Gardena Truck Accident Lawyer

Gardena Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents are particularly dangerous for anyone caught up in a crash with an 18-wheeler or another large commercial vehicle. Large commercial trucks can weigh several tons or more, and their sheer weight can cause catastrophic injuries or even death to car crash victims. If you or a loved one was harmed or killed in a truck accident, you can hire a Gardena truck accident lawyer to review your case before seeking compensation for your injuries.

Among trusted law firms in Gardena, many clients have relied on the legal services of McLachlan Law, APC. Our founding attorney has a deep understanding of personal injury law and decades of experience in representing satisfied clients.

Why Choose McLachlan Law, APC?

With 25 years of experience in civil litigation, our Gardena-based law firm is dedicated to providing exceptional representation in truck accident cases. We have a proven record of winning substantial verdicts and settlements for clients across California.

With a focus on personal injury, we work to protect the rights of accident victims while pursuing fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our deep knowledge of state and federal courts, combined with extensive experience in handling complex truck accident cases, enables us to navigate the legal system effectively.

We recognize the challenges truck accident victims face and are dedicated to pursuing justice on their behalf, whether through negotiation or litigation. Holding truck drivers and companies accountable requires legal acumen and persistence, and our team has both. From start to finish, we focus on your needs while prioritizing your goals throughout the process.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for many of the same reasons that passenger vehicle collisions do. Our law firm can represent you if you were injured following these and other common causes of truck accidents:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is distracted from the road by activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls in the vehicle. These lapses significantly increase the risk of accidents by impairing the driver’s focus and reaction time. In California, distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions and is punishable by law.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence involves operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In California, DUI is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. DUI accidents often lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

Speeding

Speeding could involve a truck driving faster than the posted speed limit or faster than weather conditions permit. This reduces the driver’s ability to react to obstacles and increases the severity of accidents. Speeding is a common factor in many California car accidents and is a violation of traffic laws.

Mechanical Failure

Commercial trucks are complicated machines that require regular maintenance and inspections. Mechanical failure occurs when a vehicle malfunctions due to faulty parts, lack of maintenance, or manufacturing defects.

Common failures include brake issues, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions, which can lead to loss of control and accidents. In California, drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure their safe operation on the road.

Weather

When weather conditions are dangerous, drivers are expected to reduce speed and pay extra attention to roadways. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or high winds, can create hazardous driving environments by reducing visibility and road traction.

Failure to adjust driving habits during poor weather conditions can lead drivers to make errors that can make them liable for any accidents they cause in these situations.

What to Do After a Truck Collision in Gardena, CA

Following a truck accident, your first priority should be your safety and that of your passengers. If the collision is serious and potentially involves injuries, call 911 and inform the dispatcher where the accident occurred and how many people could potentially be injured.

If your vehicle is still operating, pull over to the side of the road and away from moving traffic if you can safely do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and remain in your vehicle until help arrives if it’s safe to do so. This can prevent further accidents and keep you and your passengers safe from oncoming traffic.

When police and EMS arrive, provide details to the police as requested and consider allowing paramedics to examine you for injuries. Adrenaline after a car crash can cover signs of an injury. Once the car crash scene is cordoned off, you can take photos or video footage of the crash site for later use. Gather contact information from the other parties in the crash and any eyewitnesses.

Your next step should be to hire a Gardena Truck Accident Attorney. Avoid speaking to the at-fault party’s car insurance carrier if at all possible. Car insurance companies are in the business of making profits, and they may ask you questions that weaken your claim. Your attorney can speak on your behalf.

Proving Fault

Proving fault after a truck accident involves gathering and analyzing evidence to establish liability. Key factors include determining the truck driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Collecting evidence like police reports, witness statements, and dashcam footage can strengthen your case.

Examining truck maintenance records and compliance with safety regulations is crucial. Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists may also be necessary to clarify how the accident occurred. Establishing a clear link between the driver’s actions and the collision will be vital in pursuing compensation for damages and injuries resulting from the accident.

How a Gardena Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Trucking companies often have their own attorneys, and their insurance carriers may not be easy to work with. Even if they do make a settlement offer, it may not fully compensate you for what you are owed.

A Gardena, CA truck accident attorney brings critical knowledge of driving and personal injury laws. After establishing fault, your lawyer can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. Insurance companies are much more likely to take your claim seriously if you retain legal counsel.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your attorney can explore the possibility of filing a personal injury claim in court. This process can often lead to a favorable settlement agreement. A fair settlement can compensate you for past, recent, and even future medical costs, along with compensation for lost wages and other financial hardships you’ve endured following a truck accident.

In the rare case that negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement proposal from the defendant, your Gardena Truck Accident lawyer can take the case to court to let a jury or judge decide who is financially responsible for paying for your injuries and compensating you for your financial losses.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements can vary considerably, but they often lead to larger compensation totals than accidents involving small passenger vehicles. One reason is due to the considerable harm that a semi-truck can cause. Large commercial trucks are also required to carry larger insurance policies than passenger vehicles, which can facilitate fair settlements following an accident.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Truck Accident in California?

A: The statute of limitations for a truck accident and most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. If the injury was not noticed until after the accident, your lawyer may argue for a proportional extension of the legal deadline, but the final decision on any extension would be up to a judge. Hiring an attorney in Gardena, CA soon after a truck accident can prevent you from missing important filing deadlines.

Q: How Much Will You Get Paid If an 18-Wheeler Hits You in California?

A: 18-wheeler accidents have the potential to result in sizable settlements. This does not mean that the process will be easy, though. Having experienced legal counsel can greatly improve the odds that you are fairly compensated for your injuries after a collision with a large commercial vehicle. Compensation can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Q: How Do I Contest a Settlement to Get More Money From a Car Accident?

A: You are not obligated to accept a less-than-favorable settlement. If the at-fault party does not offer a fair settlement, your attorney can work with you to gather and present evidence that supports an increased settlement amount. Lawyers are skilled negotiators, and having an attorney who can clearly present your case can help you contest a settlement that does not compensate you for your injuries.

Schedule Your Gardena Truck Accident Consultation Today

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or even the loss of life. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to the negligent driving of a truck driver, our law firm can hold the at-fault driver accountable in court.

For more than 25 years, McLachlan Law, APC, has represented clients who were injured due to the actions of truck drivers. We understand the state’s laws and how to get results for our clients. With legal representation from our founding attorney, you can receive fair compensation for your injuries. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.