Americans are moving to new locations more frequently than ever, and the average Californian moves several times in his or her lifetime. Many people attempt to save money by renting their moving trucks rather than paying for a professional moving company. Unfortunately, when drivers are inexperienced with large vehicles, dangerous moving truck accidents can happen. With so many moving trucks on Southern California’s congested roads, a moving truck accident is bound to happen.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a moving truck accident in Southern California, you will need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. You may be wondering who is responsible for your moving truck accident, and how you can obtain compensation for your injuries. At SoCal Injury Lawyers, our legal team has a well-earned reputation for advocating fiercely for our clients to obtain compensation for their injuries. We will thoroughly investigate your moving truck accident and advise you on your best legal strategy for obtaining compensation. Contact our Southern California personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
Common Causes of Moving Truck Accidents
One of the main causes of moving truck accidents involves inexperienced drivers who rent large moving truck vehicles. After a long day of loading heavy furniture and boxes into a moving truck, the driver is often already exhausted and not mentally or physically prepared to safely drive a large truck. Driving in Southern California can be challenging anyway due to traffic congestion, making it even more difficult to change lanes and maneuver a large and/or cumbersome vehicle on crowded roads safely.
In other cases, professional moving companies provide movers with a truck driver. While professional moving truck drivers should have the proper training to drive large moving vans in tight spaces, highways, and neighborhoods, many do not have these skills. When moving companies do not provide their drivers with proper safety training, their drivers are more likely to be involved in dangerous moving truck accidents. Additionally, when moving truck companies fail to maintain their vehicles properly, mechanical malfunctions can occur. In some cases, driving truck accident victims can bring a lawsuit against the moving company itself for its employee’s negligent driving.
As with any other motor vehicle accident, moving truck accidents can be caused by speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, or reckless driving. In such accidents, the negligent driver is responsible for any injuries caused.. When victims can prove that the moving company itself acted negligently, the company may be liable as well.
Recovering Damages After a Moving Truck Accident
Moving truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation under California law. Unfortunately, obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries after a moving truck accident can be difficult. Many owners of moving truck companies have significant resources to defend themselves after their drivers are involved in collisions. They often have investigators who will immediately travel to the scene of the accident. Many large trucking companies have teams of lawyers ready to defend them in court. Hiring an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after the moving truck accident is incredibly important. Victims of moving truck accidents need a professional team of lawyers guiding them through the entire process.
Seeking Compensation from the Moving Company’s Insurance Policy
Many commercial moving companies have commercial insurance that will pay out settlements to accident victims. As with all for-profit companies, insurance companies put their bottom line first. They will often attempt to speak with the victim immediately after the accident, hoping that the victim will inadvertently admit fault so they will not have to pay a settlement. When insurance companies do pay settlements, they frequently offer too little.
At SoCal Injury Lawyers, we are familiar with the tactics used by so many commercial insurance companies. Our lawyers have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies to obtain the best possible settlement amounts for our clients. We recommend speaking with a personal injury lawyer before you discuss your case with an insurance company. We will help you prepare a statement and protect your compensation claim.
Damages Available in a Moving Truck Accident
In some cases, a negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured. Or, the insurance company may offer a settlement amount that is far too low. In either of these situations, victims of moving truck accidents may need to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party to obtain compensation. Successful personal injury plaintiffs can recover economic and non-economic damages related to their injuries. Our Los Angeles moving van accident lawyers will seek the maximum amount of compensation under California law, which will include the cost of all of your medical treatment, such as:
- Emergency care
- Surgeries and other medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Long-term care
- Durable medical equipment
- Hospital stays
If you or your loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries, and you will require medical care for the remainder of your life, we will seek compensation for your future medical bills as well. Successful plaintiffs are also entitled to their lost wages and career opportunities. You will be able to include all of the lost wages from the time you had to stay home recovering from your injuries instead of going to work, as well as any lost employment opportunities, such as bonuses and promotions. Finally, California law allows personal injury plaintiffs to request damages for pain and suffering. California courts award compensation for the mental and physical anguish suffered by the victim of a moving truck accident.
Contact an Experienced Southern California Moving Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Have you or your loved one suffered a severe injury from a moving truck accident? If so, you have enough to worry about without having to pay mounting medical bills and other expenses for your recovery. The best thing you can do is hire a personal injury lawyer who will represent your interest, whether you are seeking a settlement from an insurance company or you need to take your claim to court. Contact SoCal Injury Lawyers today to schedule your initial consultation.