Van Nuys Truck Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a truck accident in Van Nuys, CA, you have rights. California law allows you to hold the liable party or parties accountable and pursue fair compensation based on your injuries, costs, and other losses. Working with a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer from our team lets you focus on your health while we manage the rest. 

At KJT Law Group, we have more than 10 years of experience and over $100 million recovered for injured clients. We can review your case for free today and explain how we can help. Contact us today for your free case consultation. 

How KJT Law Group Handles Truck Accident Cases in Van Nuys, CA

At KJT Law Group, all clients work directly with their attorneys. We limit our caseload so that each client receives the attention and care they need. You will feel like you are our only client. 

We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work for you. We know that no two cases are alike, so we tailor our strategies and approaches to your case, needs, concerns, and goals. No case is too small or too complex. We have a long, proven track record of managing cases, including taking them to trial when necessary. Plus, we offer services in English, Spanish, and Armenian.

Our recent verdicts and settlements show that we are able to develop a strong case and recover compensation for injured clients. They include: 

• $3 Million: Recovered for a semi-truck driver hit by another commercial truck, causing injuries that required multiple surgeries.
• $400,000: Recovered for a victim hurt in a commercial truck accident.

Our former clients also leave reviews and testimonials about their experience with our team. One recently said: 

“I highly recommend KJT Law Group! The staff is courteous, professional, and highly skilled. Vaché handled every detail of my car accident case; he arranged the best medical care possible, recovered all losses and secured a generous settlement. This is by far my best experience! Thank you, KJT!” — D.B.

As personal injury lawyers, we understand you may not have a lot of extra cash to spend on hiring a legal team right now. Our attorneys work on contingency. We do not ask you to pay any fees or costs upfront. We fight to recover the full range of compensation you deserve and take our fees from the money we secure in the case for you. We only get paid when we win. 

Common Factors in Van Nuys Truck Accidents

When looking at all types of traffic accidents in one recent year, the California State Transportation Agency (CALTRANS) reported more than 42,000 collisions in District 07, which includes Van Nuys and all of Los Angeles County. Of these, more than 20,000 people were hurt, and 304 died. This made it one of the regions with the highest number of accidents in the state. 

With a high number of commercial vehicles and heavy traffic in the area, it is likely that some of these collisions involved delivery trucks, big rigs, and other similar large vehicles. 

Like most accidents, truck crashes often occur because of driver error. The driver makes a mistake behind the wheel and violates a traffic law, leading to a collision. Some of the possible contributing factors to these collisions include: 

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to sleepiness and impaired reaction times despite federal law strictly limiting truckers’ hours of service.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions can cause drivers to make mistakes and lead to crashes.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for current conditions reduces stopping distances and increases collision severity.​
• Improper Loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can affect vehicle stability, making a truck difficult to control or leading to an overturned trailer.​
• Mechanical Failures: Lack of maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other dangerous issues with the truck or trailer.​

Who Is Liable for a Trucker’s Negligence in Van Nuys?

Our lawyers generally pursue a case against the trucking company following a crash. This is true even when the commercial driver’s negligence behind the wheel caused the collision. A legal doctrine known as respondeat superior makes this possible. 

Under respondeat superior, an employer is liable for the actions of its employees if those actions are within the scope of employment. In truck accident cases, this means the trucking company is liable for the mistakes made by its driver if the driver was delivering goods or otherwise behind the wheel of their big rig for work purposes. 

Under California law, trucking companies are responsible for accidents caused by their drivers when:

• The driver was an employee, not an independent contractor.
• The driver’s actions occurred within the scope of employment.

Additionally, the trucking company could be liable if it acted negligently in its hiring, training, or supervision of the driver or if it failed to maintain the truck properly.

Injuries, Treatment, and Damages in a Van Nuys, CA, Truck Accident

The size and weight of commercial trucks often cause more serious injuries than victims might have suffered in a crash with another passenger vehicle. This effect is amplified when the collision occurs at highway speeds. Some of the types of injuries a truck accident victim might suffer include: 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
• Severe burns and scarring
• Amputations
• Internal organ injuries
• Fractures
• Chest injuries 
• Crush injuries

When severe injuries occur, immediate medical care is necessary. Many injured accident victims will receive care at Valley Presbyterian Hospital on Vanowen Street in Van Nuys. For those with more serious injuries, the nearest trauma center is at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Northridge, CA. Air or ground ambulance transport may be necessary for those with the most serious injuries. This Level II trauma center can manage most traumatic injuries from a collision. 

Of course, treatment and care for injuries is just the beginning of the expenses and losses an accident victim might face because of a crash. Our goal when we manage a case for a truck accident victim is to hold the trucking company accountable and recover fair compensation for the damages our client endured. This could include: 

• Medical bills, care costs, and related expenses
• Future care, including rehabilitation, therapies, and ongoing support
• Lost income while missing work
• Diminished earning ability for lasting impairments
• Property damage, such as car repair or replacement
• Related expenses with receipts
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages if the victim passed away

Preserving Evidence to Build a Compelling Truck Accident Case

Because of the numerous federal and state regulations and agencies involved in the industry, truck accident cases produce a lot more evidence than most crashes. Our attorneys work to preserve all possible evidence by sending a spoliation letter to the trucking company as early as possible in the process. 

This letter demands that they retain all relevant evidence to prevent destruction or alteration. Failure to comply with this letter can result in legal penalties and strengthen the case for our client. 

Some of the evidence specific to commercial truck accident cases that may not be available in most other crash cases includes: 

• Black box data from the event data recorder
• Driver’s logbook for hours-of-service information
• GPS data
• Truck maintenance records
• Cargo documentation
• Dashcam footage, if the truck was equipped
• Trucking company safety records
• Driver employment records, including training, background checks, and certifications

This evidence can be crucial in showing fault and liability in truck accident cases. It supports our demand for fair compensation from the trucking company or is available to present to the jury if the case goes to trial. 

How Will a Truck Accident Lawyer Help With My Collision Case? 

Hiring an attorney who is familiar with trucking laws and regulations can make it easier to navigate the legal process and recover the money you deserve based on your case facts. You can expect our lawyers to: 

• Investigate Your Crash: Our team gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to prove fault.
• Understand the Laws: We understand the trucking laws and federal safety regulations that could affect your case.
• Negotiate Effectively: Our attorneys deal with the insurance companies and trucking companies to ensure you get fair compensation.
• Maximize Damages: We document all your losses and ensure they are accounted for in your payout.
• Handle Your Case: You can trust our team to manage legal paperwork, deadlines, and filing procedures to avoid costly mistakes.

Your lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and fight to secure the best possible outcome for your case. We often settle these cases outside of court but may need to sue the trucking company in some cases. Under CCP § 335.1, California law typically gives us up to two years to sue. 

Talk to Our Van Nuys, CA, Truck Accident Team for Free

KJT Law Group provides complimentary consultations for victims. You can learn how a Van Nuys truck accident lawyer from our team can help you get the money you need and deserve. Contact us now to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases