Truck Accident Lawyer in West Covina

If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident, it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer in West Covina who understands the laws and regulations that apply to these accidents. A truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. They’ll work with you to make sure you understand your rights and are able to recover from this traumatic experience. The Dominguez Firm has recovered over $1 billion* for clients and has a 96%* success rate with over 35 years of experience.

What Causes Truck Crashes?

No one ever expects to be involved in a truck accident. However, these accidents happen far more often than most people realize. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may wonder what caused it. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in West Covina. 

Inexperience and Poor Training

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is inexperience. Trucking is a complicated and challenging profession that requires skill and training. Unfortunately, not all trucking companies are as careful as they should be when hiring drivers. Some companies hire inexperienced drivers and then do not provide them with adequate training. These drivers are more likely to make mistakes on the road that can lead to accidents. 

Driver Fatigue 

Another common cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, affecting their bodies and minds. Driver fatigue can lead to slowed reflexes, poor decision-making, and impaired judgment. As a result, fatigued drivers are more likely to get into accidents. 

Poor Maintenance 

Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Unfortunately, some companies do not adequately maintain their trucks. This can lead to problems such as blown tires, broken brakes, and mechanical failures. Any of these problems can increase the risk of an accident occurring. 

Differences and Similarities Between Truck and Car Collisions

While many car accidents are caused by careless or distracted driving, most truck accidents are due to other factors, such as equipment failure or driver fatigue.

Truck accidents are governed by different rules and regulations than car accidents. They must undergo more frequent safety inspections than cars, and truck drivers must follow stricter hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue. If these rules are violated, and an accident occurs, the trucking company will be held liable for the accident. 

Another key difference between truck and car accidents is that trucks typically cause more damage when they’re involved in an accident because of their size. As a result, truck accidents often result in serious injuries or even death. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. 

Finally, it’s important to hire an attorney with specific experience handling truck accidents because these cases are generally much more complex than car accidents. Your West Covina truck accident attorney should have the resources to investigate your accident thoroughly. Plus, they need a complete understanding of the federal, state and municipal laws surrounding the transportation industry. Finally, they must know how to negotiate with the truck insurance companies, which are notorious for aggressively defending themselves against accident claims. 

Who is Responsible for My Injuries After a Truck Accident in West Covina, California?

The answer to this question is not always straightforward, as many parties could potentially be held responsible.

The Truck Driver 

The truck driver is usually the first person who comes to mind when people think about who is responsible for a truck accident. This is because the truck driver is the one operating the vehicle and, as such, has a duty to operate it safely. However, many factors can contribute to a truck driver being at fault for an accident, including fatigue, recklessness, and intoxication.

The Trucking Company 

The trucking company that employs the driver may also be held liable for an accident if it can be shown that they were negligent in hiring or supervising the driver. For example, if the company failed to perform a background check on the driver or did not properly train them, they may be liable for an accident. If you were involved in an accident with a truck and you believe that the company may be at fault, you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case. 

The Truck’s Manufacturer 

In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts may be held liable for an accident if it can be shown that there was a defect in the design or manufacture of the vehicle. For example, if a tire blows out and causes an accident, the tire manufacturer may be to blame.

How Much is Your Case Worth?

The first thing that needs to be considered when calculating the value of a truck accident case is the severity of the victim’s injuries. If the victim has suffered catastrophic injuries or has passed away due to the accident, the case will be worth more than if the victim only sustained minor injuries. The reason is simple: catastrophic injuries impact the victim’s life more than minor injuries. They may require long-term or even lifelong medical care, and they may prevent the victim from being able to work and earn an income. In contrast, minor injuries typically heal within a few weeks or months and have little impact on the victim’s ability to work and live their life. 

The next thing that needs to be considered when calculating the value of a truck accident case is the amount of the victim’s medical bills. This includes not only the cost of ambulance and hospitalization fees but also the cost of any surgery, physical therapy, or other treatment that is required due to the accident. If the victim has health insurance, their policy will likely cover some or all of these costs; however, if they do not have health insurance, they would be responsible for paying these costs out-of-pocket if they don’t take legal action.

The last thing that needs to be considered when calculating the value of a truck accident case is the amount of time the victim has missed from work due to their injuries. These lost wages can be calculated by taking into account how much money the victim was earning at their job before the accident and how long they were out of work as a result of their injuries. In most cases, victims are entitled to compensation for past and future lost wages, bonuses and other lost employment benefits. 

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

After being involved in a truck accident, it is essential you hire a truck accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation for your damages. Ideally, you want to hire your attorney right away. Doing so will ensure vital evidence isn’t lost. Truck insurance companies have been known to send their representatives to the scene of a truck accident right away, sometimes even before the police arrive. Don’t let them damage your claim, make sure you have someone defending your rights too.

Here are some ways a truck accident lawyer can help your case:

Investigate the Accident

One of the first things a truck accident lawyer will do is investigate the accident. This will involve talking to witnesses, reviewing the police report, and looking at any evidence that may be available. The goal of the investigation is to determine who was at fault for the accident. Once fault has been established, the lawyer can then begin working on getting you compensated for your damages.

Calculate Your Damages

Your attorney can help to calculate the damages that you should be seeking. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A truck accident lawyer will work with you to ensure all of your damages are accounted for so that you can get the full compensation you deserve. 

Negotiate with the Insurance Company

Once your damages have been calculated, the next step is negotiating with the insurance company. The insurance company will likely try to lowball you to settle your case quickly and for as little money as possible. A truck accident lawyer will fight for you and make sure you get the full amount of compensation you deserve. 

If an agreement cannot be reached, the next step would be to go to court. However, most cases are settled before they ever reach that stage. 

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer in West Covina as soon as possible. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. With a 96%* success rate, they’re ready and willing to fight for what’s right for you. Contact them today at (800) 818-1818 for your free consultation and learn more about how they can help.