Van Nuys Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are major events that can destroy lives. If you were injured in a truck crash, please understand that you are not alone. We know what it feels like to have stacks of medical bills and so much pain that you can't go to work, let alone do simple daily tasks. Sometimes in life you need someone to give you a helping hand. Let us do that for you.

Our Van Nuys personal injury lawyer is ready to help you get fair compensation for your case.

How Much Does a Van Nuys Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

You pay nothing upfront. This is called a contingency fee basis. You only pay your attorney if they win your case and get you money. This makes it easy for you because there’s no risk—if you don’t get paid, your lawyer doesn’t get paid either. So, you can focus on getting better without worrying about legal fees. It’s a good way to make sure that your lawyer is just as motivated as you are to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve.

At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti we offer free initial consultations. Call us today to find out if you have a case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Van Nuys

Trucking accidents in Van Nuys are often complicated. Large commercial trucks are important for business but they can be very dangerous in an accident situation.

Most law firms don't have the experience to handle these kinds of cases. You need a lawyer with specialized knowledge--lawyers who know how to get and read driver logs and truck maintenance records. Without an experienced attorney by your side, you're probably going to get a low settlement offer.

Driver Fatigue and Negligence

Driver fatigue is a major cause of truck accidents. Federal law limits driving to 11 hours at a time, but many drivers do more than this. Driving while tired can decrease reaction times and impair decisions, posing a major danger to others. If trucking companies pressure drivers with unrealistic deadlines, they may share liability, too. Fatigue-related accidents can lead to severe injuries like traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial truck owners must follow strict maintenance rules to ensure safety. Drivers are required to inspect their trucks daily before trips to check for maintenance issues. Failing to maintain a vehicle can lead to serious accidents. Those responsible for inspections and repairs might be held liable for negligence. Regular checks, including tire changes and services, prevent mechanical failures. Negligence in maintenance can result in catastrophic failures.

Bad Weather Conditions

Bad weather can significantly increase the risk of truck accidents. Conditions like rain or fog decrease visibility and road conditions. It's important to document these circumstances with pictures and videos at the accident scene. This evidence can play a major role in personal injury claims by establishing negligence. The presence of bad weather at the time of an accident can complicate liability claims. A detailed investigation is necessary to determine the impact of the conditions and help your claim.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. The force of a truck crash can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures. Victims may face disabilities that prevent them from walking or doing daily activities. These severe injuries highlight the need for strict safety regulations.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash is common in truck accidents. The force of the crash can damage the neck and head, even at low speeds. Such injuries often come with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Victims may suffer from pain and emotional distress. They can seek compensation for these issues by proving negligence from the driver or trucking company.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are serious and often result from truck accidents. These can lead to high medical costs and lost wages. The compensation process can be complex, involving drivers, trucking companies, and other parties. Insurance companies may use complex tactics to limit compensation. Victims should seek help to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries from truck accidents can cause permanent disability. They often require long-term care and rehabilitation. Compensation claims depend on how severe the injury is and if trucking regulations were followed. Victims can seek damages for medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced Van Nuys truck accident lawyer can guide them through the legal process.

Broken Bones and Other Physical Injuries

Truck accidents often cause broken bones due to the impact's force. These injuries can be expensive to treat and require extensive recovery. Victims may also face significant medical bills and pain from their injuries. An experienced attorney can help victims claim compensation for these costs and navigate the legal process.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Experiencing a truck accident can be overwhelming. It is important to take immediate steps to protect yourself and others involved. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your case.

Safety and Calling Emergency Services

1. Stay Calm: First, take a deep breath. Staying calm helps you make better decisions.
2. Check for Injuries: Look around to see if anyone is hurt. If someone is injured, call 911 right away, even if the injuries seem minor.
3. Safety Precautions: If it's safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road. If not, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
4. Don’t Move the Injured: Avoid moving anyone who is hurt, as it might worsen their injuries.
5. Report the Accident: California law requires you to report any accident with injuries or fatalities to the police.
6. Avoid Admissions: Do not make statements that suggest you are at fault for the accident.

Documenting the Accident Scene

Proper documentation is essential for legal and insurance purposes. Make sure to:

1. Take Photos and Videos: Capture the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any skid marks or road conditions.
2. Document Everything: Take note of traffic signs and any visible injuries.
3. Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of any witnesses at the scene.
4. Record Truck Details: Get the truck driver's license number, license plate, and the trucking company’s information.
5. Obtain a Police Report: Ask for a copy of the police report. This official document will provide a third-party account of the incident.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get medical attention after a truck accident. Here's why:

1. Check for Hidden Injuries: Some injuries may not show up right away. A medical evaluation can catch these early.
2. Documented Evidence: Medical records serve as proof of your injuries, strengthening your case.
3. Follow Medical Advice: Adhering to your doctor's instructions is crucial. It aids your recovery and supports your claim.
4. Insurance Claims: The insurance company will examine all of your actions. Dealing with your health issues in the right way will help you get a fair offer.
5. Timely Reporting: Quickly reporting injuries increases the chance the insurance company considers them in their evaluation.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents can involve many parties who may be held liable. This includes the truck driver, trucking companies, or even third parties responsible for road conditions or vehicle parts. Identifying who is at fault often requires in-depth investigations. This process may involve accident experts and other professionals to determine the correct liability.

Role of Driver Negligence

Driver negligence is a major factor in truck accidents. Evidence of reckless or distracted driving is crucial. If a driver is found speeding or driving under the influence, it significantly affects liability. The truck driver must follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. Negligence not only endangers the driver but also other road users. An experienced truck accident lawyer will gather evidence of any negligence to hold the driver accountable for damages.

Importance of Trucking Company Policies

Trucking company policies are vital in maintaining safety standards. These policies ensure drivers follow regulations, impacting liability. By examining policy manuals, it becomes clear if drivers adhered to safety guidelines. Good company policies also prevent risks like fatigue and distracted driving. Additionally, companies can be held responsible for their drivers' negligent actions at work. Proper vehicle inspection and maintenance policies can prevent mechanical failures that cause accidents.

Impact of Third-Party Involvement

Third parties can also be liable in truck accidents. This includes those responsible for vehicle maintenance. If negligent repairs, like failing brakes, cause an accident, those parties may be at fault. Truck manufacturers can face liability for defects in their designs or mechanics. Parts manufacturers can also be liable if their faulty components lead to accidents. Additionally, municipalities responsible for road maintenance or shippers hiring unsafe trucking companies can share the blame if their actions contribute to an accident.

Each of these areas plays a part in determining accountability in truck accident cases. By understanding the role of each party, accident victims can better navigate the legal process and pursue the maximum compensation they deserve.

Our Truck Accident Attorneys Help You Prove Negligence

Proving negligence in truck accidents is key to securing compensation for victims. This means showing that another party acted unreasonably. Often, it requires a detailed reconstruction of the accident scene. This helps illustrate the events that led to the crash. Clear evidence against the truck driver or trucking company can boost settlement amounts. An in-depth investigation is essential. It may involve experts like engineers and accident reconstructionists. Identifying all liable parties is also crucial for a strong negligence claim.

Gathering Evidence

To succeed in a truck accident claim, gathering solid evidence is vital. Start by collecting physical evidence and accident reports. Talk to witnesses for their accounts of what happened. It's also important to check the truck driver's qualifications and training records. This can indicate liability. Look at the truck's inspection and maintenance records too. These may reveal mechanical issues that caused the crash. Don't overlook electronic data from the truck’s black box. This gives details on speed, braking, and engine performance during the accident. Photos, witness information, and police reports from the accident scene are fundamental for building a strong case.

Witness Statements

Witness statements are key in establishing who is at fault in a truck accident. Collecting these statements strengthens the case by providing different perspectives. Witnesses can offer insights into the events leading up to the accident. The details in these statements can counter attempts by insurance companies to downplay the claim. In legal proceedings, they help build a comprehensive case to support accident victims.

Expert Testimonies

Expert testimonies play a significant role in truck accident claims. Accident reconstructionists can clarify how and why an accident happened. This helps establish liability. Medical experts can assess the injuries sustained in the crash, vital for determining damages. Collaborating with experts leads to evidence-based cases. They can pinpoint mechanical failures or poor maintenance as accident causes. Using expert analysis strengthens the case and boosts its credibility with insurance companies and in court.

Overall, proving negligence has many steps. It requires gathering detailed evidence, utilizing witness accounts, and leveraging expert insights. With this structured approach, accident victims stand a better chance of securing maximum compensation.

What is the Legal Process After a Van Nuys Truck Accident?

After a truck accident it can be overwhelming. However, understanding the legal process can ease your mind and get you closer to getting fair compensation. A truck accident lawyer in Van Nuys from the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchettti can guide you through each step, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements. This way, you can focus on recovery while ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations

In California, you have a specific time frame to file a lawsuit after a truck accident. You must start your personal injury lawsuit within two years from the accident date. If you are bringing a claim against a government entity, this period is much shorter—only six months to one year. Acting promptly is crucial because missing these deadlines usually means losing the right to sue. Also, wrongful death cases have a two-year deadline starting from the date of death, which might differ from the accident date. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to secure your legal options.

Preparing and filing claims

Preparing your claim involves collecting specific evidence related to the truck accident. Medical attention is critical as it prioritizes your health and provides essential documentation for your claim. An experienced attorney will help gather necessary evidence, such as police reports, driver logs, and maintenance records. These pieces of information are key in proving liability. On average, claims take about 1.5 years to settle due to their complexity. Your lawyer will explain any deductions, like legal fees and medical expenses, to ensure transparency in your settlement breakdown.

Court procedures in truck accident cases

If negotiations with insurance companies and trucking firms fail to yield a satisfactory settlement, your case might go to court. This legal process can last from several months to a few years, influenced by the case's complexity and the injuries involved. Your lawyer will prepare by collecting vital documents like medical records and accident reports. Should the matter go to trial, expert legal representation is crucial for defending your claim. All financial obligations, such as legal fees and medical bills, are settled from your compensation before you receive your share. Willingness to negotiate and proceed with the trial significantly impacts outcomes and timescales.

Key Statistics on Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen more often than we would like, and they can be very serious. In 2021, crashes involving large trucks caused 4,714 deaths, which is a 17% increase from the previous year. When a large truck hits a smaller car, 97% of the time, it is the people in the smaller car who lose their lives. Most of these accidents happen on busy roads (48%), while 36% occur on highways and freeways. Back in 2017, there were 4,761 deaths related to truck accidents, with 65% of those being people in smaller cars. Because trucks are so heavy and powerful, their accidents can cause severe injuries, like broken bones and brain injuries.

Frequency of Accidents in Van Nuys

Van Nuys experiences a lot of accidents, partly due to the rising number of elderly drivers. As of 2017, over 3.5 million Americans aged 85 and older held driver's licenses. Accidents often happen at intersections, caused by failures to yield, illegal left-hand turns, and aggressive merges. Truck accidents are especially hazardous, given the large vehicle size and weight, leading to serious injuries and property damage. Rear-end collisions, often due to inattentive driving or sudden stops, are also common and can cause severe harm. The driving environment in Van Nuys is complex, and caution is needed to prevent accidents.

Impact on Victims and Families

Truck accidents can drastically change lives. Victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord issues, and other severe injuries that impact their quality of life. Along with the physical toll, they often face huge medical bills, which strain their finances. Families dealing with a loved one's wrongful death in an accident may seek compensation for loss of companionship and financial security. The accidents also lead to lost wages, compounding the financial stress. Insurance companies for trucking firms often use aggressive tactics, making it harder for victims and families to get fair compensation. This process can be both challenging and overwhelming.

Significance of Truck Accident Legal Experts

Truck accidents are more complex than car crashes due to the heavy weight of commercial vehicles. This often leads to severe injuries or even fatalities. In these situations, having an experienced truck accident lawyer is very important. Our lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti help you navigate complicated legal processes to get fair compensation from trucking companies and insurers.

You face many challenges in proving fault. Things like driver negligence, defective parts, or company liability make these cases harder. Our skilled attorneys know how to collect and manage complex evidence.

Here are key elements a Van Nuys truck accident lawyer can assist with:

• Determining driver negligence
• Figuring out trucking company liability
• Examining defective truck parts

Victims might be entitled to compensation for:

1. Medical expenses
2. Lost wages
3. Property damage

Given these complexities, legal experts are vital. We work diligently to ensure victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve. This legal support is important, especially when severe injuries or disputed liability are involved in truck accident claims. Having a dedicated attorney makes all the difference in achieving a fair outcome.

Call Our Van Nuys Truck Accident Lawyers Today

You can get a free consultation today for your truck accident accident case if you call 626-793-8607. Our legal team is eager to speak with you during this difficult time.