Truck accidents are not just the more massive cousin of car accidents; they are entirely different. Their impact, the stakeholders, and the law issues make them a special type of situation. Regardless of the federal regulations taken, the determination of responsible parties, or the principles of physics applied, truck accident cases require distinct expertise; this article explains why truck accidents differ from car accidents and how you can get the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
The Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents are much more complex than the standard car accident scenario, if you will. This usually leads to severe structural, property, and electrical damages, serious or even fatal injuries, and long, multi-layered legal procedures. The survivors might have to spend significantly large amounts in medical bills, may lose their jobs, and have a long time to wait and heal. Apart from that, truck accidents require more analysis and discussion than comparing car crashes.
Why? They are because, for instance, black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records need to be retrieved early enough to avoid tampering. This evidence may be easily towed, erased, or manipulated by the trucking companies before further action is taken against them. That is why, in case of any truck accident, it is essential to have the professional services of a Los Angeles truck accident attorney. They will respond fast and ensure they capture all necessary evidence for the case to be on your side.
Understanding Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies must operate under a satellite network of federal and state safety laws. FMCSA regulates nearly all aspects of the commercial trucking industry, from hours of service regulation to maintenance requirements.
For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service rule restricts how many hours a driver can drive to reduce fatigue-caused crashes. The truck driver and their employer will be culpable if the above limits are violated and lead to a collision. Similarly, employed by the trucking company, drivers must bring the vehicles to be inspected to ascertain whether or not they are fit to be on the road. Omission of these inspections results in mechanical failure and disastrous calamities.
A seasoned truck accident attorney in Los Angeles understands how to review these regulations, determine if they have been violated, and leverage this against your case. This knowledge is, however, practical whenever a negligence claim has to be instituted.
The Role of Multiple Parties in Truck Accidents
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, making the legal process more complex. Determining who is at fault requires a thorough investigation. Some of the potentially responsible parties include:
- The truck driver: Was the driver speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence?
- The trucking company: Did the company fail to train the driver, enforce safety standards, or maintain the truck properly?
- Parts manufacturers: Was there a defect in the truck’s brakes, tires, or other critical components?
- Cargo loaders: Was the cargo improperly loaded, causing it to shift and destabilize the truck?
A skilled personal injury attorney in Los Angeles will leave no stone unturned when identifying liable parties. This comprehensive approach ensures you’re not leaving any compensation on the table.
How Truck Size and Weight Complicate Collisions
The total dimensions and weights of commercial trucks are a completely different ball game as far as accident occurrence is concerned. A laden truck can carry as much as 80000 pounds, which is 20 times the weight of a small car. That size difference significantly increases the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries if there is an occurrence of a crash.
It is much slower to stop a truck to stop a car spec, especially during inclement weather or on a downgrade. Similarly, trucks have vast blind areas, which explains why most drivers do not notice little cars. In some cases, the severity of impact can cause severe losses, including losses in the form of head and spinal cord injuries and death.
It is also essential to have these dynamics in mind when constructing the argument of a case. An experienced truck accident lawyer based in Los Angeles will work with crash reconstructionists to demonstrate perfectly how the size and weight of the truck contributed to the accident, giving substance to your compensation claim.
Conclusion
Truck accidents are far more complicated than standard car crashes. They involve a maze of regulations, multiple liable parties, and unique physical challenges posed by massive vehicles. Navigating these complexities requires a dedicated advocate with a deep understanding of truck accident litigation.
We specialize in handling the most challenging truck accident cases at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t face this daunting process alone. Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney. Call us today at (310-997-0904) to take the first step toward justice and maximum compensation.
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