A DHL truck accident can have devastating consequences. If you’ve been injured in one, a Los Angeles delivery truck accident lawyer can help you seek damages.
Commercial carriers like DHL have teams of lawyers and insurers who work to minimize payouts after crashes. If you try to handle your claim on your own, you’ll risk settling for far less than you deserve.
Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. If you’ve been on the wrong end of a crash, a DHL truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you obtain compensation.
Why Do You Need a Los Angeles DHL Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been in a crash with a DHL truck, a lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: An attorney can gather police reports, black-box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage to strengthen your case.
- Determine liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. A lawyer can make sure they’re held accountable for your damages.
- Negotiate with insurers: Carriers’ adjusters are trained to undervalue claims. A lawyer can fight for the full amount you deserve.
- File a lawsuit: If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court and advocate for you there.
A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can level the playing field against corporations with deep resources.
How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge in Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Omega Law Group work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything up front. Instead, your attorney’s fee will come out of your settlement or court award. You can discuss the percentage they will receive at your initial consultation.
How Much Are Most DHL Truck Accident Settlements?
In Los Angeles, truck accident settlements can range from tens of thousands of dollars for relatively minor injuries to millions of dollars for catastrophic or permanent disability.
Some of the other factors that will dictate your settlement’s value include lost wages, future earning capacity, and insurance coverage limits.
A Los Angeles DHL truck accident lawyer can review your case and estimate its worth.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
Victims of DHL truck accidents in Los Angeles may recover several types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can claim damages for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages: You may recover the income you lost during your recovery.
- Loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job, you can pursue damages for future income.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
- Property damage: You may recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence, the court may award extra damages to punish the at-fault party.
A DHL truck accident attorney in Los Angeles can ensure your settlement covers all of your losses.
What Is the Deadline to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of a truck accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. An attorney can help you file your claim as quickly as possible.
Who Is Liable in a DHL Truck Accident?
The answer as to who is liable in a commercial truck accident is rarely clear-cut. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver: If the truck driver acted negligently, such as by speeding or driving under the influence, they can be held responsible.
- DHL: The trucking company may be liable for its drivers’ actions or for unsafe scheduling practices.
- Third–party contractors: If DHL hired an independent contractor for deliveries, that entity could share responsibility.
- Maintenance providers: Faulty repairs or skipped inspections may make a repair company liable.
- Truck or parts manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or steering components can shift liability to manufacturers.
An attorney can sort through contracts, company records, and other types of evidence to identify every liable party and maximize your recovery.
Common Injuries in DHL Truck Accidents
The size and weight of delivery trucks often result in severe injuries for victims in smaller vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
What to Do After a DHL Truck Accident
The steps you take after a DHL truck accident can significantly impact your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement and, if necessary, request medical assistance.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange information: Trade contact and insurance information with the truck driver. If any witnesses are available at the scene, also obtain their names and phone numbers.
- Seek immediate medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a doctor to document your condition.
- Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or give recorded statements to insurance adjusters.
- Contact a lawyer: Reach out to a truck accident lawyer to start building your case.
Consult a DHL Truck Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
The aftermath of a DHL truck accident can be overwhelming. You may have to deal with costly medical bills and time away from work, and insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
A Los Angeles DHL truck accident attorney can deal with the insurers and fight for a fair settlement so you can focus on your recovery.
Schedule a free consultation to start putting together a winning case.