Truck Accidents

Glendale Truck Accident Lawyers

Fighting for the Injured in San Fernando Valley & Los Angeles County

Commercial truck accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly of all traffic accidents. These massive vehicles are substantially larger and weightier than passenger cars. Thus, when they collide with others on the road, they can cause severe trauma or death to motorists and their passengers.

According to statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 72 percent of individuals killed in truck accidents in 2021 were the occupants of other vehicles. Because of their massive size and weight, commercial trucks take longer to stop, are more difficult to maneuver, and have larger blind spots. These factors contribute to the accident risks they impose on other motorists with whom they share the roadways.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in the greater Los Angeles area, you can turn to Law Offices of Harout Balian for legal help. Our Glendale team can put decades of professional experience to work for you in seeking fair compensation in a personal injury claim against the at-fault trucker or other liable parties.

Request a free initial consultation with a Glendale truck accident attorney at Law Offices of Harout Balian by calling (818) 938-2597 or emailing us on our contact form.

Types of Truck Accidents in Glendale

Commercial trucks include semis, tractor-trailers, flatbeds, dump trucks, tankers, and delivery trucks. These vehicles are numerous in and around Los Angeles County, a significant hub for trade and transportation of goods. Truck collisions can range from rear-end collisions to side impacts (T-bone accidents), head-on collisions, jackknife accidents, rollovers, and accidents resulting in lost cargo.

These accidents can be classified into three categories based on their severity:

Minor Truck Accidents: These are low-speed crashes with minimal damage.
Moderate Truck Accidents: Moderate accidents may result in more serious injuries and could involve some degree of property damage or vehicle incapacitation.
Severe Truck Accidents: Characterized by catastrophic injuries or fatalities, often resulting in significant medical costs and long-term rehabilitation for accident victims. These severe incidents often involve extensive investigations and records gathering to establish the full impact of the crash, including loss of income, permanent disabilities, and life changes that affect family dynamics.

Legal teams involved in severe truck accident cases must be adept at negotiating settlements that fully encompass the current and future needs of their clients, including ongoing medical treatment and emotional support services. The broader implications on insurance policies and public safety regulations often also come under scrutiny in these severe cases, highlighting the need for comprehensive legal representation.

Determining Liability in Truck Accidents

Identifying who is responsible for a truck accident can be complex.

Multiple parties may share the blame, including:

Truck Driver: May be held responsible for negligent behavior, such as distracted driving or fatigue.
Trucking Company: They may share liability for employee’s actions or failing to maintain the vehicle.
Manufacturers: Truck parts manufacturers may be liable if the accident is due to a mechanical failure.
Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can significantly affect vehicle balance and handling.

In addition to these parties, maintenance crews can also be inspected for accountability if it is determined that vehicle upkeep played a role in the accident. Investigations often require meticulous gathering of maintenance logs, driver records, and black-box data to provide a clear picture of the operation and conditions preceding the accident. Legal professionals must therefore coordinate closely with forensic vehicle experts and accident reconstruction specialists to build a strong foundation for liability claims.

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Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Other Traffic Accidents

Truck accidents often present a level of complexity that distinguishes them from typical vehicle collisions. Several factors contribute to this.

First, the size and weight of commercial trucks lead to more severe damages and injuries, which can complicate the assessment of liability and the extent of compensation needed. The involvement of multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers, complicates liability determinations as each party may have different levels of responsibility and involvement in the accident.

Moreover, truck accidents frequently involve intricate federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry. Understanding these regulations requires legal knowledge to navigate the rules related to driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and cargo handling.

Additionally, trucking companies may employ tactics to protect their interests, such as disputing liability or manipulating evidence. This adversarial approach can lead to prolonged legal battles, making experienced legal representation from a qualified truck accident lawyer essential.

Furthermore, the nature of truck accidents often necessitates the involvement of multiple jurisdictions and legal systems. Trucking companies operating across state lines may be subject to different legal requirements in each jurisdiction, adding complexity to legal proceedings. This situation warrants a comprehensive understanding of federal and state laws to accurately determine the legal strategy and necessary actions.

The combination of these factors transforms truck accident claims into multifaceted cases that require careful consideration and strategic legal action. Call (818) 938-2597 or contact us online to consult a Glendale truck accident attorney about your case today.

Local Glendale Roads & Accident Hotspots

Glendale is home to several busy roads and highways that are common sites for truck accidents. The I-5, which runs through the area, is a major corridor for commercial transport. Constant traffic flow, coupled with narrow lanes, often contribute to congestion and accidents. Similarly, the SR-134 and other local roads experience significant commercial truck activity, heightening the risk for collisions. High-risk zones in Glendale include areas where residential roads intersect with main arteries. These intersections can create blind spots for larger vehicles, escalating the chance of accidents. Truck accidents in these areas often involve not just one but multiple vehicles, escalating the severity of incidents. Local authorities have been working on traffic management solutions, but drivers should remain vigilant, particularly during peak traffic hours.

Understanding Glendale's Truck Accident Laws

In Glendale, truck accident laws encompass a mixture of state regulations and federal guidelines that apply to commercial trucking operations. Truck drivers must adhere to the California Vehicle Code and federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These include limits on hours of service to reduce driver fatigue and specific maintenance standards to ensure vehicle safety.

The intricacies of these laws mean that legal representation must be adept at both state and federal levels.

Knowing how these laws interact is essential for identifying any violations that may have contributed to an accident. For instance, if a truck driver exceeds federally mandated driving hours without adequate rest, this could be a critical point in establishing negligence. Moreover, trucking companies can be held liable for encouraging unsafe driving practices or neglecting necessary vehicle inspections.

Community Impact of Truck Accidents in Glendale

Truck accidents create a significant ripple effect in Glendale, influencing everything from traffic congestion to community resource allocation. The immediate aftermath of a truck accident can result in closed roads, delayed travel times, and increased financial pressure on local resources, including law enforcement and emergency medical services.

A long-term impact could be seen in the form of public safety campaigns initiated by local government and community organizations. These campaigns aim to improve road safety awareness not only for truck drivers but for all motorists sharing the road. They often focus on educating drivers about the dangers of tailgating, distracted driving, and the importance of following safe driving distances, especially around large commercial vehicles. By doing so, these initiatives help create a more informed and cautious community, ultimately aiming to reduce the overall number of accidents.

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What Sets Us Apart
The Advantages of Choosing the Law Offices of Harout Balian

24/7 Help Anytime You Need It
Our dedicated team is available around the clock to provide you with the support and guidance you need. No matter when an accident occurs, we're here to help you every step of the way.
Hablamos Español
We are proud to offer legal services in both English and Spanish. Our bilingual team ensures that you receive clear and comprehensive legal assistance in the language you are most comfortable with.
We Offer Contingency Fees
We believe that everyone deserves access to justice. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win your case. Your financial peace of mind is our priority.
Over $10 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. With over $10 million recovered for our clients, you can trust our expertise and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for your personal injury case.

The Importance of Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney

In a typical truck accident claim, you seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. These are critical to your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelmingly complicated, especially when dealing with large corporate trucking companies and insurers. Hiring a seasoned law firm is vital to increase your chances of an optimum outcome.

At Law Offices of Harout Balian, we understand the specific laws and regulations concerning the trucking industry and how violations of such laws can cause accidents. Through an independent investigation, we can determine those liable for the accident, whether the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties. Our firm has the necessary resources to collect vital evidence, like accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

We can accurately assess the full extent of your losses and pursue available compensation from all responsible parties. Our team can prevent insurance adjusters from taking advantage of you or making lowball offers. As skilled negotiators, we can fight for maximum compensation. We offer guidance and support throughout the process as you concentrate on recovery.

Truck accident cases can be lengthy and emotionally draining. You can put the legal burden on us; we will vigorously pursue the compensation you deserve.

In addition to these immediate legal tasks, our team at Law Offices of Harout Balian is committed to providing clients with a comprehensive understanding of their rights and options. We work meticulously to keep you informed about the progress of your claim and make sure you have the clarity needed to make informed decisions. Moreover, we stress the importance of continuous medical follow-ups for establishing ongoing treatment needs related to accident injuries, helping establish the necessity and value of claims for future medical expenses.

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