Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles | Prestige Law Firm P.C.

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Your Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles County

Truck accidents in Los Angeles are rarely minor. Collisions involving 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles often leave victims facing hospital stays, time off work, and overwhelming bills. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we provide skilled legal help for truck accident victims throughout Los Angeles County, offering trusted representation backed by local experience in courts across the region.

With more than two decades of experience, attorney Paul Aghabala has built a record of securing maximum compensation in complex personal injury cases as a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles.
Clients gain direct access to an attorney who will fight for them in negotiations and, if needed, at trial—because we understand how overwhelming medical recovery, lost income, and insurance stress can feel after a serious truck crash.

That is why our team handles every part of the claim so you can focus on recovery. From Sherman Oaks and Northridge to Lancaster and Lake Los Angeles, we serve clients throughout the Valley and beyond.

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Truck accidents in Los Angeles are far more complicated than standard car crashes, often involving catastrophic injuries, multiple responsible parties, and strict federal and California trucking regulations. Victims may face lifelong medical care, lost income, and aggressive insurance companies determined to minimize payouts. At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we manage every part of the claims process to pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future needs. With offices in Encino, Palmdale, and Van Nuys, we serve clients across Los Angeles County on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Prestige Law Firm P.C – Trusted Injury Attorneys | No Fee Unless We Win

With decades of experience and a proven track record, Prestige Law stands by your side every step of the way. Talk to an attorney today—pay nothing unless we win your case.

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What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accidents?

Not all motor vehicle accidents are alike. A crash involving a commercial truck in Los Angeles often carries far more serious consequences than a typical car accident, and the legal process reflects that. Several key factors make these cases more complex and demanding:

Greater Severity of Injuries and Damage

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average car weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. This size difference means collisions often result in:

Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations
Extensive property damage to passenger vehicles
A higher risk of fatalities

Victims may face long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and loss of income, making their claims high-stakes and legally intricate.

Federal and State Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucks in California operate under strict federal and state safety rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates areas such as hours-of-service limits to reduce driver fatigue, mandatory inspection and maintenance schedules, weight and cargo-loading restrictions, and the requirement that all drivers hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

When a truck crash occurs, investigators often look into whether these rules were violated. Proving a violation can significantly strengthen an injury claim, but accessing and interpreting this evidence requires technical knowledge and swift legal action to prevent companies from concealing or destroying key records.

Multiple Liable Parties

In car accidents, liability usually rests with one or both drivers. Truck accidents may involve several parties, including:

The driver
The trucking company
The cargo loader
The truck or parts manufacturer
A maintenance contractor

Each party may have its own insurance carrier and legal defense, adding layers of complexity to the case.

Larger Insurance Policies and Aggressive Defenses

Commercial trucking companies are required to carry policies with coverage limits that can reach several million dollars.

While this increases the potential for fair compensation, it also means insurers defend claims aggressively, often deploying specialized teams to limit payouts.

Complex Evidence Collection

Truck accident claims depend on specialized evidence that goes beyond a standard police report. This may include:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) tracking driver hours
“Black box” data recording speed and braking
Maintenance and inspection records
Cargo manifests and weight logs

Securing this evidence quickly is critical, as it can be lost or destroyed without legal intervention.

Longer and More Contentious Legal Process

Because of the higher stakes and multiple parties involved, truck accident cases often take longer to resolve. They may require accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and financial analysts to establish liability and damages.

Top Personal Injury Lawyers | Prestige Law – Get Justice Today

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Key Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident

The aftermath of a truck accident can feel overwhelming, but the steps you take in the first hours are critical. Following the right process protects your health, preserves key evidence, and strengthens your claim for fair compensation. Below are the most important actions to keep in mind after a truck crash in Los Angeles.

Call 911 Right Away

The first and most important step after a truck accident in Los Angeles is to contact emergency services. Calling 911 ensures that medical help arrives quickly and that law enforcement documents the scene. A police report becomes a critical piece of evidence when filing your claim.

Collect Witness Information

Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony. Ask anyone who saw the accident for their names and contact details, and point them out to the responding officers. Independent witnesses often play a key role in establishing fault.

Preserve Important Evidence

Truck accident cases often hinge on specialized evidence like black box data, electronic logging devices, maintenance records, and cargo manifests. Trucking companies may try to withhold or destroy this information. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles can take immediate legal steps to preserve it.

Stay Off Social Media

Posting about the accident on social media may harm your case. Photos, comments, or even casual remarks about your condition can be taken out of context and used by insurance adjusters to minimize your claim. Keep details of the accident private and only share information with your attorney.

Document the Accident Scene

If it is safe, take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect the truck driver’s information, including their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), trucking company details, and insurance policy numbers. This documentation strengthens your case and prevents disputes later.

Get Medical Care Immediately

Even if you feel unhurt, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Truck accidents often cause hidden injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal trauma. A prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates an official record linking your injuries to the crash, vital for your legal claim.

Be Careful What You Say

At the scene, remain calm and stick to the facts. Do not admit fault, apologize, or speculate about what caused the crash. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may use your words against you. Let the evidence speak for itself.

Contact a Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking companies and insurers act quickly after a crash to protect themselves. You should have someone acting just as quickly for you.

An attorney can secure evidence, manage communication with insurers, calculate damages, and guide you through the claims process.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we represent truck accident victims across the greater Los Angeles area — with no fees unless we win. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact us for a free consultation and case review to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

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Understanding Liability in Commercial Truck Crashes

Truck accidents in Los Angeles are rarely straightforward. Unlike most car accidents, liability in a commercial truck crash can extend to multiple parties:

Truck Drivers

Drivers are often the first to be investigated. A truck driver may be held liable if they were speeding, distracted, driving under the influence, violating hours-of-service rules, or falling asleep at the wheel. Proving negligence at the driver level is a critical part of many claims.

Trucking Companies

Companies can be held responsible for the actions of their drivers and the condition of their trucks. Liability may arise if the company hired unqualified drivers, failed to train them properly, ignored federal safety rules, or neglected routine maintenance. Even if a driver made a mistake, the company is often legally accountable.

Cargo Loaders and Shipping Companies

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit and cause accidents. If a load was too heavy, unbalanced, or not secured according to regulations, the cargo loading company or shipper may share liability.

Mechanics and Maintenance Providers

Trucks require regular inspections and professional repairs. If a mechanic or maintenance provider failed to fix a known problem, or performed poor-quality work that contributed to the crash, they may be held accountable.

Truck Owners and Leasing Companies

In some cases, the trucking company does not own the truck involved in the crash. Instead, the vehicle may be leased from another company.

The owner of the truck has a duty to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy, and failing to do so can leave them liable.

Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers

When defective truck parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering components, cause a crash, the manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable under product liability laws. These claims require technical investigation and expert testimony.

Other Motorists

Not all truck accidents are caused by the truck itself. Sometimes, another driver on the road may trigger a collision by cutting off a truck, driving aggressively, or failing to follow traffic rules. In those cases, liability may extend to another motorist.

Brokers and Shippers

In some situations, brokers or shippers can also share liability if they negligently selected unsafe carriers, pushed for unrealistic delivery schedules, or exercised control over how the truck operated.

Liability in truck accidents is often spread across several parties, each with its own insurance coverage and defense team. That is why working with experienced Los Angeles truck accident attorneys is crucial to identify all responsible parties and maximize compensation for victims.

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Common Injuries from Truck Accidents and Their Legal Consequences

Collisions with large commercial trucks often cause life-changing injuries. Victims frequently face long recoveries, permanent disabilities, or even fatal injuries. The following are common injuries that could result from truck accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Neck Injuries

Broken Bones and Crush Injuries

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Head and Facial Injuries

Burn Injuries

Wrongful Death

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Truck crashes can cause concussions, brain bleeds, and other head trauma. Severe TBIs may leave victims with memory problems, loss of coordination, or permanent cognitive impairment.
Many require ongoing therapy, assisted living, or lifelong medical care, making them among the most costly injuries to litigate.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia. Even less severe back injuries, such as herniated discs or nerve compression, can leave victims in chronic pain or in need of surgery. These injuries often reduce a victim’s ability to work or live independently.

Neck Injuries

Whiplash and other neck trauma are common in truck collisions due to the violent force of impact. While some cases resolve with therapy, others cause lasting pain, limited mobility, and ongoing medical complications.

Broken Bones and Crush Injuries

The sheer force of an 18-wheeler can fracture arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis bones. Some fractures require surgery, metal hardware, or lengthy rehabilitation. In severe cases, victims suffer crush injuries or even amputations, permanently changing their quality of life.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

The blunt force of a truck crash can damage internal organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, or heart. These injuries may not be visible immediately but can be life-threatening. Prompt medical treatment and thorough documentation are critical for both survival and legal claims.

Head and Facial Injuries

Truck collisions may result in broken facial bones, lacerations, or dental injuries. Airbag deployment, shattered glass, or direct impact often cause scarring or disfigurement, which carry both physical and emotional consequences.

Burn Injuries

When trucks carrying fuel or hazardous materials ignite after a crash, victims may suffer severe burns. These injuries can cause permanent scarring, infections, and psychological trauma. Treatment often requires skin grafts or long-term hospitalization.

Wrongful Death

Sadly, many truck accidents in Los Angeles result in fatalities. Families may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost income, and compensation for the devastating loss of a loved one.

Because truck accident injuries are so severe, victims often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and financial support. An experienced Los Angeles truck accident injury attorney ensures that claims account not only for current bills but also for future expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Top Personal Injury Lawyers | Prestige Law – Get Justice Today

Injured in a car accident or due to someone else’s negligence? Prestige Law’s experienced injury attorneys are ready to fight for you.

Book your free consultation today and let us help you win the compensation you deserve.

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How Trucking Regulations Affect Your Case?

Commercial trucking in California is governed by both federal laws under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state-specific rules. These regulations are designed to promote safety and reduce the risk of devastating accidents. When a truck crash occurs, proving that one or more of these rules were violated can be a powerful way to establish negligence and strengthen your claim.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

Every truck driver in California must hold a valid CDL. Obtaining this license requires medical exams, written testing, and behind-the-wheel training.If a driver operates without proper licensing or training, both the driver and the trucking company may be held responsible for resulting accidents.

Hours-of-Service (HOS) Limits

Federal and state laws set strict limits on how many hours truck drivers can be on the road before taking required rest breaks. These rules are meant to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Violations of HOS limits are common in Los Angeles and often revealed through electronic logging devices (ELDs). If a driver was over hours when the accident occurred, it can be a critical factor in proving liability.

Driver Logs and Inspection Records

Truck drivers are required to inspect their vehicles before each trip, and carriers must keep records of routine inspections and maintenance. Missing or falsified logs can indicate negligence. For example, if brakes or tires were not properly maintained, both the driver and the company may share liability for a crash.

Truck Size and Weight Limits

California enforces weight and size restrictions, with fully loaded trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds under federal law.

Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo increases the risk of rollovers, brake failures, and catastrophic collisions. Violating these limits can expose both the trucking company and cargo loaders to legal responsibility.

DOT Numbers and Identification

Commercial trucks traveling across state lines must display a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
This allows regulators and investigators to trace the vehicle’s ownership, maintenance records, and safety history, information that may play an important role in your case.

Trucking regulations exist to protect the public. When trucking companies or drivers cut corners, by ignoring hours-of-service rules, skipping inspections, or overloading vehicles, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Our team knows how to uncover violations of federal and California trucking laws to hold negligent parties accountable and maximize compensation for our clients.

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The Role of Expert Witnesses in Truck Accident Litigation

Truck accident cases often involve technical details that go beyond what eyewitnesses or police reports can explain. That’s why expert witnesses play such a critical role in proving liability and damages.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we work with the most respected experts in California to build strong, evidence-based cases for our clients.

Types of Expert Witnesses in Truck Accident Cases

Different experts bring unique insights to help establish fault and calculate damages:

Accident reconstruction specialists use physics, engineering, and computer modeling to recreate the collision and show exactly how it happened.
Medical experts explain the nature, severity, and long-term impact of injuries, as well as the treatment and care a victim will need.
Vocational experts assess how injuries affect a victim’s ability to return to work or pursue their career.
Economic experts calculate lost income, future earning capacity, and the total financial impact of an accident.
Trucking safety experts review whether the trucking company followed required safety regulations and industry standards.
Mechanical engineers evaluate potential vehicle or equipment failures, such as brake defects or tire blowouts.

Together, these experts provide objective, technical testimony that adds credibility and depth to a victim’s case.

How Experts Strengthen Negotiations and Settlements

Insurance companies are far less likely to settle quickly without strong evidence. Expert reports and testimony often tip the balance by making liability and damages difficult to dispute.

For example, an economist may present a detailed calculation of lifetime lost income, or a reconstructionist may show how an overloaded truck directly caused a rollover.

When supported by experts, settlement demands carry far more weight, often leading to faster and larger recovery for victims.

Expert Testimony at Trial

If a case goes to trial, experts present their findings to the jury in clear, understandable terms. They may use diagrams, simulations, or medical explanations to walk jurors through complex evidence.

Their goal is not to argue the case but to provide facts that cut through confusion. Juries and judges often rely heavily on these testimonies when deciding fault and awarding damages.Expert witnesses transform technical details into compelling evidence that can make or break a truck accident case. By working with leading professionals across medicine, engineering, economics, and trucking safety, Prestige Law Firm P.C. ensures that every case is backed by the strongest possible foundation.

Calculating Damages in Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents often leave victims facing overwhelming financial, physical, and emotional losses. Our truck accident lawyers’ approach goes beyond quick settlements, we focus on identifying the full scope of damages to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under California law.

Economic Damages

These damages cover the measurable financial costs of the accident. They typically include:

Medical expenses such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication
Future medical needs, including ongoing therapy, assistive devices, and long-term treatment
Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
Reduced earning capacity if injuries limit or end your ability to work in the future
Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings

Economic damages are calculated using records like medical bills, pay stubs, and repair estimates.

Non-Economic Damages

Not all losses can be measured in dollars. Non-economic damages compensate for the personal and emotional consequences of a truck accident, including:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and psychological trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement

Courts consider the severity of your injuries, your recovery timeline, and how your life has been altered.

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct, California courts may award punitive damages. Examples include trucking companies that knowingly ignore safety rules, put unqualified drivers on the road, or fail to maintain their fleet. These damages punish wrongful behavior and deter future misconduct.

Loss of Consortium

Family members, often spouses, may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship, affection, and support. These claims recognize the emotional and relational toll a serious truck accident can place on loved ones.

Future Damages

Truck accident injuries often have lifelong consequences. Future damages may include the cost of ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and loss of future income.

Calculating these damages often requires expert input from medical, vocational, and financial specialists to ensure victims are compensated for the full long-term impact.

When to Consider Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Most truck accident claims in Los Angeles begin with an insurance claim. However, insurers often delay, dispute liability, or offer far less than victims deserve.

When negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to protect your rights and pursue the full value of your case.

You may need to consider a lawsuit if:

The insurance company denies liability or blames you for the crash
Settlement offers do not cover your medical bills, lost wages, and future needs
Multiple parties are involved and insurers dispute who is responsible
The trucking company or its insurer engages in bad faith tactics to stall your claim
The statute of limitations in California (generally two years from the date of the accident) is approaching

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This trial-ready approach strengthens negotiations and ensures that if litigation becomes necessary, we are ready to present a powerful case in court.

With over two decades of experience, attorney Paul Aghabala has successfully litigated catastrophic injury cases throughout Los Angeles, Encino, Palmdale, and Van Nuys.

Don’t let insurance companies decide your future. Contact our experienced truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles for a free consultation today.

📞 Call: Encino: 818-425-9815 | Palmdale: 661-341-3939 | Van Nuys: 818-788-0808

📩 paul@prestigelaw.com

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FAQ

Do I really need a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles after a crash?

Yes. Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties and complex evidence like black box data. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected and helps you recover maximum compensation.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Los Angeles?

Call 911, seek medical care, document the scene, collect driver and witness information, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

California follows a comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What role do expert witnesses play?

Experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, economists, and vocational specialists provide technical testimony to prove liability and damages.