Were you or a family member injured in a preventable truck accident in the Greater Los Angeles area because of another party’s carelessness or negligence?
The nationally-recognized truck accident lawyers at Wisner Baum can help you seek the maximum amount of compensation available under the law.
No one should be subject to avoidable injury, nor should anyone be stuck having to pay for associated expenses.
At Wisner Baum, we know that it can be difficult to overcome the physical, mental, and emotional injuries caused by a big rig truck accident.
Our firm has helped many clients bring negligent semi-truck operators to justice, as evidenced by just a handful of our past successes, some of which include:
- $15 million settlement for a commercial trucking accident
- $8.5 million landmark win for a commercial trucking accident (classified as the largest verdict for the death of an unmarried Ohio resident)
- $6.9 million settlement for a truck accident involving a semi-truck
Please note that past favorable results do not guarantee a similar outcome in future cases. However, we will apply the valuable insight and skills we learned during these cases to reinforce the strength of your claim.
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Call our truck accident attorneys in Los Angeles today at (310) 207-3233 or contact us online to get started on your case.
Are Truck Accidents Common in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles freeways are riddled with potholes, even though they always seem to be under construction. Our city streets are often at too steep of an incline, and there are miles-long stretches of interstate highways without rest stops. These hazards are bound to pose risks to even the most conscientious truck drivers.
These same roads become significantly more dangerous when truck drivers ignore safety protocols and drive recklessly, while fatigued, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
According to truck crash statistics from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Los Angeles County sees on average 2,200 injury truck crashes and 50 fatal truck crashes on an annual basis, by far more than any other county in the state.*
*based on CHP statistics over 5-year period
Truck Accident Hotspots in the Los Angeles Area
According to data from the Southern California Association of Governments, the 710 Freeway is one of the most dangerous highways in the Los Angeles area when it comes to truck accidents. More than 42,000 trips across this highway are made daily by commercial trucks, making it a “hotspot” for collisions.
Freeway sections with the highest number of truck crashes per mile include:
- The 710 at the 60 in the East L.A. Interchange: 7.2 truck accidents per mile annually
- The 5 between the 710 and the 10: 6.6 truck accidents per mile annually
- The convergence of the 60 and the 57: 6 truck accidents per mile annually
- The 710 between the 105 and the 91: 5.8 truck accidents per mile annually
Some of Southern California’s other busiest truck routes include:
- Interstate 5: Interstate 5 is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the Los Angeles area, spanning from Mexico to the border of Oregon.
- Interstate 10: Interstate 10 is another heavily traveled highway in the Los Angeles area, which runs from Santa Monica through downtown Los Angeles to the Arizona border.
- State Route 14: State Route 14 is a major highway that runs through northern Los Angeles County and connects with both I-5 and I-10.
- State Route 60: State Route 60 is another major highway that runs through Los Angeles County and connects with both I-5 and I-10.
- Interstate 405: Interstate 405 runs through southern Los Angeles County and connects with both I-5 and I-10, as well as other major highways in the area such as SR 14 and SR 60.
How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Attorney
For most people harmed in a big rig or semi-truck crash, picking out the best Los Angeles trucking accident attorney boils down to the following:
Specialty
Attorneys have different specialties, just like doctors. You wouldn’t want a cardiologist to perform surgery on your knee, would you?
If a family member were in a car accident, you’d want to go with an attorney who specializes in car accident litigation. If you or a family member were in a truck accident, you would want to make sure you pick an attorney who specializes in truck accident lawsuits.
Why experience and knowledge matter
Reputation
These days, there are consumer reviews on everything, including truck accident lawyers and the firms they work for.
Be sure to read client testimonials from lawyers and their law firms.
Attorneys should be happy to connect you with past clients they have represented so they can give you a firsthand history of their experience working with the lawyer/law firm.
Read reviews from past clients
History
A truck accident law firm that has a lengthy practice history litigating cases like yours should give you confidence.
Helping truck accident victims since 1985
Trial Experience
While it may be true that the vast majority of truck accident lawsuits are settled out of court, your attorney should have extensive trial experience in the event your claim cannot be settled out of court.
Car and truck accident lawsuits that proceed to trial are often complex, requiring adherence to proper procedures and rules of evidence. Put simply, this task should not be left to a novice.
Companies we have handled trucking cases against
Track Record
It may seem obvious, but any attorney you hire should have an established winning record for big rig and semi-truck accident cases.
Over $4 billion in settlements and verdicts
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If your vehicle gets hit by a truck, there are several key steps you should take after the accident to support any legal action you may take down the line.
Taking the following steps may help your case succeed later:
- Check to see if anyone requires medical attention and contact emergency medical services.
- Seek medical treatment and retain all records of treatment received.
- Exchange contact, vehicle, and insurance information with the truck driver. Make sure to get the business contact information for the truck driver’s employer as well.
- Obtain a copy of the responding officer’s police report.
- Check to see if there are any nearby traffic or security cameras whose footage can be used as evidence.
- Contact an experienced truck crash lawyer in Los Angeles.
Do I Have Grounds to File a Truck Accident Claim?
If a truck driver, trucking company, and/or truck manufacturer caused or contributed to an accident that left you injured, you may be able to pursue justice and compensation in a truck accident lawsuit.
Most semi-truck accidents are caused by:
If you believe any of these were factors in a truck crash that caused you harm, it is highly advisable that you discuss the matter with a truck accident attorney in Los Angeles who has experience litigating against major truck companies and their insurers – like those at Wisner Baum.
What If I Am Partially Responsible for the Crash?
In the state of California, injured individuals who may be partially at fault for a crash between a car and a truck can still pursue legal action because the state employs comparative negligence, which means all contributing acts of negligence are taken into account.
The defendant (or defendants) in a comparative negligence case will likely try to increase how responsible you as the victim are for the accident and argue that their client (the trucker or trucking company) is “less responsible” to limit their liability.
This is why retaining legal counsel with years of experience successfully resolving semi-truck accident cases is vitally important to protecting your legal rights in these matters.
Resources for Truck Accident Victims
Sometimes surviving a truck accident can be a very alienating experience. You can feel lost and alone, and the long-term trauma that you deal with both physically and mentally can make you feel as if no one else understands what you’re going through. The good news is that there is help available.
If you have been the victim of a truck accident in Los Angeles, you can take advantage of the following resources that are available to you during your recovery:
MADD California - If you were the victim of a truck accident where the driver was intoxicated, you may find support and encouragement through the Southern California branch of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers). They offer emotional support, education, and many other resources to victims in the Southern California area.
Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) - TSN offers victim support and resources for car accident victims throughout the U.S. This victim support service is offered at several Los Angeles area hospitals including:
Our Los Angeles Office
Ready to learn more about your rights and legal options? Call our Los Angeles big rig accident attorneys at (310) 207-3233 or contact us online for a free consultation.
