows how to handle a truck crash. You need someone with the right background, skill, and mindset to handle these higher-stakes cases.
Here’s what we suggest you look for:
- A proven track record with truck accident claims and lawsuits
- Deep knowledge of trucking industry rules and FMCSA regulations
- A team that’s trial-ready, not just looking for a quick settlement
- Clear, honest communication and a transparent fee structure
- Strong results and real feedback from past clients
We offer all of the above and more, because we know what it takes to handle tough claims and win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
After a crash involving flatbed trucks or any large commercial vehicle, the choices you make early on can affect your entire claim. Some actions that seem harmless can actually make it harder to recover fair compensation later.
We often see people speak directly to the insurance company without understanding how those conversations are used. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and even small statements can be taken out of context.
Other times, someone might skip a doctor visit because they feel “okay” or try to downplay their injuries. This can create gaps in the record and give the insurance company a reason to question the claim.
Here are a few simple things to avoid:
- Don’t speak to insurers without legal advice
- Don’t post about the accident online
- Don’t skip doctor visits or downplay symptoms
- Don’t accept fast settlement offers
The goal is to protect your rights and give your case the best possible chance. We help our clients avoid these common setbacks from day one.
Searching for the Best Flatbed Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles?
When you're looking for a lawyer after a truck crash, experience matters. You want someone who knows how to take on trucking companies, analyze black box data, and deal with complicated records like driver logs and maintenance reports.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers, we focus on helping truck accident victims recover what they’ve lost. If you're searching for the best personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles for truck accidents, we’re here to help. Our firm is known as a top-rated flatbed truck accident attorney in California and has handled some of the toughest cases.
We understand the legal process under the California Vehicle Code and know how to prove fault in crashes involving commercial truck accidents, vicarious liability, and more. Whether you’re facing an uphill battle with an insurance claim or a full truck accident lawsuit, our team can step in and get to work.
If you need a Los Angeles truck crash law firm that’s handled serious truck accident settlements, we’re ready to speak with you.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review - We Only Get Paid If You Win
You don’t have to deal with this alone. Whether the accident involved driver negligence, truck maintenance failures, or a distracted truck driver, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Reach out to the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers today. Your consultation is free, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
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- Use our Request Free Consultation form and get answers today
Talk to a Los Angeles flatbed truck accident lawyer who understands your situation and knows how to build strong truck accident claims. Let us help you move forward.
