Los Angeles Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

The city of Los Angeles is sprawling and relies on large fleets managed by carriers like XPO Logistics and Sysco Los Angeles to keep commerce thriving. When a commercial truck driver fails to pay attention to the road, the consequences for anyone caught up in the resulting collision can be life-altering. A Los Angeles commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process with confidence so you receive the compensation that you are owed.

A Law Firm Dedicated to Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable

Not all law firms have many years of experience in successfully holding truckers or trucking groups accountable for causing an injury. The team of personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles at Heimanson & Wolf takes a team-driven approach to handling these types of cases because we understand the benefits of relying on collective legal experience.

Setting our law firm apart is our dedication to providing concierge-level legal representation to our clients and always being honest and straightforward when communicating potential outcomes to the cases we handle. Our client-focused approach has led to multiple large settlements, some well over $1 million, that have helped our clients recover following a serious injury.

Understanding the Scope of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Los Angeles

Large trucks are commonplace on Los Angeles’ roads and highways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro employed approximately 44,790 light truck drivers as of May 2023.

With this many commercial drivers on the road every day, the potential for accidents involving delivery trucks, freight carriers, and service vehicles remains a constant concern for residents and commuters alike.

Commercial vehicle accidents can be a serious issue in Los Angeles County. In 2022, California recorded 147,704 crashes on state highways. Nationally, 117,000 large trucks were involved in injury crashes in 2021.

One tragic example of the dangers posed by commercial trucks occurred on February 20, 2025, when two semi-trucks collided on the 60 Freeway near the 57 interchange in Diamond Bar, leaving one person dead and another injured. These incidents highlight the real dangers associated with commercial transport.

Establishing Liability After a Collision

Determining who is responsible for a truck accident requires strong evidence and an understanding of the state’s traffic laws. Liability may rest with the driver, their employer, or even a third-party maintenance company.

If a crash happens near busy areas like Firestone Boulevard in Downey, multiple parties could share fault. Proving negligence requires gathering surveillance, driver logs, and maintenance records. When injured parties are already dealing with serious medical treatments and long recoveries, they rely on attorneys to investigate the crash.

Types of Damages Injured Parties Can Seek

Financial losses from a serious collision can include far more than hospital bills. Victims may be eligible for compensation covering future treatment, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain, and suffering.

Economic damages are used to account for measurable losses, while non-economic losses are less tangible but equally important and include things like pain and suffering. If the injury claim goes to trial, a judge or jury may add punitive damages on top of measurable losses.

Why Legal Representation Matters During a Truck Accident Claim

Truck companies often take measures to avoid liability. In some cases, they may falsely try to accuse you of causing the accident. Their insurers often have teams ready to fight claims soon after the collision.

A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can level the field in favor of injured clients. From accessing black box data to hiring crash reconstruction individuals, strong legal representation ensures no corner is cut. In Downey, these cases are usually filed at the Downey Courthouse on Imperial Highway after severe injuries are treated at PIH Health Hospital – Downey.

FAQs About Los Angeles, CA Commercial Vehicle Accident Law

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Fault in a truck accident is determined by examining evidence such as driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, traffic violations, and witness statements. Investigators may review black box data, dashcam footage, or inspection records. In Los Angeles, establishing fault requires showing who acted unreasonably or broke safety rules. A skilled attorney helps gather and present proof to hold the responsible party financially accountable.

What Four Things Are Needed to Prove Negligence?

To prove negligence in a truck accident, you must show four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. The driver or company must have owed a duty of care, violated that duty, caused the accident, and caused harm. In Los Angeles commercial vehicle cases, all four must be clearly supported by evidence. Failing to prove even one can weaken the entire claim.

When Can a Trucking Company Be Held Responsible?

A trucking company can be held responsible when it contributes to a crash through poor hiring, training failures, unsafe policies, or negligent maintenance. In Los Angeles, companies may also be liable for driver conduct during work hours. Claims often target both the driver and the employer. Strong documentation, such as internal records or safety violations, can help establish the company’s role in the incident.

What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle Violation?

A commercial vehicle violation includes any breach of state or federal regulations involving large trucks or company-owned vehicles. Common examples include overloaded cargo, hours-of-service violations, faulty brakes, and expired inspections. In Los Angeles, violations can lead to serious accidents and increased liability. Identifying these infractions is key in building a strong claim against the driver or the company responsible.

Call Heimanson & Wolf to Learn Your Legal Options After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Accidents involving commercial vehicles can leave victims with life-altering injuries and complicated claims. If you were injured in a crash in Los Angeles, you deserve legal representation from attorneys who know how to hold drivers, employers, and insurers responsible for their actions.

At Heimanson & Wolf, we take a collaborative approach and keep clients informed every step of the way. Setting our firm apart is our proven track record of securing favorable outcomes in complex personal injury cases. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pursuing full compensation.