Rosemead Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks are the workhorses of American industry. Trucks transport the goods we need and use from coast to coast, operating extensively in California because of the state’s harbors and extensive highway system. However, these mammoth vehicles can be 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger cars. That fact alone puts drivers at risk of severe injuries in the event of a crash.

The costs of recovering from a truck accident injury extend beyond medical bills. You may face long recovery periods that keep you from working or suffer from lasting disabilities. At The Law Offices of Pius Joseph, we aim to restore justice and balance to your life by pursuing fair compensation for what you experienced.

From fierce advocacy to negotiating for maximum compensation, our top-rated law firm develops intelligent legal strategies and never cuts corners. We’ve successfully tackled complex personal injury cases for over 30 years, recovering millions in verdicts and settlements for our deserving clients.

If a commercial vehicle accident has changed your life, contact us now for a free consultation with a skilled Rosemead truck accident lawyer.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

Semi-truck accidents are significantly more complex than other vehicle crashes. First, commercial trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, making them capable of inflicting catastrophic injuries in a wreck. Recent data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 65 percent of truck accident fatalities were the occupants of passenger vehicles. An additional 17 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

Because truck accidents cause such severe damage, they typically have a higher case value. The more money insurance companies stand to lose, the harder they fight to reduce or deny claims and shift the blame. This dynamic makes fighting for fair compensation much more challenging, leaving many victims frustrated and vulnerable.

Other factors that can complicate commercial truck accident claims in Rosemead include:

• Violations of state and federal trucking regulations
• Numerous potentially multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loading company, or parts manufacturers
• Challenges in acquiring valuable evidence belonging to the trucking company, such as black box data, safety inspections, maintenance reports, and hiring records

With such high stakes, accident victims can benefit from seeking guidance from a Rosemead semi-truck crash attorney before filing an insurance claim.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in the Rosemead Area

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error is a leading cause of commercial motor vehicle accidents. Driver-related factors that contribute to truck wrecks include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Fatigued driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to yield
• Tailgating
• Ignoring traffic signs or signals
• Failure to adjust for weather or road conditions

Crashes can also result from other problems, such as:

• Mechanical failures
• Parts defects
• Improper cargo loading procedures
• Poor maintenance
• Negligent hiring and supervision

Deviating from any of the safety standards mandated by FMCSA and California law can be grounds for a truck accident lawsuit if you’ve been hurt.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

One of the reasons truck accidents are so complicated is that multiple parties may be legally responsible (liable) for the collision. Many victims point their finger at the truck driver and think insurance will quickly resolve their claim. That’s not always the case.

Maximizing compensation requires a careful investigation into the cause of the accident and identifying all liable parties. Parties that may be wholly or partly responsible for a Rosemead truck accident include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo loading company or loading crews
• Maintenance companies
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Other drivers

Holding every liable party accountable in a truck accident case can be an uphill battle without strategic legal advice and assistance.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Rosemead

Take these steps immediately after a Rosemead truck accident:

• Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Contact law enforcement and emergency services.
• If it is safe enough to do so, move your car out of the road to avoid secondary crashes.
• Seek immediate medical attention, even if you have no visible injuries.
• Document the accident scene with pictures and videos, if possible.
• Collect insurance information from the truck driver and any other drivers involved in the incident.
• Ask witnesses for their contact information.
• Never apologize or admit fault for the crash.
• Consult a Rosemead truck accident attorney.
• Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical bills, repairs, and other accident-related expenses.
• Track your lost wages and time away from work.
• Avoid posting about the crash on social media.

The less you say, the better. Allow your lawyer to manage all communication with the insurance company or other responsible parties.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Claim

Calculating compensation for a truck accident case can be tricky. One strategy that insurers use to keep payouts low is to offer a quick and low settlement, then pressure victims to accept it. This tactic saves them money, but rarely works in a victim’s favor. It may take time to understand the full extent of your injuries or how they will ultimately impact your life. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your legal rights and cannot pursue additional compensation later.

Protect yourself by allowing a truck accident attorney from the Law Offices of Pius Joseph to review your situation and calculate the fair value of your claim. Truck accident victims often seek compensation for:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

How a Rosemead Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You

If you’re coping with the aftermath of a Rosemead truck accident, you don’t need to battle the insurance company alone. Get award-winning legal counsel on your side. At the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, we put you first and tailor our legal services to the unique circumstances of your case.

Ready to get started? Call or contact our office today for a free initial consultation.