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LA Truck Accident Law revolves around personal injury or property damages that result from collisions involving trucks or other large commercial vehicles. When a truck driver, the trucking company, or another third party is negligent, it may be possible to pursue a lawsuit discussing compensation for the damages. Regulations from federal and state agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), also play a vital role in these cases.
Truck accident cases typically involve substantial damages and can often be complicated due to the multiple parties that could be held accountable such as the driver, truck owner, manufacturer, and trucking company. It requires a thorough understanding of both state and federal law, as well as the ability to negotiate with insurance companies. A lawyer with expertise in truck accident law can help you to navigate these complexities, build a strong case and ensure maximum compensation is claimed.
According to California law, all drivers must exercise 'reasonable care under the circumstances'. Failing to follow this mandate leads to negligence, which forms the basis of many truck accident lawsuits. If you can prove that the truck driver or their employers were negligent, you are entitled to compensation for any injuries or damages. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule which means that even if you were partly at fault, you are still entitled to recover damages, although they will be diminished by your percentage of fault.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. If the claim is against a government entity, you have six months to file a claim.
You can claim for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering in a truck accident case. If a loved one died in the accident, you could also claim for wrongful death damages.
Depending on the specifics of the case, multiple parties can be held liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, owner of the truck, manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and even the cargo loader.
While it's not legally required, hiring a lawyer can improve your chances of receiving full and fair compensation. Truck accident cases can be complex, and a skilled lawyer can help you navigate the process.
Under California's pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can be helpful resources for information on trucking regulations and safety. The Los Angeles County Bar Association can provide referrals to truck accident lawyers and other legal services.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, the first step is to seek immediate medical treatment, then consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Keep all records and documents related to the accident, including medical bills, receipts, police reports and photographs of the accident scene. These are crucial for your case.
