One minute, you’re driving through Sherman Oaks, thinking about your next stop. The next, a massive truck slams into you, and everything changes. Your car is wrecked, your body aches, and now you’re stuck dealing with hospital visits, insurance calls, and a whole lot of stress you didn’t ask for.
And the worst part? The trucking company and their insurance provider are already working to protect themselves not you.
They’ll do everything they can to pay you as little as possible or even try to blame you for the crash. Meanwhile, you’re left wondering:
- How am I going to pay for these medical bills?
- What if I can’t work for weeks or even months?
- Should I be talking to the insurance company? What if I say the wrong thing?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Our Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyers are here to make this easier for you. We deal with the insurance companies, handle the legal mess, and fight to get you the money you deserve for your medical care, lost wages, and everything else this crash has taken from you.
All you have to do? Focus on getting better.
Let’s talk no cost, no pressure. Just real answers about what to do next. Call us today.
Why You Need a Sherman Oaks Truck Accident Attorney
Getting hit by a truck isn’t the same as a simple accident between two cars. Everything about it is bigger the injuries, the damage, the medical bills, and especially the fight to get a reasonable settlement.
Trucking companies and their insurance providers have teams of lawyers working to protect their money. Their goal? Pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. They’ll delay your claim, twist the facts, and even try to blame you for the crash.
That’s why having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side isn’t just helpful it’s necessary. We know how these cases work, and we know how to push back against unfair treatment. You focus on healing; we’ll handle the legal battle.
The Insurance Company Doesn’t Work for You - But We Do
After a severe collision, the insurance company will probably call you fast. They might act concerned, but make no mistake they’re protecting their bottom line, not you. They might offer you a quick settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. If you take it, you could be stuck paying for future medical care and lost wages on your own.
We’ve seen it happen before. A client was offered $100,000 for a truck crash that left him with a spinal cord injury and months of ongoing treatment. That might sound like a lot until you realize his medical bills alone were more than twice that amount. We took over his case, built a strong argument, and secured over $1 million so he could get the long-term care he needed.
If the insurance adjusters are calling, don’t answer - call us first. We’ll deal with them, protect your claim, and make sure you don’t get shortchanged.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks is packed with freeways, intersections, and commercial truck traffic. With major roads like Ventura Freeway (101), I-405, and Sepulveda Boulevard, it’s no surprise that semi-truck accidents happen here more often than you’d think.
When a commercial truck accident happens, the injuries can be severe, and figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always simple. Sometimes it’s the truck driver, sometimes it’s the trucking company, and sometimes it’s a combination of multiple parties. Here’s what causes most truck crashes:
Exhausted Truck Drivers
Truckers drive long hours, and many push past legal limits to meet tight delivery deadlines. Drowsy driving slows their reaction time and makes them more likely to cause rear-end collisions or jackknife accidents.
Aggressive & Reckless Driving
We’ve all seen it a massive truck swerving through traffic, following too closely, or cutting off smaller cars. When reckless drivers are behind the wheel of a big rig, the results can be catastrophic.
Bad Truck Maintenance
Trucks need regular maintenance to stay safe. If a trucking company skips inspections to save time or money, tire blowouts, brake failures, and steering issues can lead to deadly crashes.
Distracted Truck Drivers
A trucker glancing at a GPS, reaching for a snack, or checking a text for just a few seconds can cause a severe collision. Unlike cars, commercial trucks need far more distance to stop so even a tiny distraction can be dangerous.
Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Trucks
When cargo isn’t loaded or secured properly, a truck can roll over, jackknife, or lose control. This is especially dangerous on curves, freeway exits, and busy intersections.
Driving Under the Influence
Some truck drivers use stimulants to stay awake on long hauls, while others drink or take medications that impair their driving. A drunk or drugged truck driver puts everyone on the road at risk.
Serious Injuries and Wrongful Death in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are more than just fender benders they often lead to severe injuries that change lives forever. We’ve helped personal injury clients recover financial compensation for:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that cause memory loss, personality changes, and permanent disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries that leave victims needing long-term care or facing permanent paralysis.
- Broken bones and internal injuries that require multiple surgeries and months of recovery time.
- Wrongful death claims for families who lost a loved one in a severe collision with a commercial truck.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt in a truck crash, or if you’re dealing with a wrongful death claim, you don’t have plenty of time to act. California has a strict time limit for filing truck accident injury claims. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance at compensation.
Let’s talk about your case - no upfront costs, no pressure, just real answers from experienced truck accident attorneys who know how to win.
Determining Fault in Truck Accidents
After a truck accident, the first question most people ask is: “Who’s at fault?” The answer isn’t always simple.
Sure, the truck driver may have been speeding or distracted, but what if they were forced to work past their legal driving hours? What if the trucking company skipped regular maintenance? Or the cargo loaders stacked the truck improperly, making it impossible to control?
That’s why we dig deep into every case. Because when a trucking accident happens, more than one party could be responsible.
Who Might Be Liable?
- The truck driver - for reckless driving, distracted driving, or breaking traffic laws.
- The trucking company - for hiring unqualified drivers, pushing illegal work hours, or ignoring safety rules.
- The cargo loaders - for overloading the truck or not securing cargo properly.
- The truck manufacturer - if a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes, caused the crash.
- Government entities - for poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or unsafe conditions.
How We Prove Fault
We don’t just take someone’s word for what happened we find the evidence to back it up.
- Black box data tells us how fast the truck was going, when the brakes were used, and if the driver followed their required rest breaks.
- Driver logs and company records can reveal if a trucker was forced to work past their legal driving limits.
- Dashcam footage and traffic cameras often capture the crash and show exactly what happened.
- Witness statements help build a complete picture of the accident.
- Drug and alcohol tests prove if the driver was under the influence.
We’ve seen trucking companies try to erase or hide evidence to protect themselves. That doesn’t work with us. We know where to look, what to ask for, and how to make sure the responsible parties pay.
Types of Injuries in Truck Crashes
Truck crashes aren’t just "big car accidents." The injuries are often serious, painful, and long-lasting. Some people never fully recover, and for families dealing with a wrongful death claim, life is never the same.
We’ve worked with accident victims suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) - memory loss, mood changes, and long-term cognitive issues.
- Spinal cord injuries - partial or full paralysis that can require lifelong care.
- Broken bones - fractures that need surgeries, metal plates, and months of rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries - damage to organs that may not be obvious at first but can be life-threatening.
- Severe burns and scarring - especially in cases where fuel spills lead to fires.
- Wrongful death cases - when families lose a loved one because of a truck company’s negligence.
The Emotional Toll
It’s not just about physical injuries. A serious accident can leave deep emotional wounds.
- PTSD - making it hard to drive or even be near large trucks.
- Anxiety and depression - especially for those who can no longer work or live as they once did.
- Loss of independence -not being able to do everyday tasks without help.
Insurance companies love to downplay emotional suffering but we fight to make sure you’re compensated for everything you’ve lost.
Compensation Available in Truck Accident Cases
A truck accident can leave you with mountains of medical bills, lost wages, and a future that feels uncertain. We make sure you don’t get stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.
Economic Damages: Covering Your Expenses
These are the things you can put a dollar amount on the bills, lost paychecks, and out-of-pocket costs:
- Medical treatment - doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and therapy.
- Lost wages - if you’ve missed work or can’t return to your job.
- Future medical costs - for long-term rehabilitation, medication, or ongoing treatment.
- Property damage - getting your car repaired or replaced.
Non-Economic Damages: The Things You Can’t Put a Price On
Some losses go beyond money. A serious accident can take away things you never expected to lose.
- Pain and suffering - if your injuries cause daily discomfort or long-term disability.
- Emotional distress - PTSD, depression, or anxiety after the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment - if your injuries stop you from doing the things you love.
- Loss of companionship - if you’ve lost a spouse or loved one due to a truck accident.
Punitive Damages: Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable
Sometimes, a trucking company isn’t just careless they knowingly put lives at risk. If a company forced a driver to work dangerously long hours, skipped required maintenance, or ignored safety violations, we push for punitive damages extra compensation designed to punish them and prevent this from happening again.
California Trucking Laws & Regulations
Truck drivers aren’t just regular drivers they have to follow strict federal and state laws because of the size and danger of their vehicles. When a truck accident happens, these laws become a key part of proving who’s responsible. If the truck driver or trucking company ignored safety rules, it can strengthen your case and help you get fair compensation.
The Rules Trucking Companies and Drivers Must Follow
Truck accidents don’t just happen. They’re often the result of cut corners, ignored safety rules, or trucking companies pushing drivers too hard. Some of the most important regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Limits – Truck drivers can’t drive indefinitely. They are required to take rest breaks to prevent fatigue-related crashes. If a driver or company fudges the logs to work extra hours, they could be responsible for the accident.
- Weight and Cargo Limits – Trucks can only carry so much weight. Overloading a truck or failing to properly secure cargo can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or spilled cargo that leads to deadly crashes.
- Required Inspections & Maintenance – Trucks must be regularly inspected and repaired. If a company skips a needed brake repair or ignores worn tires, they’re putting lives at risk.
Why This Matters for Your Claim
If a truck driver or trucking company ignored these laws, that’s proof of negligence and it can help you win your case. We know how to demand trucking records, driver logs, and maintenance reports to see if any rules were broken.
For example, we handled a case where a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing a severe crash. His employer denied any wrongdoing, but we uncovered falsified driving logs proving that he was forced to work far beyond legal limits. That evidence led to a large settlement for our client.
Truck companies won’t hand over this information easily, but we know exactly where to look and how to get the proof you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sherman Oaks Truck Accidents
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
If your accident involved a commercial truck, the answer is yes. These cases aren’t like regular car accidents trucking companies and their insurers fight hard to avoid paying victims what they deserve.
They may try to delay your claim, downplay your injuries, or blame you for the crash. Without an experienced attorney, you could end up with far less than you actually need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident. But in some cases like if a government agency is involved you may have much less time.
Waiting too long can cost you your right to compensation. The sooner you reach out, the better we can protect your case.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
Even if you think you might have contributed to the accident, you can still recover damages. California follows comparative negligence laws, which means your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. Insurance companies love to use this rule against victims, so having an attorney who can push back and prove the facts is critical.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. Our fees only come from the settlement or verdict we secure for you never from your pocket.
What If the Truck Driver Was From Another State?
It doesn’t matter if the trucker wasn’t from California if the accident happened here, you have the right to file a claim. We handle interstate trucking cases all the time and know how to deal with out-of-state trucking companies, their legal teams, and their insurers.
Still have questions? Let’s talk. Your first consultation is completely free, and we’ll go over your case, explain your options, and help you figure out the best path forward. No pressure, no upfront fees just real legal guidance when you need it most.
When Should I Hire a Sherman Oaks Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you might be wondering if you really need a lawyer. Maybe you’re waiting to see what the insurance company offers, or you’re hoping to handle things on your own. But while you’re figuring it out, the trucking company and their insurance team are already working to protect themselves.
Trucking companies move fast after an accident. If they know they’re at fault, they’ll do whatever they can to limit their responsibility. That might mean erasing black box data, “misplacing” maintenance records, or getting their driver to change their story. Evidence that could help your case won’t be there forever.
Insurance companies work the same way. They might act like they’re looking out for you, but their real goal is to pay you as little as possible. They may offer you a settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries, hoping you’ll take the money and move on. Once you accept, there’s no going back even if your medical bills end up being much higher.
In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim, but if a government vehicle was involved, you may have only six months. That sounds like plenty of time, but waiting can hurt your case. Witnesses forget details, records get lost, and the insurance company builds a stronger defense. The sooner we start, the better chance you have at getting the full compensation you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we move quickly to preserve evidence, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you get the medical care and financial support you need. You don’t have to figure this out on your own we’re here to help.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Near You Today
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Suddenly, you’re dealing with medical bills, missed paychecks, and an insurance company that isn’t making things easy. It’s frustrating, and it’s not fair.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we stand up for people who’ve been injured not corporations looking to protect their bottom line. We know how these cases work, and we won’t let trucking companies or insurers take advantage of you. Our job is to fight for the compensation you need for your medical treatment, lost income, and the impact this accident has had on your life.
Worried about legal fees? Don’t be. You don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means if we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
If you’re unsure about your next step, let’s talk. No pressure, no hidden fees just real answers from a team that knows how to win. Call today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
