Truck crash victims face challenges that most people simply are not prepared for. From ongoing medical care to disputes with multiple insurance providers, these cases are incredibly challenging to deal with. Protecting your rights after such a traumatic event is not something you should do by yourself.
Our Cerritos personal injury attorneys have a strong track record of standing up for those injured by negligent trucking companies and will do what it takes to help you. Contact Avant Law Corporation to schedule a free consultation with a Cerritos truck accident attorney.
Why Hire Avant Law Corporation?
Truck accident cases demand a deep understanding of this specific area of law. We build each case on detailed knowledge collected over many years. Here’s why Avant Law Corporation is the right choice:
- With 202 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand how to investigate complex trucking crashes and build strong claims.
- We’ve handled thousands of accident cases in recent years, obtaining millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.
- Our free, confidential, remote consultations ensure you get the right start, even if you can’t visit us in person.
When you’re injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you want to make sure you work with a team that truly understands how to get you what you’re entitled to. You want Avant. Contact us as soon as you’re ready.
What Can A Cerritos Truck Accident Attorney Do For You?
Getting help from a lawyer after a serious truck accident can lift a huge burden from your shoulders. Here’s how they can assist you:
- Attorneys know how to track down logbooks, maintenance records, and black box data that help prove fault.
- They can deal with large trucking companies and difficult insurance carriers, so you’re not intimidated into taking less than what you deserve.
- Legal teams are ready to figure out which parties are responsible, even when more than one party is involved.
Having an experienced lawyer makes insurance companies take you seriously, allowing you to rebuild your life after an accident.
Important Trucking Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers in the United States must follow strict regulations designed to keep the roads safe for everyone. When these rules are ignored or bent, serious collisions often occur.
Hours of Service Limits
Truck drivers are only allowed to drive for a certain number of hours before taking a required break or time off work.
(1) Start of work shift. A driver may not drive without first taking 10 consecutive hours off duty;
(2) 14-hour period. A driver may not drive after a period of 14 consecutive hours after coming on-duty following 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
Ignoring these rest periods and limits leads to fatigue, slower reaction times, and accidents.
Weight and Load Restrictions
Laws control how much cargo a truck can carry and how it should be secured. Violating weight limits or not tying down cargo properly can cause rollovers or lost loads.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Commercial trucks must be inspected and maintained for safety, including brakes, tires, and lights, at set intervals.
§ 396.3 Inspection, repair, and maintenance.
(a) General. Every motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.
Failing to maintain trucks increases the risk of breakdowns and accidents on the road.
When trucking companies or drivers skip these requirements, they put everyone in danger.
Liability in Truck Accident Claims
Determining who is legally responsible for a truck accident is an essential part of recovering damages after a crash. Here’s who could be responsible:
Trucking Companies
When employers put unsafe drivers on the road, fail to train staff, or ignore equipment inspections, they may also share liability. Company records and employment files can help show these failures.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Incorrect or loose cargo can cause severe accidents. If the people or businesses who load the vehicle ignore the rules, they might be held responsible. Accident investigations often review shipping logs and loading photos.
Parts or Equipment Manufacturers
If a faulty brake, tire, or other truck part failed and caused the crash, the product maker could be financially responsible. Inspection reports and recall notices can serve as proof.
Victim Partially at Fault
Victim liability is also possible – it’s not uncommon that they might also be somewhat at fault. This might mean failing to signal or going a little bit over the speed limit, which affects how much compensation a person might receive.
California follows a pure comparative negligence model. This approach allows anyone who is hurt, no matter how much at fault they are, to seek damages.
405.Comparative Fault of Plaintiff
[Name of defendant] claims that [name of plaintiff]’s own negligence
contributed to [his/her/nonbinary pronoun] harm. To succeed on this
claim, [name of defendant] must prove both of the following:
1. That [name of plaintiff] was negligent; and
2. That [name of plaintiff]’s negligence was a substantial factor in
causing [his/her/nonbinary pronoun] harm.
If [name of defendant] proves the above, [name of plaintiff]’s damages are
reduced by your determination of the percentage of [name of plaintiff]’s
responsibility.
The court will calculate how much blame to place on each party and reduce your compensation by your share of responsibility. For instance, if your damages are $100,000 but you’re considered 25% at fault, you would receive $75,000.
Establishing who may be liable helps victims get full compensation.
Contact Avant Law Corporation To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Truck Accident Attorney in Cerritos
The road to recovery after a trucking accident can be long and stressful, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Working with an attorney who understands the complicated rules of trucking law can make a difference in your case.
We are dedicated to offering support and strong legal guidance for victims just like you. Contact us at Avant Law Corporation to schedule a free consultation with a Cerritos truck accident attorney.