Commercial Truck Accidents in Woodland Hills and Los Angeles
With California’s vast network of freeways and highways, areas like Woodland Hills and Los Angeles are hotspots for commercial truck traffic. Unfortunately, that also means a higher risk of serious accidents involving large vehicles such as big rigs, tractor-trailers, and delivery trucks. These collisions are often catastrophic due to the size and weight of commercial trucks and are legally complex due to overlapping state and federal regulations.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in California
Blind Spots and Stopping Distances
Tractor-trailers have significantly larger blind spots than standard passenger vehicles and require more time and distance to stop. When drivers aren’t cautious—or when smaller vehicles travel in these blind spots—the likelihood of rear-end or sideswipe collisions increases.
Weather, Terrain, and Fatigue
Southern California’s mountainous terrain and occasional weather shifts—especially around Woodland Hills—can make controlling a truck more difficult. Additionally, fatigued drivers working long shifts are a leading cause of trucking collisions, despite federal Hours of Service regulations designed to prevent this.
California and Federal Trucking Regulations
Commercial truck drivers operating in California must comply with both California Vehicle Code regulations and federal rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Key requirements include:
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) validity
- Hours of Service logs to prevent fatigue
- Proper use of lights, reflectors, and hazard signals
- Emergency equipment readiness
- Safe stopping and parking procedures
Any violations of these rules can serve as evidence of negligence and liability in a civil claim.
Determining Liability and Pursuing Compensation
Investigating the Trucking Company
One of the first legal steps is identifying the truck owner and operator, which may be different entities. Information such as the company’s safety record, insurance coverage, and prior violations may impact your case.
Multiple Responsible Parties
Truck crashes may involve more than just the driver. Liability can extend to:
- Trucking companies
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Third-party cargo loaders
- Government agencies (for example, in cases of poor road maintenance)
Insurance Complexities
Commercial trucks may carry multiple layers of insurance—for the cab (tractor), the trailer, and the cargo. Some trailers are owned by third parties, which further complicates claims. Despite higher coverage limits, insurers often fight aggressively to minimize payouts.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we have experience for over two decades in advocating for our clients in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, and throughout Southern California. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour today for a consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.