Santa Monica Truck Accident Lawyer

Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Santa Monica, CA

When you have been in a truck accident, a Santa Monica truck accident lawyer can help you understand personal injury laws and pursue the compensation you need to recover. At Shaffer Law, we try to make the process as simple as possible for our clients.

Douglas D. Shaffer has been named a Super Lawyer for 17 years running and has handled hundreds of complex cases for clients. He has a proven record of recovering more than $100 million for clients, including a $1.27 million tractor-trailer accident settlement.*

Truck Accidents in Santa Monica

California ranks among the top 10 safest states for truck accidents in the US. Accidents still happen, and when they do, the consequences can be severe. Some roadways that see a lot of truck traffic and a possible risk of accidents are: 

Injuries in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often involve injuries more severe than collisions involving smaller vehicles. Because trucks are so large and heavy, they can cause more damage to smaller cars and are much more dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Just like other motor vehicle collisions, there are many ways to be injured in a crash. Some common injuries experienced in truck accidents include: 

How Truck Accidents Are Treated Differently

When a commercial truck passing through Santa Monica is involved in a crash, it may be more complicated than a standard collision. These trucks are typically covered under federal regulations, introducing another layer of considerations beyond state laws.

The driver may also be insured by their employer, or there could be multiple at-fault parties, from the truck’s manufacturer and maintenance team to the cargo loaders and the truck owner. Instead of negotiating with one insurance company, you could be dealing with multiple agencies.

Large truck accidents therefore require attention to detail and a knowledge of the unique challenges they bring. A seasoned truck accident attorney who understands these challenges and the laws that apply can advocate for you and your rights.

Evidence in Truck Accident Cases

Many commercial trucks are equipped with systems to track active driving hours, routes, speed, braking, and other pieces of data. These logs can be invaluable evidence for your case.

However, trucking companies are not required to keep these records forever. That is one reason it is so important to act quickly. Your attorney can gain access to this data if you seek legal assistance right away before this vital evidence disappears.

When to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

The sooner you can hire an accident attorney for your case, the more time we will have to help you. Acting quickly can be necessary to prevent you from losing valuable evidence. It also gives us more time to prepare a case and negotiate with insurance providers.

Perhaps most importantly, obtaining legal assistance right away can mean it doesn’t take as long for you to receive compensation. Covering medical bills, lost wages, and other losses after an accident can be a crucial part of your recovery. It may be difficult to think about these legal steps while you are dealing with severe injuries. Shaffer Law is here to help.

FAQs

What Is the Average Truck Accident Settlement in California?

Truck accident settlement amounts vary from case to case, so it is difficult to determine a clear average for California. It will depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries and damages sustained, who was at fault, what type of vehicle was involved, and how long injuries are likely to last. You increase your chance of recovering a full settlement that covers all your damages with an experienced attorney negotiating for you.

What Not to Say to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

You should not hide anything from your trusted personal injury lawyer. Any information you have could be potentially valuable for your case, especially after an accident. Being open and honest with your attorney helps them create a stronger strategy. A Santa Monica truck accident attorney can also negotiate with insurance providers so you don’t make statements damaging to your case. Many companies will attempt to encourage you to accept an offer that does not cover all your damages.

How Much Is an Acceptable Settlement for Pain and Suffering?

An acceptable settlement for pain and suffering depends heavily on your own circumstances. In general, a settlement should cover the pain you have experienced as well as chronic and future pain. Pain and suffering can also provide compensation for psychological trauma such as emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment in life.

What Happens if There Are Multiple Parties At Fault for a Truck Accident in Santa Monica?

If there are multiple parties at fault for a truck accident in Santa Monica, California, each party will be assigned a percentage of fault according to pure comparative negligence guidelines. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your settlement will be decreased by the percentage of fault you are assigned. Other parties that could be found at fault are the driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or a cargo loader.

Personalized Representation From Shaffer Law

No two accidents are the same, and neither are the legal cases that they can create. Working with a lawyer who can tailor their approach to your needs can help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

For more than 30 years, attorney Douglas D. Shaffer has provided personalized, experienced advocacy for injury clients like you. He knows how complex truck accidents can be and how important it is to act quickly.

Hire a truck accident lawyer for dedicated representation from an award-winning attorney with proven results. Contact Shaffer Law today to discuss how we can help you.

*Previous case results are not a guarantee of future success. Each case is unique and should be evaluated on its own merits.