Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyers

Understanding Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Truck accidents are different from regular car crashes. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, nearly 20 times more than a typical passenger car. The impact force in these collisions is devastating, and the legal issues are complex.

Many commercial trucking cases involve multiple parties, including:

• The truck driver and their employer,
• The company that owns or maintains the vehicle,
• Vehicle manufacturers,
• Cargo loaders or shippers, and
• Insurance carriers for each party.

A Los Angeles truck accident attorney knows how to investigate these layers of responsibility, collect evidence, and pursue compensation from all available sources.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Truck drivers operate under enormous pressure. Tight delivery schedules, long hours, and congested freeways can all contribute to deadly mistakes.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue. Long shifts and overnight driving can lead to drowsiness and slower reaction times.
• Speeding or unsafe driving conditions. Heavy traffic, wet roads, and downhill grades can make speeding especially dangerous.
• Distracted driving. Using a phone, GPS, or onboard devices while driving can take eyes off the road and result in an accident.
• Improper turns and lane changes. Large blind spots make it difficult for truckers to see cars beside or behind them.
• Mechanical failure. Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to catastrophic loss of control.
• Unsecured or shifting cargo. Loads that aren’t properly balanced or tied down can spill or destabilize the truck.
• Driving under the influence. Even one impaired decision behind the wheel of a semi can destroy multiple lives.

Each cause may point to more than one party at fault. A Los Angeles semi-truck accident attorney can help identify responsible parties and build a case to hold them accountable.

Common Injuries in Truck Collisions

The sheer size and force of a truck crash often cause severe, long-term injuries. Victims may face months of recovery and ongoing therapy.

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These can cause memory loss, mood changes, and long-term cognitive issues.
• Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can lead to chronic pain or permanent paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures. Multiple or compound fractures are common in high-impact collisions.
• Internal injuries. Damage to organs or internal bleeding can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
• Severe burns or lacerations. Fuel fires and metal debris can cause lasting disfigurement or scarring.

Many victims also suffer psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our firm takes these injuries seriously and works to document both the physical and emotional toll of every case.

Compensation Available in a Truck Accident Claim

Truck crashes often cause lasting financial and personal losses. In California, you may be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages, depending on the details of your case.

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses, such as:

• Medical expenses—includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment;
• Lost wages and future income—covers paychecks missed during recovery and any reduction in future earning ability;
• Property damage—repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal items; and
• Out-of-pocket costs—travel to appointments, home modifications, and other necessary expenses.

This compensation helps cover the financial losses caused by the crash, providing you with the stability to focus on your recovery.

Noneconomic Damages

These reflect the emotional and human costs of the crash:

• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress and trauma,
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Loss of companionship or support when relationships are affected.

In cases where a trucking company knowingly violates safety rules, punitive damages may apply. These damages aim to punish extreme misconduct.

A skilled Los Angeles semi-truck accident attorney at Silva Injury Law can help calculate these losses accurately and present evidence that reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Liability in California Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident claims often involve several potential defendants. California’s comparative negligence rule allows multiple parties to share responsibility for a crash. Even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover damages. Your percentage of fault simply reduces your compensation. This means that if a jury finds you 20% responsible, you can still collect 80% of your total damages.

Because these cases often involve large companies and their insurers, they may try to shift blame onto you to minimize payouts. That’s why it’s essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help preserve crucial evidence, such as driver logs, dashcam footage, and maintenance records, before they’re lost or destroyed.

Why Choose Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney Silva Injury Law?

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference when you’ve been hurt in a truck accident. You need attorneys who understand the law and the human cost of these crashes. You need a team of professionals who will fight for your recovery while treating you with compassion and respect.

We have taken on trucking companies, corporate insurers, and major carriers in complex cases. Our team includes nationally recognized trial lawyers who prepare every case as if it will go before a jury.

Our lawyers have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for injured Californians, and we’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. At Silva Injury Law, we promote healing through compassionate advocacy. We combine skill, empathy, and determination to help clients recover after devastating truck crashes.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Us Today

As a Los Angeles truck accident law firm, we handle every part of your claim. We collect records, work with accident reconstruction experts, and negotiate with insurers. Our team is always ready to present your case in court if necessary. You can trust us to treat you with the same care and respect we offer our family.

Contact our office online or call (209) 600-4389 today to learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

In most cases, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date. However, claims against a government entity must be filed within six months under the California Government Claims Act.

What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Crash?

You may still recover compensation under California’s comparative fault law. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Truck Accident?

Medical costs are usually paid by your health insurance or through medical liens while your case is pending. Once your case resolves, those costs are reimbursed from your settlement or verdict.

How Is a Truck Accident Different from a Car Accident Case?

Truck cases are more complex because they often involve corporate defendants, multiple insurance policies, and federal safety regulations. That’s why working with an experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney who understands how to handle these claims is important.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

Silva Injury Law works on a contingency fee basis for truck accident cases. You pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.