Los Angeles Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyers

The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani:

Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Southern California

Motorists share the road with tractor trailers every day. Although truck drivers are expected to abide by strict laws regarding safety, work hours, etc., big rigs can present a hazard just because of their sheer size and weight. A typical semi can weigh 80,000 pounds. On the other hand, most cars weigh from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, so a tractor trailer accident tends to be quite devastating for automobiles, their drivers, and occupants.

Tractor trailers carry large amounts of cargo over long distances. They’re generally harder to maneuver than passenger vehicles. More time and distance are needed to slow them down and stop. For example, on average, a truck traveling at 60 miles per hour requires about 350 feet to stop, making it hard for a truck driver to react quickly and for cars to get out of the way.

The result: Often devastating accidents that can cause major damage, serious injuries, and loss of life.

There are different causes of tractor trailer accidents, which include:

Speeding

Driving at higher speeds makes it harder to control a truck and react in time to road conditions. Speeding is the most common safety violation committed by truck drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often exceed the federal legal limit for daily work hours, which restricts them to 11 hours of driving during a 14 consecutive hour period, after a rest period of 10 or more consecutive hours.

Distracted/Reckless Driving

Drivers who talk/text on a mobile phone, read a map, eat, or use the radio while driving increase the risk of crashing any vehicle, and even more so when driving a much larger, complex truck.

Drug/Alcohol Use

Driving a truck under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, and even some prescription medications puts truck drivers at risk of a crash. Substance use can slow reaction times, alter perception, and cause drowsiness while operating the vehicle.

Maintenance Issues/Defects

Failure to maintain brakes, tires, lights, trailer couplings, and other systems, on the part of the driver or the company, can make driving unsafe. Mechanical defects can cause a crash, especially due to brake failure or a defective tire.

What to Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident

If you are the driver of the tractor trailer, you can be represented by our Orange County or Los Angeles truck accident lawyers so long as you are not at fault for the accident. Your vehicle’s condition, logbooks, maintenance records, and cell phone records may be used as evidence. Make sure these are available and not lost or destroyed in advance of the investigation.

Drivers of other vehicles may be at fault if their actions contributed to the accident. If you were not at fault, your attorney will help you get compensated for your injuries, damages, and other hardship caused by the crash. After the accident, gather as much evidence as you can, including photographs and witness accounts. Call 911 and get medical attention; your medical bills and accident-related expenses will be factored into the settlement amount we will fight for.

Typical Truck Accident Injuries

Tractor Trailer Accident FAQs

What Is The “No Zone” Area Of A Tractor Trailer?

Tractor trailers have large blind spots, limiting visibility. The “No Zone” covers areas behind and alongside the vehicle; drivers should stay clear of the left or right rear quarters of a truck to avoid a collision.

Who Can Be Held Liable For My Tractor Trailer Accident?

Liability may fall on the truck driver or their employer. The owner or lessee of the vehicle, a loader, mechanic, truck manufacturer, shipper, or government agency could also be liable.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On My Tractor Trailer Accident?

Starting at the date of your crash, you have a time limit of two years to file a claim, but the investigation and claims process can take a while. Your Los Angeles or Orange County truck accident attorney is familiar with the process, so the complexities should not get in the way.

The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani Fights for You

Our tractor trailer accident attorney in Los Angeles is prepared to fight for your rights and to get you maximum compensation. We are experienced negotiating with insurance companies and know all the laws pertaining to your accident.

Call the firm today to set up your no-cost consultation!

(888) 952-2952

Find out how much your case is worth

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