Burbank Truck Accident Lawyer

After being involved in a collision with a semi-truck, you must take legal action as soon as possible. Truck accidents often result in life-changing or fatal injuries for the occupants of the passenger vehicle. When you’ve sustained severe injuries in an accident that was caused by a negligent truck driver, you should never have to pay out of pocket for medical treatment.

Here, we’ll go over the main causes of semi truck crashes, what you should do immediately following a truck accident to protect your health and your claim, how to find an experienced truck accident lawyer in your area, and how a Burbank truck accident lawyer can help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve, after being injured in an accident that was not your fault.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Burbank

Check for injuries. If anyone was injured contact 911. If no one was injured, contact law enforcement.
Exchange information with the truck driver. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver.
Gather evidence. If you’re able to walk around, take photos and videos of the accident scene from a variety of angles. Take pictures of any vehicle damage, photos of your injuries, and photos of anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as debris on the road or missing signage.
Speak to law enforcement. When speaking with law enforcement, state only the facts. Do not admit fault.
Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, you must be evaluated by a trained medical professional. Some types of accident injuries do not present signs or symptoms for several hours or days following a truck accident. Additionally, by seeking prompt medical attention, the insurance company cannot argue that you sustained the injuries at some point after the accident.
Notify your insurance company. All insurance companies require policyholders to notify them of an accident within 24 to 72 hours.
Contact a truck accident attorney. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident can significantly increase your chances of recovering a higher settlement amount. An attorney can conduct an investigation right away, preventing the trucking company from destroying vital evidence that can support your claim.

What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Burbank?

The most common causes of truck accidents in Burbank are listed below:

Truck driver fatigue. Truckers are under pressure to deliver their loads early or on time. While federal law only allows truck drivers to drive for 11 hours per shift, some truckers will violate this law to deliver a load on time, resulting in drowsy driving. Drowsy or fatigued driving can result in the trucker falling asleep behind the wheel, which can lead to a serious or fatal accident.
Driving while intoxicated. Despite the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, some truck drivers will ignore this law and drink or use illegal substances while behind the wheel.
Speeding. To deliver a load on time or early, some truck drivers will drive over the speed limit. Because these vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, if a truck is traveling at 65 miles per hour it requires 525 feet to stop. When speeding, a trucker may not have the space to come to a complete stop in time or may even lose control of the truck.
Distracted driving. Because of the amount of time they spend behind the wheel, many truck drivers may text, talk on their phone, or watch videos, to pass the time. Unfortunately, these types of activities can take the driver’s mind and focus off the road, resulting in a collision with another vehicle.
Poor vehicle maintenance. Some trucking companies will try to cut corners to save money. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance is among the leading causes of truck accidents. Lack of maintenance can result in brake failure or tire blowouts.
Poor Cargo Loading. A load that is not balanced or secured properly can make it difficult to maneuver the truck or may result in loose cargo falling out of the trailer.
Road conditions. Lack of road maintenance can result in a semi-truck crash. A government can be held liable for failing to properly maintain roads, if poor road conditions contributed to or caused an accident.

Does Speeding Play a Significant Role in Truck Accidents in Burbank?

Yes. Truck drivers must follow Hours of Service laws, implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Under this law, truck drivers are not allowed to spend more than 11 hours behind the wheel after a 14-hour workday, and only after they have spent 10 consecutive hours off duty.

These time constraints cause many truck drivers to exceed the speed limit to deliver a load on time.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Big Rig Accident?

The truck driver
The trucking company
The person or entity responsible for servicing and maintaining the truck
The company responsible for loading the cargo
The truck or truck parts manufacturer

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I can’t thank Aren enough for the incredible work on my case. From our very first meeting, I felt truly heard and understood. He took the time to explain everything to me, and I always felt like I was in good hands. He fought tirelessly to get me the compensation I deserved. I highly recommend the team at Avaness Law to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney who genuinely cares about their clients.

Rita Khechumyan

Avaness law is the vest car accident attorney in town. They helped me Secure a very good settlement. I am very happy with their professionalism and there care. The attorneys here really know what they’re doing and I highly recommend them to everybody in my family and friends.

Vlada Tkachenko

A highly recommended lawyer! Aren Avaness is incredibly knowledgeable, guiding me through every step of the legal process with patience and clarity. I always felt informed and supported. If you’re looking for an attorney who is dedicated, professional, and effective, look no further than him. Thank you for your hard work!

Marina Nazaryan

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TESTIMONIALS

“Mr. Avaness and his team are truly amazing. I was in an accident where I was hit from behind and I am extremely glad that I chose Avaness Law to represent me in this case as I have never had to deal with an issue like this before and the team at Avaness Law really helped me feel comfortable and secure knowing my case was in their hands. I would definitely recommend and recommend them to anyone I know!”

Rico Rey

“I was involved in a car accident, and called Avaness Law through a family friend. He was very personable throughout the whole process. It felt like he truly cared for my well-being and was always there when I wanted to speak to him. Highly recommend him!”

ALEX

What Types of Injuries are Most Commonly Sustained in Truck Accidents in Burbank?

The types of injuries most commonly sustained in truck accidents in Burbank include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Spinal cord injuries

Burns

Loss of limb

Facial injuries

Crush injuries

Back injuries

Neck injuries

Internal bleeding

Crush injuries

Broken bones/bone fractures

Why Would I Need to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Burbank?

You will need to hire a truck accident attorney in Burbank if:

Multiple parties are involved
You were injured
Your claim is denied
The insurance company is refusing to offer a fair settlement
The claims adjuster is harassing you or pressuring you to accept a low settlement offer

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer in Burbank Help Me with My Claim?

A truck accident lawyer in Burbank can help you with your claim by:

Conducting an Accident Investigation

Truck accidents can be very challenging to investigate and often involve hundreds of pieces of evidence. An attorney can investigate the accident and obtain evidence, such as:

Police report
Black box data, which can provide details regarding the crash
Truck maintenance records
Eyewitness statements
Expert testimony
Phone records
Employment records
Hours of Service records
Other evidence that can be used to determine why the accident occurred and which party was at fault.

Reviewing the Police Report

A police report that is completed by the responding law enforcement officer can provide an unbiased view of the accident.

These official reports contain information such as:

The police officer’s accident investigation findings
Statements made by the driver
A diagram of the accident scene
Road conditions
Any citations issued for traffic violations
The police officer’s opinion regarding which party they believed was at fault.
A description of your injuries
A description of vehicle damage

Interviewing Witnesses

Obtaining statements from anyone who witnessed the accident can also help support your claim. An attorney will interview witnesses to learn what events led up to the accident and what each party did and said after the accident occurred.

Assessing Damages

You may not know how much compensation you’re entitled to. An experienced truck crash lawyer will review your medical records, vehicle repair estimates, pay stubs, and other documentation. They may also consult with experts if your injuries require medical treatment in the future or if your injuries prevent you from ever returning to work. They will also calculate compensation for pain and suffering, ensuring you pursue every penny of compensation you’re entitled to.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

Using strong evidence, including documentation from your treating physicians, copies of your medical records, and expert testimony, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company. This can be a long and time-consuming process that can take several months or years. Your attorney will make an offer and will wait for a counteroffer from the insurance company. They will bring each settlement offer to you and will advise you on whether to accept the offer or make a counteroffer.

How Many Years Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?

You will have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the other party. If you fail to meet this deadline, your case may be dismissed and you will be unable to recover any compensation for your losses. This deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations.

Do Truck Accident Lawyers in Burbank Offer Free Consultations?

Yes. At Avaness Law, our Burbank truck accident attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case. You can meet with an experienced attorney to go over the details of your case and explore your legal rights and options.

If you decide to hire a truck accident attorney on our legal team, they can get to work right away, conducting an accident investigation and gathering evidence to support your claim.

What Types of Truck Accident Cases Do the Lawyers at Avaness Law Handle?

The types of truck accident cases the lawyers at Avaness Law handle include:

Jackknife accidents
Rollover accidents
Underride accidents
Sideswipe accidents
Wide turn accidents
Improperly loaded cargo accidents

Intersection collisions
Blindspot accidents
Tire blowouts
Head-on collisions
Rear-end collisions

How Do Lawyers at Avaness Law Prove Liability After a Truck Accident in California?

The lawyers at Avaness Law prove liability after a truck accident in California by:

Obtaining a copy of the police report to review the law enforcement officer’s findings
Obtaining medical records
Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstructionists
Reviewing employment records
Obtaining phone records
Obtaining black box data recorder information
Obtaining photos of the accident scene, injuries, and damage done to all vehicles.
Obtaining dashcam footage, traffic cam footage, surveillance footage
Interviewing witnesses

California’s Pure Comparative Negligence System

Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, accident victims can recover compensation based on their percentage of fault. An accident victim can still pursue compensation even if they are 99% at fault for the accident.

Can an Avaness Law Lawyer Help Me Even if I’m Partially At Fault in a Burbank Truck Accident?

Yes. An Avaness Law lawyer can help you recover compensation even if you are partially at fault in a Burbank truck accident, as long as you are found 99% or less at fault for the collision. The compensation you recover will be reduced based on the assigned percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the crash, your settlement or award will be reduced by 20%.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect to Recover from a Truck Accident Claim in Burbank?

The compensation you can expect to recover from a truck accident claim in Burbank will depend on factors such as:

The extent of your injuries
Your prognosis
How much time you missed at work
How much time you missed at work
How your injuries have affected your life
Whether you are forced to switch careers
Whether your injuries will require medical treatment in the future
Whether you will ever be able to return to work
The value of your property damage

The damages you can recover are broken up into two categories: economic damages, also known as special damages, and non-economic damages (general damages).

Economic Damages (Special Damages)

Economic damages can easily be proven with documentary evidence such as medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, and pay stubs.

Examples of economic damages include:

Past and Future Medical Expenses

Past and future medical expenses include:

Ambulance transportation
Hospitalization
Surgeries
Doctor’s appointments
Specialist appointments

Medication
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Medical devices

Lost Wages

Lost wages can compensate you for the time you missed at work. If you are forced to switch careers due to your injuries and inability to perform the same tasks as you did before the accident, or you are unable to ever return to work, your attorney will pursue compensation for loss of earning capacity or lost future wages.

Property Damage

Property damage can include vehicle damage and the value of the personal belongings inside the vehicle.

Non-Economic Damages ( General Damages)

Non-economic damages, or general damages, are subjective. To calculate the value of non-economic damages, your attorney will use the multiplier method or the per diem method. The per diem method assigns a dollar amount for each day that you experienced an injury due to the accident. Your attorney will multiply the daily dollar amount by the total number of days you experienced pain and suffering. With the multiplier method, your attorney will use the total sum of your economic damages and multiply it by 1.5 to 5. The multiplier used is chosen based on the severity of your injuries. The number 5 is used for life-changing injuries, such as loss of limb or paralysis.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages will compensate you for the physical pain and emotional anguish you suffered due to your injuries.

Emotional Distress

If you experienced emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD due to the accident and your injuries, your attorney can help you recover compensation.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities, hobbies, or attending social gatherings, your truck wreck lawyer can pursue compensation for loss of enjoyment of life.

What areas of Burbank do the Attorneys at Avaness Law Serve?

The areas of Burbank the attorneys at Avaness Law serve are listed below:

Downtown Burbank
Magnolia Park
Burbank Hills
Media District
Rancho Adjacent
Toluca Lake
Chandler Park

Do the Truck Crash Lawyers at Avaness Law Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?

Yes. The truck accident lawyers at Avaness Law work on a contingency fee basis. With this payment arrangement, you will not have to pay any upfront costs. If your case is not successful, you will owe nothing. If you do win your case, your truck wreck lawyer will subtract a small percentage from your settlement or award to cover the cost of the legal services provided.

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If you were involved in an accident that was caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation. At Avaness Law, our truck accident lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options and rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help.

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