You may want to get legal help on your side quickly if you were hit by a truck driver or a delivery driver in Los Angeles. These accidents often raise a number of questions. For example, you may wonder if you can sue the company if a truck or delivery driver hits you in Los Angeles.
Find out more about liability for truck accidents in California right here with the Simmrin Law Group. You may find the answers you are looking for with our truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles. Contact Simmrin Law Group to learn more.
You May Be Able to Sue a Trucking Company in Los Angeles
In some cases, you may be able to sue the company that employed the truck or delivery driver who hit you in Los Angeles. However, this is not always the case. The facts of your situation will determine whether or not you can sue the trucking company. The trucking company may be liable if:
The Accident Was Unintentional
Generally, a truck driver who intentionally took an action that led to an accident will be held solely responsible for their decisions. Employers may not be held liable for a wreck if, for example, a trucker intentionally tried to hit your vehicle in an act of road rage.
The Employee Was Acting Within Their Scope of Employment
Many actions truck drivers take while operating a vehicle are part of their “scope of employment.” This means the actions must be completed for them to accomplish their job. Trucking companies may be partially liable for accidents that occur as part of a trucker’s scope of employment.
For a free legal consultation, call (626) 709-2523
Dig Deeper into Scope of Employment in California
As we mentioned, accidents that occurred as part of a driver’s scope of employment may allow you to sue the trucking company. However, it may not always be easy to tell if a driver who acting in accordance with their job responsibilities. A truck accident lawyer may need to assess:
- The driver’s intentions when the accident occurred
- The driver’s job description
- Types of actions reasonably expected of the driver
- How much freedom the driver was allowed
You may be able to start the investigative process after a truck accident quickly by reaching out to the team at the Simmrin Law Group. Just contact Simmrin Law Group to speak with a team member about how a truck accident lawyer could be able to help you.
Contractors and Liability for Truck or Delivery Accidents
Thus far, we have discussed liability for accidents caused by drivers employed by trucking or delivery companies. You may also be struck by an individual working as a contractor. The rules regarding liability are different for contractors.
In many cases, businesses may not be held liable for the actions of contractors. Note that California recently changed the laws regarding contracted employees. Many companies are now required to treat individuals who drive for them as employees, instead of contractors.
Speak with a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles to find out if the driver who struck you was an employee or a contractor.
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Reasons the Company May be Liable for an Accident in Los Angeles
Trucking or delivery companies may be liable for accidents that occur in Los Angeles. However, these companies must generally take some action that led to your accident or increased the odds your accident would occur. For example, companies may be liable if they:
- Hired drivers who were not sufficiently experienced
- Did not provide drivers with proper training
- Failed to complete proper maintenance activities
- Sent drivers out with overloaded vehicles
- Expected drivers to meet unreasonable quotas
Any of the above situations could increase the odds that a driver would cause an accident during the scope of their employment. Speak to a lawyer about the causes of your truck or delivery accident right now. Get help so you may focus on securing compensation for your medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and more. You may receive compensation through a settlement or a verdict in court.
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Find Out if You Can Sue the Company if a Truck or Delivery Driver Hit You
If a truck or delivery driver hits you, can you sue the company in Los Angeles? In some situations, you may be able to seek compensation directly from the company. You may be able to review liability for your accident with the team at the Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to us today to get a FREE initial case evaluation.
You may contact us for help from a truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Contact Simmrin Law Group or complete our online contact form to reach a team member.
Call or text (626) 709-2523 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form