Truck Accidents in Los Angeles: Who Is the Defendant?

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident in Los Angeles, you know just how life-changing these types of auto accidents can be. In addition to totaling out a car, a truck accident can cause serious injuries, permanent injuries, and even death. With semi-trucks driven on behalf of a company by professional drivers, how do you know who the defendant is if you decide to file a lawsuit to seek reimbursement for medical bills, future medical care, loss of wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or wrongful death? In some cases, the answer can be confusing.

Let’s look a little closer at possible defendants.

The Driver of the Truck

Often, in a California truck accident, the driver of the truck is listed as a defendant since they were operating the truck at the time of the crash. Perhaps the driver violated a law or committed a traffic offense which may have contributed to the accident. For instance, if the posted speed limit for trucks is 55 mph and the driver was traveling at 75 mph, the driver was clearly in the wrong.

Drivers are also mandated by federal and state laws on how many hours they can drive without a break. Learn more about various laws governing truck drivers here.

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The Company That Owns the Truck

In the instance that the driver is driving the semi truck for an employer, the company may be named as a defendant. In some cases, employers have been known to purposely skip maintenance checks to save money. Additionally, if the company threatened to fire or otherwise punish a driver if they refused to break federal and state laws related to how long the driver can work in a day, the company is breaking the law and may be named as a defendant.

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Other Drivers Involved in the Crash

If other vehicles were involved the Los Angeles truck accident, it may be found that one of those drivers was at least partially responsible and therefore named as a defendant in your case. An experienced accident attorney in Los Angeles will help you determine who could be at fault in your accident.

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What Next

Ultimately, liability in a California truck accident is determined in court by a judge or jury after reviewing evidence and listening to testimony. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney can help victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve from the liable parties.

For a free, no obligation consultation about your potential case, contact the Ghozland Law Firm today.