Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury Claims In
California

The following article will cover:

• Common causes of commercial vehicle or trucking accidents in Southern California.
• Determining liability in trucking accidents in California.
• Differences between trucking accidents and passenger vehicle accidents in personal injury cases.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Causes Of Commercial Vehicle Or Trucking Accidents Across Southern California?

The most common causes of commercial vehicle or trucking accidents in Southern California tend to mirror those of typical car accidents. These include driver inattention, negligence, and fatigue. The primary difference, however, lies in the magnitude of these incidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.

For instance, while an average car may weigh around 4,000 pounds, a commercial truck could weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 pounds. This makes even minor collisions potentially devastating due to the immense forces involved.

Who Is Potentially Liable For My Serious Or Permanent Injuries After A Trucking Accident In California? Who Am I Filing A Claim Against?

Determining liability in a trucking accident can be complex and is best done with the assistance of an experienced attorney. Potential parties liable for your injuries could include the truck driver themselves, especially if they’re an independent contractor. If the driver is an employee, such as a FedEx truck driver, their employer could also be held vicariously liable.

In cases involving drivers for companies like Uber or DoorDash, the situation can be a bit more unclear. Additional layers of complexity may arise with multiple insurance policies, as the driver and the commercial vehicle might be covered by different carriers, offering multiple avenues for recovery.

Do I Need To Retain A Personal Injury Attorney With Specific Experience In 18 Wheeler Accidents?

Yes, it’s crucial to retain a personal injury attorney with experience handling cases involving large commercial vehicles. Trucking accidents differ significantly from standard passenger vehicle accidents, partly due to the specific regulations and rules of the road that apply to commercial drivers. These differences are covered in the California Commercial Driver’s Handbook.

Expert testimony in these cases often requires specialists familiar with commercial trucking operations and the specific licenses required. Therefore, while the laws might not be dramatically different, the rules of the road and the consequences of these accidents necessitate specific legal expertise.

For more information on Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury Claims, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (310) 451-7570 today.