Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Most truck accidents in Los Angeles come down to truck company liability. The trucking company will be liable not only for its actions but also those of its truck drivers. It is every trucking company’s responsibility to reasonably prevent accidents. The company can accomplish this through regular vehicle inspections, proper hiring and training procedures, and by obeying all federal trucking safety regulations. If the company is negligent in fulfilling this duty of care and causes a preventable accident, the company could be liable for damages.

Through the rule of vicarious liability, the trucking company will also be liable for the negligence of its employees – including independently contracted truck drivers. If a truck driver, cargo loader, ground controller, or another employee of the trucking company caused your recent accident, the company itself will be liable as long as the at-fault party was on the clock at the time of negligence. The trucking company will have better insurance coverage than the individual driver, so it will be preferable to hold the company liable for your injuries.

At The Ultimate Law Firm, we have also handled trucking accident claims in Los Angeles with third-party defendants. A third party is one not directly involved in the collision but still contributed to the accident or victims’ injuries. A common example is a truck manufacturing company that produced a defective or dangerous vehicle part. Bad brakes or a tire blowout could point to a manufacturer’s liability. Other examples include the City of Los Angeles (if a roadway defect such as a pothole caused the accident) or another motor vehicle driver. An experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorney from our firm can help you determine fault and assign liability for your specific truck accident case.

What Is the Truck Accident Statute of Limitations in California?

As a truck accident victim, you must act quickly to bring your truck accident claim to ensure you meet California’s filing deadline, or statute of limitations. Under California law, an accident victim typically has two years from the date of the truck accident or injury discovery to file an injury claim with the civil courts. Failing to file a lawsuit for an injury or wrongful death within that time limit generally results in the courts throwing out the claim. Do not wait to take action following a truck crash. Contact a top truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.