Tustin Truck Accident Lawyer

At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our award-winning Tustin truck accident lawyers combine local insight with years of courtroom and negotiation experience to obtain the maximum compensation from the large trucking corporations and insurance companies. 

Contact our Orange County personal injury law firm today at (714) 942-0553 to schedule a free consultation. We offer a free and confidential case evaluation to all prospective clients. 

Table of Contents

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents
Compensation Available in a Tustin Truck Accident Claim
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
Types of Commercial Truck Accidents in Orange County
How a Tustin Truck Accident Attorney Proves Fault

Personal Injury Law Firm Specializing in Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Southern California roads. When a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or large commercial vehicle crashes into a passenger car, the results are often catastrophic. 

Accidents involving commercial and delivery vehicles are typically more complex than standard car crashes, because they frequently lead to severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even fatalities. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident in Tustin, CA, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about your future.

The truck accident attorneys from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer represent injured victims and families throughout Orange County who have been harmed by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. 

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

A commercial truck accident involves a business vehicle, usually over 10,000 pounds, such as semi-trucks, big rigs, box trucks, delivery trucks, and construction vehicles. Their significant mass and size make them a danger to other road users, potentially causing devastating injuries.

Truck accident claims are fundamentally different from ordinary car accident cases, because, unlike a typical collision involving two private drivers, commercial truck accidents often involve multiple at-fault parties and strict regulations. 

Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which establishes rules governing driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and safety inspections. Additionally, federal regulations govern truck driver hours of service to combat driver fatigue, limiting commercial truck drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour period. 

While violations often lead to severe crashes, trucking companies are often supported by powerful insurance carriers and legal teams that aim to limit payouts. Our Tustin truck accident attorneys are well-versed in their defense strategies and can counter them with thorough investigations, expert analysis, and aggressive advocacy. 

Compensation Available in a Tustin Truck Accident Claim

Commercial truck accident victims may be entitled to significant compensatory damages if catastrophic injuries are sustained. Recoverable losses are typically categorized into economic damages and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages cover tangible financial losses. These can include:

• Medical expenses and the cost of future medical care
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Funeral costs (in wrongful death claims)

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability

Wrongful Death Damages

In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. In cases involving extreme misconduct, punitive damages may also be available.

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer carefully evaluates every case to obtain maximum compensation for each client. Victims of truck accidents often face substantial financial losses due to immediate trauma care, ongoing rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Identifying all responsible parties is one of the most critical aspects of a commercial truck accident case. Liability is often not limited to a single party and may not be immediately obvious. All potentially liable parties may include: 

• Cargo Loaders/Freight Companies: Potentially liable for improperly secured loads 
• Maintenance Contractors: Can be held responsible in the event of mechanical failure 
• Manufacturers of Defective Truck Parts: May be liable if a faulty part contributed to the accident 
• Trucking Company: May be responsible for inadequate vehicle maintenance, unsafe scheduling, negligent hiring practices, or insufficient training 
• Truck Driver: Can be held accountable for negligent or reckless conduct 

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer conducts detailed investigations to uncover every potential source of liability, ensuring all responsible parties are held accountable so that you are properly compensated.

Because truck accident cases involve unique state and federal regulations that differ significantly from standard car accidents, it’s crucial to work with a law firm that has extensive resources for handling case complexities. This ensures that all critical evidence, compliance issues, and opposition from well-funded corporate defendants during the legal process are properly managed and addressed.

California Comparative Negligence Laws

In truck accident cases, the plaintiffs—the individuals filing personal injury claims—may sometimes be found partially at fault for their own injuries. For instance, if a plaintiff was not wearing a seatbelt, and the use of one could have prevented or reduced the severity of their injuries, this could be a contributing factor.

Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, plaintiffs can still receive compensation even if they are partially at fault. However, their financial recovery will be proportionally reduced based on their determined percentage of fault.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Given Tustin’s location near I-5, SR-55, and the 405, massive vehicles frequently travel through the area. Heavy traffic, complicated merges, and construction heighten the risk of severe truck accidents. When trucking companies or drivers fail to follow safety rules, the consequences for motorists and other vehicles can be devastating.

Most commercial truck accidents are preventable and result from negligence. Pinpointing the cause is vital for proving liability and maximizing compensation, as multiple parties, such as trucking companies, freight brokers, shippers, and even truck manufacturers (for defective parts or design flaws), may bear responsibility. 

Driver Error

Due to their massive size and weight, commercial trucks require longer stopping distances, have larger blind spots, and can cause devastating injuries and damage in the event of a collision. Even though a commercial license is mandatory for operating these larger vehicles, truck drivers can still exhibit reckless driving, operational errors, and inexperience. 

Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations

Truck drivers are subject to strict limits on the number of hours they can drive without rest. Despite these regulations, fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents. This is commonly associated with driver pressure to exceed legal driving limits, falsify logbooks, or ignore mandatory rest breaks in order to meet deadlines, ultimately increasing the risk of a serious crash. 

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Large trucks require more time and a longer distance to stop. Speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes dramatically increase the likelihood of catastrophic collisions. Aggressive driving is especially hazardous on busy roadways like Tustin Ranch Road and Jamboree Road. 

Distracted Driving

Distractions such as texting, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and in-cab technology can divert a truck driver’s attention for crucial seconds. Even a brief lapse in focus can lead to devastating results when operating a commercial vehicle. 

Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo

Cargo must be properly secured and balanced before leaving the station. Shifting loads, overloaded trailers, or improperly secured cargo can cause jackknife accidents, rollovers, or spilled loads that create hazardous road conditions for other drivers. 

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining the upkeep of all of their vehicles. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and lighting malfunctions are often the result of inadequate inspections or cost-cutting maintenance practices, placing the truck company at fault in the event of an accident. 

Driving Under the Influence

Although commercial drivers are held to stricter alcohol and drug standards, impaired driving still occurs. Driving under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs is a serious violation that frequently leads to avoidable accidents.

Types of Commercial Truck Accidents in Orange County

Commercial truck accidents may occur in various forms, each presenting unique dangers and legal challenges to injured victims. Common types of truck accidents include: 

• Jackknife Accidents: A trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, often blocking multiple traffic lanes 
• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks fail to stop in time, resulting in a serious collision with the rear of the preceding vehicle 
• Underride Accidents: A passenger car slides beneath the truck’s trailer 
• Rollovers: When a truck makes a sharp turn or when cargo abruptly shifts, causing the trailer to topple over 
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks swing into neighboring lanes while turning, striking other vehicles 

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer investigates every aspect of how truck accidents can occur to determine liability, prove damages, and build a strong personal injury case to recover the full extent of losses.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

The force involved in a commercial truck collision often results in severe or life-altering injuries. Consequently, many victims require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, or lifelong care. The most common truck accident injuries include: 

• Amputations 
• Crushed or broken bones 
• Internal organ damage 
• Paralysis 
• Permanent scarring 
• Severe burns 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 

In the event of fatal crashes, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial security.

In addition to physical injuries, many victims suffer emotional trauma, including: 

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

These catastrophic injuries can also result in chronic pain and other long-term impacts, such as the inability to return to previous careers, ongoing disabilities, and a significant reduction in quality of life. 

Seeking immediate medical attention is necessary, regardless of injury severity. This step is crucial not only for your health but also because it establishes a vital record of injuries for the truck accident claim.

How a Tustin Truck Accident Attorney Proves Fault

Truck accident cases rely on crucial evidence that is often unavailable in standard car accident claims, such as:

• Black Box Data: From vehicle Event Data Recorders (EDRs) capturing crash details, like speed and braking, for accident investigation
• Maintenance Records: To verify proper servicing of commercial trucks
• Driver Logs: To uncover potential violations of exceeding hours of service and contributing to the collision
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Connected to a vehicle’s engine, tracking location, time, and duty status, replacing older paper logs
• Physical Evidence: Including vehicle damage, skid marks, surveillance footage, and debris for accident reconstruction
• Medical Records: To document the full range of truck accident injuries, such as traumatic brain/spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and severe burns

Our firm understands the urgency in preserving evidence following a truck accident, as the trucking companies often act quickly to repair vehicles or discard records that would place them at fault. This is why immediate action is essential. Our legal team promptly secures necessary documentation and collaborates with accident reconstruction experts when required.

Additionally, witness statements can help establish liability by presenting the actions of the truck driver, the conduct of the trucking company, and the involvement of other potentially liable parties. For example, if distracted driving, reckless driving, or driver fatigue played a role in the accident, witnesses may be able to describe these behaviors in detail. 

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck crash, don’t navigate the complex legal system alone. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer will help you recover full and fair compensation. 

Why Choose Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer for a Truck Accident Case

Jeff Fayngor, Esq., and his dedicated legal team have earned significant recognition within the industry. Accolades include a 10.0 Superb-Rating from Avvo, an A+ Rating from the BBB, and their inclusion in USA Today’s Top 15 Attorneys “disrupting the legal industry to make it better.”

Commercial truck accident cases require experience, resources, and determination. It is crucial to choose an experienced attorney and a team of trial attorneys with a strong track record to accurately assess losses and maximize compensation in truck accident cases. 

Our Tustin truck accident attorneys bring extensive litigation experience to handle complex cases involving commercial vehicles. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer understands the complexities of trucking regulations and insurance defense strategies. We provide personalized attention, thorough investigations, and relentless advocacy for injured victims.

We are committed to transparency, communication, and results. We focus on protecting your future while you focus on healing. When choosing a truck accident lawyer in Tustin, CA, look for specific experience in handling complex commercial vehicle cases, a strong track record, and a clear communication style.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Commercial truck accident cases are legally complex and require an in-depth understanding of federal trucking regulations, California personal injury law, and aggressive insurance defense tactics. Our law firm is prepared to stand up to trucking companies and their insurance companies to pursue the full compensation injured victims deserve. 

While legal representation is not mandatory, you do not need to undergo the complex claims process or take on the big insurance companies alone. Trucking companies and their insurers prioritize their own defense by acting quickly. You deserve a team of advocates who will prioritize you. Jeff’s got you.

We Will Help You Get the Fair Compensation You Deserve

Contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer today for a free and confidential consultation. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Other Personal Injury Cases We Specialize In

Our Tustin personal injury law firm is dedicated to securing the best possible results for clients, addressing both their health and financial needs through successful case resolutions. We offer our legal services for any of the following practice areas:

• Tustin Bicycle Accidents
• Tustin Car Accidents
• Tustin Dog Bite Cases
• Tustin Elder Abuse Claims
• Tustin Motorcycle Accidents
• Tustin Pedestrian Accidents
• Tustin Personal Injury Cases
• Tustin Slip and Fall Accidents
• Tustin Uber Accidents and Lyft Accidents
• Tustin Workers’ Compensation Claims
• Tustin Wrongful Death Claims

Contact our Orange County personal injury law firm today to schedule a case evaluation for your personal injury case.

Address: 202 Fashion Ln., Suite #211, Tustin, CA 92780
Phone Number: (714) 942-0553

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations

Our attorneys are ready to discuss your personal injury case. Contact one of our offices in Southern or Northern California today.

• Bakersfield
• Corona
• Fontana
• Fresno
• Hesperia
• Monterey Park
• Rancho Cucamonga
• San Jose
• Santa Ana
• Van Nuys
• Victorville
• Visalia