Beverly Hills Truck Accident Lawyer

We Provide Personalized Representation for Truck Accident Victims in Beverly Hills

Large commercial trucks are massive. When fully loaded, they can weigh as much as 40 tons—dwarfing the size of your standard passenger car. Truck accidents are far more common than many people realize. According to preliminary data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 361 fatal truck accidents in California in 2017. In fact, California had one of the highest truck accident fatality rates in the nation, second only to Texas.

When truck accidents are not fatal, they typically result in devastating, catastrophic injuries. Victims can take legal action with an experienced truck accident attorney to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, truck accident claims are incredibly complex and require the skill and experience of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in trucking accidents.

At Saeedian Law Group, our experienced truck accident lawyers have nearly a decade of legal experience that we are ready to put to work for you. If you or your loved one was hurt in a semi-truck crash, it is imperative that you have a top-tier lawyer on your side. Contact our skilled truck accident lawyers at (310) 288-3000 for a free consultation with our Beverly Hills truck accident attorney at our law firm. Our experienced truck accident lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA can travel to meet you anywhere in California.

The Steps to Take After a Commercial Truck Accident in Beverly Hills, California

Were you hurt in a tractor trailer accident in Beverly Hills? It is normal to have a ton of questions about what comes next as a truck accident victim. You cannot rely on any insurance company—even your own insurer—to look out for your best interests without the experience of a California trucking accident lawyer. A proactive approach is a must starting by hiring a California trucking accident attorney. Here are five key things that you should do after a commercial truck accident in Los Angeles County:

Stop Your Car: California’s vehicle code requires all motorists who were involved in a crash to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. Truck accidents are no exception to the rule. You should exchange information with the trucker/trucking company at the scene of the collision.
Report the Crash: Your crash should be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible. Be sure to notify the Beverly Hills Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The responding officer will document the scene and write a police report.
See a Doctor: A big rig accident can cause terrible injuries. Given the inherent risk, it is crucial that any person who was involved in a commercial truck crash sees a doctor right away. A traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal bleeding, and other common injuries can manifest with a delayed onset. Protect yourself by seeing a doctor.
Document It: California is a fault-based motor vehicle state, including for eighteen wheeler accidents. Every crash should be thoroughly documented. Beyond exchanging information and calling the police, you should take photographs and get the contact information for any eyewitnesses. The more evidence you have, the better positioned you will be for justice.
Consult with a Lawyer: Neither the trucking company nor their insurance company is on your side. They put their bottom line first—not what is right for you and your family. The best way to handle insurance adjusters is to do it through your Beverly Hills truck accident lawyer. Call a lawyer right away after a commercial truck accident in Beverly Hills to file a truck accident lawsuit.

Semi-Truck Crashes Cause Devastating Injuries

As eighteen wheelers are dramatically larger than passenger cars, they pose a serious health and safety risk. When an accident happens, a truck can contribute to devastating injuries. Notably in these truck accident statistics, three quarters of people killed in truck accidents in California were outside of the truck when the crash happened—meaning they were drivers, passengers of small vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Some of the most common injuries reported in semi-truck crashes in Beverly Hills include:

Sprains;
Strains;
Broken bones;
Back injuries;
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
Loss of limb (amputation); and
Spinal cord trauma.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

While truck drivers are professionals who receive hours of training, they are not exempt from making mistakes. In fact, many truck accidents are the result of carelessness or recklessness on the part of the truck operator. However, this is by no means the only cause of truck accidents.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Distracted driving, including eating or texting while driving
Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (DUI)
Falling asleep at the wheel/fatigued driving
Speeding
Failing to yield the right-of-way
Failing to stop at red lights and/or stop signs
Reckless driving
Following too closely (“tailgating”)
Careless or negligent driving behaviors, such as turning into the path of oncoming traffic
Inexperienced drivers
Poor weather conditions
Improper truck maintenance
Defective truck parts, such as defective tires or brakes
Lack of proper supervision
Failure to conduct truck driver background checks
Unsafe/defective roadway design or construction

Of course, this is not a complete list. Indeed, there are many other situations that may lead to a truck accident. Further, it is not uncommon for commercial truck accidents in Southern California to have multiple overlapping causes. For this and other reasons, it is crucial that your crash is thoroughly investigated by an experienced Beverly Hills attorney.

Liability in Truck Accident Claims

Like other types of personal injury claims, truck accident cases revolve around the notion of liability—who is responsible for the accident and, as a result, your injuries and other losses? Unlike other types of motor vehicle collisions, such as car and motorcycle accidents, however, proving liability in truck accident claims is often very complex. Given the challenges, it is crucial that all large truck accidents are comprehensively investigated by an experienced Beverly Hills attorney.

While a truck driver may seem to be at fault for an accident, and he or she may be actually at fault for the collision, he or she is an employee of a trucking company. In most cases, employers are liable for the actions of their employees while their employees are working. Therefore, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be liable. This is further complicated when another party, such as a truck parts manufacturer or an individual responsible for conducting truck maintenance, is also partially at fault.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Truck Accidents in California

California is a pure comparative fault jurisdiction. It is crucial that any person hurt in a serious semi-truck accident has a general understanding of how comparative negligence could potentially impact their case. Broadly explained, comparative negligence is a principle used to determine and allocate liability in cases where multiple parties may be at fault. Under this rule, each party’s financial responsibility for damages corresponds to their percentage of fault in the incident. There are big implications for truck accident victims. You can recover compensation even if you are at fault for your own crash. However, the value of your case will be reduced proportionately.

It is easiest to understand California’s pure comparative negligence system for semi-truck accidents through a hypothetical example. Imagine a scenario where a truck driver runs a red light and collides with your vehicle at an intersection in Beverly Hills. It caused a terrible crash and you suffered $80,000 in total damages. However, an investigation reveals that you were speeding when the crash happened. You are assigned 20 percent fault. Under California law, you would be responsible for 20 percent of your own damages ($16,000). You could still bring a truck accident claim to recover the remaining 80 percent ($64,000).

An Overview of Key Regulations that Apply to the Trucking Industry for a Truck Driver in California

Trucking is a highly regulated industry. Truckers, truck companies, and all other parties involved in the process need to put a strong emphasis on safety. Profits of these companies can never be allowed to come before people. Here are some of the key safety regulations that typically apply to large commercial trucks that operate in Southern California California:

Commercial Licensing: Under California law, commercial truck drivers are required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to be eligible to operate a heavy truck. Notably, applicants (drivers) must pass both knowledge and skills tests. Special endorsements are also needed for operating specific types of vehicles or carrying certain types of cargo. Truck companies must ensure drivers are licensed and properly trained.
Hour of Service (HOS) Limit: Fatigued driving is a serious problem in trucking. The Hour of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to prevent fatigue by limiting the hours truck drivers can operate. Drivers must adhere to a maximum of 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window after being off duty for 10 consecutive hours. Further, the regulations mandate a 30-minute rest break for drivers if more than eight hours have passed since their last off-duty period.
Cargo Securement Rules: Too many truck accidents happened because of poorly loaded trailers. There could be problems with balancing, it could be overloaded, or it could be outright unsecured cargo. California enforces strict cargo securement rules to ensure that loads on commercial vehicles are stabilized and secured throughout transit. These regulations require that all cargo be fastened with appropriate devices like straps, chains, and tensioners that meet specific strength and durability standards.
Vehicle Maintenance Standards: California mandates that trucking companies follow rigorous vehicle maintenance standards for all commercial trucks to ensure they are safe to operate on public roads. These standards require regular inspections, servicing, and repairs of crucial components like brakes, tires, and lights. Documentation of all maintenance activities must be maintained to verify compliance with safety regulations.

Know the Deadline: Two Year Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, semi-truck accident injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. In other words, you generally have two years from the date of the big rig accident itself to file a personal injury lawsuit. If no lawsuit is filed within the given timeframe, then you could lose out on your right to seek compensation at all. Very narrow exceptions are all that apply to the truck accident statute of limitations. Do not fall behind an insurance company: Speak to a Beverly Hills, CA semi-truck accident lawyer right away after a serious collision.

Our Firm Fights for the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

In California, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages, including intangible losses. To get full and fair compensation, it is crucial that your damages are carefully documented. Insurance companies want to pay out less. They will use any excuse to undervalue your claim—potentially offering just pennies on the dollar. Our Beverly Hills truck accident lawyers fight hard to help clients maximize their settlement or verdict, including for:

Property loss, including vehicle repairs/replacement;
Ambulance costs and emergency medical care;
Hospital bills and other types of health costs;
Long-term physical rehabilitation;
Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
Pain and suffering & mental harm;
Disability or disfigurement; and
Wrongful death of a family member.

Beware of Insurance Adjusters: Four Tips to Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident

Following a truck accident, you are likely to end up dealing with an insurance company. It could be the trucking company’s liability insurer and/or your own policy provider. Unfortunately, insurance company representatives are not on your side. You need to beware of their motives. They want to protect their employer. Here are four tips for dealing with insurers in Beverly Hills:

Never Admit Fault: Fault matters in semi-truck accident claims in California. After a truck accident, it is crucial to avoid admitting fault—even partial fault. Even seemingly casual remarks that imply responsibility—like apologizing for a crash— can be interpreted as an admission of liability. Let your Beverly Hills truck accident lawyer handle issues of fault.
Decline to Give a Statement: You are not required to give a recorded statement to any insurance company immediately after a collision. Insurance adjusters may press you for a statement immediately following an accident. Politely decline to discuss any details until you have consulted with your attorney. Your words could be taken out of context.
Watch Out for a Lowball Settlement: One of the best ways to get a full and fair settlement offer after a serious truck accident is to be patient. Insurance companies often propose initial settlements that are far below proper value. Be wary of accepting the first offer. Your attorney can help you fight for the absolute maximum financial compensation.
Work Through Your Attorney: You have the right to hire a top-tier attorney to help you through your civil truck accident injury claim. Your lawyer can handle the insurance company. Indeed. communicating through your attorney after a truck accident ensures that your legal rights are protected and that negotiations are handled in the proper manner.

Why Trust Our Beverly Hills, CA Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys

Commercial truck accident claims are complicated. You do not have to take on a large trucking company or an aggressive insurance carrier alone. At Saeedian Law Group, we are prepared to be by your side each and every step of the way. With millions of dollars in compensation recovered for victims and families, we have the case results you can rely on. Along with other things, our Beverly Hills tractor trailer accident attorneys are ready to:

Hear what you have to say, answer questions, and explain your legal options;
Investigate your truck accident, gathering the evidence to prove fault;
Represent you in any personal injury settlement negotiations with the insurer; and
Put together a personalized strategy to help you get the very best outcome.

Commercial Truck Accident Claims in Beverly Hills: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Look for in a Beverly Hills Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?

Experience, skill, professionalism, and a history of successful results in similar cases. You should also look for a Beverly Hills, CA semi-truck accident attorney who is willing to handle your case with care, compassion, and personalized legal representation. Your lawyer is your advocate. The right attorney can make a huge difference in your claim. We encourage you to set up a free, no obligation consultation with our Beverly Hills truck accident lawyer to learn more about our services.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in California?

A number of different parties may be legally liable for a truck accident in California. Liability in a commercial truck accident in California can include the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers of truck parts, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. Notably, multiple parties could share liability for the same crash. Every serious truck accident in Beverly Hills should be thoroughly investigated to determine exactly what went wrong.

Do Trucking Companies Have Larger Insurance Policies?

Yes. In California, insurance companies are required by law to have larger liability policies. The reason for this is the higher potential for serious damage and catastrophic injuries in accidents. Most commercial truck accidents are required to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Some types of trucks need to carry an even larger policy. Notably, the insurance companies that handle truck accident claims tend to be especially aggressive.

How Do You Prove Fault in a Truck Accident Case in Beverly Hills, CA?

Evidence. A strong, proactive investigation is a must. Proving fault in a truck accident case in California involves gathering and presenting a wide array of different types of evidence—from photographs to police reports to witness statements to traffic camera footage to truck company inspection records to expert reconstruction analyses.

Should I Try to Settle My Truck Accident Claim?

A settlement is often the ideal outcome in a truck accident injury case. With that being said, you should not agree to a settlement unless the offer is fair, full, and represents the true value of your legal case. Your Beverly Hills truck accident attorney can help you fight for a proper settlement. Do not agree to settle your case until you are 100 percent certain that you are getting a full, fair settlement offer from the trucking company and its insurance carrier.

What is the Average Timeline for a Truck Accident Injury Case in Beverly Hills?

The timeline for a truck accident injury case in California varies quite a bit. It could be as little as a month or two for less complex cases. On the other hand, a catastrophic accident that results in a sharp dispute over liability could take well over a year—especially if litigation is required.

Can You Get Punitive Damages Through a Truck Accident Claim in California?

It is possible, but punitive damages will only be awarded in cases involving gross negligence. To be clear, these damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff but rather to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. You generally need to prove extreme recklessness by the trucker or trucking company. An example could be drunk driving by a trucker. Alternatively, punitive damages may be awarded if a truck company falsified inspection records.

You Can Always Afford a Top-Tier Beverly Hills Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney in Beverly Hills? With Saeedian Law Group, you never have to worry about any upfront costs or hourly bills. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for our clients. We do not get paid until you get paid. Our Beverly Hills semi-truck accident lawyers represent victims on a contingency fee basis. Your initial case evaluation is free, completely confidential, and carries zero commitments.

Discuss Your Case with Saeedian Law Group Today

Our firm represents injured individuals and the surviving family members of those wrongfully killed in all types of truck accidents, including those involving large semi-trucks, delivery trucks, mail trucks, and other commercial vehicles. We can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. The goal of our Beverly Hills truck accident attorney is to secure justice on behalf of you and your family.

At Saeedian Law Group, our Beverly Hills semi-truck accident lawyers go above and beyond to provide the highest level of personalized representation for injured victims. Call us today at (310) 288-3000 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form. We are available by phone 24/7.