Torrance Truck Accident Attorneys
We Fight for Truck Accident Victims in Torrance
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Torrance truck accident attorneys fight aggressively to protect the legal rights and financial interests of injured victims and their families. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash involving a big rig, we are more than ready to protect your rights and interests. To set up a free case evaluation with a top California truck accident attorney, please call us at (213) 985-1120 or connect with us directly online.
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Accident in Torrance, CA
Torrance is a coastal city located in Los Angeles County. It offers a diverse mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, with beautiful beaches, parks, and a thriving arts and cultural scene. With several major highways—including California State Route 107 and California State Route 1—running through the community, Torrance sees more than its fair share of large commercial trucks. It is crucial that injured victims know what to do to protect themselves after a crash. Here are three things you should always do after a tractor-trailer accident in Torrance:
- Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information, and Report the Crash: The most important step after a commercial truck accident in Torrance is to stop your vehicle and exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. All truck accidents should be reported to the police, such as the Torrance Police Department or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
- Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: All injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Were you hurt in a truck accident in Torrance? See a physician right away. Severe injuries need emergency care. Non-emergency injuries still need to be evaluated. If you do not see a doctor, you cannot bring a successful personal injury claim.
- Speak to a Torrance Lawyer Before an Insurer: Do not take on the truck company or its insurer alone. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. A Torrance, CA truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Most Common Truck Accident Injuries
All truck accident injuries require immediate medical care. Due to the large size of a fully loaded big rig, these crashes are more likely to cause severe injuries. Common injuries include:
- Head Injuries: These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries and can have long-term effects.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash and spinal cord injuries are common in truck accidents due to the force of the impact.
- Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, and other parts of the body.
- Burns: Truck accidents involving fires or chemical spills can result in burns.
- Internal Injuries: Organs can be damaged in a truck accident, leading to internal bleeding and other serious injuries.
Types of Truck Accidents in Torrance
Commercial truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. It is imperative that all collisions are thoroughly investigated to determine what happened and why. Common causes of crashes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and can be prone to fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers can become distracted by cell phones, navigation systems, or other distractions, causing them to lose control of their vehicle.
- Reckless/Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and other forms of reckless or aggressive driving can cause truck accidents.
- Overloading: Overloading a truck’s trailer can make it difficult to control, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting to properly maintain a truck can lead to equipment failure, causing an accident.
- Improper Training: Inexperienced truck drivers or those who haven’t received proper training can make mistakes that lead to accidents.
California is a Fault-Based Truck Accident State
California is an at-fault motor vehicle accident state. The standard applies to all types of crashes, including large truck accidents. Fault is based on negligence, which is defined as the failure to take due care. Many parties could bear full or partial fault for a truck accident in Torrance, including:
- Truck drivers;
- Truck companies;
- The company that loaded or leased the truck;
- Vehicle manufacturers; and
- Third-party motorists.
Compensation For Truck Accident Victims
Following a serious commercial truck accident in Torrance, it is imperative that injured victims are able to get access to the full and fair financial support that they need to pay bills. You cannot rely on a truck company or an insurance company to make things easy. Our Torrance, CA truck accident attorneys will always put your best interests first. Our team helps clients maximize their recovery. You may be eligible to recover financial compensation for:
- Automobile repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of long-term earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability;
- Disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident in California?
The statute of limitations for a truck accident in California is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. If you wait longer than two years, you may be barred from seeking compensation. Be proactive; consult with a Torrance, CA truck accident lawyer right away.
How Do I Know If I Have a Viable Truck Accident Injury Claim?
Determining if you have a viable truck accident injury claim in California is complicated. Factors such as fault, damages, and insurance coverage all play a role. The best approach is to contact a Torrance truck accident lawyer who can review the specifics of your case and help determine if you have a viable claim during a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring an attorney for a truck accident can vary based on several factors. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis but there are factors that can influence the cost of hiring an attorney such as:
Nature and Complexity of the Case: The complexity of a truck accident case, including the number of parties involved, the severity of injuries, and the complexity of liability issues, can impact the overall cost. More complex cases may require additional time, resources, and expertise.
Extent of Injuries and Damages: The severity of injuries and the resulting damages can influence the potential compensation and, consequently, the attorney’s fee. Our attorneys often consider the level of compensation at stake when determining the percentage for their contingency fee.
Percentage of Contingency Fee: The standard contingency fee typically ranges from 33% to 40% of the total recovery. However, this percentage can vary because we may charge a lower percentage for cases that settle without going to trial but may increase the percentage if litigation becomes necessary.
Negotiation and Settlement vs. Trial: If the case is settled through negotiation, the contingency fee may be lower than if the case goes to trial. Trials often require more time and resources, impacting the attorney’s overall investment in the case.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: While our attorney’s fee is typically based on a contingency, there may be out-of-pocket expenses that you, as the client, may be responsible for. This can include filing fees, expert witness fees, court costs, and other case-related expenses. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers will clarify how these expenses will be handled in the fee agreement.
The contingency fee arrangement not only offers financial flexibility to clients but also aligns the interests of the attorney with those of the client. Under this structure, our attorneys are motivated to secure the maximum possible compensation for you. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who may be facing financial constraints after a truck accident and are hesitant to take on upfront legal costs. It allows victims of truck accidents to access legal representation without the burden of immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
Additionally, contingency fee arrangements often encourage us to carefully evaluate the merits of a case before taking it on, as we invest our time and resources with the understanding that we will only be compensated if the case is successful. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers will discuss the specific terms of the contingency fee, including what expenses may be deducted from the recovery, to ensure a transparent and fair agreement. Call us at (213) 985-1120 or send us a direct message for a no-cost, no-commitment case review.
Why Choose El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers
Large truck accident claims are complicated. You do not have to take on a big trucking company or its insurance carrier all by yourself. Professional guidance and support can make a difference in the legal claims process. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we are passionate, experienced, and committed to justice. Among other things, our Torrance truck accident lawyer will:
- Conduct a free, comprehensive review of your personal injury case;
- Investigate the commercial truck accident, with a focus on gathering evidence;
- Handle insurance paperwork and settlement negotiations; and
- Develop a personalized strategy to maximize your settlement or verdict.
Contact Our Torrance Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our Torrance truck accident lawyers are aggressive, results-first advocates for victims and families. Call us at (213) 985-1120 or send us a direct message for a no-cost, no-commitment case review. We handle commercial truck accident claims in Torrance, Los Angeles County, and throughout the wider surrounding area in Southern California.
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The team here is the most professional group of people I have ever worked with. They took care of me from day one and made sure that I was included and understood every step of the process. Gaby checked in regularly to make sure treatment was going well and to give me updates about my case. The team here really shows that they care for their clients and make sure that you are compensated for all your troubles.
Michel G., East Los Angeles, CA
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