Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Los Angeles

Large commercial vehicles are a common sight throughout Los Angeles, transporting cargo in and out. As important as they are for the economy, they represent a serious hazard for others on the road. This is especially true when trucks are overweight or improperly loaded.

If you have been hurt in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation. Recovering damages on your own is never easy, which makes it important to speak with our skilled truck collision attorneys right away.

What Makes Overloaded Trucks Dangerous?

Federal law applies limits to how much a truck can weigh when it operates on public roadways. There are also regulations regarding how a trailer is packed to ensure they are not top-heavy or otherwise overloaded. This is because hauling overloaded or overweight cargo in Los Angeles increases the chance of a truck crash.

When a truck is too heavy, it takes much longer to come to a complete stop. These vehicles already need a long runway from the point of hitting the brakes to stop entirely, and that only gets longer when they are heavy. This increases the odds of rear-end collisions.

When trucks are overloaded, there might not be enough room in the trailer for all the goods. This can lead to spills or debris falling from the trailer into the roadway. Drivers attempting to avoid these objects could lose control and crash.

Heavy vehicles also put a greater strain on their parts. From axles to braking systems, truck parts that carry more weight than they are designed for are more likely to fail. This further increases the chances of a crash.

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WE HANDLE A WIDE RANGE OF PERSONAL INJURY CASES, INCLUDING:

BICYCLE ACCIDENT

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BIRTH INJURY

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BUS ACCIDENTS

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CAR ACCIDENTS

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CATASTROPHIC INJURY

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CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT

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DOG BITES

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MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

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NURSING HOME ABUSE

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SEXUAL ABUSE

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Increased Risks of Injury

Not only are overloaded trucks more likely to be in an accident, but the injuries that result from these incidents can be more serious as well. Heavier trucks collide with other vehicles with more force, which can dramatically increase the severity of the impact on another car.

Being struck by a commercial vehicle is already a dangerous proposition. When it comes to overweight truck collisions in Los Angeles, severe or even fatal injuries are possible.

Who is at Fault for an Overweight Truck Crash?

In order to recover damages following one of these accidents, an injured person needs to establish that another party acted negligently in overloading the truck. The most likely defendants in overweight crash cases are the truck driver or their employer, but other parties in Los Angeles could also be at fault.

Many trucking companies rely on third parties to load and unload their trailers. It is their job to ensure that trucks are at a safe weight and not top-heavy. When they fail to do so, they could be liable for the damages that occur in a crash.

There might be multiple defendants in some cases. If a defective vehicle part played a role in the crash, the manufacturer could be liable even if overloading also was to blame.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A PERSONAL INJURY?

Personal injury cases are some of the most common civil litigation cases—also known as “tort actions” or “lawsuits”—in the United States. They are filed by individuals who have experienced bodily injury, pain and suffering, and sometimes property damage in an accident caused by a negligent third party. These claims can also be filed for intentional harm or defamation of character by a third party.

DO I NEED TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

While you are not required to have an attorney to file a claim, having an attorney can make a significant difference in your claim. A personal injury attorney has a deep understanding of the claims process and can help you navigate the complexities of the law. Your attorney can also help you level the playing field with insurers and can tell you whether you are receiving the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled.

I HAVE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT – WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you have been injured in an accident that was no fault of your own, there are steps you should take to ensure you are compensated for costs related to the incident. Taking quick action after your accident can profoundly affect your personal injury claim or lawsuit. After being involved in an accident, you should: Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Keep a record of your injuries and note any complications that arise because of your injuries. Report the incident as soon as possible after it occurs. Record detailed descriptions and notes about the facts of the incident. Keep receipts of medication and medical care you received Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can help you navigate your claim.

WILL MY PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM GO TO TRIAL?

Not all personal injury claims make it to court. In fact, a majority of injury cases are settled without having to litigate. What’s the difference between a settlement and going to trial? What are the pros and cons of each? There are two ways in which compensation can be awarded to you for your claim: through a settlement or by going to trial. There are pros and cons to each. When your claim is settled, the compensation for your claim is decided outside of court, usually through negotiations between lawyers.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM?

In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim against an individual or non-government entity. If the injury is not immediately known, you have one year from the date the injury is discovered. If you’ve suffered injuries from an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should act quickly to ensure you are able to recover compensation for your losses.

Notifying Insurance Companies

You should notify your insurance company and the responsible party’s insurance company as soon as possible after your accident. Most insurance companies request that you file your claim within 24 – 48 hours after your accident. When you file a personal injury insurance claim, you are requesting that the at-fault party’s insurance pay for the losses you suffered as a result of your accident, and the compensation amount is determined during negotiations. Seeking Compensation You can get financial compensation in two ways: filing a personal injury insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, compensation can be sought for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those with a measurable monetary value, such as medical expenses and lost wages. On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. It is important to understand the types of damages available in your case so that you can seek compensation for all of your related losses. Soon after your accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who can explain the time limits to you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

ARE THERE PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS NEAR ME?

Our firm is located in downtown Los Angeles. We can take all personal injury cases based in California.

Talk to Our Los Angeles Attorneys About Overloaded or Overweight Truck Accidents

You have the right to pursue an injury lawsuit after being hurt in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Los Angeles. You also are entitled to hire legal counsel to act as your advocate. Before you try to settle your case on your own, reach out to our dedicated attorneys for a private consultation today.

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READY TO SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY?

If your claim has been denied or your attorney has decided to give up, reach out to our firm for a second opinion.