Truck Accident Lawyer Santa Monica CA
At any given time, there are thousands of commercial trucks driving on the streets and highways of California. Commercial trucking has become a multi-billion-dollar industry and a crucial part of interstate commerce. However, all these vehicles on the road also mean the inevitable truck accidents, injuries, and deaths. A Santa Monica, CA truck accident lawyer helps victims pursue damages from those parties who are responsible. Cohen Law Group, P.C. has been advocating for accident victims since 1991, fighting to get them the financial compensation they deserve for the losses they have suffered.
Due to their massive size, a commercial truck slamming into a passenger vehicle often means catastrophic injuries for the victims. Almost 5,000 people die each year in truck crashes. Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to significant injury compensation for the losses their injuries have caused.
Who Is at Fault?
In a passenger vehicle accident between two parties, there is usually one driver who is the negligent actor liable for the crash. However, in a truck accident, there are often multiple factors besides the actions of the truck driver that can affect liability. Trucking companies are required under federal and state laws to comply with multiple safety regulations, and failure to adhere to these regulations frequently leads to commercial truck accidents.
For example, if the trucking company fails to properly secure the cargo the truck driver is transporting, this failure can significantly affect the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. This can cause the driver to lose control of the truck and cause an accident. Debris can also fall off the truck onto the road and cause a vehicle to crash.
There are other negligent – and often illegal – actions of the trucking company that can result in horrific crashes. One of the most common is the failure of a truck driver to adhere to the number of consecutive hours they are allowed to drive. Drivers are required to keep logbooks to document the number of hours they are behind the wheel and are not allowed to drive any more than 11 consecutive hours. There are also requirements for rest time.
Despite these regulations, there are trucking companies that pressure their drivers to break these regulations and falsify driving logs to meet unreasonable delivery schedules. This dangerous practice leads to fatigued drivers operating massive vehicles.
Other types of driver negligence for which a trucking company can be held liable include driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, speeding, distracted driving, and erratic lane changes.
Contact a Santa Monica Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Although truck accidents are similar to car accidents when it comes to the types of damages that a victim may be entitled to, they are often more legally complex. Determining which party or parties are liable can be challenging for someone who does not know how California injury law addresses these issues. This is why victims should contact a skilled Santa Monica truck accident lawyer if they have been injured in a truck accident.
Call Cohen Law Group, P.C. to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation and find out what legal recourse you may have against all liable parties.
The Principle of Negligence
Truck accident law in California is similar to Santa Monica car accident law in that it is based on the principle of negligence. When a truck driver or trucking company fails to exercise reasonable care while operating a commercial vehicle, they may be found negligent and held liable for any injuries or damages that result.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Santa Monica, CA, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer. A truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you have a case against the driver or trucking company.
In order to establish negligence in a truck accident case, you must be able to prove the following four elements:
- Duty of care: The truck driver or trucking company had a duty to exercise reasonable care while operating the vehicle.
- Breach of duty: The driver or company failed to meet this standard of care.
- Causation: The driver or company’s breach of duty caused the accident.
- Damages: You sustained injuries or damages as a result of the accident.
If you are successful in proving negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
According to data from the California Highway Patrol, there were over 8,000 truck accidents in Los Angeles County in 2020. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, it’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer. A truck accident lawyer in Santa Monica, CA can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Tips to help you find a reputable and qualified Santa Monica Truck Accident lawyer:
But with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you find a top truck accident lawyer in Santa Monica, CA? Here are some tips to help you find a reputable and qualified lawyer:
- Look for a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases: Truck accident law can be complex, and it’s important to find a lawyer who has experience and expertise in this area. Look for a lawyer who has a track record of success in truck accident cases.
- Get recommendations from trusted sources: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations for a good truck accident lawyer. You can also check with local bar associations or legal aid organizations for recommendations.
- Research the lawyer’s background and experience: Look for a lawyer who has a strong background in personal injury law and has experience handling truck accident cases. Check the lawyer’s website and online reviews to get a sense of their reputation and success rate.
- Meet with the lawyer in person: Before you hire a lawyer, schedule a consultation to discuss your case. This will give you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for the lawyer’s personality and style.
- Consider the lawyer’s fees: Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they will only get paid if they win your case. Make sure you understand the lawyer’s fee structure and what percentage of the settlement or award they will take.
By following these tips, you can find a top truck accident lawyer in Santa Monica, CA who can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
