Truck Accident Lawyers in Burbank
Helping You Get the Compensation You Need
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, there are several important steps you should take immediately. First, you should take care of your health, visit a licensed medical professional, and get the medical care you need. Not only will this help detect any underlying health problems, it will also provide you with solid supporting evidence for if you wish to bring a personal injury claim.
Next, you should collect all the information you can regarding your accident. This may include collecting witness’ names and contact information, taking photographs of the scene of the accident, writing down notes, and getting your injuries officially documented and examined by a doctor.
Prior to speaking with the trucking company’s representative or their insurance company, you need to consult with a lawyer of your own so that your rights and best interests are strongly protected. The trucking company and the insurance company will want to pay you as little as possible, which is why calling an experienced truck accident attorney in Burbank is a good idea.
If law enforcement officers were called to the scene of the accident, you should request a copy of their police report and do not say anything to them that could be considered incriminating. Each situation is vastly different from the rest and you should contact a lawyer to discuss your specific case. The Akopyan Law Firm offers complimentary case evaluations to all prospective clients.
I was hurt in an accident with a tractor-trailer, but the negligent driver of the truck was only an independent contractor. Do I have any rights against the shipping company?
Yes. Operating a tractor and semitrailer to transport freight is attended with very considerable risk and is highly regulated to protect public safety. Thus, a highway common carrier (“for hire” motor carrier) franchised by the California Public Utilities Commission or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is liable for the negligence of its independent contractor truckers who cause a traffic accident.
What should I do if I get a call from the trucking company or its insurance company?
You are not legally obligated to speak with the insurance company or trucking company and we highly recommend that you do not speak with either until you have consulted a lawyer. Both companies will try to pay you as little as possible, if at all. Instead, you should politely decline by informing them your attorney will contact them and get their contact information as well. By doing so, you will not be able to incriminate yourself, thereby protecting your rights and best interests.
The truck company’s insurance adjuster is asking for my recorded statement, what should I do?
You are not legally obligated to give any sort of statement to the insurance company or trucking company, recorded or otherwise. Oftentimes, insurance companies will ask accident victims to give recorded statements while asking tricky questions that are intended to cause you to incriminate yourself. In doing so, they may be able to push fault onto you, causing you to receive less compensation than you would have had you not given a statement. Speak with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Burbank before giving any type of statement.
If I think the accident between my car and the truck was my fault, should I say so?
No. You should not offer any information regarding who was at fault for the accident. While you may believe it was your fault, the other driver could have been even more to blame than you realize. Truck drivers are often prone to negligence due to their long drives and short rests. Truck driver fatigue, intoxication, and distraction are all very real possibilities in your case, among other factors. You should cooperate with law enforcement officers as much as possible but just remember that everything that you and the truck driver say can be used against you in the future.
Areas Served:
Our truck accident lawyers provide legal services in the following areas among others:
Cities:
Arleta, Burbank, Chatsworth, Eagle Rock, Encino, Glendale, Glassell Park, Granada Hills, Highland Park, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, Los Feliz, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, San Fernando, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sunland, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, Winnetka, Woodland Hills
Counties:
Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Ventura County
Zip Codes:
90026, 90027, 90029, 90031, 90032, 90039, 90041, 90042, 90046, 90065, 90068, 90069, 91020, 91040, 91046, 91201, 91202, 91203, 91204, 91205, 91206, 91207, 91208, 91214, 91303, 91304, 91306, 91307, 91316, 91324, 91325, 91326, 91330, 91331, 91335, 91340, 91343, 91344, 91345, 91352, 91356, 91364, 91402, 91403, 91405, 91406, 91423, 91436, 91501, 91502, 91504, 91505, 91506, 91521, 91522, 91523, 91601, 91602, 91604, 91605, 91606, 91607, 91608
Call the Akopyan Law Firm today at (818) 509-9975 or contact us online to learn more about our truck accident attorneys in Burbank and how we can help you get compensation. Call now for a complimentary case evaluation.