Los Angeles 18-Wheeler and Big Rig Accident Lawyers

18-Wheeler and Big Rig Accident Lawyers

Southern California is a major domestic freight shipping hub, and the volume of truckload deliveries has reportedly increased substantially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we noted in a blog from December 2021, four local Los Angeles-area freeways are ranked as having the highest traffic congestion in the nation.

Los Angeles, California 18-Wheeler and Big Rig Accident Lawyers

• 18-Wheeler and Big Rig Commercial Truck Accident Statistics for 2022
• Why are Commercial Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents so Dangerous?
• What are Common Causes of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Big Rig Truck Accidents?
• Who Can I Sue After an 18-Wheeler or Commercial Truck Accident?
• What Damages are Recoverable After a Truck Accident Injury?
• What Damages are Recoverable in a Commercial Truck Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
• Get the Best California Truck Accident Lawyers to Handle Your Claim
• Why Choose DLG’s California Truck Accident Lawyers?
• Los Angeles Truck Accident Statistics
• Tips for Driving With Trucks Along Roadways in Los Angeles
• Impact of Truck Accidents
• How to prevent big rig accidents

With so many freight shipments coming in and out of Southern California, accidents involving 18-wheelers or big rig trucks can impact cars, motorcycles, and even pedestrians. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler or commercial truck accident, you may be able to recover substantial financial compensation for not only medical bills, but also pain and suffering, emotional trauma, lost wages, and more through a civil lawsuit.

Dordulian Law Group’s dedicated and proven commercial truck accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer any questions you have regarding your case, including how to file a claim, what the legal process entails, how long it may take to recover a cash settlement, and how much your 18-wheeler accident claim may be worth.

After an 18-wheeler or big rig commercial truck accident injury, making a complete recovery which includes your physical, emotional, and financial well-being can be a complicated and potentially intimidating process. But the commercial truck accident lawyers at Dordulian Law Group (DLG) have the skill, knowledge, and experience you need which will ensure your claim is handled properly and the maximum financial compensation you deserve is recovered.

Let’s look at 18-wheeler and big rig commercial truck accident claims in greater detail below. We’ll include information on recent 2022 truck accident statistics, an overview of what types of injuries commonly occur, details on what types of damages may be recoverable in your claim, and info on how to arrange for a free, confidential, and no obligation consultation with a DLG commercial truck accident injury lawyer.

18-Wheeler and Big Rig Commercial Truck Accident Statistics for 2022

The most recent data provided by the National Safety Council (NSC) confirms that 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2020. That figure represents a 4% decrease from 2019, but a staggering 33% increase since 2011. Additionally, the NSC confirms:

• The crash involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 5% from 2019, but up 18% since 2011.
• Large trucks are defined as any medium or heavy truck, not including buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds.

In 2020, both commercial and non-commercial large trucks accounted for:

• 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes
• 4% of all registered vehicles
• 10% of total vehicle miles traveled

Moreover, in 2020, 107,000 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury. That figure represents a 10% decrease from 2019. Since 2016, the number of trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased 5% and the involvement rate per 100 million large truck miles driven has remained steady at 35.

Furthermore, 4,965 people died in large-truck crashes in 2020. The number of deaths decreased 1% from 2019 but is still up a remarkable 31% since 2011.

The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are:

• Occupants of other vehicles (71%)
• Truck occupants (17%)
• Non-occupants – primarily pedestrians and bicyclists (12%)

Additionally, there were approximately 147,000 injuries recorded in large truck crashes throughout 2020. As the image below provided by the National Safety Council demonstrates, 18-wheeler and commercial big rig truck accidents involving injuries have increased dramatically in recent years:

Why are Commercial Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents so Dangerous?

Commercial truck accidents involving big rigs and 18-wheelers pose a substantial danger to the general public. Truck accidents can often cause serious or even catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Concussion (MTBI)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken or fractured bones
• Scrapes and lacerations
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury
• Death

18-wheeler and big rig truck accidents can be severe for a number of reasons, including:

• Such trucks are the largest vehicles on the roadways and drivers of cars, motorcycles, and light trucks are often unable to avoid such massive machines in the event of an accident.
• 18-wheeler and commercial big rig trucks often require significant space and time to make a safe stop – this can pose a significant danger to other motor vehicle operators under the right conditions.
• 18-wheelers and commercial trucks carry heavy loads of freight and other goods – these shipments can further damage other vehicles sharing the road in the event of an accident.
• Commercial trucks have significant bling spots which can cause accidents even when the driver has a great deal of experience behind the wheel.

What are Common Causes of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Big Rig Truck Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, with some of the most common causes including:

– Distracted driving: Sadly, commercial truck drivers are often distracted when behind the wheel. Whether it’s cell phones or other electronic devices, daydreaming, or reaching for a personal belonging, when a commercial truck driver causes an accident due to being distracted, it constitutes negligence under the law. Accordingly, if you suffered an injury due to an 18-wheeler or commercial truck driver’s distracted driving, you may be eligible to recover a significant amount of financial compensation through a civil claim with DLG’s experienced attorneys.

– Fatigued driving: 18-wheeler and commercial truck drivers spend countless hours on the roadways, with demanding delivery schedules often forcing them to operate these dangerous vehicles while fatigued. A lack of sleep can be equivalent to drunk driving, and commercial truck drivers who operate vehicles while fatigued and cause accidents should be held accountable through civil claims.

– Overloaded trailers: 18-wheelers and commercial big rig trucks need to be properly loaded and freight shipments need to not exceed federal and state guidelines. Sadly, in an effort to deliver more goods to consumers in less trips, 18-wheeler and commercial big rig trucks are often overloaded with freight. These overloaded trailers are often involved in serious accidents with cars, light trucks, motorcycles, and even pedestrians.

– Mechanical or product failure: 18-wheeler and commercial big rig truck accidents aren’t always the fault of the driver. In fact, product or mechanical failures commonly cause commercial trucking accidents that tragically lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. If you were injured in a commercial truck accident that was due to product or mechanical failure, you may be entitled to a large cash settlement for various types of damages.

– Impaired driving: As stated previously, 18-wheeler and commercial truck drivers are often forced to work extremely long hours with minimal amounts of rest. Unfortunately, impaired driving is not uncommon among commercial truck drivers, with alcohol, marijuana/cannabis, and even substances like methamphetamines frequently found to have been the cause of accidents that either seriously injure of even kill other motorists.

Who Can I Sue After an 18-Wheeler or Commercial Truck Accident?

Truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and in a manner which does not pose a danger to you as a car, truck, or motorcycle driver. But the trucking company also has a responsibility to maintain a safe fleet of trucks and a safe driving schedule for workers, to properly train all drivers, and to keep safety records up-to-date while complying with all mandated regulations.

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, the experienced California lawyers at DLG will fight to recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve from all applicable defendants. This may include the truck driver as an individual, but a claim may also be filed against one or more of the following:

• The truck driver’s insurance policy
• The trucking company
• The trucking company’s insurance policy
• The truck manufacturer

Truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in order to legally operate such a vehicle. Additionally, commercial and 18-wheeler truck drivers must complete a health check/examination and comply with operating their vehicles over a specific number of hours in accordance with state and federal regulations.

18-wheelers and commercial big rig trucks must undergo regular safety inspections, including complying with size and weight restrictions. Failing to complete such safety regulations constitutes negligence, and when a truck accident leads to an injury or even a fatality, justice can be pursued through a civil lawsuit for damages.

What Damages are Recoverable After a Truck Accident Injury?

Truck accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical care and mounting expenses. Some common damages that the experienced and trusted truck accident attorneys at DLG will fight to recover on your behalf after an unfortunate incident include:

• Hospital and medical bills
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Loss of consortium
• Reduced quality of life
• Psychological trauma
• Emotional distress
• Physical damage to your vehicle or possessions

What Damages are Recoverable in a Commercial Truck Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If an 18-wheeler or commercial big rig truck accident resulting from negligence or carelessness leads to a tragic fatality, a wrongful death claim may be filed. Commercial truck accident wrongful death lawsuits may be brought by surviving family members, and various types of damages that fall under three categories are typically pursued:

• Economic
• Non-economic
• Punitive

Examples of economic damages that may be recoverable in commercial truck accident wrongful death lawsuits include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the accident that killed your loved one
• The loss of benefits family members could have received from the decedent
• The value of the decedent’s health insurance or pension
• The loss of financial support the decedent would have provided during their lifetime
• A reasonable value for the household services the decedent would have been able to provide

Examples of common non-economic damages that may be recoverable in commercial truck accident wrongful death lawsuits include:

• Loss of affection
• Loss of protection
• Loss of guidance and training
• The loss of support and companionship
• Loss of sexual relations
• Loss of moral support

Get the Best California Truck Accident Lawyers to Handle Your Claim

When you’re injured in a truck accident, don’t settle for just any attorney to handle the important responsibility of fighting to recover maximum financial compensation for your claim. Choose California’s leading truck accident lawyers led by former Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County, Sam Dordulian. With over 100 jury trial victories and a 98% success record, you can have peace of mind knowing that your truck accident claim is in the best possible hands.

Unlike settlement mill firms that may be quick to accept a lowball of unfair offer for your 18-wheeler or commercial truck accident injury claim, we prepare every case for trial. With Dordulian’s courtroom experience, you can be confident that we’ll fight to recover the maximum financial damages award you deserve following a truck accident injury.

Why Choose DLG’s California Truck Accident Lawyers?

DLG’s experience and proven results are why California truck accident victims consistently choose us to handle their claims and help ensure that justice is served. We provide our clients with added advantages and benefits that can’t be found elsewhere:

Los Angeles Truck Accident Statistics

• Increase in Fatal Crashes: Los Angeles has seen an increase of 32% in fatal crashes involving large and big-rig trucks over the past 5 years.
• Annual Fatal Truck Accidents: On average, nearly 113 fatal truck accidents occur every year in California, with approximately 200-300 drivers dying from those crashes.
• Most Dangerous Highways: The most dangerous highways for truck accidents in California are the I-5, I-10, and I-75, each averaging over 1,000 truck accidents per year.
• Mechanical Causes: Faulty tires account for 51.1% of mechanical causes in truck accidents throughout Los Angeles.
• Hit-and-Run Incidents: More than half of the truck and big-rig crashes in Los Angeles in 2019 were categorized as hit-and-runs.

Tips for Driving With Trucks Along Roadways in Los Angeles

To decrease the chances of being involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, it’s recommended that drivers always:

• Avoid driving in the truck driver’s blind spots for prolonged periods of time.
• Keep a safe distance and avoid tailgating a truck.
• Refrain from passing a turning truck, as they may go wide or narrow through the turn.
• Obey all traffic laws and avoid cutting off a truck.
• Remain alert and report instances of impaired truck drivers that pose a threat on the road.

Impact of Truck Accidents

• The State of California reports that 200-300 deaths are caused by truck accidents every year, not including the thousands of people who are injured in severe and long-lasting ways .

These statistics and safety tips provide valuable insights into big rig truck accidents and the measures that can be taken to reduce your risk of such accidents in Los Angeles.

How to prevent big rig accidents

Preventing big rig accidents requires a combination of proactive measures by both truck drivers and other road users. Here are some essential tips to prevent big rig accidents:

For Truck Drivers:

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure that the truck undergoes regular maintenance and inspection to prevent mechanical failures that can lead to accidents.
2. Adherence to Hours of Service Regulations: Follow the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to prevent driver fatigue and maintain alertness while driving.
3. Safe Speed and Following Distance: Maintain a safe speed and proper following distance to allow for adequate braking and maneuvering in case of emergencies.
4. Avoid Distractions: Refrain from distractions such as mobile phones, eating, or any other activities that can divert attention from the road.
5. Adherence to Traffic Laws: Obey traffic laws, including speed limits, and be mindful of changing road conditions.

For Other Road Users:

1. Awareness of Blind Spots: Be aware of a truck’s blind spots (no-zones) and avoid lingering in these areas to ensure visibility to the truck driver.
2. Safe Lane Changes: Signal early and ensure there is enough space before changing lanes in front of a big rig. Avoid cutting off trucks when merging.
3. Maintain a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance when driving behind a big rig to allow for better visibility and reaction time.
4. Patience and Caution: Exercise patience and caution when sharing the road with big rigs, especially during lane changes and turns.
5. Reporting Unsafe Driving : Report any erratic or unsafe driving behavior by truck drivers to the appropriate authorities.

Infrastructure and Policy Measures:

• Investment in Infrastructure: Improve road infrastructure and signage to accommodate big rigs and reduce potential hazards.
• Enforcement of Regulations: Stringently enforce traffic regulations and safety standards for both truck drivers and other road users.
• Advanced Safety Technologies: Encourage the use of advanced safety technologies such as collision avoidance systems and blind spot monitoring in commercial trucks.

By implementing these measures, the risk of big rig accidents can be significantly reduced, promoting safer road conditions for all users.

• More than $100,000,000 successfully recovered in settlements and verdicts
• Over 25 years of personal injury and truck accident experience
• A consistent 98% success record
• Former Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County
• More than 100 jury trial victories
• In-house Chief Investigator/retired LAPD detective investigating your case
• Former auto insurance defense attorneys fighting for you

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

Contact DLG’s Los Angeles, California, truck accident lawyers today online or by phone at 818-322-4056 for a free and no obligation consultation. When you bring your truck accident claim to one of our skilled personal injury lawyers, we’ll begin an exhaustive process in pursuit of justice. With DLG, your claim is being handled by a dedicated and proven team. We will review all applicable facts related to your truck accident injury claim, launch a thorough investigation led by our in-house Chief Investigator and retired LAPD Central Traffic Division detective, Moses Castillo, and put together an aggressive legal strategy with the goal of recovering the maximum financial compensation you truly deserve. We won’t rest until you receive the largest possible damages award for your truck accident injury.

Additionally, DLG’s No Win/No Fee Guarantee means all California truck accident victims are able to secure the absolute best legal representation available without ever having to worry about upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. You don’t pay a penny until we successfully recover a maximum financial damages award for your truck accident injury. If we don’t win, you don’t pay anything – it’s just that simple.

A commercial truck accident injury can be a devastating experience. You may be facing years of chronic pain and suffering while having to worry about mounting medical expenses and lost wages. Accordingly, an 18-wheeler or commercial big rig truck accident requires a skilled, trusted, and proven attorney to help ensure that you recover all applicable financial compensation needed to make a full recovery.

As a truck accident injury victim, you should never settle for an inexperienced or unproven firm that could put your claim in jeopardy and leave you with a final damages award that does not adequately compensate you for all injuries and expenses. Choose the experts at DLG who have the experience and proven results you deserve, allowing you to focus on what’s most important – your physical recovery and overall well-being. Let us handle the stressful details and fight to recover you a maximum financial damages award while you focus on getting back on your feet and returning to 100%.

For an 18-wheeler or commercial big rig truck accident injury, the best call you can make is to the experienced lawyers at DLG.

Client Review

“Can’t thank Dordulian Law Group enough. I was involved in a personal injury case that lasted a little over 1.5 years and despite it being lengthy their level of professionalism, promptness, and communication remained the same until the very end. Always seeking their clients best interest their attorneys are the best at what they do, I highly recommend them to you reading this review and everyone I know.”
Christian Iribe