Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and overwhelming emotional trauma. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, especially when compared to standard vehicles, means that collisions often cause catastrophic harm. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to understand your legal options and how a truck accident lawyer Woodland Hills can help you recover fair compensation.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
Collisions involving commercial trucks are far more dangerous than typical car accidents due to several key factors:
- Size and Weight: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly more than a standard vehicle. This size disparity often leads to severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles involved in the crash.
- Stopping Distance: Trucks require a much longer distance to stop than smaller vehicles, especially when carrying a heavy load. This can make accidents more likely, especially in sudden stop-and-go traffic conditions common in areas like Woodland Hills.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading them to drive for extended periods without adequate rest. Fatigue can result in slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Woodland Hills
Several factors can contribute to truck accidents, and understanding these can help strengthen your legal case. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as veering out of lanes or failing to brake in time.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using GPS systems while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can be difficult to control, especially when navigating turns or braking suddenly.
- Equipment Failure: Poor maintenance of trucks can lead to equipment failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, contributing to serious accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Slippery roads and poor visibility due to rain or fog can make it difficult for truck drivers to safely navigate their vehicles.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Woodland Hills, taking the right steps immediately can protect your legal rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always be the first priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms.
- Call the Police: Filing a police report is crucial for documenting the details of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your claim.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, damages to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Woodland Hills: Truck accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance providers. A skilled truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help build a strong case.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Woodland Hills Can Help
Truck accident cases are often more complicated than standard car accidents because they can involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even truck manufacturers in the case of faulty equipment. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Woodland Hills can help you navigate these complexities and work to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time away from work due to recovery, as well as future lost earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma endured as a result of the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle or other personal property.
Average Settlement for Truck Accidents
The average settlement for truck accidents can vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. However, based on data we have gathered from our long-term practice and industry reports, settlements typically range from $500,000 to over $2 million, depending on the severity of injuries and other damages.
It’s important to note that insurance companies may try to settle quickly and for less than what you deserve. Having a truck accident lawyer in Woodland Hills on your side ensures that you receive a fair settlement that fully covers your losses.
Why Choose Bojat Law Group?
At Bojat Law Group, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of helping clients recover maximum compensation after truck accidents. We understand the specific challenges that these cases present and work closely with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Our team of truck accident lawyers in Woodland Hills is dedicated to ensuring that you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we’re committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Woodland Hills Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Woodland Hills, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Bojat Law Group today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck accidents are on the rise, and victims deserve fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Reach out to Bojat Law Group today to take the first step toward justice.
