Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
Jeffrey Johnson, J.D.
Jeffrey Johnson has written novels and movies in addition to legal analyses of eminent domain and immigration law. His experience in writing engaging fiction makes him uniquely capable of making the most dry and academic legal topics interesting (or as interesting as possible).
Adam has resided at the intersection of legal and journalism for two decades. An award-winning journalist and legal strategist, he’s covered high-profile trials in Florida.
After law school, Adam and spent two years clerking for a U.S. District Court judge. He researched and wrote legal precedent in published opinions on behalf of the Court.
He has been an editor, columnist and journalist at the Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News, The Oregonian, Golf Digest, FindLaw.com and other media outlets.
He lived in Colombia and Argentina teaching legal English to attorneys and law students. He is also a Spanish-language subject matter expert.
An avid waterman, he surfs and scuba dives frequently.
Reviewed
Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Adam has resided at the intersection of legal and journalism for two decades. An award-winning journalist and legal strategist, he’s covered high-profile trials in Florida.
After law school, Adam and spent two years clerking for a U.S. District Court judge. He researched and wrote legal precedent in published opinions on behalf of the Court.
He has been an editor, columnist and journalist at the Miami Herald, The Dallas Morning News, The Oregonian, Golf Digest, FindLaw.com and other media outlets.
He lived in Colombia and Argentina teaching legal English to attorneys and law students. He is also a Spanish-language subject matter expert.
An avid waterman, he surfs and scuba dives frequently.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Los Angeles has one of the busiest ports on the West Coast, which means that a lot of goods move through the streets and highways of the city. Those streets and highways are, of course, already full of some of the heaviest traffic in the country, and adding all those goods means adding a lot of big trucks.
If you’ve been in a truck accident in the City of Angels, you may have learned firsthand that not all insurance adjustors or interstate trucking companies act like angels.
To help you find the legal advice you need you need, we’ve created a list of the ten best truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles. We also include tips on how to find the right lawyer and an overview of California’s laws concerning trucks.
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Best Truck Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles
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Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California
When filing a truck accident lawsuit in California, there are important laws to be aware of which can affect how and when you file.
California Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the amount of time that an injured party has to file a lawsuit after an accident or after the cause of the injury occurs. If you are in a truck accident and are suing for your injuries or damage to your car, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit in California.
However, suppose the accident causes severe injuries to a family member. That family member has two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but if they die six months later, you and your family have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, since it’s the death and not the injury that creates the cause of the lawsuit.
California Laws for Truck Drivers
In California, as in every state, the laws concerning Trucking are a combination of federal and state laws. most of the laws concerning trucking are from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These laws include:
- Hours of service requirements. Drivers must take breaks every few hours and must take longer breaks between driving shifts and between driving weeks. Truck drivers can drive no more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period and then must take at least 10 hours off before another “on duty” period begins. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break every 8 hours of driving and must take at least 34 hours off from driving between each seven or eight-day work week.
- Driver logs. The FMCSA requires the above-mentioned breaks as well as all stops and inspections to be logged by each driver.
These regulations apply to all trucks engaged in interstate commerce, but California has created similar regulations that govern trucks that only travel within the state. California has also banned certain types of trucks from operating in the state. Effective January, 2023, any diesel vehicle over 14,000 pounds must have an engine made in 2010 or later or it will be denied registration.
Identifying Fault for a Truck Accident
In California, when it comes to auto insurance, they follow a “fault-based” or “tort” system. Basically, this means that every driver needs to have liability insurance, which covers the damages if they’re at fault in an accident. This rule applies to trucks as well as passenger vehicles, too.
Now, let’s say you’ve been in an accident, and you want to get compensated for your losses. These losses could be things like medical expenses for injuries or fixing/replacing your damaged car or motorcycle. What you need to do is file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident.
The driver considered to be at fault—as determined by the insurance companies initially—is responsible for the damages they cause.
California is one of the few states that uses something called pure comparative negligence to figure out how much each party can recover after an accident. Most other states have a modified version of comparative negligence, which means if you’re 51% or more responsible for the accident, you can’t get any compensation.
In California, however, they allow anyone to get compensation no matter how responsible they were. But, keep in mind that the amount you receive will depend on how much responsibility you had in the accident.
A jury or judge could determine that you’re 90% responsible for an accident. That means that if you sue for $100,000, the most you can recover is $10,000. In states with the modified comparative negligence rule, however, you wouldn’t be able to recover anything.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s worth considering the benefits of hiring an experienced truck accident attorney. These professionals offer valuable assistance by advising you on your rights and providing guidance based on their experience with similar cases. They can also handle correspondence with all parties involved, including insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
A skilled truck accident lawyer is equipped to negotiate potential settlements on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation. They will gather and organize evidence to support your case during negotiations or any legal actions that may arise. In the event that settlement negotiations fail, they will take care of filing all necessary paperwork to initiate a legal case against the responsible parties.
Moreover, if your case proceeds to trial, a truck accident attorney will represent you, advocating for your best interests throughout the process. Their expertise and support can make a significant difference in obtaining a favorable outcome for your motorcycle accident claim.
How to Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles, California
If you’re searching for a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles, there are some essential qualities you should consider. Truck accidents are different from other types of auto accidents or personal injury cases, and it’s crucial to find a lawyer who is familiar with the unique laws about trucks and interstate commerce.
One key factor to consider is the lawyer’s experience. You’ll want to make sure the attorney you hire has experience with truck accident cases and knows how to handle the legal aspects of your motorcycle accident case.
It’s also important to consider the attorney’s reputation. Word-of-mouth referrals from former clients and other lawyers can be helpful indicators of an attorney’s competence and ability to provide quality representation. It may be a red flag if an attorney can’t provide references.
Finally, it’s crucial to find an attorney who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Your motorcycle accident attorney is there to handle legal and related matters on your behalf, so you should feel safe and well-represented. When you meet with an attorney, pay attention to how they make you feel and whether you feel confident in their ability to represent you.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles in 2024, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses & certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education & employment background
- Scholarly lectures & writings
- Awards & Honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I hire a truck accident lawyer?
It is a good idea to hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Time is crucial in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and preserving important information related to the case. By hiring a lawyer early on, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you have proper legal guidance from the start.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Many truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or judgment, and the percentage can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during your initial consultation.
How long does it take to get a truck accident settlement?
The time it takes to get a truck accident settlement can vary greatly. It depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, liability determination, negotiations with insurance companies, the need for expert opinions and the possibility of court proceedings. Some settlements can be reached within weeks or months, while others may take years. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific case.
