The trucking industry is a true giant of the American economy. Every year, trucks move $140 billion worth of goods across the country, generating over $650 billion in revenue. Even more staggering is the anticipated 21 percent growth the industry expects to see over the next decade. Sadly, the growth of commercial trucking may bring rise a spike in truck accidents requiring victims to file LA truck accident lawsuits.
Over 761,000 truck drivers operate an estimated 3 million 18-wheelers in the U.S., along with another 50,000 light and medium truck drivers operating various sized commercial vehicles. California ranks third in the nation in number of trucks registered by state.
California has 172,139 miles of public roads over which commercial trucks travel an estimated 25 billion miles a year. In Los Angeles county alone, commercial trucks travel a combined 2.67 million miles a day making LA country the second busiest California county in commercial vehicle traffic.
Los Angeles 18-wheeler accidents
Due to the volume of traffic and highway miles surrounding LA county, accidents with commercial vehicles are an unavoidable tragedy. Barreling down highways, loaded with tons of cargo, 18-wheelers can cause catastrophic injuries to accident victims. Many truck accident victims suffer horrendous injuries, requiring a lifetime of care and supervision.
A variety of local, state, and federal regulations govern the commercial trucking industry. These regulations encompass important safety protocols for like the total amount of freight a truck may carry, how many hours a driver may work, and important vehicle maintenance.
A qualified truck accident lawyer should be experienced with the complex facets where trucking and personal injury claims meet. Auto and truck accident attorneys can help coordinate investigations into an at-fault truck driver’s safety record, condition of the vehicle, and whether or not the trucking company was in full compliance with regulations.
Furthermore, a truck accident lawyer can help determine whether an 18-wheeler caused an accident due to defective its design or manufacturing. Hiring an auto accident attorney after your tractor-trailor should be a top priority after seeking medical treatment.
What can I recover in a truck accident lawsuit?
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident with a commercial truck, you could be entitled to substantial compensation. Like all other vehicles on the road, tractor-trailers and semi-trucks must carry motor vehicle insurance. Following an accident, it is the insurance company and the trucking company who may be held responsible for your injuries.
Truck accident victims may file claims to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Although injured victims have the right to this compensation, powerful insurance companies and big corporations are often unwilling to fairly compensate injury victims to make them whole again.
Do not take a chance by trying to settle your truck accident claim with the at-fault truck driver’s insurance company by yourself, put the power of an experienced auto accident attorney to work for you. Get a consultation about your truck accident claim as soon as possible.