What if the truck driver who hit you in Lomita had no insurance?
If a truck driver hits you in Lomita and they do not have insurance, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This coverage is for situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your costs.
Truck accidents often involve significant damage and severe injuries. When the other driver lacks sufficient insurance, your UM coverage becomes an important protection. We help you pursue the full compensation available under California law.
Where do you file a truck accident lawsuit from Lomita?
If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident in Lomita, your case is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Southwest District. The proper courthouse for cases from Lomita is the Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503.
In Los Angeles County, personal injury cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. These cases are then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). This court handles many types of cases, including those involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck crashes.
What should you do after a truck accident in Lomita?
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours or days later. A medical evaluation establishes a record of your injuries.
- Report the accident. Call 911 to ensure law enforcement responds and creates an official accident report. This report is often critical for your claim.
- Gather information at the scene. Collect contact and insurance details from all drivers involved. Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Avoid discussing fault or making statements. Do not apologize or speculate about what happened, as these statements can be used against you. Do not provide a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without legal advice.
- Keep detailed records. Save all medical bills, repair estimates, wage statements for time missed from work, and any other expenses related to the accident.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can explain your rights, investigate the accident, and handle communications with insurance companies. This protects your claim and helps you focus on recovery.
How long do you have to file a truck accident claim in California?
Most California personal injury claims, including those from truck accidents, must be filed within two years of the injury date (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline also applies to wrongful death claims.
However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency involved in the truck accident, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the incident (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing this shorter deadline can prevent you from filing a lawsuit later. The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (CCP § 352), but that pause does not apply to claims against public entities (CCP § 352(b)).
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. If the claim is for a death that happened on or after January 1, 2026, damages for the decedent's pain and suffering are not recoverable (CCP § 377.34).
What kinds of truck accidents do we handle in Lomita?
Our firm handles various truck accident claims that happen in and around Lomita. These cases often involve severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. We help people injured by semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, garbage trucks, and other large commercial vehicles.
These accidents can result from driver fatigue, improper loading, maintenance failures, speeding, distracted driving, or violations of federal trucking regulations. Our work involves investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and holding all responsible parties accountable, from the driver to the trucking company. We handle all types of personal injury cases resulting from these devastating incidents.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we take on the burden of your truck accident claim. We investigate the crash, gather evidence, and handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties. Our goal is to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation available under California law.
We work to ensure your medical bills are covered, lost wages are accounted for, and you receive fair compensation for your pain and suffering. Our team knows the local court system and how to present a strong case. Whether your case takes us to the Torrance Courthouse or another Los Angeles County court, we are ready to represent you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum insurance for trucks in California?
Commercial trucks in California must carry higher liability insurance limits than passenger vehicles. The exact minimum depends on the type of truck and what it hauls, but interstate carriers usually require at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Trucks carrying certain hazardous materials may need $1 million or even $5 million in coverage. These high limits help cover the extensive damages common in truck accidents.
Can you still get compensation if you were partly at fault for the truck accident?
Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the truck accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery entirely. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your total damages.
What if the truck was owned by a city or county?
If the truck involved in your accident was owned or operated by a public entity, like the city of Lomita, Los Angeles County, or a municipal transit agency, a special rule applies. You must present a formal written claim to that public entity within six months of the accident date (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit. This deadline is strict and missing it usually means losing your right to sue that entity.
Will my case go to trial at the Torrance Courthouse?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but some do proceed to trial. Whether your truck accident case goes to trial at the Torrance Courthouse depends on many factors, including the complexity of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance companies to offer a fair settlement. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial to ensure we are ready to advocate for you in court if necessary.
If you were hurt in a truck accident in Lomita, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a free conversation about your options. Call us at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.