Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating types of vehicle accidents. Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, collisions with these vehicles on the highways or local roadways can result in serious life-altering injuries. If you or a family member has been injured by a truck accident, you may have the right to bring personal injury claims against the responsible parties and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
At Olsson Law, Los Angeles truck accident lawyer Jon Olsson understands how serious and disruptive truck accidents can be. We thoroughly investigate commercial truck accidents, performing a careful analysis of how the accident occurred as well as inquiries into the training requirements and working conditions of a commercial operator, in order to determine whether negligent or reckless conduct occurred. From the initial consultation to resolution, Jon will fight for your right to the compensation you deserve.
Truck Traffic in Los Angeles County and the South Bay
As a large commercial urban center, Los Angeles County is home to several of the busiest ports in the country, including the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach. To facilitate the moving of goods in and out of these ports, there is frequent commercial truck traffic throughout Los Angeles and the South Bay, including on major freeways like the 710 and 60.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2024 there were 11,653 commercial truck accidents in California, including 372 fatal accidents. These accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Driver fatigue: Despite federal regulations limiting how many hours a truck driver can work, deadlines often encourage drivers to work even when they are extremely tired.
- Distracted driving: Just like noncommercial drivers, truck drivers are often distracted by phone calls, texting, or eating and drinking while driving.
- Lack of training: Severe driver shortages and rapid certification programs mean that many drivers do not obtain the experience they need before becoming truck drivers.
- Truck maintenance issues: Inadequate or improper truck maintenance can lead to serious safety issues.
The Importance of Truck Accident Investigations
Truck accident claims can be much more complicated than typical car accidents because it is not just the driver who may be responsible for an accident. Commercial trucking companies may also be partially or fully responsible for placing drivers in unsafe working conditions, hiring inadequately trained drivers, or failing to conduct routine maintenance.
This means that successful truck accident claims often require a comprehensive investigation of the accident circumstances. At Olsson Law, we understand the importance of acting quickly to investigate and preserve evidence from a truck accident. Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers take the time to carefully review driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, GPS data, and truck black box data. We also request and review driver qualification files, maintenance and inspection records, and drug and alcohol testing records. Where necessary, we hire accident reconstruction professionals to help assess how and why an accident occurred and determine whether negligent action occurred.
By proactively preserving evidence through careful investigation, we gain a full understanding of the circumstances of your accident and build a strong legal claim to present to insurers and the court. This approach allows us to advocate for the compensation that you deserve.
What You Can Do After a Truck Accident
The most important step that you can take after a truck accident is to take care of your own health and safety. Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention even if you are unsure about the extent of your injuries. Where possible, you can also help with the collection and preservation of evidence by taking several key steps:
- Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any apparent maintenance issues.
- Obtain contact information for any witnesses who may have observed the crash.
- Preserve all documentation related to your injuries and expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident with the driver, a commercial trucking company, or insurance representatives until you have spoken with a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.
Serving Accident Victims Throughout Los Angeles and the South Bay
At Olsson Law, we represent individuals injured in truck accidents throughout Los Angeles County, including South Bay communities like Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Manhattan Beach that are impacted by heavy port traffic. For crashes in Torrance, see our Torrance truck accident lawyer page. We provide highly personal legal representation that focuses on uncovering the factual circumstances of your specific case and fighting for the justice that you and your family deserve. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.