Should I talk to a truck insurance adjuster after a Burbank accident?
No, do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents for a truck insurance adjuster after a crash in Burbank. Their job is to protect the trucking company's bottom line, which often means finding ways to pay you less or deny your claim entirely.
Speaking with an adjuster before you know the full extent of your injuries and legal rights can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. Once you give a statement, it is difficult to change your story later, even if you realize you misremembered details or downplayed your symptoms.
How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in Burbank?
You generally have two years to file most personal injury or wrongful death claims after a truck accident in Burbank, as set by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if a city, county, or other public agency is involved, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury date, per California Government Code § 911.2.
Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. The deadline is usually paused while an injured person is a minor under Code of Civil Procedure § 352, but that pause does not apply to claims against public entities. Confirm the specific deadline that applies to your own facts with an attorney.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm caused by another's negligence. This includes compensation for past and future medical treatment, lost wages, and pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement, and emotional distress. If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, wrongful death claims allow eligible family members to recover for financial support, lost companionship, and other losses, as outlined in Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, Code of Civil Procedure § 377.34 limits recovery to economic losses the decedent sustained before death, not including pain and suffering.
What should you do after a Burbank truck accident?
After a truck accident in Burbank, your actions matter. Take these steps to protect your health and any future legal claim:
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear days or weeks later. A medical record creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
- Report the accident to the police. Call 911 to ensure law enforcement responds and creates an official accident report. This report is a crucial document for insurance companies and legal proceedings.
- Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers, and collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Do not admit fault or make assumptions. Avoid discussing the accident details with anyone other than law enforcement and your attorney. Do not apologize, even if it feels natural, as this can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Keep all records. Maintain a file of medical bills, police reports, vehicle repair estimates, and any correspondence related to the accident.
- Call a Burbank truck accident attorney. An attorney can speak with insurance adjusters on your behalf, investigate the crash, and help you understand your rights.
Where do you file a truck accident lawsuit from Burbank?
A personal injury case resulting from a truck accident in Burbank is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. In Los Angeles County, personal injury cases arising from incidents in Burbank are assigned to the Personal Injury Hub department in the North Central District.
The appropriate courthouse for these cases is typically the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502. This filing process follows Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024.
What kinds of truck accident cases do you handle?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps people injured in many types of truck accidents in Burbank. This includes crashes involving large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, garbage trucks, and construction vehicles.
These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. We also handle cases where crashes were caused by driver fatigue, improper maintenance, overloaded cargo, or violations of federal trucking regulations. Our work also extends to other serious incidents, including catastrophic injury cases in Burbank and instances where property damage is a major concern, as with a Burbank property damage claim.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we handle the legal complexities of your truck accident claim so you can focus on your recovery. We start by thoroughly investigating your accident to gather evidence, identify all responsible parties, and assess the full extent of your damages.
This includes reviewing police reports, trucking company logs, driver records, maintenance reports, and medical documentation. We communicate with insurance adjusters, negotiate for fair compensation, and prepare your case for trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached. Our firm is dedicated to personal injury and employment law, serving communities like Burbank and beyond, including El Segundo, Pasadena, and South Gate. This approach allows us to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your injuries and losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents due to the size, weight, and commercial nature of the vehicles involved. Commercial trucks are governed by specific federal and state regulations, and liability can extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers. The injuries in truck accidents are often more severe, and the evidence needed to build a case can be more complex.
Can I still get compensation if the truck driver was uninsured in Burbank?
If the truck driver was uninsured, your ability to recover compensation depends on several factors. You might pursue a claim against the trucking company, as they are often responsible for their drivers' actions. Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your personal auto policy may also provide compensation for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you determine the best course of action. More general information on personal injury law is available on our personal injury hub page.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?
Hiring a truck accident attorney for your claim in Burbank typically involves no upfront costs. Casa Legal Los Angeles works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case — and no case costs either. This allows you to pursue justice without financial risk, as our fees are a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.
What if a public entity was responsible for the truck accident?
If a public entity, such as the City of Burbank or a state agency, contributed to your truck accident through poor road maintenance or other negligence, special rules apply. You must present a formal claim to the public entity within six months of the accident date, as required by California Government Code § 911.2, before you can file a lawsuit. This deadline is strict and has limited exceptions.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Burbank, talk to an attorney right away. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.