The numbers will shock you.
Los Angeles has a disproportionately high number of truck accidents with severe consequences every year, relative to the rest of the state of California. Nearly 45% of all in-state truck accident deaths occur in Los Angeles, despite the city being home to only 27% of the state’s total population.
In a recent year, Los Angeles truck accidents involved a staggering 322 fatalities, with another 10,880 non-fatal truck accidents causing thousands of severe injuries and immense property damage. Furthermore, Los Angeles accounts for nearly 40% of all commercial truck-related personal injury claims filed in California every year.
Unfortunately, most victims of a truck accident in Los Angeles are caught off guard by the complicated legal process that comes into play after such a devastating event. This is why it’s so important to turn to a reliable and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles after you’ve been injured. For the sake of your health and your bank account, hiring the services of a skilled Los Angeles truck accident lawyer should be high on your list of priorities when you’re suddenly faced with unexpected medical bills, loss of income, property damage and more.
Did You Know?
The average commercial truck weighs 80,000 pounds or more when loaded, whereas a standard passenger car usually weighs about 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. That’s a difference of up to 1900% more weight and force generated in a truck accident!
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Why Does Los Angeles Have So Many Truck Accidents?
Los Angeles is a major hub for commercial trucking in the western United States, with large amounts of goods being transported through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The city’s main highways see tens of thousands of commercial trucks every day, resulting in heavy traffic and significantly increasing the likelihood of a truck accident in Los Angeles. Moreover, the dense urban environment worsens Los Angeles truck accident statistics due to several key reasons:
- Heavy LA traffic congestion forces trucks to share the road with passenger vehicles, leading to stop-and-go driving conditions.
- Complex LA freeway interchanges and multi-level intersections create numerous points where truck accidents can occur.
- The presence of logistics hubs near LA residential and commercial areas means large trucks frequently travel on streets that are not designed for such heavy traffic.
For the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians, it’s important to be vigilant of large trucks at all times. It’s also very helpful to know the most frequent locations of Los Angeles truck accidents, including:
Port of Los Angeles: Heavy freight movement creates congestion and complex maneuvering situations
Downtown interchanges: Multiple freeway convergences increase truck accidents
Industrial corridors: Concentrated truck traffic at warehouses and distribution centers
Mountain pass areas: Steep inclines challenge braking systems and truck driver skill
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
Knowing what to do after a truck accident is crucial for many reasons. First and foremost, it ensures your safety; it can also greatly impact your ability to receive full compensation for numerous types of unexpected damages. The following is a handy summary of what to do after a truck accident in Los Angeles:
1. Prioritize Your Safety
Move to safety without abandoning the truck accident scene entirely. If vehicles remain operational, carefully relocate them to the shoulder (or nearby parking area) while staying within the immediate vicinity. Turn on hazard lights and set up emergency flares or reflective triangles if available.
2. Contact Los Angeles Emergency Services
Dial 911 in Los Angeles immediately to request both LAPD support and medical assistance. Los Angeles emergency responders understand the complexities of truck accidents and will dispatch appropriate resources. Even seemingly minor truck incidents require official documentation (particularly when commercial vehicles are involved).
3. Document Everything Thoroughly
Capture comprehensive photographic (and video) evidence of the truck accident:
- Vehicle positions and damage patterns
- Los Angeles road conditions and weather factors
- Skid marks and debris distribution
- Los Angeles traffic signs and signals
- License plates and DOT numbers on commercial vehicles
4. Gather Critical Information
Collect driver’s licenses, insurance cards, and contact information from all parties. For truck drivers, obtain their commercial driver’s license details and employer information. Secure truck accident witness contact information, as their testimonies often prove invaluable in complex liability determinations.
5. Seek Medical Evaluation
Request medical assessment even without visible injuries. Adrenaline can mask serious truck accident trauma symptoms, and delayed injuries frequently emerge hours or days later. Medical documentation creates essential records linking injuries to the truck accident in Los Angeles, protecting your ability to recover medical bills and other damages.
6. Hire a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Limit your conversations with insurance representatives until you’ve consulted with expert legal counsel. Statements can be used against you, and accepting an offer forfeits your right to pursue full compensation of damages. Contact a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles immediately, as these cases involve multiple parties, complex regulations, and substantial insurance policies requiring specialized expertise to navigate them effectively.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in Los Angeles
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in Los Angeles requires specialized knowledge of (1) transportation challenges unique to LA; and (2) numerous complex liability frameworks. Braff Law Firm’s expert Los Angeles truck accident lawyers have the experience necessary to handle injury claims involving carriers, logistics companies and insurance providers.
Contact their skilled injury attorneys in Los Angeles today for a free consultation. By working on a contingency fee basis, all investigation costs are covered until a win is secured; you can focus on recovery without worrying about financial strain. And when you’re searching online for “truck accident lawyer near me”, know that Braff Law Firm’s experienced and successful personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles are fully prepared to get you the compensation you deserve.
