Truck Accident
With more than 17 years of experience and personalized, white-glove treatment, The Shamsi Law Firm APC helps clients in North Hollywood pursue fair and appropriate compensation after truck accidents caused by others’ negligence.
Attorney for Truck Accidents in North Hollywood, California
North Hollywood truck accidents can wreak havoc on your life. Crashes involving large trucks can be particularly traumatic for all vehicles involved, and many of these are, unfortunately, fatal crashes. Have you been in an accident with a truck? Truck crashes, regardless of the size of the truck, can inflict indescribable distress and shock. You could be grappling with overwhelming questions about your future, your health, and your rights. But you don’t have to face this harrowing time alone.
With more than 17 years of experience, Sean Shamsi, principal and founder of The Shamsi Law Firm, prides himself on delivering personalized attention to each client, recognizing that every case has unique needs and circumstances. Since founding the firm, Shamsi has zealously recovered more than $20 million in settlements and verdicts for clients injured by someone else’s negligence and wrongdoing — including injuries sustained in accidents with vehicles. With his tailored solutions and compassionate approach, he is ready to help clients seek fair and appropriate compensation after truck accidents.
Contact Sean Shamsi at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 to schedule your free consultation. Get the legal support you need now and only pay us if we win your case.
Key Takeaways About Truck Accident Cases in North Hollywood, California
- Severity of Truck Accidents: Due to the size and weight of trucks, truck accidents often lead to more severe injuries and more fatal crashes compared to passenger cars.
- Common Causes of Truck Crashes: Common causes of large truck crashes include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and improper maintenance of vehicles.
- Impact on Traffic and Other Motor Vehicles: Truck accidents can cause significant traffic disruptions, leading to delays and increased risk of secondary crashes with passenger vehicles.
- Legal Implications: Victims of truck accidents may face complex legal challenges, often involving multiple parties such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurance providers.
- Safety Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations to improve truck safety, including hours-of-service rules to prevent driver fatigue.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in North Hollywood, California
California defines negligence as failing to take reasonable care to avoid harming others or yourself. A court of law can determine negligence, which is a relative term that relies on the circumstances, such as the time, place, and people involved. Truck operators, truck companies, and third parties can exhibit negligence in crashes involving large trucks. Examples of negligence causing truck accidents include:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, leading to fatigue and drowsiness. This can significantly impair the ability of truck operators to safely steer large trucks, leading to nonfatal crashes and fatal crashes alike.
Distracted Driving
Just like any other driver, a truck driver can also become distracted behind the wheel. These diversions can include texting, eating, or even daydreaming while driving — all of which can lead to nonfatal crashes and fatal crashes.
Speeding
Speed limits for trucks are often lower than those for cars due to their size and weight. However, some truck drivers may still exceed these speed limits, increasing the risk of nonfatal crashes and fatal crashes.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Large trucks require regular maintenance to maintain road safety. When trucking companies neglect proper maintenance, it can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that can cause truck accidents and fatal truck accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
Weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog can make driving more challenging for any vehicle. However, inclement weather conditions can be even more hazardous for large trucks due to their size and weight.
Third-Party Errors
Third-party errors can include a third party’s failure to properly load or secure cargo, or a third party’s defective design or the manufacturer of a vehicle part. Other drivers on the road can also be to blame for truck accidents, doing careless things like cutting off large trucks, trying to pass on the right, or driving in a large truck’s blind spots.
When another party’s negligence leads to a truck accident in which you are injured, you need to be compensated for your losses. You and your attorney must identify and prove the negligent parties — and truck accident cases can involve many such parties because many people and organizations often interact with a semi truck or other large truck in a way that could contribute to an auto accident. Causes can involve human error, mechanical failure, or failure to follow proper procedures and meet safety regulations.
You maintain the right to file a claim against the at-fault party for damages. With more than 17 years of knowledge and experience, our attorney for truck accidents in North Hollywood can help. Contact Sean Shamsi at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 to schedule your free consultation.
Why Work with a North Hollywood Attorney for Truck Accidents?
Crashes involving large trucks tend to cause significant injuries. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you’re likely coping with severe pain, medical expenses, property damage expenses, and lost wages due to an inability to work.
Overall, the value of your economic and noneconomic losses could total tens of thousands of dollars. You need to work with an experienced truck accident attorney when pursuing a truck accident claim.
Unfortunately, an insurance adjuster will not be eager to pay you the full value of your claim. When you work with our North Hollywood truck accident attorney Sean Shamsi, he will:
- Hire expert witnesses to support your claim, prove fault, and calculate your damages
- Identify each of the potentially liable parties and potential sources of insurance
- Handle the claim documents on your behalf
- Review your settlement offer
- Reject a lowball settlement and negotiate your claim
- Represent you in litigation if it becomes necessary
Our North Hollywood truck accident law firm has the resources necessary to fully dedicate ourselves to your truck accident claim, and the years of experience in truck accident law it takes to seek appropriate compensation on your behalf. Accidents involving large trucks can be devastating physically and emotionally. Sean Shamsi can handle the legal aspects of your case and protect your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in North Hollywood, California
Due to the massive size of tractor trailers and semi-trucks, combined with their substantial force of impact, crashes involving large trucks inflict severe injuries for everyone involved. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Fractured bones
- Lacerations and cuts
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Contusions
- Burns
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Sprains and strains
- Crush injuries
- Eye injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Nerve damage
- Dental injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological Trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In the aftermath of truck crashes, individuals should seek medical attention as soon as possible, to identify and address the scope of injuries. Coordinate with your attorney for truck accidents concerning additional follow-up medical attention to treat your conditions and documentation to support your truck accident case. Armed with this information, your attorney can seek appropriate compensation on your behalf for medical bills and other damages.
Defining Trucks in North Hollywood, California
A truck is considered a commercial truck in California if it is used or maintained to transport goods or people for hire, compensation, or profit. Commercial drivers must carry commercial driver’s licenses and adhere to specific state and federal requirements when driving and maintaining their trucks.
California generally considers the following types of vehicles commercial trucks:
- Semi-Trucks (18-Wheelers) — Large trucks designed to tow cargo trailers and typically used for long-haul transportation.
- Box Trucks — These trucks have a cube-shaped cargo area and are often used for moving furniture, appliances, and smaller loads.
- Tow Trucks — Used for towing or recovering broken-down vehicles, tow trucks fall under the commercial vehicle category when used for hire or when pursuing compensation.
- Dump Trucks — These are typically used in construction to transport and unload large quantities of materials like sand, gravel, or dirt.
- Tanker Trucks — These trucks carry liquids or gases and require special handling due to the hazardous nature of their cargo.
- Flatbed Trucks — Flatbed trucks have an open trailer that can carry a wide variety of loads.
- Refrigerated Trucks — These are used to transport perishable goods at specific temperatures.
- Concrete Mixer Trucks — These trucks have rotating drums to mix and transport concrete.
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
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Shamsi Law Firm, APC at the provided number. Standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. TO OPT-OUT, reply “STOP” to any text message you receive from us.
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
What Sean’s Clients Say
Read More ReviewsLegally Reviewed by
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.
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
Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents in North Hollywood
Truck crashes are often catastrophic events leading to severe and even fatal injuries. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles amplify the risks and consequences involved when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles.
Some common examples of large truck crashes include:
- Jackknife Accidents — In a jackknife accident, the trailer of the truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocketknife.
- Rollover Accidents — Truck rollovers happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. This type of crash is particularly dangerous and can occur due to driver error, speeding, or taking turns too quickly.
- Rear-End Collisions — Due to their size and weight, trucks take longer to come to a complete stop. Consequently, they are often involved in rear-end wrecks, especially when drivers follow too closely.
- T-Bone Accidents — Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when a truck hits the side of another vehicle. These often happen at intersections and can cause severe injuries.
- Blind Spot Accidents — Trucks have much larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. Accidents often occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without noticing a vehicle in their blind spot.
- Head-On Collisions — These are among the deadliest types of truck accidents. They happen when a truck and another vehicle collide front-to-front, often at high speeds.
- Underride Accidents — In an underride wreck, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. These accidents are often catastrophic, as the tops of smaller vehicles can be sheared off.
- Lost Load Accidents — These occur when the cargo on a truck falls onto the road, creating hazardous conditions and potential collisions involving other drivers.
- Wide-Turn Accidents — Trucks require more space to make turns. Accidents can occur when a truck swings out into adjacent lanes to complete a turn, colliding with others in the process.
What Compensation Can I Pursue in a North Hollywood, California Truck Accident Claim?
Truck crashes can have a lasting impact, physically and financially. Fortunately, you can file a truck accident claim for crashes leading to:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage costs
Who Could Be Held Responsible for Truck Crashes in North Hollywood, California?
Determining liability in a truck accident lawsuit is often more complicated than in passenger vehicle accidents due to the numerous parties involved. From truck drivers and the trucking companies to manufacturers and governmental entities, any of the following parties could share responsibility for a truck wreck:
- Truck Drivers — A truck driver could be liable if factors like speeding, fatigue, or impaired driving contributed to the crash.
- Trucking Companies — The trucking company can also be liable if, for example, it failed to maintain the truck properly, hired an unqualified driver, or encouraged unsafe driving practices.
- Cargo Loaders — Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents. If this happens, the cargo loaders or the company responsible for loading the truck could be liable.
- Truck or Parts Manufacturers — If the accident occurred due to a mechanical failure, like a preventable tire blowout, the manufacturer of the truck or the faulty part could be responsible.
- Maintenance Providers — Companies or individuals responsible for maintaining the truck could be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the truck accident.
- Freight Owners — The owners of the freight being transported could be accountable if the nature of the cargo contributed to the accident, such as hazardous materials that caused an explosion.
- Governmental Entities — If road conditions, lack of signage, or poor infrastructure contributed to the accident, local or state government agencies might be liable for damages.
- Other Road Users — In some cases, passenger vehicle drivers could share liability if their actions contributed to the collision.
What If I Am Partly at Fault in a Truck Accident?
If you are partially at fault for a truck accident in California, the state’s “pure comparative negligence” doctrine applies. This doctrine allows you to seek compensation from other parties even if you are partly responsible for an accident. However, the amount of compensation you may be able to recover decreases based on how much you contributed to the accident.
For instance, suppose you were involved in a truck accident and sustained $100,000 in losses. After assessing the circumstances of the crash, the court determines that you were 20 percent at fault for the accident and the truck driver was 80 percent at fault. In this scenario, under the pure comparative negligence rule, the available compensation would decrease by your percentage of fault (20 percent). This means the maximum you could potentially recover would be 80 percent of your total losses, or $80,000.
Given the complexity of determining fault and its consequences for your recovery, consulting an attorney for truck accidents in North Hollywood is critical. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can identify compelling evidence and suitable strategies to minimize your liability and pursue the maximum compensation.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim for Fatal Truck Crashes in North Hollywood, California
The death of loved ones in fatal truck accidents can devastate a family emotionally and financially. While it cannot bring their loved ones back, surviving family members can pursue compensation for their losses through a wrongful death claim. The process and potential damages you can recover are similar to a personal injury claim. However, only close relatives like spouses, children, or parents may file this type of lawsuit.
Under California law, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim involving fatal truck accidents is two years from the date of death. Given the time-sensitive nature of these cases, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to build your case and fulfill the applicable legal requirements.
Do I Need a North Hollywood Truck Accident Lawyer?
Los Angeles-based attorney Sean Shamsi understands the unique challenges of injury cases involving large truck crashes and deaths in large truck crashes. Drawing upon more than 17 years of experience representing victims of large truck accidents, Sean knows how to aggressively pursue fair and appropriate compensation for pain and suffering, current and future medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, knowing how a single crash with a large truck can alter your life forever.
While you recover physically, mentally and emotionally, Sean will
- Investigate the truck accident to identify all liable parties and uncover useful evidence
- Advise you on the potential value of your case based on experience with similar cases
- Gather crucial evidence such as truck logs, driver records, and maintenance reports
- Enlist accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause and dynamics of the crash
- Consult medical experts to ascertain the extent of your injuries and future medical needs
- Review trucking company practices to uncover possible negligence or regulatory violations
- Communicate with trucking companies, insurers, and other parties
- File all necessary paperwork and claims in a timely and accurate manner
- Negotiate with insurance companies in pursuit of a fair and just settlement
- Evaluate settlement offers to determine whether they fully address your losses
- Counter tactics used by defense lawyers and insurance adjusters to reduce or deny your claim
- Present your case in court, if necessary, to pursue he compensation you need
- Advocate relentlessly on your behalf
In addition, you pay nothing unless Sean recovers compensation on your behalf. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC works on a contingency-fee basis, which means you only pay if Sean arrives at a settlement or a verdict for your case.
The Shamsi Law Firm APC Offers Experienced White-Glove Service & Vigorous Representation for Crashes Involving Large Trucks in North Hollywood
For passenger vehicles, crashes with large trucks on North Hollywood roadways can be traumatizing, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. With over 17 years of experience, North Hollywood lawyer for truck accidents, Sean Shamsi, will personally handle your case, applying the individual care and attention you need. Our firm knows how to stand up to big insurance carriers — as evidenced by our recovery of millions for clients like you — when the insurance companies unjustly denied their claims or offered lowball settlements.
We know how much our clients need closure and the opportunity to move on with their lives after large truck accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. When you choose The Shamsi Law Firm APC, you’ll have a relentless advocate guiding you through every step of the process, fighting for your rights, and working tirelessly to pursue the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Take advantage of our free consultation and no-fee policy — you only pay us if we win your case. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact The Shamsi Law Firm today by calling us at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 or completing our online form.
Let The Shamsi Law Firm APC help you fight for justice and seek compensation for your injuries so you can get closure and move on with your life.
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
Truck accidents can leave you feeling powerless and overwhelmed by uncertainty. But with Sean Shamsi as your voice against the insurance companies, you can regain control and seek the justice you deserve. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC is here for you every step of the way.
Contact Sean today and let him help you reclaim your future.
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.
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 Blogs
Recent Blogs and News
The Shamsi Law Firm
For the 17th Year, North Hollywood PI Attorney Supports Families This Thanksgiving
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California — The Shamsi Law Firm APC is proud to announce its continued commitment to supporting local families through its annual turkey donation.…
The Shamsi Law Firm
7 Tips on How to Prevent Car Accidents in California
Driving in California is part of daily life for many, whether you’re braving the busy freeways of Los Angeles or enjoying the views along the…
The Shamsi Law Firm
What are the common causes of truck accidents 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…
We Will Fight For You
Our Locations
North Hollywood Office
Get DirectionsAre you struggling and need help from a lawyer? Contact us for a free consultation.
Get a Free Consultation
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Shamsi Law Firm, APC at the provided number. Standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. TO OPT-OUT, reply “STOP” to any text message you receive from us.
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.