Sherman Oaks Truck Accident Lawyers Handling Complicated Cases
Claims involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other heavy trucks can be complex
Any type of accident in Sherman Oaks can cause serious or even fatal injuries. However, when a commercial tractor-trailer or semi-truck is involved, the potential for catastrophic injuries is even greater. Under federal law, trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded. Compared to the average weight of a passenger vehicle, which is only 4,000 pounds, it is easy to see how occupants of smaller vehicles can suffer significant harm when they are involved in a crash with a truck.
Truck accidents have many different causes, but they are usually the result of negligence. If you have been hurt, you can file a claim against the at-fault party to recover monetary compensation.
Unfortunately, these claims are incredibly complex. They involve not only state but federal law, and you will have to deal with large insurance companies who want to protect their profits. A Sherman Oaks truck accident attorney can help you through the process so you obtain the full damages you deserve. If you were injured in a California truck accident, contact Oaks Law Firm for a free case evaluation. A member of our knowledgeable team is available to assist you 24/7 with honest information you can trust about your situation.
What causes truck accidents in Sherman Oaks?
Like car accidents, crashes involving trucks have a number of different causes. Truckers drive for a living and so, they spend long hours behind the wheel. As such, they are sometimes more likely to make mistakes.
Truck drivers and the companies that hire them must comply with a complex set of state and federal laws. These laws govern every aspect of the trucking industry, from how long truckers can be on the road without taking a break, to the type of mud flaps a truck must have if it will cross state lines.
Most truckers and trucking companies comply with these laws, while others cut corners to boost their own profits. Unfortunately, these shortcuts also cause many accidents. The most common causes of truck accidents are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Failure to obey traffic law
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Poor judgment
Regardless of the cause of a truck accident, a Sherman Oaks truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and conduct an investigation to determine how a crash occurred. From there, a truck accident lawyer can build a compelling case that will allow you to obtain the maximum amount of compensation allowed under the law.
Identifying the defendant in your case
Truck accidents differ from car accidents because there could be more people you end up suing. Trucks are very complex, and everything needs to work right for them to reach their destination safely. A critical reason to hire a truck accident lawyer is to rely on our experience to identify all defendants.
We can provide a review of all available evidence on the crash, such as the police report and any statements the trucker made to the police officer. We might also call witnesses who observed the accident. They can help identify what happened in the critical lead-up to the crash. Depending on the accident, you might bring a claim against any of the following:
- Truck drivers. A negligent trucker is liable for a collision, and you can sue them or make a claim on their insurance.
- Trucking companies. A trucking company is usually automatically liable when one of its employees injures someone while hauling. However, the company might have independent liability in other cases, such as failing to perform careful background checks or refusing to suspend a trucker after a failed drug test.
- Loading companies. The company that loaded cargo into the trailer could have done so negligently. They might have overloaded the vehicle or loaded it unevenly, which contributes to imbalance.
- Truck manufacturers. A defect on the truck could have caused a collision. For example, the tread can separate on defective tires, rendering the vehicle immediately uncontrollable. You can sue the tire manufacturer if the tire is defective.
- Mechanics. Sometimes, a defect is caused by a negligent mechanic, who might have overlooked an obvious problem or done substandard repair work. The truck is dangerous as a result.
Remember that trucking companies often have armies of investigators, claims agents, and lawyers working on their cases. They have one goal—deny you fair compensation. Do not be surprised if they blame you for the accident. You need our experience to fight them off and bring a winning claim for compensation.
Contact a Sherman Oaks truck accident attorney today
There are a few types of crashes on the road that are as devastating as truck accidents. In the ideal world, accident victims would receive full compensation for their injuries.
No one should suffer financially because a negligent trucker slammed into their vehicle. At Oaks Law Firm, our Sherman Oaks truck accident attorneys can provide the legal advice you need and help you claim the full settlement you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help. From our Sherman Oaks office, we help victims in Van Nuys, Encino, North Hollywood, and all surrounding areas.