Truck Accidents

California Truck Accident Attorneys

Understanding Commercial Truck Accidents

Being involved in a trucking accident may be a frightening experience. The sheer weight and size of a large commercial truck makes it one of the most potentially dangerous vehicles on the road, posing an inherent hazard to other drivers. If a truck driver is drunk or acts carelessly or negligently in any way while on the road, or if a trucking company fails to properly maintain its vehicles and perform background checks on its drivers, a trucking accident may occur. This will most often result in injury or death to the drivers or passengers of other vehicles, rather than to the truck driver.

Learn More About Your Right to Compensation!

Call 800.358.9617 for a FREE Consultation.

Protecting the Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents

If you were injured in an accident with a commercial truck, it is important to recognize the complexity of these claims and lawsuits. You will not be going against an individual driver and their insurance company, but rather a huge trucking company with deep pockets and a lot of reason to avoid a large payout. It is for this reason that you should involve an experienced lawyer to help you with filing a claim or a lawsuit. At Pacific Attorney Group, we know the stress that can come from this type of situation and we are here to help. To learn more, please navigate around our website to read our informative pages.

Truck Accident Information Center

Avoiding Truck Accidents
One of the most important things that you can do involving trucks is to avoid the accidents altogether. At Pacific Attorney Group, we know the importance of taking proactive steps to help avoid serious injuries. To learn more about steps you can take to avoid truck accidents, click here.

Fatal Truck Accidents
Truck accidents have the potential to claim lives, and those lost are usually the occupants of smaller vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. According to nationwide truck accident statistics from 2011, truck drivers accounted for less than 7% of fatalities. Our attorneys know how to fight for justice on behalf of families who have lost loved ones in these serious accidents.

Hours-of-Service Regulations
One of the most serious issues associated with truck driver safety involves the number of hours they work in a day and in a workweek. Working too many hours with insufficient rest can decrease driving abilities, increasing the chances of an accident. Federal hours-of-service regulations are in place to address these issues; trucking companies who violate these may face steep fines and other penalties.

Overloaded Trucks
A truck must be properly loaded if a driver is to have maximum control over the vehicle. If a truck is overloaded, it may be more difficult to maneuver and may be more likely to tip or roll over. The load may shift dangerously during transport, placing all people on the road at risk.If you were injured in an accident with an overloaded truck, an attorney at our firm may be able to help.

Tanker Truck Accidents
Tanker trucks are responsible for carrying liquid cargo. When these commercial vehicles are involved in accidents, they can cause life-threatening injuries not only because of the force of impact but because of the release of its cargo. Gasoline, chemicals and other cargo carried by tanker trucks can present a real hazard on the road.

Truck Accident Injuries
The injuries sustained in a truck accident are likely to be severe due to the force of impact and the greater damage that a passenger vehicle may sustain. From whiplash to traumatic brain injuries to amputation, truck accident injuries may forever change a victim’s life. Our lawyers are committed to helping victims recover compensation that will help them rebuild and move on after these serious injuries.

Truck Rollover Accidents
Due to their high center of gravity, large commercial trucks are especially prone to rolling over should they be hit or run into an obstacle of any kind. This not endangers the occupants of the truck, but those in the vehicles around the truck, and could even result in a multi-vehicle pile-up.

Truck vs. Truck Accidents
One truck being involved in an accident is bad enough. Should two be involved, it can be devastating, with the momentum of both vehicles combining to create even more damage. If you were involved in an accident of a truck versus another, contact our firm so that we can fight on your behalf.

Tractor Trailer Collision
Tractor trailers are a main staple of the economy in the U.S. Hauling cargo across the nation, they can be seen on all roads and highways – especially in metropolitan areas. If you were involved in an accident with one of these massive vehicles, we can help you file a claim.

Truck vs. Car Accident
Due to the wide disparity in weight, there is little that is fair in an accident pitting commercial truck against smaller passenger vehicle. With most semi-trucks weighing in at over 80,000 pounds, the property damage and injuries can be immense. For help in seeking the justice you deserve, give us a call today.

Unsecured Truck Loads
Falling cargo can cause a serious collision, and trucking companies, truck drivers or truck loading companies may be held accountable for improperly securing truck cargo. To discuss a case involving this type of accident, do not hesitate to contact our LA offices for a free consultation.

What Causes Truck Accidents?
Most truck accidents, like other traffic accidents, are caused by driver negligence. Speeding, drunk driving and driving while distracted are typical causes, but there are some causes that are unique to large truck collisions as well. This includes overloaded trucks, unsecured truck loads, imbalanced cargo, truck driver fatigue and improperly maintained trucks.

Why hire a truck accident lawyer?

By taking immediate action and consulting an attorney, a truck accident victim can get a better understanding of their particular legal rights in moving forward with a civil lawsuit or insurance claim against the responsible party. An attorney can step forward and handle all communication with law enforcement, the trucking company, any insurance companies involved, and all other parties in order to allow the victim to focus on healing.

Should your lawyer be able to win a settlement or jury award on the accident victim’s behalf, he or she may be able to recover money for medical care, emotional trauma, lost wages, and possibly much more. This may be exactly what the trucking accident victim and his or her family will need to rebuild, recover, and move on.

Unfortunately, trucking accidents are a relatively common occurrence. The city and the surrounding communities are overflowing with residents, businesses and all types of establishments and people that need the services of trucking companies and that share the road with truck drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident of any kind, our firm may be able to help.

When Do You Need A Truck Accident Attorney?

When truck drivers, loading companies and trucking companies are negligent or commit wrongful acts, you need to alert a truck accident attorney to help in holding them accountable. A truck accident attorney at our firm may be able to help you if you were injured in this type of accident and are looking for a legal professional to help with your claim. We can offer helpful tips on what to do after an accident and can protect your rights through every step of your claim as we seek compensation on your behalf.

What You Can Do

What can you do if you were injured in an accident caused by an unsecured truck load? Be sure to remain at the scene and call 911 to report the incident. If you or anyone else at the scene is seriously injured, be sure to tell the 911 operator so an ambulance can be sent to the scene. Exchange driver and insurance information with the other driver or drivers, and take note of the license plate and company name on the truck. If you can, take pictures at the scene and get the information of any witnesses present. When law enforcement arrives, offer your cooperation but be sure that you do not admit fault. The same applies if an insurance adjuster for the trucking company arrives on the scene. Admitting fault may have a negative impact on your claim.

Engage a Truck Accident Attorney

As soon as possible, involve an attorney. A legal professional who is experienced in handling truck accident cases can offer insight and guidance that you may not even know that you needed. A truck accident attorney  can also handle any communication with the insurance company, law enforcement, the trucking company, truck driver and any other relevant parties. This can take an immense load from your shoulders, as you can rest assured that your attorney will be handling this communication in such a way as to protect your interests and legal rights.

Our attorneys have more than 40 years of legal experience and are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® for securing million dollar verdicts on behalf of our clients. In fact, we recovered more than five million in verdicts and settlements for our clients from 2008-2010 alone. To see how we can help you, call for a free case review.

18 Wheeler Truck Accident

Pacific Attorney Group is committed to helping the families of victims who have lost their lives in truck accidents. If you lost a family member or loved one in a fatal truck accident in Southern California, call our offices for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer. The attorney can talk to you about what occurred, offering compassionate and knowledgeable insight regarding your options. You can seek justice for truck driver negligence or wrongdoing on the part of a trucking company – but you will need to present a strong case. A truck accident lawyer at our firm may be just the person to do this.

Why Truck Accident Fatalities Occur

The person most likely to be fatally injured in a multi-vehicle truck accident is not the truck driver but the occupant of the other, smaller vehicle. Just over 80% of truck accident fatalities in the U.S. in 2011 were occupants of other vehicles, as compared to less than 7% who were occupants of large trucks. The remaining 13% were non-occupants: pedestrians and bicycle riders. Why is the occupant of a smaller vehicle, a pedestrian or a bicyclist more likely to lose his or her life in a truck accident? Let’s take a look at this important issue.

A large commercial truck may weigh anywhere from 10,000-80,000 pounds or even more with a special permit. A typical passenger car may weigh about 3,000 pounds, depending on the make and model. When such a size and weight disparity is present in a collision, the smaller object will sustain more damage. The force of impact delivered two the truck and the car will be equal, but the car will experience more damage from this force. An easy way to consider this is looking at a bug that collides with the window of a car in motion. The same force was delivered to both the bug and the windshield, but the bug may be literally pulverized while the windshield will sustain no damage.

The smaller vehicle may be crushed or severely damaged in a collision with a large truck, but the truck may sustain only cosmetic damage. The driver and passengers of the smaller vehicle may experience serious injuries as the vehicle collides inward. If it is an underride accident, the changes of fatal injury are increased. The top of the smaller vehicle may be crushed or even sheared off by the truck cab or trailer.

The chances of a fatal truck accident are even greater when a truck strikes a pedestrian or cyclist. The driver and passengers in a motor vehicle struck by a large truck are protected by a steel frame, seatbelts and airbags. A pedestrian or bicycle rider does not have this protection. Pedestrians typically have no protection, and even though cyclists may wear helmets and other protective gear, it may do little to prevent catastrophic physical trauma.

Contact our Truck Accident Attorneys

Holding any and all at-fault parties accountable after a fatal truck accident is a main goal when our firm represents the family of a victim who has lost his or her life. We believe in helping families experience a sense of closure in knowing that justice has been served and also work to increase awareness of the dangers of truck accidents to help prevent future losses of life. If you would like to talk about your case, contact a truck accident lawyer at our firm today. We are here to help.

Avoiding Truck Accidents

Unless you avoid all roads and city streets entirely, it is virtually impossible to say that you can take certain actions to completely avoid any and all truck accidents for your entire life. However, there are certain steps you can take to decrease the likelihood that you will be involved in an accident.

Following are some safety tips to help you in avoiding truck accidents:

• • Try to maintain a safe distance from large trucks and other vehicles at all times. Large trucks do not have the capability of braking and accelerating as fast as other vehicles, so pulling out directly in front of a large truck or following too closely may cause an accident to occur.
  • Do not assume that the truck driver can see your vehicle. Trucks have very large “blind spots” – where the driver cannot see vehicles if they are in a certain position in relation to the truck. The rule of thumb is: if you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

• Obey traffic laws at all times.
• Be aware of everything the large truck driver may do, such as turning on a turn signal or braking.
• If you notice a large truck that is swerving or driving erratically or aggressively, report this to the proper authority. You may help someone else avoid an accident.

What if you’re involved in a truck accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident in spite of any safety measures you may take, it is important to consider consulting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may have the right to take legal action against the truck driver or trucking company, but you will need legal help in building your case and securing the financial compensation to which you may be entitled.

Tanker Truck Accidents

Have you been injured in a collision with a tanker truck? This is the type of accident that may cause catastrophic, life-threatening injuries, and the steps you take at this time may have a direct impact on your ability to seek justice and recover fair compensation. A truck accident attorney at Pacific Attorney Group can offer insight regarding your rights and options, helping you seek a positive case result. We recommend that you call our offices to talk about your case, or continue reading if you would like to learn more about these serious truck accidents.

A tanker truck, or tank truck, is a type of commercial vehicle that can carry liquid or gasses. A tanker truck may vary in size, usually consisting of a truck cab towing a cylindrical tank or tanks lying horizontally on a trailer. The tank may be insulated and/or pressurized depending on the type of liquid or gas being transported. A large tanker truck may carry anywhere from 5,500 to 11,600 gallons of liquid such as gasoline, diesel, water, milk, septic material or industrial chemicals. Some may be able to transport multiple types of liquefied loads in separate tank compartments.

Due to their design, tanker trucks typically have a higher center of gravity than other types of commercial trucks, and this can increase the likelihood of a collision. Maneuvering a tanker truck can be far more difficult, not only because of the higher center of gravity (which increases the chances of a rollover) but because liquid cargo can shift dramatically during transport. Liquid cargo in a partially-filled tank is more likely to slosh about, putting extreme stress on the truck from constantly shifting weight. Even at a relatively low speed, a tank that is less than three-fourths full may cause a truck to tip or roll over if it is improperly maneuvered.

Drivers of tanker trucks must be particularly vigilant in obeying traffic laws and trucking regulations. They must drive with full awareness of how each maneuver may affect the liquid cargo they are carrying. If a driver gets behind the wheel while fatigued (in violation of hours-of-service regulations) or while under the influence of alcohol, street drugs or even prescription medication, that driver may be at an increased risk of causing a collision. The same applies to a truck driver who is simply careless or negligent, speeding, following too closely behind another vehicle or texting while driving.

Hazardous Cargo = Increased Chance of Injury

Taking the size and weight of a tanker truck into consideration, it is fairly easy to see why a collision with such a vehicle could be catastrophic. Another factor that can greatly increase the severity of the collision is the type of cargo the tanker is carrying. Volatile materials like gasoline or chemicals may explode or catch fire after impact, burning at such high temperatures that they demolish everything in their path. If they spill, they can even have a lasting impact on the plants, wildlife and roads and may require special clean-up crews to address health and environmental concerns.

Call a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in a tanker truck accident, do not take any chances with your case. Call a truck accident attorney at our firm and find out what you can do and what our attorneys can do to protect your legal rights and interests. You may be facing a long, painful and expensive road to recovery, but seeking a fair settlement or jury award can make all the difference. Call today for a free case review.

Tractor Trailer Accidents

Have you recently been in a truck accident involving a tractor trailer? If so you may be eligible to file suit against the party that caused the collision. Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and therefore it is important to contact a personal injury attorney. Proper representation is necessary in order to recover financial damages that resulted from the accident. For more information, contact Pacific Attorney Group to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer.

Tractor Trailers and Accidents in Southern California

Tractor trailers can be defined as trucks that consist of more than one part. Usually, a tractor which is operated by the driver and also carries the engine, in addition to the trailers which carry the cargo that is need of transportation. Most tractor trailers only carry one trailer however it is not uncommon for additional cargo requiring more trailers. Tractor trailers go by many names including big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semis.

Tractor trailers are some of the biggest vehicles that roam the streets and due to their massive size, even minor collisions can cause serious injuries. A tractor-trailer can weigh in at up to 80,000 pounds and with a length of up to 80 feet. The first step after a tractor-trailer collision is contacting an attorney. Ensure the worth of your claim and seek the money and justice you deserve today, contact Pacific Attorney Group and set up a free consultation for your tractor trailer accident. We do not waste any time – from the very moment that you contact us, we will begin our fight to protect your rights as we fight for your deserved amount of compensation.

Truck Accident Injuries

Big Rig Accident Attorney

If you were involved in an accident with a large truck, you may have been seriously injured. Truck accidents have the potential to cause life-altering or even fatal injuries, and a victim may be left experiencing emotional trauma as well. At Pacific Attorney Group, we strive to seek maximum financial compensation for our clients because we understand just how serious truck accident injuries can be. We realize that recovering money for medical care, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, lost earnings, medication and any other expenses or losses can make all the difference as a victim attempts to recover physically, emotionally and financially.

A truck accident attorneys at our firm may be able to help if you or a loved one have experienced any of the following types of injuries, or any others caused by a collision with a commercial truck:

• Severe whiplash
• Contusions or lacerations
• Broken bones
• Facial trauma
• Head trauma
• Traumatic brain injury
• Loss of limb / amputation
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis
• Crush injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries

These injuries may range in severity depending on the force of impact, whether the victim was wearing a seatbelt, the position of impact, the crashworthiness of the victim’s vehicle and other factors. A victim may need to be hospitalized and may remain in the hospital for some time. Others may require emergency medical care but will be able to return home to recover. Some victims may experience injuries that will leave them permanently disabled and unable to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Why are big rig accident injuries so severe?

Truck accident injuries have the potential to be extremely severe because of the disparity in size and weight between a large truck and a smaller vehicle. This disparity is even greater between a large truck and a pedestrian, bicycle rider or motorcyclist. In a collision, both objects will experience the same force of impact, but this force will have more of an effect on a smaller object. Though the larger object may experience little or no damage, the smaller object may be severely impacted and may even be completely crushed. The size disparity also may mean that the truck bed will collide with the upper half of a smaller vehicle, shearing it off or collapsing it in on occupants.

Truck accident statistics support this theory. According to nationwide traffic accident statistics from 2011 presented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), occupants of other vehicles and non-occupants (like pedestrians or bicyclists) accounted for a staggering 93% of multi-vehicle truck accident fatalities. Truck drivers accounted for only 7%. Occupants of other vehicles and non-occupants accounted for 81.5% of all multi-vehicle truck accident injuries that same year.

Because truck accident injuries can have such an impact on a victim, it is important to ensure that any settlement or award actually covers any and all expenses, injuries and losses that the victim has experienced and may experience in the future. This is why the involvement of a knowledgeable legal professional can make all the difference for a victim and his or her family. Instead of being left vulnerable to unfair settlement offers, delays or even improperly assigned liability, a victim will have an attorney to protect his or her legal rights and interests.

Take an aggressive and effective approach to your case with a truck accident lawyer from our firm by your side. We have well over three decades of combined experience and are ready to see how we can help you. Call today!

Overview of Semi Truck Rollovers

Truck accidents involving delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, or semi trucks that tip over while on the road are characterized as truck rollovers. These accidents are dangerous not only to the driver of the truck, but also to all those individuals that are in the general area of the truck. Truck rollovers can cause other vehicles and people to be literally crushed by the sheer size of the truck.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck collision Pacific Attorney group may be able to represent you. We provide our services to clients throughout the LA County area as well as the entire state of California. We work diligently to recover full financial compensation for our client’s insurance claims and lawsuits. Feel free to take advantage of our free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney.

Truck Rollovers: How do they happen?

A truck rollover collision can occur for a various reasons. High wind, rain, and other weather conditions can make large trucks particularly susceptible to tipping over. The maneuverability of the truck is compromised due to the vast size and weight, thus making it difficult to operate even in normal conditions. A trucks balance and load can also increase the chance of a rollover if not prepared correctly.

Many trucking companies may overload trucks in order to cut the cost of delivery, unfortunately these business strategies could potentially lead to serious injuries. You should not be forced to suffer needlessly from something of this nature. For this reason, if you’ve recently been involved in a truck rollover caused by the actions of a third party, do not waste another moment, get our firm involved in your injury claim today.

Unsecured Truck Loads

When a flatbed truck, tractor-trailer, tanker or any other type of large truck transports goods, it may present a serious hazard to other people on the road if the load is not properly balanced and secured. Trucks carrying extremely large and heavy objects like machinery, motor vehicles, lumber and construction equipment are most likely to cause catastrophic collisions if their loads are not secure. Instead of small debris that is more of an annoyance or visibility disturbance, these objects may strike a vehicle with such force that it is crushed, brought to an immediate stop or penetrated by the object.

When a truck accident is caused by an unsecured load, liability may lie with the truck driver, the trucking company and/or the truck loading company. Truck cargo should be properly secured and balanced, and a truck should not be overloaded. A truck’s load should be in accordance with all applicable state and federal trucking regulations. Failure to follow these regulations may result in a load shifting dangerously during transit, affecting the maneuverability of the truck. It can also result in certain items coming loose and falling from the truck, striking other vehicles or remaining in the road as dangerous obstacles.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

LA Truck Accident Lawyer

What are the most common causes of truck accidents? What factors may contribute to an accident with a large commercial truck? Understanding these issues can empower you, as a motorist, to identify hazardous situations and take a proactive approach to avoid truck accidents. These collisions claim the lives of thousands of Americans each year and injure tens of thousands more. In 2011, 287,000 large trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds were involved in traffic accidents in the United States, according to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is essential that we understand more about these deadly collisions.

Pacific Attorney Group represents victims of truck accidents across Southern California. We understand how much of an impact a crash of this kind can have on an individual and a family, leading to traumatic physical injuries and even the untimely loss of life. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a traffic collision with a big rig, semi-truck, tractor-trailer or other large truck, atruck accident attorney at our firm can help. We have more than 35 years of collective experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients through successful settlements and favorable verdicts.

Our attorneys can handle truck accidents involving all of the most common – and some of the not-so-common – causes, including:

• Truck driver fatigue
• Overloaded or imbalanced trucks
• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Driving while distracted
• Texting while driving
• Unsecured truck loads
• Defective or improperly maintained trucks/truck parts
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Failure to yield right of way
• Improper passing
• Traffic signal and sign violations
• Other traffic law violations

Causes Unique to Truck Accidents

Some of the causes listed above are common among all types of traffic accidents, like speeding and drunk driving. Others are unique to truck accidents. Truck driver fatigue, overloaded trucks, improperly balanced or secured truck loads and defective trucks or truck parts can cause serious truck accidents. Because trucks are larger and more difficult to maneuver than typical passenger vehicles like sedans, sports cars and SUVs, they require special training to operate. They also fall under federal regulations because they are responsible for transporting goods throughout the U.S.

Large trucks and commercial vehicles of any kind are subject to a number of regulations regarding truck driver training and licensing, maximum loads, types of goods transported, hours-of-service for truck drivers, truck inspections, maintenance of large trucks, and many others. Trucking companies, loading companies and truck drivers who violate these regulations place everyone on the road in danger.

Determining Cause & Liability in a Truck Accident

As truck accident lawyers, one of our goals in representing victims and their families is to determine the true cause of the accident so we can determine and assign liability. We often work with investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to identify what factor or factors caused a client’s collision, such as an overloaded truck that could not be properly maneuvered or a truck driver who unknowingly ran a red light because he or she was so fatigued. Once we determine cause, we can also see what party or parties should be held legally responsible for our client’s injuries. We will then fight for maximum financial compensation for all economic and non-economic injuries and losses.
Ready to get started? Contact a truck accident lawyer at our firm.

Trucking Accident Injuries As a Result of Driver Negligence

Trucks are a common vehicle seen on the road today. Numerous companies hire larger vehicles in order to transport goods or items. Unfortunately, trucks can lead to severe and grave accidents. Because trucks are much larger vehicles, the injuries resulting can be more serious than normal car accident injuries. It is imperative to drive safely when near a truck on the road. Be sure to always be outside of their blind spot so they can see you. Being a defense driver is imperative in preventing potential truck accidents. If you are in Providence or elsewhere on the east coast then you may be in need of Rhode Island Truck Accident Attorneys or automobile crash lawyers there.

Causes of Truck Accidents

There are numerous causes of truck accidents today. Unfortunately, one cause is pure human error. According to a study done by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers are ten times more likely to cause a trucking accident than any other reason. The study illustrated that accidents caused by human error were either a result of drowsy medication (44%), involved driving too fast (23%), or was caused by exhaustion (18%). In Rhode Island and elsewhere in New England this is such a big issue.
Because truck drivers must drive for long hours, their attention may wander as they become bored. Other times can just be tired or make a honest mistake. Here are several possible causes of truck accidents by drivers:

• Alcohol intoxication
• Sleep deprivation
• Drowsy prescription medication
• Recklessness
• Poor judgment
• Honest mistake
• Driving too fast
• Improper loading of cargo
• Inattention
• Unfamiliarity with the road
• distraction

To make matters worse, large trucks are much more difficult to maneuver as they are larger and have different controls. Special training and licenses are required to drive these larger vehicles. With trucks, it may be more difficult to halt suddenly as they are much bigger. In addition, their blind spots are much larger as well so a trucker can unknowingly hit you if you are driving in their blind spot.

Personal Injury Attorneys legal issues

If you or someone you know was recently involved in a truck accident, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney from D’Alessandro & Wright. Their personal injury attorneys will work to earn you monetary compensation for any injuries resulting from a truck driver. Contact D’Alessandro & Wright as they will discuss your legal options and protect your rights.