Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles: How To Find the Best

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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.

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Los Angeles has the second highest population in the country, and is also home to a large shipping port. People and goods transportation don’t always mix, especially when commercial trucks share the road with smaller vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may need help to get fair compensation for your injuries.

We’ve put together this guide to help you find a top truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Learn more about how truck accident lawsuits work and how you can find the right lawyer for your case.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles?

Truck accident lawsuits are typically filed by personal injury lawyers. Even before a lawsuit is filed, truck accident lawyers help crash victims navigate insurance claims and find qualified medical care.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible for the following types of compensation:

  • Medical expenses. Reimbursement for your initial treatment and ongoing medical care.
  • Lost wages. Provides compensation for the income you lost if your injuries caused you to miss work.
  • Property damage. This can include damage to your vehicle if it was involved in the crash, or replacing personal items damaged in the accident.
  • Pain and suffering. This is a type of non-economic damages, which compensates you for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Wrongful death. If a loved one was killed in a truck accident, family members can bring a lawsuit to recover funeral expenses and other losses due to the untimely death.

ConsumerShield connects individuals with the best local lawyers to help you recover fair compensation. Fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.

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Types of Truck Accident Cases in Los Angeles

Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and may involve numerous vehicles. Common examples of truck accidents include:

  • Jackknife accidents where the cab and trailer wind up in an unnatural folded position, often impacting many lanes of traffic.
  • Rollover accidents where the truck rolls off of its upright position and may strike other vehicles or spill cargo.
  • Loose cargo accidents where materials on a truck are not secured properly and fly off while the truck is in motion.

Establishing the cause of truck accidents is a key part of truck accident lawsuits. Some accidents occur due to factors outside of the truck driver’s control, such as driving mistakes by others on the road or unforeseen mechanical failures. However, sometimes a driver was simply negligent.

Here are some examples of truck driver negligence that can lead to accidents:

  • Dangerous driving, such as ignoring traffic lights or making an illegal turn.
  • Speeding, particularly because trucks require more distance to slow down.
  • Distracted driving, such as driving while scrolling on a cell phone.
  • Not maintaining the vehicle, such as undergoing regular brake checks and meeting other trucking industry requirements.

A negligent driver may be personally liable for injuries they have caused, or liability may fall with their employer or a third party. Fill out the form on this page to get a free evaluation of your case from a lawyer near you.

Los Angeles Truck Accident Statistics

Over 150,000 truck accidents occurred on U.S. roads in 2023 alone. Major cities like Los Angeles see a high volume of commercial truck traffic, which can increase the likelihood of accidents.

Here’s what Los Angeles residents should know about truck accidents:

  • 13,818 large trucks and buses were involved in crashes in California in 2023 according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  • Fatal truck accidents have been on the rise nationally for the past 10 years according to the National Safety Council.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you aren’t alone. Fill out the form on this page to get help.

Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Help Me?

So, what does a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles actually do? A qualified lawyer can help you immediately by investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claims. They can also help you find quality medical care and organize documentation of your treatment.

Most accidents involve insurance companies, which your lawyer can negotiate with on your behalf. They can also help you coordinate your claims documents and ensure you only accept a fair settlement.

If you are unable to obtain fair compensation through a negotiated settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. A lawyer’s legal guidance is key to navigating the legal system and alleviating your stress through the process.

Do I Qualify for

Truck Accident Compensation?
Free Case Review

How Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Work in Los Angeles?

A truck accident lawsuit in Los Angeles must be filed before the statute of limitations runs out. Essentially, the statute of limitations sets a legal deadline for when a lawsuit may be filed. In California, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit.

Your lawsuit will be filed against the parties at fault for your injuries. California is an “at-fault” state, meaning that the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the damages they have caused, including injuries and property damage suffered by others.

Gathering evidence that shows who was at fault is a crucial step in truck accident lawsuits. A truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident and may retain accident reconstruction experts to prove what happened.

Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean your case will go to trial. Many cases settle out of court. Speak with a truck accident lawyer to fully explore your options.

How to Hire a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

When you’re ready to hire an attorney, look for these key qualities:

  • Expertise. Look for a lawyer who regularly handles truck accident cases and has a strong track record.
  • Clear fee structure. Most truck accident lawyers accept cases on contingency, meaning they only get paid after they recover for you. Make sure you understand their fee percentage and any administrative fees that might be added on.
  • Comforting demeanor. This is likely a very stressful time for you. Look for a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and who will explain things to you clearly.

Most truck accident lawyers will offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. Use this time to ask questions, such as:

  • What is your experience with cases like mine?
  • Who will handle my case?
  • How does your payment structure work?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Research by the Insurance Research Council found that plaintiffs represented by a personal injury lawyer receive settlements valued 3.5 times higher than those who settle on their own.

  • Most truck accident lawyers charge a contingency fee between 30% and 40% of your case recovery. This is paid after the case is resolved and typically no fees are due up front.

  • The average truck accident settlement in California is between $70,000 and $75,000. However, many factors impact settlement value. Severe injury and wrongful death cases can easily run into the millions.

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