Orange County Large Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered injuries in a an accident with a large truck, you deserve representation to protect your rights. Contact the Orange County truck accident lawyers at Beckerman Anderson today, and let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
According to statistics published by the United States Census Bureau, more than 3 million people are currently living in Orange County, California. Supplying such a large number of people requires a large and efficient transportation and distribution system, a system in which the trucking industry plays an essential role in terms of carrying supplies, products, and raw materials to where they are needed.
Unfortunately, one of the adverse side effects of this transportation and distribution system is that, as Orange County’s population continues to grow, so does its number of accidents that involve large trucks.
If you were recently injured in a large truck accident, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation. Reach out to an Orange County truck accident lawyer at Beckerman Anderson to find out how we can help you make the most of your settlement. Call (949) 409-4299 to schedule a free consultation about your Orange County truck accident
Hello, and thank you for visiting the website of Beckerman Anderson APC, a law firm with its headquarters in Costa Mesa, California, and with clients located throughout Orange County. Our team is led by attorneys Robert Beckerman and John Anderson, both of whom have decades of experience representing clients in a variety of personal injury cases, including those involving accidents involving big rigs. Both of these men have been at the helm of our firm since its inception.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a collision involving a large truck, we are aware of how overwhelming and stressful this experience can be for you. Because of this, we have come to assist you in navigating the legal process and fighting for the compensation that is rightfully yours.
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The Significance of Having Legal Representation in Cases Involving Large Trucks
After being involved in an accident with a large truck, you may be wondering what choices you have and how to move forward with your life. It is essential to have an understanding that accidents involving large commercial trucks can be complicated and that you may be up against large commercial trucking companies as well as the insurance providers for those companies.
These businesses typically have their own legal department, and those lawyers will be working to protect the company’s interests, not the ones you have. Here is where we come into play. You can level the playing field and give yourself the best chance of obtaining the maximum amount of compensation you deserve by working with an experienced attorney who specializes in cases involving accidents involving large trucks.
How We Handle Cases Involving Accidents Involving Large Trucks
Every case that we take on at Beckerman Anderson APC receives the individualized attention it deserves, thanks to our personalized approach. When you come to us, we will listen to your story, question you, and collect all of the pertinent information in order to construct a compelling argument on your behalf. We will collaborate with a group of specialists, including those trained in accident reconstruction and medical care, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of your injuries as well as the effect they have had on your life.
In addition to this, we are going to carry out a complete investigation into what caused the accident and identify the parties who are at fault. Our objective is to secure you the financial compensation you require to take care of your medical bills, make up for any lost wages, and pay for any other damages.
Accidents involving large trucks that are typical in Orange County and their causes
Accidents involving tractor-trailers are relatively common in Orange County, and there are a variety of causes for them. Some of these causes include driver fatigue, intoxication, speeding, and reckless driving. The data from the California Highway Patrol indicate that there were 3,845 accidents involving big rigs in Orange County in 2020. As a direct result of these collisions, there were 147 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries.
These accidents can have catastrophic results, and the clean-up after them can be extremely challenging. We can assist you in holding the responsible party accountable and pursuing the compensation that is rightfully yours if you were hurt in an accident involving a large truck that was caused by the negligence of another person.
Accidents involving large trucks can result in a variety of injuries and property damage
Accidents involving tractor-trailers can result in a wide variety of injuries, such as broken bones, injuries to the head and brain, injuries to the spinal cord, and internal injuries. These types of injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. They may also have long-term effects on both your physical and emotional well-being
Accidents involving large trucks can cause not only physical injuries but also financial damages, such as lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses. At Beckerman Anderson APC, we are aware of the total extent of the harm that you have endured, and we will do everything in our power to secure the compensation that will allow you to make up for all of your misfortunes.
What Qualifies As a Large Truck?
A large truck refers to any truck that is made up of an engine or “cab” where the driver sits and an attached trailer. This combination of trailer and cab is commonly referred to as a semi-truck, big rig, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler. Despite their different-sounding names, they are all the same thing.
According to large truck statistics on a government website, there are more than 14 million large trucks on California’s roadways.
What Are Some Common Causes of Orange County Large Truck Accidents?
Operator error is by far the most frequent cause of Orange County trucking accidents, as well as large truck accidents statewide. Some of the most common types of operator errors that lead to an Orange County truck accident include :
Truck operators have extremely high-stress jobs. Sadly, some turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with the stress or to get through a delivery. A recent study published by Reuters stated that almost 13% of truck drivers in the United States tested positive for alcohol. Nearly 20% of all truck drivers admitted to smoking weed while driving, and 3% said they had used cocaine behind the wheel. Both marijuana and alcohol are depressants, meaning they tend to make you drowsy, while cocaine increases wakefulness and agitation. No matter what drug is involved, they all produce symptoms that can lead to a serious truck crash.
Long-haul truckers who often haul freight across the country are at an increased risk of zoning out behind the wheel. This lack of situational awareness can easily cause a driver to become vulnerable to distractions. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that pulls your attention away from driving safely and paying attention to your surroundings, such as checking social media or sending a text message. It is common knowledge that driving while distracted is very dangerous, but the danger is considerably heightened when the driver in question is piloting an 18-ton tractor-trailer.
Truck drivers are expected to deliver their cargo at a specific place by a specific time. They are under a lot of pressure from their employers to meet their deadlines which often results in drivers taking fewer breaks than they are legally obligated to take. Just like anyone else who is overworked, this has a negative impact on a truck driver’s coordination and concentration, and they could even nod off at the wheel. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, their demanding schedules and employer coercion causes truck drivers to experience fatigue, a factor that is responsible for about 13% of all large truck accidents
If you want to operate a truck in California, you have to have your Commercial Driver’s License. To earn one, you will have to pass practical skills and several written tests. Before you can take any of these, you must successfully complete a training program. The majority of CDL programs only offer 160 hours of training which isn’t a lot. After you pass your tests and get your CDL, you are required to adhere to an extensive set of safety regulations for interstate truck drivers set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mastering this takes both experience and time.
The FMCSA reports that almost 22% of large truck accidents involve a driver who is unfamiliar with the roadway, and just under 7% involve a driver who is unfamiliar with their rig. The number of Orange County truck accidents would be dramatically decreased if the minimum amount of experience and training required to get a CDL was raised significantly.
When a tractor-trailer suddenly speeds up to overtake you, it can catch you by surprise and make you lose control of your car, but so can trying to overtake one due to the extra distance and extra speed that are required. Overtaking a large truck is much more dangerous than trying to overtake another passenger vehicle, especially if you try to do so in an unsafe manner, such as at a bend in the road or while going uphill.
Commercial trucks are not designed to transport loads that exceed a pre-determined amount of weight. An overloaded truck has a much greater stopping distance and has a high chance of brake failure. Also, stacking freight higher than it is meant to be stacked increases the odds of a rollover truck accident. Freight that is not correctly secured and balanced could also have an impact on the vehicle’s ability to turn safely. Any mistakes concerning the handling, size, or weight of a truck’s cargo could lead to a serious truck accident.
It is not uncommon for trucking companies to cut corners by skipping routine truck repairs, maintenance, and inspections. Doing so saves them time and money. This constitutes neglect on the part of the trucking company and is the main reason that inadequate maintenance is a primary cause of large truck accidents, especially brakes that are poorly maintained. Incidentally, brake issues comprise just under 30% of all accidents involving large trucks, according to a study published by the FMCSA.
Truck drivers often speed in an effort to fulfill strict deadlines. If they are late with their deliveries, they could possibly lose their job. For this reason, speeding is another main cause of large truck accidents. Truck operators who are driving too fast for current roadway conditions are responsible for 23% of all large truck crashes nationwide.
California Vehicle Code Section 22406 holds truck drivers to a firm 55-mile-per-hour speed limit on California freeways. The chief reason for this is that, due to their size and weight, oversized trucks need a lot more time to come to a complete stop than a passenger vehicle. This means that a speeding truck would most likely be unable to stop in time in the event of an emergency.
Given their enormous length, commercial trucks need a great deal of room to turn. Unfortunately, requiring extra space to make a wide turn can also result in truck accidents. For example, an inexperienced truck driver may try to make a turn that is much tighter than the vehicle is capable of and, by doing so, cause a truck accident.
What Are Some Common Types of Truck Accidents?
A collision with a tractor-trailer is almost always a catastrophic event. Trucks are large and heavy; they can cause serious damage, even when they are traveling at fairly low speeds. An Orange County truck accident lawyer from Beckerman Anderson has worked with hundreds of large truck accident victims and knows firsthand how devastating these accidents can be.
For the occupants of passenger vehicles, the three types of large truck crashes with the highest fatality rates are:
- Head-on accidents: 31% of deadly truck accidents involve a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck colliding with one another head-on.
- Side-impact collisions: 24% of deadly truck accidents involve a tractor-trailer T-boning a passenger vehicle.
- Rear-end collisions: 23% of deadly truck accidents involve a passenger vehicle crashing into the back of the truck.
Jackknife truck accident: When a truck driver loses control of his vehicle, it could cause the trailer to swing wide, sticking out from the cab at a 90-degree angle. This kind of truck crash is especially dangerous since the trailer is able to swing across multiple lanes of traffic, striking and potentially crushing dozens of vehicles.
Underride truck accident: There is a considerable gap between the bottom of the trailer and the asphalt. Considerable enough, in fact, that the front end of most passenger vehicles can slide underneath, but not so considerable as to accommodate an entire car. When the front of a passenger vehicle slides under a commercial truck, its occupants crash into the edge of the truck or, in some cases, are carried under the truck as the top of the car is sheared off, resulting in decapitation.
Hitch failure truck accident: A truck’s cab is connected to its trailer by a hitch. If the hitch is not properly fastened or malfunctions in some way, the trailer will detach from the engine and roll uncontrollably through traffic with absolutely no way to stop it.
Overload truck accident: State and federal governments strictly regulate how much weight each type of commercial truck is able to carry. This is due to the fact that a truck that is overloaded is much harder to control.
Rollover truck accident: Due to their height, tractor-trailers have a high center of gravity, which makes them more prone to rolling over than most other vehicles. If a driver slams on their brakes or fails to slow down before a turn, the truck can overturn and potentially crush any pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles in the area.
Cargo spill truck accident: A cargo spill sounds like a fairly minor incident. If the freight is unusually heavy, such as timber or logs, or hazardous materials, such as gasoline, cement, or something carcinogenic, then a “simple” cargo spill could lead to not just injuries but potential illness to those in the area.
Large truck accidents are responsible for some of the most serious accident-related injuries, including those that are fatal. Accidents involving large trucks comprise about 11% of all vehicular fatalities. Due to their weight and size, however, these accidents are not nearly fatal for truck operators nearly as often as they are for those in the smaller vehicle.
Most deadly truck accidents take place on weekdays during normal working hours. This means that your odds of being killed in a truck accident are highest from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you are probably wondering who is liable for your injuries and other damages. The truck driver? The trucking company? The correct answer will primarily depend on whether the driver that struck you was an independent contractor or employee and if they were within the scope of their employment when the crash occurred. In a truck accident claim, the truck driver could be held liable for your damages when:
- They are an independent contractor
According to the doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer in the state of California is responsible for their employee’s negligence. This means that a California commercial trucking company would be responsible for their operator’s negligence, provided that they are classed as an employee instead of an independent contractor. California Labor Code defines an independent contractor as a person who regulates the means by which their work is performed. Essentially, a truck driver who is an independent contractor owns their truck and decides what routes they are willing to accept.
- They were not within the course and scope of their employment
“Course and scope” is a complex legal concept based on a very simple core idea. If the driver was not on the clock when the crash occurred, then they are liable for your damages, and their personal car insurance policy will apply.
Bear in mind that in a lot of truck accident cases, a distributor or manufacturer may also be held liable.
Truck accident claims are often worth more, on average than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. This is because accidents involving oversized trucks tend to produce more catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and fatalities, than accidents involving any other type of motor vehicle.
Determining how much your Orange County truck accident claim is worth will hinge almost exclusively on the overall value of your losses and your percentage of fault.
Calculating Losses
“Losses” refer to the amount of money you are entitled to as financial compensation for your injuries. They are calculated by totaling your objective economic damages and your subjective non-economic damages. Economic damages include things such as medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-economic damages are determined by assigning a value to the pain and suffering you have endured due to your injuries. Generally, the more serious your injuries are, the more your claim is worth.
Establishing Fault
Regardless of your total projected damages, the amount will be reduced if you were found to share in the liability for the accident. The state of California follows the rules of comparative fault, so the value of your claim will go down as your percentage of liability goes up.
Tractor-trailer accidents, like almost all other accidents, do not usually make it all the way to trial. In Orange County, the majority of truck accident cases settle out of court since filing a lawsuit is risky, exhausting, and expensive.
When a case has to be litigated, the attorney fees are going to be higher. The longer the case takes to resolve, the more expensive your court costs will be. A seriously injured truck accident victim may also find the process of litigation to be exceptionally draining, so forgoing a trial and reaching a settlement has some added value for them. No case is 100% guaranteed to win; there is always some risk that the jury will find in favor of the defendant or that you will be awarded less than what you were initially offered.
Our Legal Services for People Injured in Accidents Involving Large Trucks
If you have been hurt in an accident involving a large truck, you may be eligible for financial compensation for the injuries you sustained as well as the damages you incurred. At Beckerman Anderson APC, we provide a wide variety of legal services to assist you in obtaining the appropriate compensation for your losses, including the following:
Initial consultations with no charge: We are happy to provide initial consultations with no charge to any potential customers. During this consultation, we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with guidance regarding the legal options available to you.
Investigation in its entirety: We are going to look into the matter in its entirety in order to find out what caused the accident and who is to blame for it. As part of this process, you might have to collect and examine the evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and other types of documentation.
The process of negotiating with insurance companies Following an accident involving a large truck, the insurance provider for the trucking company may get in touch with you. On your behalf, we will handle all communication with the insurance company and work to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you for the damages you sustained.
Bringing legal action: If we are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company regarding a settlement, we may suggest that you bring legal action. We will take care of every aspect of the legal process for you, including appearing in court on your behalf and working to secure you the highest possible amount of compensation for your injuries.
We strongly recommend that anyone who has been hurt in an accident involving a large truck and is looking for legal representation gets in touch with Beckerman Anderson APC for a no-cost initial consultation. To make an appointment for a consultation with one of our lawyers, you can either give us a call at (949) 409-4299 or fill out the contact form on our website. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and advise you on your legal options.
Here are some frequently asked questions about big rig accident cases in Costa Mesa:
In the state of California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally set at two years from the date of the accident. However, since there is a possibility that there are additional deadlines that pertain to your case, it is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as you possibly can.
The value of your case following an accident involving a big rig will be determined by a number of different factors, such as the seriousness of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. You may need the assistance of an experienced attorney in order to calculate the potential value of your case.
Accident cases involving large trucks can, in many instances, be resolved through negotiations with the insurance company to reach a settlement. On the other hand, if a compromise cannot be reached, it is possible that you will have no choice but to file a lawsuit and argue your case in front of a judge. Should it become necessary, our lawyers have extensive experience in the courtroom and are prepared to act as your advocates there.
It is critical, following an accident involving a tractor-trailer or other large vehicle, to conduct an exhaustive investigation to ascertain what led to the collision and who is to blame for it. We at Beckerman Anderson APC are equipped with the necessary resources and years of experience to carry out an exhaustive investigation on your behalf.
As part of this process, you might have to collect and examine the evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and other types of documentation. To acquire a comprehensive understanding of what transpired during the accident and to construct a compelling argument on your behalf, we will collaborate with a group of specialists, some of whom will be trained in accident reconstruction.
It is essential to establish who is liable for an accident in order to pursue financial compensation for injuries and damages sustained in the incident. This may require the identification of multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or a third party, all of whom may be at fault for the accident. At Beckerman Anderson APC, we will conduct an exhaustive investigation to determine liability and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for the injuries and damages you have sustained as a result of the incident.
If you have been hurt in an accident involving a large truck, you may be eligible for financial compensation for the injuries you sustained as well as the damages you incurred. This may include compensation for lost wages, property damage, medical expenses, and any other out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the accident.
At Beckerman Anderson APC, we will work with you to determine the full extent of your damages and will seek to obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to receive. To accomplish this goal, you might have to negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit. We will handle every aspect of the legal process on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on getting better from the injuries you sustained.
Following an accident involving a big rig, the insurance provider for the trucking company may get in touch with you. It is essential that you are aware that insurance companies are for-profit businesses and may not have your best interests in mind as a priority. They might attempt to pay you less compensation than you are entitled to, or they might completely reject your claim. Here is where we come into play. We will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf here at Beckerman Anderson APC, and we will work to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you for the damages you have suffered.
Accident cases involving large trucks can, in many instances, be resolved through negotiations with the insurance company to reach a settlement. On the other hand, if a compromise cannot be reached, it is possible that you will have no choice but to file a lawsuit and argue your case in front of a judge.
We have extensive experience litigating personal injury cases here at Beckerman Anderson APC, and we are ready to represent you in court if it becomes necessary to do so. Whether through negotiations for a settlement or in a court of law, we will make every effort to secure for you the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
When it comes to representing clients in cases involving accidents involving big rigs, Beckerman Anderson APC has a proven track record of success. We have been successful in assisting our clients in obtaining significant settlements and verdicts, and we are dedicated to zealously defending our client’s legal rights. If you were hurt in an accident involving a large truck, we will put in a lot of effort to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a large truck, it is imperative that you take prompt action to safeguard your legal rights. In the state of California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally set at two years from the date of the accident. However, there is a possibility that your case is subject to additional deadlines. You can improve your chances of successfully obtaining the compensation you are entitled to by engaging the services of an experienced attorney and vigorously pursuing your legal rights.
It is imperative that you protect your legal rights in the event that you have been injured in an accident involving a big rig in Costa Mesa or Orange County. At Beckerman Anderson APC, we have the expertise as well as the experience necessary to both steer you through the legal process and fight for the compensation that is rightfully yours. We will take care of every aspect of your case, from the investigation to the negotiations of a settlement or the litigation, so that you can concentrate on getting better from your injuries.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer to Represent You in a Big Rig Accident in Costa Mesa
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a big rig in Costa Mesa or the surrounding Orange County area, it is imperative that you select an attorney with significant relevant experience to represent you.
At Beckerman Anderson APC, we have decades of experience representing clients in cases involving big rig accidents, and we will work diligently to secure the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to receive on your behalf. Get in touch with us today for an initial consultation that is completely free of charge, and allow us to assist you in navigating the legal process and protecting your rights.
In the event that you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a big rig in Costa Mesa or the surrounding Orange County area, do not delay in getting in touch with Beckerman Anderson APC in order to retain legal representation. Our seasoned legal team is committed to zealously advocating for the rights of our clients and assisting those clients in securing the highest possible amount of compensation to which they are entitled.
You are under no obligation to continue working with us after our free initial consultation, during which you will have the opportunity to learn more about the legal options available to you. It is important that you do not allow either the trucking company or the insurance company to take advantage of you.