Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Glendale, CA

The Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation in Glendale can help you create a truck accident claim that is up to any challenge after you’ve been hit by a truck driver. Backed by decades of collective legal experience, we ensure that we are capable of handling any aspect of your case. Insurance companies that sell policies to truck drivers and trucking companies are notorious for putting up a serious fight, but we are known for robustly defending clients in need.

Understanding Causes of Truck Accidents in Glendale

Truck accidents take various forms, like rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, and more. When working on your case, our Glendale truck accident lawyers will seek a comprehensive understanding of the type of accident and why it occurred. Using our rich backgrounds and connections, we investigate the crash to uncover evidence of its cause. In some instances, we collaborate with accident reconstructionists when available evidence is insufficient to support your claim.

Different causes of trucking accidents include:

• Fatigue: Truck drivers often spend more than 10 hours a day on the road, leading to exhaustion. With fatigue setting in, a trucker will experience worsened reaction times, blurred vision, concentration issues, and difficulty with motor control.
• Speeding: To shorten their 14-hour shifts, some truckers exceed speed limits. Interestingly, truckers are paid by the mile driven, so they may feel encouraged to speed because finishing a shift or route early does not result in lost earnings.
• Impairment: In efforts to counteract fatigue, some truckers use stimulants and narcotics to stay awake and alert. However, these substances carry side effects, such as impaired focus or worsened fatigue once they wear off.

Identifying Liable Parties in Glendale Truck Accidents

Legal proceedings in truck accident cases can become intricate when identifying all liable parties. It is seldom that only the truck driver is accountable. Thorough analysis of the situation and involved parties may reveal others who should contribute to your compensation for the damages experienced.

Parties often liable for a truck accident include:

• Truck driver who made a mistake while driving.
• Trucking company that employed the truck driver.
• Load crew that overloaded the trailer with cargo.
• Truck part manufacturer that sold a defective part.

Importantly, not all trucking companies can be held partially liable for accidents their drivers cause. This is because employers are generally immune from liability for crashes caused by an independent contractor, a different employment category from an employee. Truck drivers are frequently hired as independent contractors for this purpose.

Additionally, liability can extend to companies responsible for vehicle maintenance and inspection. Regular checks can prevent mechanical failures leading to accidents. Legal proceedings often uncover whether maintenance protocols were diligently followed.

Moreover, cargo companies that improperly load or secure goods can contribute to accidents, highlighting the multifaceted nature of liability in truck accidents. These nuances underline the need for a meticulous legal examination of every incident, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable.

Severe Injuries from Truck Accidents: Know Your Rights

In accidents between a big rig and a smaller passenger vehicle, severe injuries are almost inevitable due to the significant size and weight disparity between semi-trucks and most other vehicles. This disparity leads to a massive amount of force impacting the smaller vehicle in a wreck, putting its occupants at high risk of life-altering injuries.

Injuries frequently cited in truck accident claims include, but are not limited to:

• Brain injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spine and spinal cord injuries
• Scarring and disfigurements
• Permanent disabilities
• Amputations

Maximizing Your Truck Accident Claim in Glendale

How much is your truck accident claim worth? It’s a fair question you have probably pondered several times. To find the answer, it often requires the guidance of a truck accident attorney in Glendale.

Damages that contribute to the value of a truck accident claim can include:

• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Medical treatment bills
• Lost and missed wages
• Pain and suffering damages

Each type of damage falls into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damage relates to tangible costs that can be tracked on paper, like medical bills. Non-economic damage pertains to abstract harm, such as emotional trauma or physical suffering. Punitive damage is the third type of damage used to punish liable parties for egregious wrongdoing, but it is considerably rare, so it might not be available in your claim.

Knowing Your Rights After a Glendale Truck Accident

After a truck accident in Glendale, knowing your legal rights is crucial to ensuring you receive fair compensation. Victims have the right to seek compensation for damages incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Initiating a legal process promptly is essential, as California imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, usually set at two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may forfeit your ability to claim.

Additionally, victims have the right to refuse initial insurance settlement offers if they feel these offers do not reflect the true extent of harm suffered. Insurance companies may attempt quick settlements that undercompensate victims. It is usually beneficial to consult with a Glendale truck accident attorney to leverage rights effectively. The Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation endeavors to ensure clients are informed and empowered throughout the legal process, advocating for their rights to the fullest extent within Glendale’s legal framework.

Get More Information About Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation in Glendale is here to help you make the most of your truck accident claim without putting more stress on your shoulders. We can manage your claim from start to finish, so you don’t need to get frustrated by any of the insurance company’s tactics or the numerous legal details. Put us on your claim, and we will get everything moving in the right direction while always keeping your best interests and maximized recovery as our focus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

Immediately after a truck accident, your safety and well-being should be the top priority. Ensure you and any passengers are safe and move to a secure location if possible. Call emergency services to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first. Documentation is also crucial; take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Lastly, avoid discussing fault or providing detailed statements to anyone other than police and legal representatives. These steps lay a solid foundation for any subsequent legal consultation with a truck accident attorney in Glendale.

How Long Does the Legal Process Take?

The duration of the legal process following a truck accident in Glendale can vary significantly, influenced by factors like case complexity, the number of parties involved, and schedules of the local courts. Generally, settlements may be reached relatively quickly if liability is straightforward and both parties are open to negotiation. However, when a claim proceeds to trial, it may take several months or even years to reach a conclusion. Consulting with a knowledgeable Glendale lawyer can provide a clearer idea of potential timelines based on your specific circumstances and aid in setting realistic expectations for resolution.

What Are Common Defense Tactics Used by Insurance Companies?

Insurance companies often employ various defense strategies to minimize payout amounts in truck accident claims. They might question the severity of injuries or suggest contributory negligence on the victim’s part. Insurers could place substantial focus on errors or inconsistencies in the victim’s statements or documentation. They might also attempt to delay proceedings, hoping financial pressures result in premature acceptance of a low settlement. Awareness of these tactics empowers victims to better navigate interactions with insurers, often necessitating skilled legal support to safeguard their interests effectively.