Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a Los Angeles truck accident? 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 cope with both physical injuries and emotional distress. If you are looking for experienced representation in the Los Angeles area, we encourage you to contact us at the number below.
At Golden Gate Legal, our team has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in truck accident cases and a history of helping clients in Los Angeles navigate them successfully. We've created this guide to provide clear direction on what to do after an accident, offer an overview of the legal process, and address the questions you might have along the way.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
If you find yourself in a truck accident in Los Angeles, it's crucial to follow these steps to protect both your health and your legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
Your immediate priority is to check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If you are able, move to a safe area away from the busy Los Angeles traffic to prevent any further accidents or harm.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority is safety, so call 911 immediately if there are any injuries or significant vehicle damage. Afterwards, be sure to get a medical evaluation even if you feel unhurt, as some serious conditions may not show symptoms right away and this creates an important record for your health and potential case.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are safely able to, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries you can see. It's also crucial to collect contact details from any witnesses and exchange license, insurance, and vehicle information 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
After a truck accident in Los Angeles, connecting with Golden Gate Legal is a critical step to protect your interests and deal with the challenging legal and insurance landscape. Our dedicated lawyers will stand by your side, guiding you through the personal injury process with the goal of securing the compensation you need to recover.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
Golden Gate Legal has dedicated years of experience handling complex truck accident cases for clients throughout Los Angeles, among many other personal injury proceedings. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us for your case:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our team is committed to ensuring you receive every dollar you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- We Will Protect You at All Costs: We make it our top priority to safeguard your rights and interests, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You won't pay any legal fees unless we successfully win or settle your case, thanks to our contingency fee policy.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our firm is accessible whenever you need us, providing both legal and emotional support throughout your case.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We handle every step of the legal process for your Los Angeles case so you can focus on your recovery:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We begin by listening to your side of the story, answering your questions, and evaluating the merits of your potential case during a complimentary consultation.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team meticulously gathers crucial evidence like police reports and medical records, and then we handle filing all necessary claims with the insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: As you recover, we can assist in coordinating your medical care and track your progress to ensure the full extent of your injuries is properly documented.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you have reached maximum medical improvement, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and begin aggressively negotiating for the full compensation you are owed.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once your case is successfully resolved, we manage the final paperwork to ensure you receive your settlement funds without delay.
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 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
Because insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits, they will often try to undervalue your claim, making it essential to have an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal fighting for the compensation you are rightfully owed.
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
Damage to the neck's soft tissues from the violent force of a truck collision, often causing lingering pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Victims of truck accidents often face broken bones, injuries that can require surgery, casts, and a long healing journey, sometimes leading to lasting pain or difficulty moving.
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 the collision can cause lasting effects such as memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and noticeable personality changes.
Internal Organ Damage
The sheer force of a truck accident can damage internal organs like the kidneys, bowels, or heart, often requiring immediate surgery and critical care.
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 Los Angeles
Many truck accidents in Los Angeles can be traced back to a handful of major causes:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Driving at unsafe speeds or with disregard for traffic laws leaves motorists with less time to react to hazards, dramatically increasing the risk of a devastating collision—especially on crowded urban roads.
Driving Under the Influence
Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cloud your judgment, delay your reactions, and substantially increase the likelihood of a catastrophic accident.
Running Red Lights
Failing to stop for a red light frequently causes high-speed intersection collisions and puts pedestrians in the crosswalk at extreme risk.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of distracted driving or following another vehicle too closely, these types of accidents can cause painful soft tissue damage and significant spinal injuries.
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
When motorcyclists lane split, they face a greater chance of being in an accident, which can result in serious harm and create confusion over who is legally responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
Worried about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles? At Golden Gate Legal, you don't have to be. We take cases on what's called a contingency fee basis, which is a fancy way of saying you pay nothing upfront. Our firm only gets paid if we win your case or reach a favorable settlement for you. If you don't get compensation, we don't get a fee—it's that simple.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for an accident requires gathering key evidence and building a case based on the unique details of your crash. If you believe the other driver caused the collision, our team can work to establish their negligence and hold them responsible.
It's important to know that if you are found to share some of the blame, your final compensation amount can be lowered based on your percentage of fault. Knowing how these rules work is crucial for understanding the potential value of your claim, especially when navigating the complicated traffic situations common in a city like Los Angeles.
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 take legal action. If you miss this critical deadline, you will likely lose the opportunity to receive any compensation for your injuries and other damages.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
California law sets specific deadlines for how insurance companies must handle your claim. Once you notify them, they have 15 days to acknowledge it and start their investigation. From the day they receive your completed proof-of-claim paperwork, they then have 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
If the insurance company approves your claim, they are required to issue payment within 30 days of that approval. These timelines are outlined in the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, meaning the whole process, from the initial notice to payment, should generally be wrapped up within 85 days.
How long does a truck accident stay on your record in California?
For most drivers in Los Angeles, a truck accident will appear on their driving record for three years. This period can be extended to ten years for more severe collisions, like those involving hazardous materials, with the clock starting from the day of the incident.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, we understand how overwhelming an accident in Los Angeles can be. Our first step is to listen to your story and grasp the full impact of your situation, ensuring you feel supported from the very beginning. We also take the time to understand the extent of your injuries, and if needed, we can help you find the right medical specialists to aid in your treatment.
Your main focus should be on your recovery. Let our team handle the complexities of the legal system. We will build a strong case to pursue the full compensation you are entitled to, covering everything from your medical expenses and lost income to the pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
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.
