A tanker truck accident is a type of truck accident that involves a commercial truck or trailer that is carrying liquids or gases in bulk, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, chemicals, or hazardous materials. Tanker truck accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the potential for explosions, fires, or toxic chemical exposure.

In Los Angeles, tanker truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including driver fatigue, speeding, equipment failure, poor maintenance, overloading, and driver error. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven pavement, can also contribute to tanker truck accidents.

It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.

The Value of Your Tanker Truck Accident Claim in Los Angeles

The value of a tanker truck accident claim in Los Angeles will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical expenses and lost wages you have incurred, and the extent of property damage. 

For example, if your property has been damaged in a tanker truck accident in Los Angeles, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. The compensation you receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the extent of the damage, the value of the property, and the insurance coverage of the parties involved.

If the tanker truck driver is found to be at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover compensation through their liability insurance coverage. Liability insurance typically covers property damage caused by the insured party up to the policy limits.

If the tanker truck driver is not fully insured or if the damage exceeds the policy limits, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your own insurance policy may provide coverage for property damage caused by other parties, depending on the specific terms of your policy.

Also, if you have been injured in a tanker truck accident in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation for your existing and future medical costs. This can include any medical treatment you have received for your injuries, as well as any future medical treatment that you may require.

To recover compensation for medical costs, it is important to keep detailed records of all medical treatment you receive. This can include bills, receipts, and medical reports from your healthcare providers. Your attorney can use this information to build a strong case for compensation for your medical expenses.

In addition to these economic damages, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

To determine the value of your tanker truck accident claim, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the details of your case and help you understand the full extent of your damages. Your attorney may collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

How to Win Your Los Angeles Tanker Truck Accident Lawsuit  

To prove negligence in a tanker truck accident case, you typically need to establish the following four elements:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant (in this case, the tanker truck driver or another party) owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their duty of care by behaving recklessly, or intentionally.
  • Causation: The breach of duty contributed to the accident and your injuries.
  • Damages: It caused suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic or non-economic losses, as a result of the accident and your injuries.

If you can establish these four elements with sufficient evidence, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury lawsuit.

What to Expect from the Claims Process?

The claims process after a tanker truck accident in Los Angeles can vary depending on the circumstances of your case, the insurance companies involved, and other factors. However, there are several general steps you can expect to encounter:

  • Report the accident: If you haven’t already done so, you should report the incident to your insurance company and/or the tanker truck company’s insurance provider. Be prepared to provide details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and nature of the collision.
  • Investigation: The insurance company will typically investigate the accident to determine who was at fault and to assess the extent of the damages. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports and medical records, and consulting with experts.
  • Negotiation: Once the insurance company has a better sense of the facts and damages, they may make an initial settlement offer. This offer is typically negotiable, and you can work with your attorney to counteroffer or request additional compensation if necessary.
  • Litigation: If you are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement through negotiation, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties. This can involve a formal legal process, including discovery, motions, and a trial, which can take several months or even years to resolve.

Throughout this process, it is important to have an experienced injury attorney on your side to protect your rights, advocate for your interests, and ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation for your losses. Your attorney can also help you navigate the complexities of the claims process and avoid common mistakes that could harm your case.

The Pacific Attorney Group Can Help

Our attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding your tanker truck accident to identify the liable party or parties. This investigation may involve reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, gathering medical records, and consulting with experts.

In a tanker truck accident case, the liable party may include the driver of the tanker truck, the company that owns or operates the tanker truck, or the manufacturer of the tanker truck or any faulty parts. We can help determine who is responsible for your injuries and damages and can work to hold them accountable for their negligence.

Identifying the liable party is crucial because it determines who you will file your claim against and who will be responsible for compensating you for your losses. By working with us, you can ensure that your claim is thoroughly investigated and the liable party is held accountable for their actions.

We Calculate the Value of Your Claim and Discuss Legal Options

 After identifying the liable party, we will work to calculate the value of your tanker truck accident claim. This process involves evaluating your damages and losses, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We will also review the applicable insurance policies, including the insurance coverage of the liable party, to determine the available compensation that may be available to you.

Once the value of your claim is determined, we will discuss your legal options with you. This may involve negotiating a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company, pursuing mediation, or taking your case to trial.

We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option, along with the likelihood of success, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Ultimately, the goal is to achieve the maximum possible compensation for your damages and losses and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. We will work tirelessly to pursue the best possible outcome for you.

File Your Claim within the Deadline

It is important to file your tanker truck accident claim within the deadline established by the statute of limitations in California. The statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline can result in your case being dismissed without the opportunity for recovery.

Our attorney will ensure that your claim is filed within the deadline, protecting your legal rights and maximizing your chances of recovering compensation for your damages and losses.

Filing a claim in a timely manner is also important because it allows us to begin investigating the accident and collecting evidence while it is still fresh. This can improve the chances of success in your case by preserving evidence that may be critical to proving liability and damages.

We Will Negotiate with the Insurer and Fight Back Against Shared Liability Allegations 

After filing your claim, we will begin negotiating with the insurance company of the liable party. The insurance company will typically have its own team of attorneys and adjusters who will work to protect the interests of their client, the liable party.

We will work tirelessly to build a strong case for your damages and losses and advocate for your right to fair compensation. This may involve challenging any shared liability allegations made by the insurance company.

Shared liability is when the insurance company argues that you were partially responsible for the accident, and, therefore, partially responsible for your own damages and losses. This can potentially reduce the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive.

However, we will work on challenging any shared liability allegations made by the insurance company by gathering and presenting evidence that demonstrates the other party’s liability for the accident.

Ultimately, the goal is to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company that provides you with the maximum possible compensation for your damages and losses. We will advise you throughout the negotiation process and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about any settlement offers made by the insurance company.

Call Us Today!

If you have been involved in a tanker truck accident in Los Angeles, it is important to seek the help of an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We offer a free consultation to all prospective clients. You can speak with our lawyer about your case and learn more about your legal options without any financial risk or obligation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and begin taking the first steps towards getting the compensation you deserve.