Truck accidents that result in personal injury are unfortunately all too common in Los Angeles. That is mostly due to the high volume of commercial truck traffic on the city’s roads and highways. Personal injury claims arise when someone is injured as a result of another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, and this applies to truck accidents as well.
In order for a truck accident to qualify as a personal injury case, there must be evidence that the accident was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of the truck driver or another party involved. Negligence can take many forms, such as speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failure to properly maintain the truck.
When a person is injured in a truck accident that qualifies as personal injury, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This compensation is typically sought through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
Truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, which can cause significant damage to smaller passenger vehicles in a collision. Injuries sustained in a truck accident can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-changing injuries such as traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage.
In order to build a strong personal injury case following a truck accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, and medical records. It is also important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help navigate the complex legal process and fight for the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
Types of Injuries That Qualify As A Personal Injury Case
Truck accidents are often more severe than regular car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Injuries from truck accidents can range from minor to catastrophic, and can have long-term effects on a victim’s physical and emotional wellbeing. In Los Angeles, some of the most common types of injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
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Head and Brain Injuries
Truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and personality changes. These injuries can be life-altering and require ongoing medical care.
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Neck and Spinal Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in truck accidents, and can cause neck and back pain, as well as limited mobility. More serious spinal injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord damage, can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other severe symptoms.
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Broken Bones
The force of a truck accident can cause fractures, which can range from minor to severe. Broken bones can require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and can lead to long-term complications.
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Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma in truck accidents can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
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Burns and Scarring
In the event of a truck accident fire, burns can occur that can cause significant scarring, disfigurement, and emotional trauma. Burns may also require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
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Psychological Injuries
Truck accidents can be traumatic events that can lead to psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s mental health, and may require ongoing therapy and treatment.
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Wrongful Death
In the most severe cases, truck accidents can result in fatalities. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and other damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Regardless of the type of injury sustained in a truck accident, victims should seek medical attention immediately and work with an experienced personal injury attorney to help them recover the compensation they deserve. Truck accidents can be complex cases, and it is important to have legal representation who can help navigate the complex legal process and fight for the maximum compensation available.
4 Things To Do After A Big Truck Wreck
Trucks are an important vehicle for transportation in America and loads of them are being driven to and forth every day to deliver goods across the country. They are not driven on any separate lane, barring small cars and other automobiles, meaning that they are susceptible to increased possibilities of getting hit. Trucks are also heavier and bigger than the usual vehicles on the road, which means that even a slight hit can cause severe injuries. If you have been involved in a big truck wreck, consider doing these five things before consulting a truck accident lawyer.
1. Call up the cops immediately
Being in a truck wreck is an unfortunate experience. It is even more so if you have been driving your car and the crash has been severe than you ever imagined. The foremost thing you need to do is to inform the nearest police station because in all probabilities it is a case of violation of road safety and regulations. If you are not in the physical state to make the call, ask for help immediately. If you are a witness, you must not take a moment to make the call. This is important because the police report will be required for a personal injury lawsuit proceeding and medical treatment.
2. Get immediate medical attention
After you have called the cops, the next step is to seek medical help as soon as possible. This will depend upon the severity of the crash and the number of injuries that you have suffered. If you are a witness to a jeopardizing car crash then rush the victim to the nearest hospital without waiting for the cops to arrive. If you are in a walkable or somewhat stable condition then you can call for medical help right at the spot. Always remember to preserve the medical bills and reports which will be used to represent your lawsuit and claim personal injury compensation.
3. Informing your insurance company but not settling the claim right away
This is a common mistake that individuals tend to make. Never accept your insurer’s offer to compensate right away even though you must report them soon. Truck insurance companies know that there is a heavy legal liability hovering above them and they try their best to pay as small an amount as possible. You must consult a truck accident lawyer before accepting any settlement claim. Such attorneys will help you to decipher the degree of the crash and thereby help you to pursue your deserved compensation.
4. Keep records of every report and bills
A significant thing to do after reporting to the police and getting medical attention is to keep the records of every piece of evidence and bills that have been involved following the accident. Building a rigid foundation for your case is the best way to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation.
Apart from your medical bills and evidence of loss of income, you can also obtain a detailed report from the physician describing the seriousness of your injuries, any disabilities suffered, and the time it has taken for you to recover fully. Prolonged disability or arising from the accident will give you better chances of getting compensated rightfully.
Note:
Before speaking to the defendant’s insurance company, you ought to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who will guide you in your best interest. Your insurance company won’t do so, but rather will attempt to lower your claim amount. A personal injury lawyer will save you from the burden of medical expenses and losses by helping you seek damages for the injuries suffered by you.
This is the time that you would need to give the retained record of the police report, medical bills, evidence of your lost income, and if possible the witnesses. This will help you to get compensated to the highest degree possible and defend yourself against unfair compensation.
Benefits Of A Truck Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles
Trucks are so frequent in Los Angeles, California that the possibility of encountering an accident is relatively high. Truck accidents happen most of the time because of reckless drivers. The injuries and damages that you can suffer as a victim can be severe and financially upsetting. That is why, as a victim, you must seek professional assistance from a truck accident lawyer. They are lawyers who are experienced and specialized in handling truck accident cases.
Lawyers for truck accidents
It would be best to remember the importance of filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident. If you have been injured in a truck wreck and you are deciding to file a personal injury claim, then a truck accident lawyer will be your go-to person. A lawyer experienced in truck accident cases is essential when you want to obtain the highest compensation possible.
However, the insurance company will attempt to minimize their potential liabilities towards you. They won’t be looking out for your best interest and can even try to reject your claim. To ensure that you receive your deserved compensation, consult Oak Tree Law as soon as possible.
Here’s why you need them
Crashes and collisions cannot be solved without the assistance of a legal attorney. When the talk is about commercial truck accidents in California, things can get even more complex. Which is why you need to consult a truck accident lawyer right away.
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They help to establish the necessary legal strategy
If you have been in a truck accident, know that not all accidents are the same. For a successful personal injury claim, you would require patience, the appropriate legal skills, and specialized legal knowledge. You can be patient, but you might lack the necessary legal skills. Hiring a truck accident lawyer will help you craft the appropriate strategy for your claim.
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You get the appropriate assistance in negotiations
If you have been involved in a truck accident in California, you are likely to suffer severe physical injuries. In that case, you will be unable to make yourself present when called upon by the insurance company. You will need to hire a truck accident lawyer to represent you legally and negotiate on your behalf.
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Legal technicalities are managed better by them
A truck accident lawyer will help you determine the full extent of the damages and injuries you have suffered resulting from the accident. Both economic and non-economic damages are considered when calculating damages. The former constitute medical bills, loss of income, etc. The latter constitute your physical pain and suffering, mental agony etc. All in all, a truck accident lawyer will represent your case and help you obtain the maximum compensation required for your recovery.
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They can manage complex truck accident cases
Filing a personal injury claim for the injuries and damages you have suffered from the accident is a time consuming legal process. There are volumes of paperwork to deal with and lots of insurance agents and lawyers to talk to. If you have recently encountered a truck accident, you will not be able to handle such rigorous proceedings. Hiring a truck accident lawyer will help you with the required legal communication and settlement. They will perform all legal formalities on your behalf while you are recovering.
Contact an attorney for consultations
Hiring a truck accident lawyer will be your top priority after encountering a truck accident in California. At Oak Tree Law, we understand that such an unfortunate event can make you go through emotional trauma and financial disability. We provide free consultations before taking matters into our hands.