Los Angeles Delivery Truck Accident Lawyers

Committed to Recovering Your Full and Fair Compensation

Online shopping is more common than ever, with many Los Angeles residents opting to browse online stores rather than go shopping at brick-and-mortar establishments. While this is good news for delivery truck drivers seeking work, it also means that these drivers are more likely to be undertrained and overworked. If you have been injured in a delivery truck accident due to no fault of your own, you may qualify for monetary compensation.

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we have devoted our careers to representing individuals injured by negligence. Should you work with our firm, we will fight tooth and nail to recover you the compensation you need to move forward. We are known for our skill in litigating all types of truck accident cases, winning multimillion-dollar case results time and again. Work with a team respected by peers and clients alike and acclaimed by U.S. News — Best Lawyers®, Consumer Attorneys of California, the Inner Circle of Advocates, and the American Board of Trial Advocates, among others.

Call (866) 634-4525 today to schedule a free case review with a Los Angeles delivery truck accident attorney.

Filing a Delivery Truck Accident Lawsuit in Los Angeles

It is crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured in a delivery truck accident. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 grants accident victims a two-year window to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. The sooner you begin, the better.

Unfortunately, it is expected for the at-fault party to deny their wrongdoing and attempt to get out of having to compensate you. These parties often use any lapses of time between the date of the accident, the date you sought medical help, and the date you filed suit to refute cases brought against them. To ensure that you have a strong chance of success in court, don’t wait to consult a doctor and a seasoned lawyer about your injury and case, respectively. This applies even if you are unsure whether you have a case.

Common Causes of Delivery Truck Accidents

Through investigation, accident reconstruction, and consulting witnesses and experts, a trial lawyer will be able to identify whether negligence caused the delivery truck accident in which you were injured. A few examples of such negligence include:

• Driving while distracted: This is a major culprit, with drivers often looking for addresses, using navigation, or handling packages while driving.
• Driving while fatigued: Long hours and tight delivery schedules can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction time.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Lacking sufficient training: Lack of proper training can lead to errors in judgment and unsafe driving practices.
• Improperly Secured Loads: Shifting cargo can cause accidents, especially during sudden stops or turns.
• Driving a poorly maintained delivery truck: Poorly maintained trucks, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can contribute to accidents.
• Speeding or other types of reckless driving: Speeding is one of the most common causes of delivery truck accidents. When combined with the size and weight of a commercial vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Other forms of reckless driving that contribute to accidents include: tailgating, improper lane changes, running red lights & stop signs, aggressive driving.
• Transporting too much cargo: Extra weight makes it harder for the truck to stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Overloaded tires are more susceptible to blowouts, which can lead to loss of control.

As mentioned, delivery truck drivers are in demand, and many of them are overworked. This leaves them at a high risk of committing all the above types of negligence and then some. For example, driving under the influence may also be to blame for an accident.

Types of Delivery Truck Accidents Injuries

Delivery truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Some common types of injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to severe, life-long disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Resulting in paralysis or partial paralysis.
• Amputations: Loss of limbs due to the impact of the accident.
• Internal Organ Damage: Can be life-threatening and require extensive medical treatment.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common in high-impact collisions.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament sprains are frequent.
• Burns: If hazardous materials are involved in the accident.

Determining Liability in Delivery Truck Accidents in CA

Determining liability in a delivery truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility.

• Truck Driver: The driver is directly responsible for their actions on the road. If their negligence caused the accident (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving), they can be held liable.
• Trucking Company: Under this legal principle, the trucking company is often held responsible for the actions of its employees (the drivers). This means even if the driver is primarily at fault, the company can also be held accountable. If the company hired an unqualified or reckless driver, the trucks were poorly maintained, or the drivers have been overworked, the trucking company can be liable.
• Cargo Loader: If the cargo was improperly loaded, causing an accident (e.g., shifting cargo, overloading), the loader can be held liable.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: In cases of defective truck parts, the manufacturer might be held responsible.
• Government entities: Poor road maintenance can contribute to accidents, potentially involving government entities.

Damages Recoverable in a Delivery Truck Accident

Damages are the monetary compensation awarded to a victim for their losses and injuries. These are intended to compensate the victim for their actual losses.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable losses such as:
  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages (current and future)
  • Property damage
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Cost of hiring household help
• Non-Economic Damages: These are more subjective and difficult to quantify, such as:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of consortium (loss of spousal intimacy)
  • Disfigurement

Get Started on Your Case Today

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we know that winning a lawsuit is often the only chance delivery truck accident victims have to afford medical care and stay afloat while they heal. That is why we refuse to settle for less when it comes to our clients’ cases, as well as why we never shy away from complex litigation. Our attentive, tailored approach to legal representation has helped us recover billions of dollars for our Los Angeles clients, compensating them for pain and suffering, medical and hospital bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost earnings, and more. Our trial attorneys are passionate about winning you justice and protecting others in the community from similar harm.

To book a free case evaluation with a Los Angeles delivery truck accident lawyer, contact Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP online today.