Trucking Accidents

 

 

TRUSTED TRUCKING ACCIDENTS ATTORNEYS

Every year, about 5,000 people die in serious truck accidents, and this number keeps going up. This shows we really need good lawyers to step in. A study from the US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a hard truth: big trucks, like semi-trucks, are 23% more likely to be in deadly crashes with multiple vehicles than other types of vehicles.

Figuring out who is to blame in truck accidents can be tricky. It’s not always just the driver’s fault. The company that owns the truck, the people who leased it, and even those who take care of the truck might also be part of the problem because they didn’t follow the rules or were careless.

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have set rules to make sure trucks are safe to drive and that the drivers know what they’re doing. These rules are important for keeping everyone safe on the road, but they also make it complicated for victims of truck accidents to get the justice they deserve.

Verdicts / Settlements Involving Trucks

  • $5,000,000 Auto v. Truck / Traumatic Brain Injury
  • $3,000,000 Truck v. Auto
  • $2,9000,000 Truck v. Truck
  • $675,000 Truck v. Pedestrian
  • $6,000,000 Auto v. Truck
  • $1,950,000 Truck v. Truck
  • $3,000,000 – Wrongful Death – Auto v. Truck

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a trucking accident, trust in the dedicated and knowledgeable team at Ellis Riccobono, LLP. Our profound experience and detailed approach empower us to advocate fiercely for your rights, aiming to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Contact Our Firm to Learn More

If there is no recovery, then there are never any fees or costs to you.

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Disclaimer
*Disclaimer: This website is an advertisement as defined by the California Rules of Professional Conduct and the California Business and Professions Code. ELLIS RICCOBONO, LLP is licensed to practice law in the State of California, Hawaii, and Federal Courts, where admitted. In certain cases, we have represented individuals in other states/jurisdictions by way of pro hac vice. The content of this website is intended to convey general information. It should not be relied upon as legal advice. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

Factors That Lead to Truck Accidents

Knowing why truck accidents happen is important for figuring out who’s at fault and making a solid legal case Some of the main reasons these accidents happen are:

  • Driver Fatigue: Despite regulations limiting driving hours, many truck drivers operate vehicles while overly tired, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Distracted Driving: Like other motorists, truck drivers can be distracted by mobile devices, navigation systems, or other non-driving activities, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
  • Improper Loading: Overloading or unevenly distributing cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or loss of control.
  • Inadequate Training: Operating a commercial truck requires specialized training. Insufficient preparation can lead to serious mistakes on the road.
  • Mechanical Failures: Regular maintenance is crucial for the safety of commercial trucks. Failures in brakes, tires, or other critical components can be fatal.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: The pressure to meet tight deadlines can push drivers to unsafe speeds or reckless behaviors, compromising road safety.
  • Substance Abuse: The use of alcohol or drugs by truck drivers can impair their judgment and reaction times, posing a severe risk to all road users.
  • Adverse Weather Conditions: Trucks are particularly vulnerable to accidents in poor weather conditions due to their size and weight, especially if drivers are not adequately trained to handle such situations.

 

Our goal is to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that our clients receive the compensation they need to recover and rebuild. If you’ve been affected by a truck accident, our experienced team is here to offer the support and legal expertise you need to navigate this challenging time.

 

Common Injuries Suffered from Truck Accidents

When a truck accident happens, the aftermath often includes a range of serious injuries, each with the potential to impact victims’ lives in profound ways. Below, we outline the injuries that are most frequently encountered in the wake of truck accidents, highlighting the importance of recognizing their impact on victims and their families.

Common injuries from truck accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): High-impact collisions can cause TBIs, ranging from concussions to more severe brain damage, affecting cognitive functions, physical abilities, and emotional well-being.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering a victim’s quality of life and requiring long-term medical care.
  • Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident can lead to multiple fractures, which may necessitate surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation.
  • Lacerations and Burns: Sharp debris and the risk of fire or explosion in a truck accident can cause serious lacerations and burns, potentially leading to scarring, disfigurement, and the need for reconstructive surgery.
  • Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, posing immediate life-threatening conditions and requiring emergency medical intervention.
  • Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other spine-related injuries are common, often leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
  • Amputations: In severe cases, limbs may be crushed or severely damaged, necessitating surgical amputation, profoundly impacting a victim’s lifestyle and ability to work.
  • Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, the psychological impact of a truck accident can be devastating, leading to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

 

Ellis Riccobono, LLP is dedicated to ensuring that victims receive comprehensive compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced attorneys are here to support you through this difficult time, advocating for your rights and securing the resources you need for healing and recovery.

 

Identifying Responsible Parties After a Truck Crash

Figuring out who is to blame in a truck accident involves more than just looking at the crash scene. It’s about piecing together a puzzle where every piece can lead to a different responsible party. We navigate through the maze of potential responsible parties, which might include:

  • Truck Drivers: Driver error due to fatigue, distraction, impairment, or violation of traffic laws often plays a significant role in accidents. Holding drivers accountable is crucial, especially when negligence is evident.
  • Trucking Companies: These entities can be held responsible for accidents caused by their failure to enforce driving hour regulations, inadequate driver training, or neglecting maintenance of their fleet.
  • Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents. Parties responsible for loading the truck may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
  • Truck Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers: Defects in the truck or its components, such as brakes or tires, can cause accidents. Manufacturers and suppliers can be held liable if it’s determined that a mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
  • Maintenance Providers: Regular and thorough maintenance is crucial for truck safety. If a maintenance provider’s failure to identify or fix a problem leads to an accident, they can be held responsible.
  • Other Third Parties: In some cases, other drivers, government entities responsible for road maintenance, or construction companies may contribute to the conditions that lead to an accident.

 

We combine our legal knowledge, investigative skills, and input from experts to figure out who is responsible. Knowing how everything and everyone in the trucking world connects and works is key to helping our clients get what they deserve.

If you’re dealing with a truck accident, it’s important to have lawyers on your side who get how complicated these things can be. Our team is ready to look at your case from all sides to make sure we don’t miss anything that could help you.

 

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Ellis Riccobono, LLP represents those individuals or families of individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Here are the key roles and responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer:

  • Case Evaluation: Our lawyers begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your case, determining the viability of your claim and the potential avenues for compensation.
  • Investigation: We gather all necessary evidence to support your claim. This includes police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and, in the case of truck accidents, logbooks and other industry-specific documentation.
  • Legal Expertise: Understanding the complexities of personal injury law is crucial. Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations that govern personal injury cases, ensuring that every aspect of your case is handled with professional expertise.
  • Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize compensation. We ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
  • Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to court. We provide vigorous representation, presenting your case in the best possible light to secure the compensation you deserve.
  • Support and Guidance: We understand the challenges you face and are here to help you navigate this difficult time with compassion and understanding.

 

Ellis Riccobono, LLP handles cases for people that have been injured or killed in a trucking collision in Southern California. Given our vast history involving these kinds of cases, we are uniquely prepared to find all the appropriate defendants and hold them accountable.