Truck Accident Lawyer

North Hollywood Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents are rampant in California and can cause severe destruction and physical injuries, often exceeding those found in most other motor vehicle accidents. It has been reported that California records the second-highest number of truck accidents resulting in fatalities each year. The only state with more truck accidents than California is Texas. California has been found to have nearly 113 annual truck accident fatalities.

Most truck accidents occur on highways like I-5, I-10, and I-715. There are almost 3,000 truck accidents each year in the U.S., with 200 to 300 truck drivers dying as a result. Shockingly, a vast majority of truck accidents occur in Los Angeles County. If you are involved in a truck accident, the best decision you can make is to contact a qualified, top-rated North Hollywood, California, truck accident lawyer from Dordulian Law Group. You may be entitled to compensation for damages suffered from the truck accident.

When someone is injured or killed in a truck accident due to another’s negligence or harm, substantial financial compensation may be available via a civil lawsuit. Truck accident victims in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and throughout California choose Dordulian Law Group because of our experience, dedication, and previous results that demonstrate our sincere commitment to every client. We have a combined 40 years of experience and a 98% success rate. We have also secured more than $200 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We’ll fight to recover every ounce of financial damages available after your unfortunate North Hollywood truck accident. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the legal process from start to finish.

What is a Truck Accident Personal Injury Claim?

A truck accident claim in North Hollywood is similar to other personal injury claims, such as dog bites or slip and falls. A personal injury claim seeks to hold a negligent party accountable for the actions they took (or failed to take) which resulted in an accident. A North Hollywood, California, truck accident lawyer from Dordulian Law Group will pursue compensation for any damages accrued after your accident. We will work tirelessly so you can focus on your medical treatment without having to worry about mounting bills, lost wages, obtaining quality medical care, and so much more. The attorneys at Dordulian Law Group have helped over 1,000 clients like you who have endured unfortunate circumstances, leading to more than $100 million in damages recovered through verdicts and settlements.

Our experienced attorneys can help you pursue a financial award for your personal injury case. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation today.

What Damages Can Be Claimed After a Truck Accident?

When pursuing a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation for damages suffered as a result of the negligence of another party. The type of damages, as well as the final amount, will depend on a few factors, including the extent of your injuries and the unique circumstances of the incident. A North Hollywood, California, DLG truck accident lawyer will, whenever applicable, seek damages for the following:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Lifetime personal care and disability accommodations in the instance of a catastrophic injury
• Burial and funeral costs in cases where a fatality was involved

These are some of the damages that may be recoverable after your North Hollywood truck accident. Dordulian Law Group will always pursue a maximum allowable damages award in every case we handle.

If you experienced a car accident injury in North Hollywood area, don’t wait to file a claim. Contact our expert attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

Types of Trucks in California

With one of the highest populations in the country, California sees a range of vehicles on its roads every day. One of those vehicle types is trucks, which travel in close proximity to other vehicles on the road. Some of the most common types of trucks on California roads include:

• Working trucks: These are trucks used for specific jobs like a moving truck, cement truck, or dump truck
• Tractor-trailers: These are trucks that are known as big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks
• Buses: These include transit buses, charter buses, tour buses, and commercial buses. Such vehicles typically carry a large number of people from one destination to another.
• Delivery trucks: These are medium-weight trucks that often carry packages from carrier services. Delivery trucks have become more popular as people have become more accustomed to online shopping.

Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert personal injury attorneys.

Causes of Driver Error in North Hollywood Truck Accidents

Maneuvering a truck is no simple task, which is why special care needs to be taken by truck drivers and other drivers on the road. Truck drivers must go through special training in order to operate a truck of any size. There is a much higher margin for error while driving a truck. Even so, there are some common causes of driver error that can result in a truck accident. These include:

• Sleep deprivation
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Improper lane switching
• Overwork
• Road rage
• Cargo Overload
• Unsecured cargo
• Lack of truck maintenance
• Lack of training

In addition to these causes, some specific truck driver errors can lead to accident that result in serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries, and even death. Such errors include:

• Recognition: This is related to the truck driver’s failure to recognize and respond to driving situations often caused by inattention.
• Decision: This is when a truck driver fails to make good decisions related to the current driving conditions. This can be speeding, following too closely, and misjudging the speed of other vehicles.
• Non-performance: This is when the truck driver is unable to perform his or her driving duties. This is not always preventable, as a truck driver who has been disabled by a health condition while driving cannot control their reaction in that instance. However, an error such as falling asleep is preventable.
• Performance: This is when there are problems with a performance like having poor direction control of the truck or panicking behind the wheel.

As you can see, there are many things that can go wrong when driving a truck. Given the sheer size of some truck models, we should all be cautious while driving around these types of vehicles.

Schedule an appointment online for a free consultation today, or call us directly to speak to our top-rated, expert personal injury attorneys.

Common Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailers are some of the largest trucks found on California roads. Although every commercial truck accident has its own unique circumstances, we have compiled some of the most common examples below.

• Jackknife Accidents: As you may have noticed, tractor-trailers are made of two components: the cab and the trailer. A jackknife accident occurs when the coupling device allows for the trailer to fold onto the cab (the truck essentially folds in half).
• Rollover Accidents: These can be some of the most horrifying accidents with the most catastrophic injuries. There must be a perfect storm for a truck to roll over and wreak such havoc. There are two types of rollover truck accidents: tripped and un-tripped. Tripped accidents are caused when the truck has hit an obstacle such as a curb. Un-tripped accidents are caused when factors like losing traction, speeding, and slippery roadways are involved.
• Rear-End Collisions: Another serious type of truck accident is a rear-end collision. You may have seen or been involved in a rear-end collision previously. Nothing, however, is a match for being rear-ended by a tractor-trailer. Trucks require ample space to brake and come to full stop safety. When they are unable to do so, a rear-end collision can happen. Truck drivers who do not stop in due time can go barreling into the back of your vehicle. One way you can protect yourself from these types of accidents is by not cutting in front of a commercial truck and avoiding their blind spots. You should also yield the right of way when possible and try not to outmaneuver a semi-truck.
• Underride Accidents: According to the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety (IIHS) nearly half of truck accidents are underride accidents. An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle is caught in the underbelly of the truck. This can happen from the back or the side. The smaller vehicle’s roof will often be sheared off in the process. Tractor-trailers have massive blind spots due to their size, and this is a major cause of underride accidents. Always keep your distance from trucks on the road and try to avoid being caught in their massive blind spots.

If you are involved in a truck accident it is imperative that you contact a North Hollywood, California, truck accident lawyer immediately after receiving medical care for any injuries.

Types of Injuries Caused in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often have catastrophic injuries that bring with them lifelong consequences. You may face permanent disability as a result, which can lead to both physical and psychological issues. Some common injuries endured after a truck accident are:

• Chronic pain
• Broken bones
• Loss of limb
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Disfigurement
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

What to do After a Truck Accident?

The first thing you need to do if you are involved in a truck accident is seek medical attention. Call 911 and, if possible, move to a safe area until emergency services arrive. If you are able to, take photos of the scene, including intersections, street crossing, signage, and any other pertinent information. If there are any witnesses, try to obtain their contact information as well. All of this will help your North Hollywood, California, truck accident lawyer build a strong case on your behalf. However, always take action according to what your injuries will allow. If you are severely injured, ask someone to gather evidence for you.

If collecting evidence is not possible, focus on getting medical attention above all else. Next, contact your North Hollywood, California, truck accident lawyer from Dordulian Law Group to discuss your circumstances and devise a plan of action. You should also report the accident to your insurance company, but do not give a statement without your attorney. If there are any follow-up or long-term medical appointments, ensure you follow directions precisely.

Comparative Fault and Truck Accidents

California is a comparative fault state, which means if it is found that you are partially at fault for an accident your compensation may be reduced by that percentage. An example would be if you are involved in a truck accident and are found to be 10% at fault. In such a scenario, any compensation you are awarded will be reduced by 10% to account for your responsibility in the accident.

Comparative fault law ensures an injured truck accident victim is able to recover financial damages so long as they were not 100% responsible for the accident. Even if you were primarily responsible for your truck accident, comparative fault allows you to potentially recover financial compensation for any losses resulting from the incident, such as lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.

Client Review

“Fantastic firm so far! I had a great experience being represented by Mr Dordulian. The splits are very fair and whatever, he put in the work, he earned every penny. To be honest, I can say that over the 3 years we worked together, he had been very responsive, timely and always well-prepared and a truly great attorney. He provided the best results and navigated me throughout the journey. I would like to recommend him to everyone”
Jeannie C. Rios.