Your Legal Guide After a Truck Accident in Panorama

A truck accident in Panorama can turn an ordinary day into a devastating event within seconds. Large trucks frequently travel along Van Nuys Boulevard, Roscoe Boulevard, and I-405, where heavy traffic and high speeds increase the risk of major collisions. 

Truck accident victims often experience severe injuries. They also face insurance problems and long recovery times. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps immediately after a crash can make all the difference. 

Here’s your comprehensive legal guide on what to do after a truck crash in California to help with your recovery and your claim.

Call Emergency Services and Get to Safety

After a truck accident in Panorama, your priority should always be safety. Move yourself and others to a secure area away from traffic, especially along busy roads like Plummer Street or Sepulveda Boulevard. Call 911 immediately to report the collision and request medical and police assistance.

Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not show up immediately. They can become life-threatening later. Request a copy of the police report, as it will serve as critical evidence for your California personal injury claim.

If emergency responders arrive, cooperate fully. Do not make guesses about who is at fault. Simply describe what happened factually and truthfully.

Collect Trucking and Witness Information

Once you are safe and if your condition allows, begin gathering as much information as possible from the scene. Details fade quickly after a truck accident in Panorama, and early documentation helps your lawyer build a stronger case.

Gather the following:

• Truck driver’s full name, license number, and employer information.
• License plate number and the name of the trucking company.
• Insurance details for the truck and any other involved vehicles.
• Names and contact information of witnesses who saw the crash.
• Photos or videos of the scene, damaged vehicles, and visible injuries.

If available, capture pictures of skid marks, road conditions, or weather patterns that might have contributed to the collision. These visual details can be valuable for accident reconstruction experts later on.

Avoid Speaking Directly to the Trucking Company or Insurer

After a truck accident, you might receive calls from the trucking company’s insurer or representatives asking for a statement. Say no politely. Anything you say could be used to weaken your case or shift liability.

Insurance companies often act quickly to protect their bottom line, not your best interests. They might offer a low settlement or ask leading questions to get you to admit partial fault. Remember: you are not legally required to speak with the other party’s insurer without representation.

Do not talk to others about the case. Instead, send all communication to your Panorama truck accident attorney. A skilled lawyer will handle negotiations, protect your statements, and ensure that no one takes advantage of your vulnerable situation.

Related blog: 10 Mistakes Insurance Claims Adjusters Use Against You

Preserve Evidence Like Dashcam Footage or Black Box Data

Commercial trucks, as per California Vehicle Code §260, are registered vehicles that can be hired for transportation purposes. They are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and “black boxes” that record speed, braking patterns, and hours of service. This data can reveal whether the driver was speeding, fatigued, or violating federal regulations before the crash.

Act quickly. Trucking companies may attempt to delete or overwrite this evidence after a short period. Your attorney can send a legal preservation letter. This letter tells the company to keep all digital data, maintenance logs, and inspection reports.

Additionally, preserve your own evidence:

• Dashcam footage (if available)
• Medical records and hospital bills
• Vehicle repair estimates or totaled vehicle assessments
• Communication with insurers or the trucking company

This documentation strengthens your California personal injury claim and ensures your legal team can present a complete picture of the accident’s cause and impact.

Hire Our Truck Accident Lawyer to Handle Complex Claims

Truck accidents are among the most complex personal injury cases due to multiple layers of liability. People who might be responsible include the truck driver, the trucking company, a parts maker, or a cargo loader.

Our experienced Panorama truck accident attorney understands these nuances and has the resources to investigate the case thoroughly. We can:

• Identify every liable party to maximize compensation.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals.
• Calculate both economic and non-economic damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurers for a fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit if the trucking company refuses accountability.

Farahi Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your case is won. That allows victims to pursue justice without financial risk.

Accidents and California’s Comparative Negligence Law

According to National Injury Facts, more than 5,300 large truck crashes in 2023 resulted in serious injuries or fatalities across the United States. The data revealed that 37% of these collisions occurred during the day, while a staggering 63% happened at night, when visibility is lower and fatigue is more common. 

Additionally, approximately one in four (25%) of these truck accidents occurred on interstate highways. In California, victims of such crashes aren’t automatically barred from compensation, even if they share some responsibility. 

Under the state’s comparative negligence law, as outlined in Civil Code Section 1714, you can still recover damages proportionate to the other party’s fault. For instance, if you’re found 10% at fault, you can still collect 90% of your total compensation. This legal framework ensures fair outcomes and recognizes that fault in truck accidents is rarely one-sided.

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