Burbank Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and considerable financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been implicated in a truck accident in Burbank, California, Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm is here to help. Our dedicated team will walk you through pursuing justice and seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

Our team's experienced truck accident lawyer can represent you following a large commercial truck or semi-truck accident. Seek medical care before talking to the other party or the insurance company. Then, give us a call to schedule a free case consultation.

Importance of Seeking Legal Representation After a Truck Accident

Securing legal representation after a truck accident is essential in protecting your rights and interests. An experienced truck accident attorney can provide comprehensive services, including:

Initial consultation and case evaluation

Our Burbank truck accident lawyers can provide a free initial consultation to evaluate the specifics of your case, identify potential claims, and discuss the best legal strategies to secure the compensation you deserve.

Investigation and evidence gathering

Truck accident cases can involve complex issues and require extensive investigations. To build a strong case, your attorney can gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, trucking logs, witness statements, and expert testimonies.

Building a strong legal strategy for your case

Based on the evidence, your lawyer can formulate a legal strategy tailored to your situation, ensuring your case is effectively presented for negotiations or in court.

Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties

Insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce their liability and may offer settlements that are far below what victims deserve. Your attorney can negotiate with these companies on your behalf to ensure you secure fair compensation.

Representing clients in court, if necessary

If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court, using their expertise to advocate for your rights and interests.

Commercial Driver and Truck Regulations in Burbank, CA

Truck drivers and trucking companies in Burbank, CA and elsewhere,, are subject to federal and state regulations designed to ensure safety on the roads. These rules encompass diverse issues, including driver licensing, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, hours of service, and drug and alcohol testing.

Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to serious accidents and make the driver or trucking company liable for damages.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Burbank, CA

A combination of factors can cause truck accidents. Understanding these can help identify who may be at fault in a truck accident:

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a grave concern in the trucking industry. Federal regulations restrict the number of hours a truck driver can work and need rest periods between shifts. Despite these guidelines, driver fatigue remains a persistent issue, as some drivers may ignore these regulations under the pressure of tight delivery schedules, putting themselves and others on the road at an increased risk of accidents.

Lack of Training

Operating a commercial truck safely demands specialized skills and training. However, not all drivers receive the proper training needed to operate these large vehicles safely. This can result in a range of dangerous behaviors on the road, including improper lane changes, failure to signal, and inability to control the vehicle in adverse weather conditions. Lack of training cwould put the driver at risk and other road users who share the highways with these massive vehicles.

Overweight Trucks

Overloading a commercial truck beyond the stipulated weight limits set by the FMCSA can severely impact the truck's stability and maneuverability. An overweight truck can be harder to handle and steer, especially in sudden braking scenarios, resulting in longer stopping distances and a higher risk of jackknifing. This increases the risk of accidents and puts undue strain on infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, leading to premature deterioration.

Driving While Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Truck drivers operating under the influence have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased motor control — a deadly combination when behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle. This behavior significantly increases the likelihood of a catastrophic accident, putting lives at risk.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a widespread problem impacting all drivers, including those behind the wheels of commercial trucks. Distractions can take many forms, from texting on a mobile device to eating, adjusting the radio, or looking at a navigation system. Even a momentary loss of focus can have disastrous consequences, given the size, speed, and stopping distances associated with commercial trucks.

Road Hazards

Commercial trucks are especially vulnerable to road hazards due to their size and weight. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate or misleading signage, or severe weather conditions can create hazardous situations that can lead to accidents. For truck drivers, even a minor road defect can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Speeding

Many truck accidents are caused by speeding. When a truck driver goes beyond the speed limit, they might have a difficult time handling curves. They might also take longer to come to a complete stop. This can dramatically increase their chances of being involved in a truck accident.

These are just a few of the most common examples of reasons why truck accidents might happen. Be sure to seek medical care as soon as possible. Then, reach out to our Burbank truck accident lawyers to schedule a case consultation.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Accidents involving commercial trucks often lead to serious injuries because of the utter size and weight disparity between the vehicles. These collisions can lead to a variety of serious injuries, impacting different areas of the body and varying in severity. Some of the most frequently encountered truck accident injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: This can involve a mild concussion to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These could result in temporary or permanent paralysis, affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Fractures: Bones can break from the impact of the accident, sometimes requiring surgery and long-term therapy for recovery.
• Burns: These can occur if a fire starts during the accident, causing painful and often long-lasting damage.
• Internal Injuries: Organs can be damaged from the impact or from puncture wounds, which can be life-threatening.
• Fatalities: Unfortunately, due to the severity of these accidents, they can sometimes result in loss of life.

Regardless of the nature of the injury, victims need to seek immediate medical attention. The expenses linked to treating these injuries can be significant, leading to a great deal of physical, emotional, and financial strain. This underscores the importance of seeking legal representation to make sure victims receive the compensation they are entitled to.

Guidelines for Federal Truck Driver Hours

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service regulations to combat driver fatigue. As linked above, these rules limit the maximum number of hours a truck driver can drive and require rest periods. Violations of these regulations can be a key factor in truck accident cases. We can investigate and see if driver fatigue played a role in your specific accident.

Proving Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Identifying the responsible parties and establishing their fault are crucial aspects of a truck accident case.

Liable Parties in a Burbank Trucking Accident

Potentially responsible parties in a truck accident can include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even a maintenance provider. Determining liability requires a careful analysis of the circumstances of the accident and the roles of these parties.

Establishing Negligence and Fault

To establish fault, it must be shown that the party acted negligently, that this negligence led to the accident, and that it resulted in injuries and damages. Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, trucking logs, and expert opinions can be invaluable in establishing negligence and fault.

Statute of Limitations of Truck Accident Claims in Burbank, CA

Injuries you sustain in a truck accident in CA will typically be categorized as personal injuries. Therefore, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim; however, this can vary depending on the nature of your case and the injuries you might have suffered. That is why you need to reach out to us to schedule a case consultation as soon as possible. We are here to help you.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Burbank, CA

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to cover tangible, out-of-pocket losses that result directly from a truck accident. This category of damages is concrete, as it can be easily quantified based on actual expenses and financial losses.

• Medical Expenses: This includes the costs of immediate medical care following the accident, as well as anticipated future medical costs, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Wages: If the injury caused by the accident forces you to miss work or diminishes your earning capacity, you can be eligible for compensation for these lost wages. This can also include losses due to diminished earning capacity if the injuries impede you from returning to your previous job or require a change in occupation.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property suffered damage in the truck accident, economic damages could cover repairs or replacement costs.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the non-tangible, subjective losses suffered due to a truck accident. These are often more difficult to quantify, as they cover areas of loss that don't come with a clear price tag.

• Pain and Suffering: This pertains to the physical pain and discomfort that result from the injuries sustained in the accident. Compensation considers the severity of the pain, the duration of the pain, and the impact of the pain on your quality of life.
• Emotional Distress: Truck accidents can lead to significant psychological impacts, including stress, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress covers the suffering caused by these psychological impacts.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the injuries from the accident hinder you from enjoying hobbies, recreational activities, or other sources of enjoyment in life, you may be compensated for this loss. This also includes limitations on your ability to engage in family events and social activities.

Contact Our Burbank Truck Accident Lawyer at Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don't hesitate to contact Lerner Law Injury & Accident Firm. Our dedicated Burbank truck accident lawyer is ready to provide you with a free consultation and help you navigate the complex process of seeking justice and compensation.

Call us today to get started on your case. It would be our honor to provide you with the legal representation that you expect and deserve.