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Being involved in a road accident is scary enough, but truck accidents can be a nightmare. Trucks easily weigh as much as 76,000 pounds more than the average automobile, putting the consequences of their accidents on a biblical scale.
The bustling city of Los Angeles is known for its sprawling highways and heavy traffic. While this urban landscape provides opportunities for growth and connectivity, it poses a significant risk for road accidents, particularly involving commercial trucks.
In 2021, The National Safety Council reported that out of the 5,788 large-truck crash fatalities recorded in the U.S., California comes second on the chart of states with the most deaths resulting from large truck crashes, totalling 437. A majority of these deaths occurred in Los Angeles County.
The devastating consequences of truck accidents can easily cause massive life-changing injuries, property damage and death in a split second. In such dire situations, employing the expertise of top truck accident lawyers becomes paramount in pursuing adequate compensation for your losses. This article delves into the crucial role that truck accident lawyers play in Los Angeles, advocating for victims' rights and seeking justice against powerful trucking companies.
Roles of a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney in Fatal Accidents
A truck accident lawyer (also called an 18-wheeler accident attorney or semi-truck attorney) is a type of personal injury lawyer specialising in truck accident cases. They represent those whom the negligence of another has injured during a truck accident. A truck crash attorney deeply understands state and federal laws related to trucking and transportation, allowing them to navigate the complex legal landscape of truck accidents.
Some of the roles these legal experts undertake include:
1. Investigation
Commercial trucking attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the accident. This may involve analysing evidence such as accident reports, driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data from the truck's onboard systems.
2. Liability Determination
Determining the parties at fault in a trucking accident can be intricate. A trucking attorney works to establish liability, which might involve the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even manufacturers if mechanical failure is a factor.
3. Compensation
One of the primary goals of a lawyer for a trucking accident is to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their losses. This compensation can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, forfeited wages, pain and suffering, funeral expenses and loss of companionship in the case of fatalities.
4. Negotiation and Litigation
Truck accident lawyers negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursue litigation to uphold victims' rights. These lawyers possess the negotiation skills required to secure favourable settlements, but they are also prepared to take the case to court if a just settlement cannot be reached.
5. Navigating Complex Regulations
Trucking companies are subject to various regulations at both state and federal levels. A commercial accident lawyer is well-versed in these regulations, ensuring that any violations that contributed to the accident are adequately addressed.
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Top-Rated Truck Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
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When searching for the best truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles for your case, consider the following firms:
1. The Reeves Law Group
The Reeves Law Group has represented victims for over 30 years and has recovered over $250 million in verdicts and settlements. The Reeves Law Group specialises in personal injury cases and lawsuits and has achieved global recognition for professionalism in securing verdicts and client compensation.
Attorney Derek Pakiz at the Reeves Law Group is a top truck accident lawyer certified in Civil Trial and Truck Accident law. With a 98%-win rate for all injury cases, the attorneys at The Reeves Law Group hold various awards and certifications, such as Newsweek's Top 10 Trial Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers. One significant truck accident case that the Reeves Law Group won was worth $8.75 million.
2. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers is a premier team of injury lawyers in southern California with over 30 years of combined experience assisting victims get compensation for their injuries. These legal experts are among the best truck accident lawyers in L.A., having recovered over $50 million in combined verdicts and settlements, a perfect 5.0 Yelp rating and over 500 5-star ratings.
The lawyers for truck drivers of El Dabe Ritter are recognised by many leading lawyer-ranking services such as The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Delancey Street and Avvo. Some record case results include a $5.5 million verdict for a wrongful death resulting from a trucking accident and a $7.4 million verdict in a truck accident.
3. The Dominguez Firm:
With over $1 billion won for injured accident victims and over thirty years of practice, the Dominguez Firm is widely recognised as having some of the best truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles. Having over 120 legal staff members and a 96% success record on injury cases, this firm is a proven personal injury powerhouse with some of the best lawyers who represent truck drivers in the game.
The seasoned award-winning team of lawyers for truck accidents of the Dominguez Firm have won multi-million-dollar verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases such as a $12 million verdict for a back injury from a truck accident, a $3 million verdict for a back injury from a truck accident, a $2,110,527 verdict for a truck accident resulting in amputation and a $1,250,000 verdict for leg injury from a truck accident. Top professional attorney associations such as The Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Top 100 Trial Lawyers have awarded and honoured these commercial trucking attorneys.
4. Law Offices of Brian Breiter
Law Offices of Brian Breiter has served thousands of satisfied clients over California, winning millions in verdicts and settlements. Founding attorney Mr Breiter is a personal injury trial attorney who is regarded as a top commercial vehicle accident lawyer in L.A. due to his antecedents in winning cases such as a $3,016,507 verdict in a semi-truck accident resulting in wrist injury, a $1,200,000 wrongful death from a semi-truck accident and a $550,000 semi-truck accident resulting in a broken arm.
This big rig lawyer has been named SuperLawyer in Southern California and South Florida for nine consecutive years and was nominated for Trial Lawyer of the Year for 2020 and 2019 by the Consumer Attorney Association of Los Angeles. Mr Breiter has also been named to National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 and is a Lifetime Fellow of The American Board of Trial Advocates.
5. Eisenberg Law Group PC:
The attorneys of the Eisenberg Law Group PC have practised personal injury law for over 30 years and have successfully handled a considerable number of truck accidents, recovering millions for clients, including a $1,000,000 settlement in a truck accident case, a $1,000,000 semi-truck accident settlement, a $950,000 truck accident settlement and a $896,000 tow truck accident settlement. Firm founder Gary Eisenberg is a commercial truck lawyer dedicated to helping injury victims since founding the Law Offices of Gary C. Eisenberg in 2001.
Conclusion
Truck accidents are unfortunate in a city as dynamic and densely populated as Los Angeles. The aftermath of such occurrences can be emotionally and financially overwhelming for victims and their families. Commercial trucking attorneys in Los Angeles stand as beacons of hope in these challenging times.
Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to seeking justice enable victims to navigate the complex legal terrain and fight against powerful trucking companies and insurance agencies. By advocating for victims' rights and tirelessly working to secure fair compensation, these lawyers play a crucial role in helping victims rebuild their lives after the devastation of a truck accident.
FAQ
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in a fatal L.A truck accident case?
A: The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident case in L.A is generally two years from the accident date. However, it is crucial to consult with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure all necessary legal actions are taken within the required timeframe.
Q: What kind of experience should a semi-truck lawyer have?
A: An experienced semi-truck lawyer should deeply understand the laws specific to the trucking industry. They should possess a track record of winning truck accident cases, including fatal ones. They should be able to handle insurance companies and litigate in court.
Q: What is the average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident?
A: Determining the average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident is challenging since settlement amounts can vary significantly based on various factors. These factors may include the gravity of injuries, the extent of property damage, liability issues, insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Each case is unique; settlements can range from thousands to millions of dollars.
It's important to note that each case's facts and details influence settlements. A skilled attorney will evaluate pain and suffering, medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages and other relevant damages to negotiate fair compensation for their client.
It's recommended to consult with an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can assess the intricacies of your case and provide a more precise estimate of your entitlement.