Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a truck accident in Los Angeles? The experienced attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, leaving you to deal with physical injuries and emotional distress. If you're seeking legal representation in the Los Angeles area, we encourage you to contact us at the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, we have extensive experience representing clients in truck accident cases throughout Los Angeles. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to do after an accident, provide an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you might have.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
After a truck accident in Los Angeles, it's essential to follow these steps to protect your well-being and legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
First, take a moment to check yourself and anyone else involved for any immediate injuries. If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe spot away from the busy Los Angeles traffic to avoid another collision.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
If the accident involves injuries or significant damage, your first step should always be to call 911. We also strongly advise seeking a medical evaluation, even if you feel uninjured, as some serious conditions may not be immediately apparent and this creates a vital record for your well-being.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are safely able to, take photos of the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, and the overall scene, including road conditions or relevant signs. You should also collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses and exchange license, insurance, and contact information with the other driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
Be very careful about what you say at the scene, as even a simple apology can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. It is also wise to avoid discussing the accident on social media or signing any documents from an insurance company before you have consulted with an attorney.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
When you're involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, Golden Gate Legal can step in to safeguard your rights and deal with the complicated legal proceedings. Our compassionate attorneys will walk you through the personal injury claim process, providing the expert support needed to secure your future.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With dedicated years of experience, Golden Gate Legal has a proven track record of handling complex truck accident cases and other personal injury claims. For those seeking a trusted Los Angeles truck accident attorney, here are a few reasons why our firm stands apart:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: We fight aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery without financial worry.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: Our top priority is to protect your rights and interests, guiding you through the legal process with care and dedication.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You pay nothing unless we win or settle your case, ensuring you have access to expert legal help without any initial financial burden.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is here for you around the clock to provide both the legal guidance and emotional support you need after an accident.
We invite you to see what our clients have to say in our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of the entire legal process for your Los Angeles personal injury claim so you can focus on healing, and here is a simple overview of the steps involved:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll start with a complimentary meeting where we listen to your side of the story, address your concerns, and evaluate the details of your potential claim.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will handle the heavy lifting of gathering crucial evidence like accident reports and medical bills, and we'll officially file your claim with the responsible parties.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: As you recover, we can assist in coordinating your medical care and keep track of your progress to build a strong case that accurately represents your injuries.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and skillfully negotiate to get you the best possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once we've successfully resolved your case, we'll manage the final paperwork to make sure you receive your compensation check promptly.
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 compensation for the various damages you've suffered from the driver who was at fault. 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 undervalue claims to protect their profits, which is why it's so important to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like the team at Golden Gate Legal handling your case to ensure you're treated fairly.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle:
Whiplash & Soft
Tissue Damage
The violent force of a truck collision often causes whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, resulting in neck pain, stiffness, and a limited range of motion.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Following a truck accident, broken bones are a common injury that may necessitate surgery or immobilization in a cast, leading to a lengthy healing journey that can result in lasting pain or restricted movement.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The immense force involved in a truck crash can inflict severe spinal cord damage, potentially leading to partial or total paralysis and profoundly affecting a person's mobility, independence, and future quality of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries from the immense force of a truck crash can lead to lasting problems like difficulty concentrating, persistent confusion, memory issues, and significant shifts in personality.
Internal Organ Damage
The powerful impact from a truck accident can inflict severe damage on internal organs like the spleen, liver, or kidneys, often demanding immediate surgery and significant ongoing medical care.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional trauma following a truck accident can lead to conditions like PTSD, causing lasting anxiety, vivid flashbacks, and sleep problems that often require professional help to overcome.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles
Many truck accidents in Los Angeles happen for a variety of reasons, but most can be traced back to a few common causes:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding or driving recklessly drastically cuts down a driver's reaction time, making severe, high-impact collisions much more probable—particularly on crowded city streets.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can slow your response time, cloud your judgment, and dramatically increase the likelihood of a severe collision.
Running Red Lights
Running a red light frequently leads to dangerous intersection accidents and can cause serious harm to unsuspecting pedestrians.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of distracted driving or following another vehicle too closely, these types of accidents can cause severe whiplash and other debilitating neck and back injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Suddenly switching lanes without checking blind spots or using a turn signal can force other vehicles to brake hard or swerve, often leading to a collision.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Motorcyclists who split lanes can be invisible to other drivers, resulting in serious collisions and difficult arguments over who was at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
At Golden Gate Legal, we represent personal injury clients in Los Angeles without any initial costs. We only receive a fee if we win or settle your case, so you face no financial risk in seeking our help.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident requires a few key steps and a detailed investigation into the unique circumstances of your crash. If you believe the other driver caused the collision, our team can help you build a case to demonstrate their negligence.
It's important to know that if you are found to be partially responsible, your final compensation could be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Knowing how these rules work is vital for getting a clear picture of the compensation you might receive, particularly in a city like Los Angeles where the traffic situations are often complicated.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is critical, as waiting too long can mean forfeiting your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, insurance companies must follow a strict timeline. After you file a claim, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start their investigation. From the day they receive all your required paperwork, they then have 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
Once a claim is approved, the insurer has 30 days to issue payment. These deadlines are outlined in the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations. This means that, from start to finish, the entire settlement process should generally be completed within 85 days.
How long does a truck accident stay on your record in California?
For drivers in Los Angeles, a truck accident will typically appear on your driving record for three years, starting from the date of the incident. However, this period can be extended under more serious circumstances. If the accident involved hazardous materials or led to a major conviction, it could stay on your record for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
Here at Golden Gate Legal, we start by listening. We want to hear your story and understand exactly what happened in your Los Angeles accident. Our first goal is to make sure you feel supported and not like just another case file. We'll also take a close look at your injuries and can point you toward the right doctors to get you on the path to recovery.
Your only job should be to focus on getting well. We'll handle the entire legal battle for you. Our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, which includes money for your medical treatments, lost earnings, and 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
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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
