Los Angeles 18 Wheeler Accidents Lawyer

Whenever there is an accident that involves a semi-tractor trailer truck, the potential for expensive property damage and severe bodily injury is great. 18 wheeler/big rig accidents in California, and especially the Los Angeles area, have a higher rate of seriousness compared to their actual percentage of fatal accidents. In other words, when a big rig or 18 wheeler gets into an accident, the damage will be severe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large truck accidents account for 11% of crashes in 2008. Of these, there were 4,229 fatalities and 90,000 injuries from large truck accidents across the country; 304 fatal large truck accidents occurred in California that year.

 

Why are 18 Wheeler/Big Rig Accidents So Dangerous?

The mere size and bulk of the large trucks contributes to increased damage when these vehicles hit something else, especially a much smaller automobile or motorcycle. A typical semi-truck (tractor-trailer combination) may weigh 80,000 pounds loaded, and around 32,000 pounds when empty. Attorneys at Mann & Elias have won sizeable awards and settlements for many clients who have been in an accident with one of these large size vehicles; damages can be very extensive and expensive. The mere size and weight of a large truck can cause serious damage to smaller vehicles and property.

 

What Causes Large Truck Accidents in Los Angeles?

Many single trailers are 53 feet in length and the entire length including the cab unit might run 65 feet or more. This makes some maneuvers difficult, such as turning tight corners. Drivers do attend truck driving school for training to get their CDL licenses, and then they receive further supervised training on-the-job with most companies. Still, new drivers are not experienced drivers, and that is a major cause of 18 wheeler/big rig accidents. 

 

Other factors besides inexperience contribute to the incidence of 18 wheeler/big rig accidents in Los Angeles, including the following:

 

• Speeding

• Driver fatigue

• Alcohol or drug use

• Equipment failure, tire blowouts or defects

• Weather and road conditions

• Cargo load shifts

 

Resulting accidents that cause extensive damage include roll overs and side slides. Many truck accidents are caused by other drivers and not the truck driver. Attorneys at Mann & Elias will investigate all facets of your accident to determine causes and appropriate legal steps to take on your behalf.

 

What Types of Damages May Occur from Large Truck Accidents?

Obviously, when a large 18 wheeler/big rig truck accidentally hits another vehicle or property, there will be significant damage that occurs. Persons in truck accidents can end up with severe bodily injury, paralysis, life-changing disability or death. An involved automobile may be totaled in such an accident. For long term expenses, injured persons will have loss of income, high medical bills, rehabilitation therapy, equipment expense and many other related financial bills.

 

Attorneys at Mann & Elias will work diligently to help you recover from 18 wheeler/big rig accidents. They will work closely and courteously with you, start to finish, helping you gain fair compensation for personal injuries due to this accident. Call now for a case review and to begin your recovery. Contact the Mann & Elias Law Firm to get an appointment with your legal counselor now; call 323-857-9500.