On a daily basis, trucks move goods all throughout the Torrance area. Trucking is a vital part of the economy of California and the rest of the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, commercial trucking contributed $389.3 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023.
Whether these vehicles are traveling on the 405 or Western Avenue, all trucks must make sure to safely share the road with others. When they fail to do so, it can lead to catastrophic vehicle crashes.
Often, these incidents result from negligence on behalf of the driver, trucking company, or another party. If a truck wreck injured you, you have the right to take legal action.
At Frost Law Firm, PC, we are ready to help. With a consultation with our Torrance truck accident lawyer, you can discover your legal options to take those next steps in the process.
Truck Collision Cases Are Different from Vehicle Crashes
You might think that all motor vehicle crashes are the same, but unfortunately, they are not. Due to the sheer size and weight of a tractor-trailer, sometimes up to 80,000 pounds, these incidents are more dangerous than other collisions. In fact, you could be looking at severe injuries and damages.
When a truck collides with you and your vehicle, you will need an attorney to start the compensation process and build a case for you. These accidents often involve complex regulations, multiple parties, and substantial damages.
While you might feel that you can handle these claims on your own, you would benefit from having a Torrance truck accident attorney on your side. With our help, we can start the process to hold those negligent parties responsible for their actions.
Potential Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the massive size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, severe injuries are often an outcome of these crashes. If you have suffered any of these below, you could be entitled to compensation:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries, like whiplash
- Amputation
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder
The above is just a sampling of injuries that can occur from these incidents. No matter the type, any severe injury can lead to financial, physical, and emotional burdens. If you would like to take legal action, reach out to our law firm to speak with a Torrance truck accident lawyer today.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
The trucking industry is heavily regulated to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. Even with that, there are times when accidents can still occur. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, nearly 160,000 truck crashes happened in the United States in 2023, leaving behind almost 75,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths.
Truck accidents are often the result of negligence, either on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or other entities involved in the transportation industry. Common causes include:
Driver Fatigue
All drivers must adhere to a schedule. However, there are times when these individuals are under tight deadlines. In these cases, they might not get enough rest or work long hours despite regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Fatigue can slow reaction times and increase the risk of accidents.
Distracted Driving
A truck driver needs to keep their full attention on the road. When they text, eat, or use GPS, those split seconds of distraction can lead to an accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Sometimes, drivers might engage in risky behavior if they are falling behind on their schedule. When they speed or fail to adjust to the road conditions, that can lead to collisions.
Improper Loading
These vehicles need to be loaded correctly. If not, the truck can lose balance on the turn and rollover.
Mechanical Failures
Trucks are required to be properly inspected and maintained. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues due to poor maintenance can result in serious accidents.
Substance Abuse
Like other vehicle drivers, truck operators cannot be impaired behind the wheel. Alcohol or drug use, including prescription medication that impairs driving ability, can contribute to unsafe driving behavior.
Violation of Federal Regulations
FMCSA has strict rules governing trucking operations, such as hours of service, maintenance requirements, and driver qualifications. When there are violations of these regulations, that can lead to accidents.
Understanding How Liability Works in California Truck Accident Cases
One of the most challenging aspects of a truck accident case is determining liability. Unlike car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties. Many times, they may share responsibility for the collision. These parties may be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Truck manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
Contact a Torrance truck accident lawyer if you have been injured and want to hold the right parties responsible for your accident. We will look at the facts of the case and make sure the correct individuals are held accountable for their actions.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a big rig crash, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Wrongful death damages
Without a consultation, you may not know the full extent of your damages. For that reason, you will want to consult with Frost Law Firm, PC to learn about your potential compensation award.
Challenges That You May Face When Building a Case Following a Tractor-Trailer Collision
Many times, there are issues with these claims. It is not as simple as filing the paperwork and waiting for payment. Some of these challenges in the process can include:
Multiple Liable Parties
As mentioned before, sometimes, there isn’t just a single party who is liable for your crash. A company or person usually owns the truck, while another individual operates them. Also, others inspect and maintain the vehicle. Each party may attempt to shift blame, which in turn can complicate the legal process.
Federal and State Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers must abide by the FMCSA regulations. When there are violations of these regulations, that can help to establish liability. Proving these violations will require legal help.
Corporate Defense Teams
Trucking companies and their insurers often have powerful legal teams to protect their interests. These teams work aggressively to minimize liability, delay proceedings, or deny claims outright. You will need a skilled legal advocate to counter these tactics and build a strong case on your behalf.
Special Evidence
Many of these cases are built on strong evidence, such as black box data, maintenance logs, driver logs, and GPS records. You need to act fast to access and preserve these pieces. Sometimes, trucking companies may dispose of these records if they are not legally compelled to retain them.
High Stakes and Large Claims
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, and that can result in high-value claims. Insurers and defendants will contest these claims since they know a substantial payout is at stake. With help from an experienced attorney, you can fight to secure the maximum compensation.
Our Torrance Truck Accident Lawyer Can Provide Assistance
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences. These claims are not something that you want to handle on your own. With help from our truck accident lawyers in Torrance, we can provide the legal knowledge and compassionate support you need during this challenging time.
Contact our office today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident. At the Frost Law Firm, PC, we’ll review your case, answer your questions, and, if you hire us, fight tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
