Auto Accident
Trucking plays an important role in the economy of Southern California.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California has the second highest number of number of people working in the trucking industry in the country, employing 138,380 people. Southern California is also part of one of the country’s largest shipping regions, bringing numerous big rigs through the area.
But with all those trucks on the road, the more likely it is that truck accidents will occur. Commercial trucks are about 20 times larger than standard passenger cars, giving them the power to cause significantly more property damage and more serious injuries.
In 2017,
4,102
people were killed in truck accidents nationwide
350
of those truck accidents occurred in California
In the Los Angeles area, roadways like I-710 and I-5 have gained a reputation for having high rates of truck accidents. As of 2014, I-5 alone had an average of 1,100 serious truck accidents each year.
Common causes of truck accidents
Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Driver error, distraction, and negligence
- Driver inexperience
- Poor truck maintenance
- Defective equipment on the truck
- Improper cargo loading
- Failing to see cars in the truck’s blind spots
- Drowsy driving
- Violating traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Common injuries from truck accidents
Liability for truck accidents
One of the biggest differences between truck accidents and regular car accidents is that liability for truck accidents can be a lot more complicated. In a car accident, the only other person you generally have to deal with is the driver of the other car involved in the accident and their insurance company. But in truck accidents, liability can go in many different directions. Depending on what exactly caused the accident, liability for a truck accident could involve:
- The driver of the truck
- The company/organization employing the driver
- The owner of the truck
- The party who loaded a truck’s cargo
- The manufacturer of the truck or components of the truck
Damages in a truck accident claim
Big trucks can cause big damages. If you’d like to make a claim for damages related to a truck accident, some types of damages you can collect include:
- Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
- Lost income
- In-home assistance
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
Contact a Los Angeles truck accident attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, don’t try to go it alone. Truck accident claims can be very complex and you need the help of an experienced truck accident attorney who knows the law.
Trucking companies have lawyers, investigators, and insurance companies who will try to downplay your damages and injuries. At a time like this, you already have enough to deal with — let someone else do the fighting for you. The truck accident attorneys at The Wallace Firm aren’t afraid to stand up to big companies or the people trying to protect them. We’re on your side and ready to fight for what’s best for you. Contact us today for help with your claim.
