West Covina Truck Accident Lawyer
California consistently ranks among the worst states for truck accidents. Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the Golden State recorded the second-highest number of truck accident deaths in the nation.
Most of those killed were occupants of passenger vehicles, not the truck driver. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) adds that 4,300 truck crashes resulted in injuries that same year.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a West Covina, CA, truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation under the state’s personal injury laws. An experienced attorney from the Law Offices of Pius Joseph can assess whether you have a valid case and help you seek maximum compensation for losses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You didn’t ask for this to happen. Let a West Covina truck accident lawyer from our firm seek justice for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Why You Need a West Covina Truck Accident Lawyer
You should consider hiring a truck accident attorney because any personal injury case involving the trucking industry can be complex. Tractor-trailer accidents typically cause extensive injuries, involve more than one liable party, and require a thorough understanding of state and federal trucking regulations.
At the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, we have more than 30 years of experience handling West Covina truck accident lawsuits. Over the years, we’ve secured millions in compensation for our deserving clients, including truck accident victims. Past client Jorge V. attests to the satisfaction he experienced while working with our law firm:
“I was in a truck crash with a semi and I was injured. He was able to take care of my medical bills and still send me home happy. Was a pleasure working with Mr. Joseph our journey was amazing and he got me what I deserved. Well recommended gives feedback every step of the way makes you feel at home good trusting organization.”
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in West Covina
Many of the most common causes of truck accidents in West Covina relate to truck driver negligence. For example, truckers can cause accidents when they are distracted, intoxicated, or fatigued while driving.
Traffic violations also contribute to semi-truck crashes involving drivers, such as speeding, driving too fast for road or weather conditions, failing to yield the right of way, or not checking blind spots before merging into other lanes.
However, truck collisions also occur for reasons beyond the driver’s control. Mechanical failures, poor maintenance, dangerous road conditions, unsecured or overloaded cargo, and negligent drivers may make other parties potentially liable.
Types of Truck Crashes
The type of truck accident that injured you may not seem important at first. However, it is vital when determining at-fault parties, placing an estimated value on your case, and identifying the kinds of evidence that will shape your lawyer’s legal strategy.
Common kinds of truck accidents include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Chain-reaction accidents
- Underride accidents
- Override crashes
- Wide-turn accidents
- Blind-spot accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Truck rollovers
Common Truck Accident Injuries in West Covina
Due to the size and force trucks impart on impact, truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Vital organ damage
- Psychological injuries
To recover compensation, a truck accident attorney in West Covina must connect your injuries to the wreck. Evidence such as medical records, photos of your injuries, and expert testimony from medical specialists can serve as proof to support your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Liability for West Covina truck accidents may fall on several parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- Trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Truck manufacturer
- Mechanics and maintenance providers
- Government entities
- Other road users, such as drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians
To maximize your compensation, your lawyer must identify all the at-fault parties and gather supporting evidence to hold them accountable. This is because the insurance policy limits of a single at-fault party may cap the compensation you could receive. But if multiple parties are liable, you may be able to spread your compensation across them.
For example, trucking companies have higher liability insurance requirements than other motorists. Federal laws require trucking companies to maintain liability coverage between $750,000 and $5,000,000, depending on the truck’s weight and cargo. If the facts of your case indicate a truck company could be at least partly responsible for the crash, you could potentially recover more compensation by filing a claim against their insurance company as well as any other liable parties.
Compensation Available for Injured Victims
Compensation for truck accidents in West Covina can include money for economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages – Compensation for losses with tangible value, like medical expenses, lost wages, lost future wages, and property damage
- Non-economic damages – Money for losses that cannot be easily calculated, like pain and suffering or permanent disability
- Punitive damages – Compensation awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious
The stakes are high after a large truck accident. For many victims, financial compensation is often the only means to afford immediate medical expenses and provide income for future medical treatment and ongoing care. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you seek compensation and fight for every dollar can potentially maximize your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in West Covina
Take these steps to protect your rights and any truck accident claim you file later:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Follow all prescribed medical treatments until your doctor discharges you.
- Keep all medical bills, prescription receipts, service bills, and documentation of lost wages, such as pay stubs or tax returns, to support your claim.
- Write down everything you remember about the collision.
- Document your recovery by photographing your visible injuries and keeping a pain journal.
- Avoid providing a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster.
- Do not post on social media, even if it’s unrelated to your accident or injuries.
- Speak to a skilled truck accident attorney to learn your legal options.
Contact a West Covina Truck Accident Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Pius Joseph has decades of experience representing clients in truck accident cases in West Covina, Pasadena, and the neighboring communities. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident, reach out by phone or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
