What if the driver who hit you in Rolling Hills had no insurance?
If a commercial truck driver hits you in Rolling Hills and has no insurance, other policies might cover your injuries. California law requires large trucks to carry significant insurance, but uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy or the trucking company's overall liability policy could still apply.
Truck accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies beyond the at-fault driver's, including the trucking company's liability coverage, cargo insurance, and potentially your own uninsured motorist coverage. Finding all available coverage requires careful investigation after a crash.
Where do I file a truck accident lawsuit in Los Angeles County?
In Los Angeles County, a truck accident case from Rolling Hills is generally filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. This means your case would go to the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503.
The Los Angeles Superior Court assigns personal injury cases to a Personal Injury Hub department within that district (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). While the Torrance Courthouse generally handles cases from Rolling Hills, the court's official locator can confirm the specific filing location for your unique facts.
What steps should I take after a truck accident?
- Ensure safety and call 911. Move to a safe location if possible. Report the accident to law enforcement and emergency services immediately, especially for truck accidents that often involve serious injuries and extensive damage.
- Exchange information. Get the truck driver's name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance details. Also note the trucking company's name, USDOT number, and license plate information for both the truck and trailer.
- Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident site, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries, especially from truck accidents, show up days or weeks later. Medical records create a timeline of your injuries.
- Report to your insurance. Notify your own insurance company about the accident. Provide only the basic facts without admitting fault or speculating about the cause.
- Avoid speaking with the trucking company or their insurers. Commercial trucking companies and their insurance adjusters often begin investigating immediately after an accident. They want to minimize their payout. Do not give recorded statements or sign anything without legal advice.
How long do I have to file a claim and what can I recover?
Most personal injury claims in California, including those from a truck accident, must be filed within two years from the date of injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if a city, county, or other public agency caused your injuries, you must present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This six-month deadline for public entities is strict, and failing to meet it can prevent you from filing a lawsuit.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. If your claim involves a public entity, the deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts of your accident.
What kinds of cases do Los Angeles truck accident attorneys handle?
Our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys handle cases ranging from minor collisions with commercial vehicles to catastrophic accidents involving big rigs, tractor-trailers, and delivery trucks. These incidents often involve complex issues of liability, federal trucking regulations, and multiple insurance policies. You can learn more about how we help injured people after crashes by visiting our personal injury practice area page.
Many factors contribute to truck accidents, including driver fatigue, improper maintenance, overloaded cargo, distracted driving, or violations of federal hours-of-service rules. Accidents on surface streets in Rolling Hills or on major freeways like the 110 or 405 often involve commercial vehicles. We also assist families after wrongful death incidents in Rolling Hills caused by truck crashes, pursuing recovery for the profound losses survivors experience.
Beyond truck accidents, we represent people injured in other serious incidents, such as personal injury cases in Rolling Hills and pedestrian accidents. Our firm also serves clients in nearby communities like El Segundo, Pasadena, and Long Beach.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with us means we investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build your case. This includes securing accident reports, witness statements, truck maintenance logs, driver qualification records, and traffic camera footage. We handle all communication with insurance companies, keeping your focus on recovery.
Our team works to prove liability and calculate the full extent of your damages, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic harm. We aim to secure full compensation available under California law, whether through negotiation or by taking your case to court. We advocate for your rights through each step of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents differ from car accidents due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, leading to more severe injuries and property damage. Trucking companies and their drivers must follow federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in addition to state traffic laws. These cases often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and vehicle manufacturer.
Can I still file a claim if the accident was partially my fault?
Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% responsible for the truck accident, your total damages would be reduced by 20%.
What if the trucking company is out of state?
Even if a trucking company is based outside California, you can still pursue a claim in Los Angeles. Federal and state laws generally allow lawsuits to be filed where the accident occurred or where the company conducts business. Dealing with out-of-state entities adds complexity, but an attorney familiar with commercial trucking litigation can manage these challenges.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?
You pay no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win your case. This contingency fee arrangement means you owe nothing upfront for our legal services. Our firm also advances all case costs, so you will not be responsible for those costs either if there is no recovery.
A truck accident can turn your life upside down. Do not face the trucking companies alone. Get clarity on your options and take control of your recovery. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a free case review. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.