How Los Angeles Construction Projects Are Increasing Commercial Vehicle Accident Risk
Construction work throughout Los Angeles is nothing unusual. Road work, new buildings, maintenance of road systems, and even renovation projects litter the city, which can cause a slowdown in traffic and increase accidents.
Commercial vehicle accidents are some of these accidents. And when it comes to large commercial trucks, delivery vans, and other hefty cargo-carrying vehicles against smaller passenger cars, it’s not hard to understand why smaller cars often incur the most damage. How do construction projects correlate with a risk in commercial vehicle accidents? Keep reading to learn more.
Construction Work in Los Angeles is a Daily Thing
Renovations, bridge projects, waterline improvements, infrastructure maintenance, and new apartment buildings are just a few of the construction projects throughout Los Angeles and LA County.
Asphalt resurfacing and pothole repairs means streets are narrow, traffic builds up, and there are work crews and construction zones breaking up the usual flow of traffic and environment of the streets. In fact, more than 750,000 square feet of pothole repairs have been completed in Los Angeles in one year alone.
Why Do Construction Projects Increase the Chances of Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Now, what’s the point of this? Construction work is a daily thing, so what does that have to do with a higher risk of accidents?
Unfortunately, commercial vehicle accidents have a higher risk of happening due to different scenarios. These include:
- Construction vehicles that carry cargo and other equipment are weaving in and out of daily traffic to make it to their work zone, which can cause instances of sudden braking, merging, or even spilled cargo accidents
- Delivery vans are navigating potholes, narrow roads, and even the sudden road cutoffs or closed lanes that result in more merging accidents
- Speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving by other drivers in slowed construction zones can increase accidents when they’re around commercial vehicles
- Debris on the road from a construction zone can create hazardous road conditions that result in collisions with commercial vehicles
- Limited visibility around construction work zones can cause sudden braking, pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles, and even accidents due to insufficiently visible road signage for the construction zone
What Should I Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?
If you’ve just been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t panic. There are a few key steps you can take to not only protect yourself and your passengers, but that can also help your claim.
Here’s what you should do after a commercial vehicle accident:
5 Minutes After the Accident
If you suffered a commercial vehicle accident while passing through a work zone, the first thing you must do is move to a safe area when able, like a parking lot or the side of the road. From there, make sure you and your passengers are relatively safe and not gravely injured.
Report the accident by calling 911 and requesting medical help. *Even if you are not feeling extreme pain or other symptoms, do not underestimate your injuries.
While you wait for help to arrive, take photos and videos of everything. This includes the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the environment (weather, time of day, and any traffic).
5 Hours After the Accident
This is where you start to gather evidence related to your accident. If you exchanged any contact information with other witnesses to the accident, consider reaching out and seeing if they have any dashcam footage.
If you are going to file a personal injury claim, this could also be the time when you start to ask family and friends, read reviews, and visit law firm websites to see which firms you are considering.
5 Days After the Accident
A few days after the accident, you should be sitting down with a commercial vehicle accident law firm in Los Angeles to review legal options for your case. Be prepared to show up to your attorney consultation ready to recount the accident, having some evidence to show the attorney, and also ready with your own questions regarding attorney representation, how they view your case, and any other doubts you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim?
After a commercial vehicle accident, any injured motorists and pedestrians have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation.
How Can I Find a Commercial Vehicle Accident Law Firm in Los Angeles?
Great question! To find a commercial vehicle accident law firm in Los Angeles, you can turn to family and friends, online recommendations, and the websites of Los Angeles law firms who have represented clients in commercial vehicle accidents.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover for My Accident?
After a commercial vehicle accident, many people are dealing with all kinds of pain, including in their wallet.
Fortunately, a commercial vehicle accident claim can compensate for current and future medical bills, loss of income if you’re left unable to work, vehicle repairs or the loss of your vehicle, and compensate for your pain and suffering.
What if the Commercial Vehicle Driver Denies Responsibility for the Accident?
No worries, the use of evidence like photos, videos, and expert witness testimony can help with accident reconstruction and showing liability.
Talk to a BD&J commercial vehicle accident attorney to learn more about what to do in the case of denied liability.
Can I File a Claim Against their Employer?
Definitely. The employer of a commercial vehicle driver can be held responsible in a lawsuit due to vicarious liability, which means that they are responsible for the actions of an employee acting within the scope of their job.
Why is BD&J the Commercial Vehicle Accident Law Firm in Los Angeles that People Work With?
At BD&J, we’ve been working with injured California drivers for more than 20 years, helping collect more than $2 billion* in compensation. We see every client as more than just a number, and don’t turn our back on any case that walks through our doors.
My Family Member Was Involved in an Accident and Doesn’t Speak English. Does BD&J Have Bilingual Attorneys?
Yes! Our commercial vehicle accident attorneys speak Spanish, French, Farsi, Russian, and more.
Call us now to schedule your free initial consultation.
Do I Have to Pay Upfront to Work with a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer from BD&J?
Nope, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we advance all case costs to clients and retract attorney fees from the final settlement amount after a case settles. This means no financial worries for you, and no fees until we win* your case.
How To File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Claim
Commercial vehicle accidents around construction zones can bring serious injuries and hefty price tags. Don’t be overwhelmed by the claim process.
Follow these steps to file a commercial vehicle accident claim in Los Angeles:
- Gather all available evidence. – This could look like photos, videos, dashcam footage, witness information, and your medical bills for injuries sustained in the accident.
- Look up commercial vehicle accident law firms. – Today’s technology makes it easy to find commercial vehicle accident law firms at the click of a mouse, as well as past client testimony and success stories for each firm.
- Schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney. – Any reputable law firm will offer a free initial consultation for potential clients to get to know the attorneys that may represent them.
- Come prepared with questions. – It’s always a good idea to go to an attorney consultation with questions, such as: Have you represented other cases similar to mine? Would you say I have a case? What would you advise I consider when negotiating a settlement?
You’ve been through the hardships of an accident; now get the legal aid you need when filing a claim. BD&J is a trusted commercial vehicle accident law firm in Los Angeles ready to fight for injured Californians 24/7.
Consult with a Premier Commercial Vehicle Accident Law Firm in Los Angeles
Commercial vehicle accidents at construction zones are no laughing matter. When you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a construction vehicle or other commercial vehicle, you need the help of a reputable commercial vehicle accident law firm in Los Angeles.
At BD&J, we’re ready to fight for you, and our track record of success proves it. Call us now or complete our firm to schedule your initial free consultation with an attorney.