California Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love have been injured or lost a family member in an accident with a truck, you may be entitled to significant compensation from the truck’s owner and operator.  These large trucking companies have attorneys on their side so getting a settlement isn’t that easy.  Trucking companies have large insurance policies, and those insurers hire several lawyers who fight hard to get victims such as yourself or your loved one to take small settlements.  Don’t let this happen to you and your family!  Instead, call The Shirvanian Law Firm and get an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney on your side who will get you the proper settlement and not a penny less.  For over 10 years, the team at The Shirvanian Law Firm has been protecting truck accident victims from getting taken advantage of by trucking companies and their insurers.  For a free case evaluation give us a call at (818) 835-5396 or (877) 809-4223.  We work on a contingency basis which means you don’t pay anything upfront and we only get paid if we win your case.  You have nothing to lose and no obligation by calling.

Typical causes of Truck Accidents

• Jack-knifing accidents: This type of accident occurs when the trailer part of a tractor-trailer begins to move independently of the tractor that is pulling it, and swings out to either side. Jackknife accidents are often caused by improper braking technique, slippery road conditions, equipment failure, driving too fast for conditions, or taking a turn too fast.
• Turning accidents: Because commercial trucks are considerably larger than passenger vehicles, to make a turn, they are often forced to occupy two lanes. This creates hazards for other vehicles nearby.
• Runaway trailer accidents. When the tractor and trailer become detached, the trailer can continue traveling with no driver, endangering anyone in the area. Runaway trailer accidents are often caused by slippery road conditions, hitch failure, improperly attached trailers, and reckless driving.
• Underride accidents. Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle goes under the trailer of a tractor-trailer. These accidents are dangerous because they can shear the top off of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Federal law requires all trailers to have underride guards to prevent such accidents. However, tests have shown that many underride guards used in American trucking are not strong enough and collapse upon impact. Underride guards also do no good when a car crashes into the side of the trailer.

Truck Drivers Must Abide By Federal Trucking Regulations

There are particular federal regulations that all commercial truck drivers are required to observe.

Just a few of these federal trucking regulations include:

• Truck drivers may not drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.04%
• Commercial drivers may not drink alcohol up to four hours prior to driving
• Truck drivers must be older than 21 and demonstrate an ability to drive safely
• Truck drivers must inspect their vehicles’ loads at regular intervals
• Truck drivers must exercise extreme caution or stop driving in dangerous weather
• Truck drivers must take regular rest breaks at scheduled times
• Trust drivers may not log more than a certain number of hours
• Truck companies must schedule reasonable unloading times

Weighing as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, trucks can quickly become massive safety hazards with even the slightest error. At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we understand what it takes to secure the maximum compensation possible, and will work with you to navigate every step of the legal process.

How to Establish Fault after a Truck Accident

In the aftermath of an accident, things can get complicated. Accident scenes change quickly, vital evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories become fuzzy. For this reason, it is critical that you reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as you have been injured. The Shirvanian Law Firm can move quickly to preserve evidence, speak to witnesses, and deal with the insurance adjusters on your behalf.

• Interview witnesses about their recollection of the accident
• Obtain the driver’s logs and trucking company records
• Keep the truck from being repaired so that it can be inspected
• Preserve the truck’s electronic on-board recorder data
• Obtain a copy of the truck driver’s driving history
• Inspect all maintenance and inspection records for the truck
• Examine and document the scene of your truck accident

Don’t let crucial time pass after any type of accident.  Seek professional help right away!  The Shirvanian Law Firm will guide you every step of the way and get your the medical and legal expertise you need when involved in any type of accident.  Don’t delay, call today!  There are no obligations and no costs out of your pocket throughout the entire process.

Additional Truck Accident Information

• California Department of Transportation
• Trucking and Motor-coaches – Department of Transportation
• Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts