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Traffic accidents involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, or other large commercial vehicles often result in serious injuries and severe damages. For a successful case outcome, allow the experienced Santa Ana truck accident lawyers from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer to guide you through the legal proceedings and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Taking on the large trucking companies, their legal team, and opposing insurance companies independently will not only be a complex process, but you also risk losing your case and owing thousands of dollars in medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
You do not have to face this alone. Contact our Orange County law offices at (714) 701-8149 to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer for Your Truck Accident Case?
Obtaining fair compensation following a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence is never a guarantee, because insurance companies aggressively work to lower settlement amounts and protect their financial interests.
To recover maximum damages, evidence must prove that the other party’s negligence caused the truck accident. This involves demonstrating that the trucking company or truck driver breached their duty to behave with reasonable care, directly causing injuries and resulting financial losses to the victim.
Proving negligence and gathering sufficient evidence can be complex and demanding–espeically for injured victims still in physical recovery. However, our Santa Ana truck accident attorneys simplify these processes while also providing the following benefits.
Proven Track Record
Our Santa Ana personal injury law firm has successfully recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for personal injury cases, including truck accident cases throughout Southern California.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers can handle even the most complicated claim. We also work with medical professionals and occupational experts to assess the severity of injuries and earning capacity to ensure an optimal outcome.
Award-Winning Legal Support
With decades of combined experience, our truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of cases involving trucking corporations and are prepared to pursue the most effective legal course of action.
We also facilitate scheduling appointments with medical specialists to accurately evaluate both immediate and future medical needs, ensuring proper client care.
ZERO Upfront Legal Fees
Our truck accident law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients never pay any legal fees until we secure a case win through a settlement or court verdict for their truck accident claims.
We also offer a 100% free, no-risk case evaluation to get started, providing truck accident victims the opportunity to have their truck accident cases assessed with no obligation to retain our legal services.
Personalized Attention
Our firm delivers tailored legal strategies and compassionate support to each client. With a thorough investigation, collection of evidence, and thoughtful case strategy, our legal team can prove fault and establish liability of the other party.
Demonstrated by a winning record of success, we are prepared to confront the large trucking enterprises through assertive negotiation and litigation to protect our clients’ rights.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Santa Ana, CA
Orange County experiences hundreds of motor vehicle accidents involving big rigs, tractor-trailers, semi trucks, and other commercial trucks, especially on busy roads, like the I-5 (Interstate 5) and I-405 (Interstate 405) Freeways.
Many truck accidents stem from negligence, which may be attributed to the truck driver, the trucking industry, or other involved parties. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Truck Driver Fatigue: Due to truck drivers working long hours, leading to exhaustion and decreased reaction times
- Improper Maintenance: Vehicle breakdown or malfunctions from the failure to maintain brakes, tires, and other critical components
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Incorrectly loaded cargo causing a shift in weight distribution during transit
- Distracted Driving: Use of mobile devices, GPS, CB radio, or other distractions that divert a driver’s attention from the road
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a truck while impaired by alcohol or drugs (prescribed or illegal)
Understanding the cause of a truck accident is crucial in determining liability and pursuing compensation from all appropriate parties.
Who Is at Fault for the Truck Accident?
Despite strict trucking regulations at both the federal level via the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and within California state laws, truck accidents remain a frequent occurrence. Liability for these accidents can fall on the following parties:
- Cargo Loaders: For improperly loaded or secured cargo that led to the truck accident
- Corporation, Business, or Entity: The truck company that owns and/or operates the truck, or employs the drivers
- Maintenance Companies: If a recently serviced truck experienced faulty repairs or mechanical issues
- Truck Manufacturers: If a defective vehicle part, like tires or brakes, caused the truck accident
- Truck Drivers: If reckless driving, such as speeding or distracted driving, contributed to the accident
- Trucking Companies: For inadequate training, poor maintenance, or encouraging unsafe driving practices
Identifying the responsible parties in a truck accident is complex, and in some cases, more than one party may be liable for damages. Our truck accident attorneys specialize in investigating truck accidents to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Under California’s comparative negligence rule, victims may still recover compensation even when partly at fault for a truck accident. However, compensation is proportionally reduced by their assigned degree of fault.
For example, In a case with $100,000 in total damages, if the injured party is determined to be 10% at fault, the awarded compensation would be $90,000.
To minimize liability, insurance companies often attempt to shift a significant portion of the blame onto the claimant when fault is shared. Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from communicating with the opposing party’s insurer and consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Evidence to Prove Liability in a Santa Ana Truck Accident
At the Santa Ana law offices of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we will investigate the truck accident and obtain evidence to identify the at-fault party. The following evidence will be valuable in establishing liability:
- Black Box Data: Also known as an Event Data Recorder (EDR), this is crucial to immediately retrieve, as the data can be legally erased after 30 days
- Video Recordings: Any footage from truck cameras, local businesses, or traffic cameras that captured the collision
- Trucking Company Records: Access documents about driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle inspections
- Witness Testimonies: Gather personal statements from witnesses to establish the sequence of events
- Official Police Report: Secure a copy of the accident report
- Medical Records: Collect all records documenting what injuries were sustained and the cost of medical expenses to treat those injuries
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Due to their size and weight, large trucks crashes with smaller passenger vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and result in lengthy recovery periods. Consequently, this forces victims into an extended leave of absence from work. Truck accident injuries often include:
- Amputation
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Dental fractures
- Head trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations and burns
- Neck injuries or whiplash
- Organ damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Wrongful death
Prompt medical care is essential, not only for your health but also to document injuries for your truck accident claim, so ensure you see a doctor as soon as possible.
What Can Be Compensated in a Personal Injury Claim?
In personal injury cases, including truck accident cases, “damages” refer to the financial recovery a plaintiff can seek. These damages fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover quantifiable monetary losses like out-of-pocket expenses, and non-economic damages address intangible harms like mental trauma and physical pain. Truck accident victims may be entitled to both forms of damages, which may include the following:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
For incidents involving severe misconduct, such as driving under the influence, where the responsible party exhibits notably reckless actions, “punitive damages” may be awarded to further punish the wrongdoer.
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our goal is to ensure clients receive the full and fair compensation they deserve to aid in their physical and mental recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in California?
Typically, two years in a typical car accident case.
In California, individuals seeking to file a truck acident claim are subject to the statute of limitations laws, which enforces a strict two-year filing period, beginning on the date the injury was sustained.
However, there are sometimes exceptions.
Wrongful Death
In Orange County wrongful death claims stemming from truck accidents, the statute of limitations begins on the date of the victim’s passing, which may not necessarily be the date the accident occurred if injuries were not immediately fatal.
Discovery Rule
A trucking accident victim must file an injury claim within two years of discovering the injury, or from the date they should have reasonably discovered it. This is common for injuries that are not immediately apparent and can worsen over time, like a traumatic brain injury.
Minor Is Invovled
Regarding commercial truck accident cases involving children, the legal timeframe for filing a claim extends to two years after the child reaches the age of 18. This applies regardless of whether more than two years have passed since the incident occurred.
Claim Against the Government
Claims against a government entity frequently involve road maintenance issues, such as potholes requiring repair by the City of Santa Ana. These claims also arise when government vehicles, like garbage trucks, are involved in the accident. These truck accident claims must be filed with the appropriate government agency within six months of the incident.
Failure to initiate legal proceedings within the given period will result in losing the right to pursue compensation.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
A collision of any kind can be a devastating experience, putting injured victims in a vulnerable and very confusing position. To protect your well-being and legal interests after a truck accident, it’s crucial to take the following actions:
1. Ensure Safety
If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic and check for injuries. If injuries are severe, ask for help from anyone who is present.
2. Call 911
Report the truck accident and request medical assistance if necessary. When the police report becomes available, obtain a copy.
3. Gather Evidence
Collect insurance details and contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, seek a full medical evaluation. Retain all medical records and medical bills, as this will be needed when the insurance claim is filed.
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
Do not provide recorded statements, sign any documents, or accept early truck accident settlements. Insurance companies often attempt to settle with accident victims before they consult truck accident attorneys.
This is a strategy to minimize payouts, as these early agreements are typically final and prevent victims from pursuing further compensation they may be entitled to.
Even if hiring is still being considered, at least consult with a local Santa Ana truck accident lawyer. Not only will this protect your rights, but early legal intervention can also strengthen your truck accident case. Our personal injury law firm offers free consultations to all prospective clients.
How Our Santa Ana Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
We confidently represent victims injured due to another party’s negligence. Some benefits to working with our award-winning legal team include:
- 100% Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free case evaluation to assess the incident and case potential, while also advising the best course of action.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team will gather sufficient evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Our Santa Ana truck accident lawyers will handle all communications with insurance companies to negotiate the best settlement.
- Resourceful Alternatives: If necessary, we are prepared to file a truck accident lawsuit and take the case to court and pursue maximum damages before a judge and jury.
Dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for clients, the seasoned truck accident attorneys at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer possess comprehensive knowledge of California’s trucking regulations and traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim?
For personal injury claims in California, you typically have two years from the accident date to file. However, there are exceptions that can extend and even reduce the filing window.
Seeking guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney will guarantee the claim is submitted within the allowed time frame.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the truck accident.
However, compensation will be decreased based on your percentage of assigned fault, and insurers often try to assign a greater degree of fault to minimize their payouts.
How much does a truck accident attorney cost?
All personal injury law firms bill differently. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer works on contingency, so clients never pay anything upfront.
Instead, our fees are a percentage of the final truck accident settlement or verdict we obtain on our clients’ behalf. Therefore, if we don’t win, you don’t pay, and you will never owe any out-of-pocket expenses.
How long will my case take to settle?
The duration of a truck accident case varies depending on its complexity. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take longer, especially if they go to trial.
Because truck accident cases often involve severe injury and significant damages, they may take closer to a year to settle, but we can better asses the turnaround time during the free consultation.
Contact the Top-Rated Orange County Truck Accident Lawyers
If you suffered injuries or psychological trauma from a trucking accident, time is of the essence. Evidence must be preserved, deadlines must be met, and medical care must continue. Don’t wait to take action and seek compensation for your injuries.
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we treat injured victims with the compassion, respect, and dedication they deserve. Let us fight for you so you can focus on what matters most–your recovery.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. After an accident, Jeff’s got you.
Other Practice Areas Our Southern California Law Firm Handles
Our award-winning personal injury law firm specializes in the following practice areas:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Santa Ana Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. Our dedicated Santa Ana truck accident lawyers are here to provide the support and representation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Address: 1418 N. Main St Suite 200-A Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone Number: (714) 701-8149
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
Our truck accident attorneys serve Santa Ana, Orange County, and the surrounding communities, and we are ready to discuss your case. Please contact any of our Southern California law offices to schedule a consultation at your convenience.