Call Us Now:
(818) 764-7640

Were you injured in a truck accident in North Hollywood? Carelessness or recklessness by a truck driver or trucking company can lead to a devastating semi-truck accident that leaves victims with severe, life-altering injuries. If you were hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler, turn to The Shamsi Law Firm, APC for experienced, effective legal representation.

Attorney Sean Shamsi will stand up to the trucking companies and insurers and seek maximum compensation for your injuries and other losses. Sean has dedicated his career to helping injury victims in North Hollywood recover after catastrophic accidents. He knows clients need a strong advocate who will fight for their rights and interests, giving them the time to focus on healing.

Contact The Shamsi Law Firm, APC today for a free initial case review with a North Hollywood truck accident lawyer.

What Is Considered a Truck in California?

California law defines a motor truck as a motor vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. The law defines a truck tractor as a motor vehicle designed and used primarily to draw other vehicles. Some examples of vehicles that are often considered commercial trucks include:

  • Box trucks
  • Single-vehicle trucks
  • Tractor trailers
  • 18-wheelers
  • Combination trucks
  • Car carriers
  • Dump trucks
  • Cement trucks
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Container trucks
  • Waste collection trucks

Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request a Free Consultation

Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640

Contact Form

Required Fields*

Your Information Is Safe With Us

What Sean’s Clients Say

Read More Reviews

Legally Reviewed by

Sean Shamsi | Founder of The Shamsi Law Firm | North Hollywood

Sean Shamsi

Mr. Sean Shamsi is the principal and founder of The Shamsi Law Firm, APC. He received his Juris Doctorate from the New England School of Law in 1998.

Read More About Sean

No Fee Unless You Win

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:

(818) 764-7640

What Are Common Commercial Truck Accidents in North Hollywood?

Commercial trucks are often involved in various accidents due to their size, weight, and the fact that they usually haul heavy cargo. Some examples of common types of commercial truck accidents include:

  • Head-On collisions – These accidents can occur when a truck drifts over the center line or median into the path of oncoming traffic, travels the wrong way down a one-way street or access ramp, or fails to yield for oncoming traffic when turning left.
  • Rear-End collisions – Trucks often rear-end other vehicles when they tailgate or follow too closely. A truck’s larger size means it needs a longer distance than passenger vehicles to slow down and stop.
  • Sideswipe Collisions – The side of a truck may collide with the side of another vehicle when a truck driver changes lanes without signaling or checking their mirrors and blind spots.
  • Side-Impact/T-Bone Collisions – A truck may “T-bone” another vehicle if the truck driver runs a red light or stop sign.
  • Underride Accidents – An underride accident occurs when a passenger car becomes wedged underneath an 18-wheeler trailer.
  • Wide Turn accidents – Trucks often need to turn wide through tight intersections. However, using an improper method to make a wide turn can result in a truck colliding with nearby traffic.
  • Jackknife Accidents – A truck trailer jackknifes when the trailer swings toward the truck cab, causing the trailer and cab to fold like a pocketknife. Jackknifing can occur due to improper braking, unsafe cargo loads, or adverse road conditions.
  • Runaway/Road Departure Accidents – A truck with a brake failure or transmission/engine problem may suffer a “runaway” accident where the truck driver cannot stop the truck before it collides with other vehicles or objects or runs off the road.
  • Rollover Accidents – A truck can roll over onto its side or roof due to tire or brake failure, an unbalanced cargo load, or jackknifing.
  • Cargo Accidents – A truck’s cargo load can cause or contribute to an accident if the truck has excessive cargo weight, an unbalanced load, or unsecured cargo that can shift during travel.

What Causes Most Truck Accidents?

  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving (e.g., texting, eating)
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Mechanical failures
  • Improper loading or cargo securement
  • Inadequate driver training
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Tailgating or aggressive driving
  • Failure to obey traffic signs or signals.

What Injuries Can Someone Sustain in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than other auto accidents. Because of its higher weight, a commercial truck can hit other vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians with more significant force than smaller passenger vehicles. Some of the injuries that someone can sustain in a truck accident include:

  • Lacerations and abrasions
  • Degloving injuries
  • Burns (especially from post-crash vehicle fires)
  • Dislocated joints
  • Ligament sprains/tears
  • Muscle or tendon strains/tears
  • Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash or herniated discs
  • Nerve damage
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Internal organ injuries and internal bleeding
  • Facial injuries
  • Traumatic head injuries
  • Traumatic amputation or limb loss

In the event that a truck accident is fatal, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Could Be Held Responsible in a Truck Crash?

The trucking industry comprises multiple individuals and companies, any one of whom may bear some share of responsibility for a big rig crash. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the truck accident, the following parties might be liable for injuries and other losses:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company, either as an employer of an at-fault driver or due to the company’s negligent hiring/training/supervision of the driver
  • The truck’s owner if not the truck driver or trucking company
  • The shipping company responsible for the cargo
  • The truck’s manufacturer if there was a defect in the truck
  • Third-party truck parts manufacturers, such as tire, brake, and transmission manufacturers, if the parts were defective
  • Third-party mechanics who serviced or repaired the truck or trailer

What Compensation Can I Expect to Recover in a North Hollywood Truck Accident Claim?

In a truck accident claim, you can recover compensation for financial and personal losses that you incur due to injuries and damage from the crash. With a successful claim, you could obtain money for the following:

  • Car repair expenses or reimbursement of the value of your vehicle if totaled by the accident
  • Medical care and rehabilitation expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescriptions, pain management care, or physical/occupational therapy
  • Costs of home health care, housekeeping assistance, or medical/mobility equipment you need if you suffer long-term or permanent disabilities
  • Lost wages/income if you cannot work due to your injuries or need to transfer to a part-time or light-duty position that reduces your earning capacity
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment and quality of life because of disabilities or visible scarring/disfigurement that interferes with activities of daily living

What If I Am Partly at Fault in a Truck Accident?

Even if you may bear some share of fault for a truck accident, you could still have the right to pursue financial relief for your injuries and losses. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule regarding truck accidents. Under this rule, a plaintiff can seek compensation even if they bear some responsibility for the crash, even if their share is 99 percent.

Remember that this rule also limits the compensation that a plaintiff can recover. For example, if a jury or judge finds the plaintiff 25 percent at fault for a truck accident, the plaintiff’s compensation will be reduced by 25 percent. In that case, a plaintiff seeking $100,000 would be eligible for only $75,000.

Because the comparative negligence rule can impact the financial relief you obtain, you should consult an experienced North Hollywood truck accident attorney to learn more about what you could recover.

How a North Hollywood Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you may face severe, painful injuries and a long road to recovery. You deserve to focus your time and attention on healing and moving forward with your life. Let a North Hollywood truck accident lawyer from The Shamsi Law Firm, APC handle every detail of your case to relieve your stress and give you peace of mind. Sean Shamsi can help by:

  • Thoroughly investigating the big rig accident to obtain crucial evidence, such as the truck driver’s hours-of-service logs, the truck’s event data recorder (“black box”) logs, the truck’s cargo manifest, the truck’s inspection and maintenance records, surveillance/traffic camera footage, and police accident reports
  • Reviewing the facts and evidence in your case, in conjunction with accident reconstruction or engineering experts, to determine the cause of the crash and identify the party or parties you might hold responsible for your injuries and losses
  • Documenting your accident injuries and calculating your ongoing and future losses or expenses to help you pursue the compensation you need now and in the future
  • Keeping you updated at each stage of your case and advising you of your rights and options so you can make informed decisions
  • Filing insurance or legal claims and handling discussions with insurance adjusters, trucking company representatives, and defense attorneys for you
  • Aggressively negotiating for a maximum settlement or filing a truck accident lawsuit if litigation becomes necessary to give you the best chance of securing the financial resources you need

The Shamsi Law Firm, APC will not charge any fees unless and until your case is resolved. You pay nothing upfront or out of pocket; instead, attorney’s fees come as an agreed-upon percentage of the compensation Sean recovers for you.

No Fee Unless You Win

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:

(818) 764-7640

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in North Hollywood Today

If you’ve suffered an injury in a semi-truck accident in North Hollywood, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC has the knowledge, resources, and skills to seek the financial relief and justice you deserve after a truck accident.

Attorney Sean Shamsi will take the time to listen to your story and build a solid case in your favor to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a truck accident lawyer in North Hollywood.

Sean’s Awards and Recognitions

Professional Associations

Get Answers Now and Not Later!

How a Personal Injury Lawyer in North Hollywood
Can Help if You Were Hurt in an Accident

Sean Shamsi will take the time to listen to you, provide free advice about your best legal options, and give an honest assessment of whether you have a valid case.

He will thoroughly and independently investigate your accident, work with noted experts to build a strong case, and handle all communications with the insurers on your behalf.

Sean will make your case a priority, give it the care and attention to detail it deserves, and take it to court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

Meet Sean Shamsi

Count on The Shamsi Law Firm, APC to Fight for Every Penny

For Sean, a personal injury lawsuit should never be “just another case.” It’s an opportunity for a client’s voice to be heard. With a proven track record of results for North Hollywood accident victims, Sean knows how to demand and deliver justice.

Learn More About The Shamsi Law Firm, APC

No Fee Unless You Win

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:

(818) 764-7640

Our FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases in North Hollywood, California

Truck accidents can occur due to various factors such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper loading of cargo, and mechanical failures. California’s Vehicle Code requires truck drivers to adhere to strict rest regulations to prevent fatigue, while both drivers and companies must properly maintain trucks to avoid mechanical issues.

Truck accident settlements can be more complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, federal trucking regulations, and the severity of injuries often sustained. Because trucking companies usually have larger insurance policies, experienced attorneys can help you navigate the intricate legal landscape and pursue fair compensation based on the unique details of your case.

A truck accident attorney can help investigate the accident, gather and preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They advocate for your rights and work seeking to maximize the compensation you receive, while complying with the applicable legal requirements and deadlines.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident as per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Missing this deadline can lead to the loss of your right to seek compensation.

Victims may potentially pursue economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages might also be pursued. California Civil Code § 1431.2 allows compensation to be adjusted based on each party’s degree of fault.

Liability in truck accidents is based on negligence. Under California’s comparative negligence law, multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or third-party contractors, may share responsibility. Evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reconstructions help establish fault.

After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, report the accident to law enforcement as required by California Vehicle Code § 20008. Gather evidence at the scene, including photographs and witness statements, and notify your insurance company. Consulting a truck accident attorney as soon as possible is also advisable to navigate the legal process.

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. You must file your lawsuit within this time frame; otherwise, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. However, exceptions exist, such as cases involving minors or when the injury wasn’t immediately discovered. Consult a personal injury attorney, who can explain your options.

You can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Under California’s comparative negligence system, your compensation will be adjusted based on your level of fault. It’s important to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer to understand how fault may impact your claim.

After an accident, seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Report the accident to the relevant authorities and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.

The duration of a personal injury case can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to settle, and court schedules. Some cases settle within a few months, while others may take several years — especially if they go to trial.

While not legally required, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue fair compensation. A lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court.

California follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning that the fault may be distributed among all parties involved in the accident. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 20%.

In a California personal injury case, you can pursue several types of damages, including economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are also recoverable, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct.

View More FAQs

Our Blogs

Recent Blogs and News

Legal Assistance to Fire Victims

The Shamsi Law Firm

North Hollywood PI Law Firm Offers Legal Assistance to Fire Victims

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California — The recent Los Angeles wildfires have left a trail of devastation for countless families and business owners, destroying homes, livelihoods, and…

February 3, 2025
LA insurance attorney on protecting your rights after Los Angeles wildfires. Call (818) 764-7640 to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation and case review for help with your insurance claim.

The Shamsi Law Firm

How to Protect Your Rights After Losing Your Home or Business in the Los Angeles Wildfires

Losing your home or business in a wildfire is more than just a financial setback—it’s an emotional and logistical nightmare. As you try to pick…

February 1, 2025
North Hollywood Personal Injury Attorney | The Shamsi Law Firm, APC | Call 818-446-1365

The Shamsi Law Firm

What steps should I take to file a fire property damage insurance claim in North Hollywood or surrounding communities in Los Angeles County?

To file a fire property damage insurance claim in North Hollywood, document the damage with photos and videos, contact your insurance company immediately, seek temporary…

January 31, 2025
View More Blogs

We Will Fight For You

Our Locations

Are you struggling and need help from a lawyer? Contact us for a free consultation.

Get a Free Consultation

Contact Global

Required Fields*

Your Information Is Safe With Us