Glendale Truck Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Glendale truck accident? Golden Gate Legal's attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve. Call for a free consultation.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, leaving you with physical pain and emotional distress. If you are looking for legal representation in the Glendale area, contact us at the number below for guidance.
Golden Gate Legal has extensive experience representing clients in truck accident cases throughout Glendale. This article will provide direction on what to do after a crash, give an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Glendale
If you're involved in a truck accident in Glendale, it's crucial to take the following steps to protect your well-being and legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
First and foremost, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries immediately following the crash. If it's safe and you are able, move your vehicle out of the roadway to a secure area away from Glendale traffic to prevent any further danger.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority after a truck accident is safety, so call 911 right away if anyone is hurt or the scene is unsafe. It's also crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible, because many serious injuries don't show symptoms immediately and a medical record is vital for your health and any future claim.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are safely able to, use your phone to photograph the damage to all vehicles, your injuries, and the overall accident scene. You should also collect contact information from any witnesses and exchange driver's license and insurance details with the truck driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
It's natural to be shaken up, but be careful not to say anything that could be taken as admitting fault, even a simple 'I'm sorry.' You should also steer clear of posting about the accident on social media and wait to sign any paperwork or speak with insurance representatives until you've had a chance to consult a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
Following a truck accident in Glendale, contacting Golden Gate Legal is a critical step to protect your interests and navigate the intricate legal landscape. We are here to manage the complexities of your claim with compassion, so you can concentrate on healing while we fight for your rights.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of dedicated experience handling complex truck accident cases and other personal injury claims for clients in Glendale, our team is ready to fight for you. Here are a few reasons why you should choose Golden Gate Legal for your case:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our attorneys will aggressively fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is here for you 24/7 to provide the legal and emotional support you need from the very beginning to the end of your case.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every legal step in your Glendale injury case so you can focus on healing:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a no-cost consultation to hear your story, answer your questions, and assess the details of your potential claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will gather all crucial evidence, such as police reports and medical records, and then file the necessary claims with the insurance companies on your behalf.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: While you concentrate on getting better, we can help coordinate your medical care and will monitor your progress to build a case that reflects the true extent of your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: Once your treatment is finished, we will submit a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company and begin aggressively negotiating for the maximum compensation you are owed.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, our trial attorneys are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.
- You Get Paid: After your case is resolved, we handle all the final paperwork to ensure you receive your settlement funds as quickly as possible.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Truck Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a truck accident, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for the losses you've suffered due to the at-fault driver's negligence. Compensatory damages for truck accidents in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible on claims to protect their bottom line, which is why having an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal on your side is crucial to securing the full compensation you deserve.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is not a complete list, here are the types of injuries we typically handle:
Whiplash & Soft
Tissue Damage
Injuries to muscles and ligaments from the violent jolt of a crash, commonly causing neck pain, soreness, and a limited range of motion.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Broken bones are a frequent result of truck accidents, often requiring surgery, casts, and a long road to recovery that can unfortunately lead to lasting mobility issues or chronic pain.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Significant trauma from a truck accident can injure the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis that fundamentally alters a victim’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries from such powerful collisions can lead to lasting problems like difficulty concentrating, memory issues, personality shifts, and persistent confusion.
Internal Organ Damage
The sheer impact of a truck crash can result in damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs, often necessitating immediate surgical intervention and extensive medical treatment.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional fallout from such a traumatic event can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to issues like severe anxiety, recurring nightmares, and a deep-seated fear of driving, often requiring professional help to overcome.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Glendale
Understanding why truck accidents happen is the first step, and in Glendale, several major causes stand out:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Driving recklessly, such as ignoring traffic signals or weaving through lanes, makes it much harder to avoid sudden dangers and significantly raises the odds of a devastating collision, especially in heavy traffic.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs results in slower response times, poor judgment, and a significantly increased chance of causing a fatal collision.
Running Red Lights
Running a red light, for instance, frequently leads to dangerous side-impact crashes with cars that are lawfully entering the intersection.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of a driver following too closely or braking unexpectedly, these collisions can lead to painful injuries like whiplash and other serious neck and back issues.
Unsafe Lane Changes
When drivers switch lanes without looking or signaling, they often cause sideswipe accidents or make other vehicles brake suddenly to avoid a crash.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Lane splitting puts motorcyclists at a higher risk for accidents, often causing severe injuries and making it difficult to determine who is at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
Here at Golden Gate Legal, we represent Glendale residents in personal injury claims without any initial fees. Our firm only gets paid when we win or settle your case, removing any financial risk for you.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident involves several key steps and often requires a detailed investigation into the specifics of what happened. If you believe the other driver caused the collision, our team can help you build a case to demonstrate their negligence.
However, if you are determined to be partially at fault, the compensation you receive may be lowered in proportion to your degree of responsibility. Understanding this is crucial for accurately evaluating the compensation you might be owed, particularly in a city like Glendale where traffic conditions can be complicated.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, the law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It's crucial to act within this time limit. If you don't, you will almost certainly lose your right to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, the clock starts ticking for an insurance company as soon as you file a claim. They are given 15 days to acknowledge your claim and begin their investigation. After you have provided all the necessary proof and documentation, the insurer has 40 days from that point to make a decision on whether to accept or deny your claim.
If your claim is approved, the company must issue payment within 30 days of that decision. This means that, according to California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, the entire process from your initial filing to receiving payment should typically be completed within 85 days.
How long does a truck accident stay on your record in California?
If you're in a truck accident in Glendale, California, it will typically remain on your driving record for three years. This period can extend to ten years for more serious incidents, such as those involving commercial trucks or dangerous substances. The countdown starts on the day the accident occurred.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, our Glendale team begins by listening to your story to fully understand the impact of your accident. We want you to feel supported from the start. We also evaluate the extent of your injuries and can connect you with medical specialists to ensure you receive the proper care.
Your main focus should be on your recovery. Let us handle the legal heavy lifting. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you are entitled to, covering everything from your medical expenses and lost income to the pain and suffering you've endured.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
Fighting for your full compensation
We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
Locations We Serve
Contact Us For a Free Case Evaluation
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
