La Habra Truck Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Personalized Legal Support From Our La Habra Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries, extensive property damage, and emotional trauma. Victims may seek legal counsel from our experienced La Habra truck accident lawyers for any commercial motor vehicle claim. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
La Habra, situated in the northwestern corner of Orange County, California, is a tranquil residential community. With a population of just a little over 63,000, the city covers approximately 7.3 square miles and is bordered by neighboring cities such as Whittier, Fullerton, and La Mirada.
Freight transportation has played a significant role in La Habra’s growth and development. La Habra’s proximity to major highways, such as the SR-39 and SR-90, allows for the efficient movement of the goods we consume. These routes connect the city to larger distribution centers and markets. Delivery trucks from companies like U-Haul also operate in La Habra, providing moving and transport services for both residential and commercial customers. Unfortunately, the increased presence of these massive vehicles has also raised the risk of truck accidents.
The numerous complex concerns involved in any truck accident case can make seeking legal representation necessary. Arash Law has handled commercial truck cases, and we understand how to help people move forward with their cases.
Different Types Of Trucks
Motorists share the road with thousands of trucks every day, ranging from delivery trucks to enormous 18-wheelers. While these massive vehicles are critical for La Habra and the nation’s economy, they also pose threats to smaller vehicles and pedestrians sharing the road. Due to the huge sizes and weights of these commercial vehicles, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.
Commercial trucks come in many different types and styles. Some of the most common kinds of trucks generally include:
Commercial Trucks
Under Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 390.5, a commercial motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property. In most cases, commercial motor vehicles are large trucks, and the involvement of any large truck in a traffic accident can mean serious harm to the other people involved.
A vehicle is also considered for commercial use when:
- The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
- It is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
- It is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
- It is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under Title 49 U.S. Code 5103 and transported in quantities requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
Tractor-Trailers
These trucks, sometimes known as 18-wheelers, semis, or big rigs, are among the most common types of trucks on the roads. The American Trucking Association (ATA) defines a tractor-trailer as a “tractor and semitrailer combination.” A tractor is the engine and cab where a truck driver sits. It is designed to pull a semitrailer, which is the boxy portion being pulled. Many states have established height, length, and weight limits for trucks on their roads.
Due to the additional cargo weight, tractor-trailers have longer stopping distances. Truckers must always leave enough space between their trucks and the vehicles in front of them to avoid rear-end collisions.
Additionally, cargo loaders must ensure proper loading to prevent shifting during transport. Improperly secured and unsecured cargo increases the risk of the truck tipping over or jackknifing. The latter happens when the trucker loses control of the vehicle, and the trailer folds at an angle. Such types of accidents cause extensive damage.
Tanker Trucks
Tankers are essentially tractor-trailers, but the trailers are designed to carry liquids. While some tankers can carry a cargo of liquids that are not harmful, many others transport flammable or toxic (or both) substances. Both state and federal government regulations require tanker truck drivers to have special permits and follow certain safety precautions that are far stricter than those applied to traditional truck drivers.
Delivery Trucks
Also known as box trucks or straight trucks, delivery trucks are different from tractor-trailers. The tractor and trailer are a single unit, meaning that the cargo being transported is part of the whole truck. Various companies use these trucks to deliver goods from one point to another. Some box trucks function as refrigerator trucks, which use dry ice or liquid carbon to transport frozen goods.
Box trucks are smaller than 18-wheelers but still bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles. The added weight of cargo also increases vehicle stopping distances. As with 18-wheelers, cargo shifting is a major concern when driving a box truck. Its load should be properly secured, and its weight
should be equally distributed on all sides to prevent rollovers.
Dump Trucks, Garbage Trucks, And Cement Trucks
All of these kinds of trucks typically have large areas on the back for transporting garbage, cement, or other raw materials.
- Dump trucks are heavy-duty vehicles that transport and unload loose materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, or debris. Its body can be raised and tilted, allowing materials to be emptied onto the ground or into designated areas.
Cement trucks have a massive cement container and mixer at the back. Typically, the mixer is constantly spinning, even on the road, to ensure its contents are thoroughly mixed and do not solidify quickly. Unfortunately, collisions with cement trucks can lead to more severe damage and injuries, as the cement may spill onto a passenger vehicle or a pedestrian.
Cement trucks, like all other types of trucks, are extremely heavy. Truck drivers must avoid overspeeding to prevent losing control of the vehicle. The weight of the vehicle, combined with its speed, could cause devastating damage if it were to collide with a smaller car.
Garbage trucks move slowly from one establishment to another, which might pose a threat on the road. Due to their slow speed and frequent stops, they can cause rear-end collisions. Some of these trucks also have an open back, which increases the likelihood of their contents spilling onto the road and contributing to accidents.
Accidents involving garbage trucks are trickier because they are often owned by government agencies. The statute of limitations in these cases is shorter. Victims only have six months to file a claim against a government entity. Other government-owned vehicles include highway maintenance trucks and emergency vehicles.
If you want to know if you have a valid claim, fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our La Habra truck accident lawyers can help you assess the merits of your case.
Flatbed Trucks
Similar to a tractor-trailer in configuration, a flatbed truck is often used to transport goods that cannot fit into a traditional tractor-trailer. The trailer has no sides or roof for easy loading and unloading.
It is not uncommon for these vehicles to be accompanied by a smaller truck, warning other road users of an oversized load. Additionally, a small flag must be attached to the end of the cargo that extends to the sides or the end. Doing so helps other motorists know where the overhang is so they can avoid it.
Logging Trucks
Logging trucks must have a cage surrounding their cargo. This prevents logs from moving and rolling off onto the highway. Sadly, accidents still happen due to poor cargo securement. Our La Habra truck accident attorneys can help identify potentially responsible parties and help build a case backing up your claim.
Car Transport Trucks
These semi-trailers are specifically designed to carry multiple small cars, usually from manufacturers to car dealerships and vice versa. These are massive vehicles that require the same safety regulations as big rigs. Considering their size and what they haul, their drivers should be competent to avoid accidents like rollovers and collisions. Additionally, the vehicles must be properly secured so they don’t move around or fall onto unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians during transit.
Under Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 390.5, a commercial motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property. In most cases, commercial motor vehicles are large trucks, and the involvement of any large truck in a traffic accident can mean serious harm to the other people involved.
A vehicle is also considered for commercial use when:
- The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
- It is designed or used to transport more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
- It is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation.
- It is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under Title 49 U.S. Code 5103 and transported in quantities requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
You can consult our truck accident attorneys in La Habra to determine if your case is valid. We can explain your legal rights and how to proceed with the claim.
Paz v. Airfax Logistics (settled on 5/26/2020) – settlement in a case involving a client who was involved in a trucking accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury and other trauma.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Hire Our La Habra Truck Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you might ask yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” Truck accident victims in La Habra are not required to hire a lawyer, but doing so can be beneficial when pursuing compensation.
Accidents involving large trucks are especially complex, as they often involve multiple liable parties. Working with an attorney who has extensive knowledge of personal injury laws and trucking industry regulations may be helpful for your case. Additionally, they can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
We understand that initial settlement offers may not always reflect the full extent of your losses. Our team is committed to client advocacy.
At Arash Law, we work on a contingency policy. Under this arrangement, our clients don’t have to pay lawyer fees up front or out of pocket. Instead, a percentage of the recovery will cover our legal fees. While our fee depends on the outcome of your case, you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs or expenses.
What To Look For When Choosing Truck Accident Attorneys
There are a few things you need to look for when choosing a legal representative. Here are some key factors you should consider:
- Experience — Choose someone who has experience handling cases similar to yours. These lawyers understand every nuance of these cases, which will come in handy throughout the whole process. You should also find someone with litigation experience in case you need to go to trial.
- Compassion — You’ll also want to find lawyers who truly understand your situation. Truck accidents are traumatic. The legalities can overwhelm the average Joe, especially someone who’s already in pain and suffering. Having an attorney who can offer support and guidance can be invaluable.
Our La Habra truck accident lawyers have decades of experience helping injury victims. Most of all, we understand what you’re going through, which is why our accident lawyers handle cases with tailored strategies for your situation.
If you have any questions or concerns, our firm is available to address your queries 24/7. You can expect us to keep in touch regularly. Also, don’t worry if you’re unable to come to us due to your injuries. We offer flexible meeting options, including consultations at our Los Angeles office or at a location convenient for you within our service area.
How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
While large truck accidents and common car crashes share certain similarities, there are significant differences between them. The first major difference is that the average car driver has no limitations on the number of hours they can be behind the wheel, whereas commercial truck drivers must abide by strict federal regulations that dictate exactly how long they can drive.
There are many other trucking regulations that drivers and companies alike must comply with. All of these can be factors in truck accidents.
Perhaps the biggest difference between a large truck accident and a traditional car accident concerns liability. While negligent drivers are usually liable for damages in a car crash, a truck accident can involve several other parties being potentially accountable. In addition to the truck driver, responsibility may also extend to the trucking company, vehicle owner, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or even parts manufacturers, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Our La Habra attorneys have experience handling cases involving truck accidents. We can help you navigate the complicated laws surrounding your claim.
Regulations Governing Commercial Trucks
FMCSA created and maintained the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), which contains information about the safety performance of commercial motor carriers and hazardous materials (HM) carriers subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs). Commercial motor vehicle drivers must comply with federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
If a truck accident involves HOS violations, our La Habra lawyers can help. To verify compliance, we can gather evidence by cross-referencing electronic data from truck cabs (such as “black box” records) with driver logs. Our team can also analyze phone data and internet activity to determine whether drivers were genuinely resting during the reported periods.
HOS Regulations For Passenger Carrying Trucks
HOS rules vary depending on a commercial truck’s classification, with the rules generally as follows:.
- 10-Hour Limit — Drivers can operate a maximum of 10 hours per day on the road after eight consecutive hours off duty.
- 15-Hour Limit — Drivers cannot drive after having been on duty for 15 hours, following eight consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time is not included in the 15-hour period.
- 60/70 Hour On-Duty Limit — Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in seven/eight consecutive days.
Important provisions relating to these rules include the Sleeper Berth Provision, under which drivers using a sleeper berth must spend at least eight hours in it. They can split the sleeper berth time into two periods, provided that neither is less than two hours, and the total must be at least eight hours.
If any of these rules were violated, causing the truck accident that injured you or killed a loved one, our La Habra lawyers can help you identify the liable parties. For instance, if the trucking company encourages or tolerates such violations, it may share liability. We can investigate company policies, training practices, and supervision to determine if negligence occurred.
HOS Regulations For Property-Carrying Trucks
- 11-Hour Limit — Drivers can operate a maximum of 11 hours per day on the road after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Limit — Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14 hours.
- 60/70 Hour On Duty Limit — Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in seven/eight consecutive days. A driver can restart a seven- or eight-consecutive-day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for a period of eight cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption. A break can be satisfied by any non-driving period of at least 30 consecutive minutes.
The Sleeper Berth Provision allows drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period, provided that one off-duty period (either in or out of a sleeper berth) is at least two hours long and the other involves at least seven consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth. All sleeper berth pairings must add up to at least 10 hours, and when used together, neither time period counts against the maximum 14-hour driving window.
For both passenger and property-carrying trucks, drivers are allowed to extend the 10-hour and 11-hour maximum driving limits and 15-hour and 14-hour driving windows by up to two hours when adverse driving conditions are encountered. A driver is exempt from the requirements of CFR § 395.8 and CFR § 395.11 if the driver operates within a 150-air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location and the driver does not exceed a maximum duty period of 14 hours. Drivers using the short-haul exception in CFR § 395.1(e)(1) must report and return to the normal work reporting location within 14 consecutive hours and stay within a 150-air-mile radius of the work reporting location.
Our La Habra lawyers understand how truck accidents can instantly change lives. Unfortunately, insurance companies may sometimes question the extent of injuries or suggest that the victim was partially at fault when evaluating a claim. We will address these arguments by presenting relevant evidence to support your claim and help you seek fair treatment for your losses.
Causes Of Truck Accidents
According to the FMCSA, the three major kinds of critical events assigned to large trucks in crashes were running out of a travel lane (32%); losing control of the vehicle due to overspeeding, cargo shifts, poor road conditions, vehicle failures, or other reasons (29%); and rear-ending another vehicle (22%).
The FMCSA also reported that 87% of truck accidents are the result of truck driver error (with 38% relating to decisions, 28% being recognition, 12% being non-performance issues, and 9% being performance-related), 10% related to vehicle issues, and 3% blamed on the environment.
Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Inclement weather
- Poor cargo loading
- Road hazards
- Improper training
- Negligent hiring
- Overloaded trailers
- Blind spots
Our truck accident attorneys in La Habra have experience with these types of issues and can work to investigate when a truck driver may have been at fault for causing an accident. We can review the circumstances of your case, gather relevant evidence, and help clarify the factors that may have contributed to the accident.
What Are Your Rights After A Truck Accident In La Habra?
As an injury victim, you have the legal right to seek compensation for all the damages you are suffering from. These include medical bills, lost wages and employment benefits, and pain and suffering.
You also have the right to legal representation. Our truck accident lawyers in La Habra can help you navigate the complicated legal maze and help protect your rights. We can investigate the case and gather supporting evidence.
Types Of Truck Accident Claims
Individuals involved in commercial truck accidents may have multiple claims against various parties. There are several different kinds of claims people can file, with the most common including:
Injury Claims
When people suffer injuries in a truck accident, they may have claims relating to the injuries they sustain. It is possible for people to suffer from a wide range of potential injuries, and these claims are usually supported by medical records.
Property Damage Claims
When a person’s motor vehicle is involved in a commercial truck accident, the vehicle often sustains immense damage requiring repairs. Many people will then file claims to have the costs of any repairs covered by the negligent truck driver, trucking company, or third party.
Wrongful Death Claims
Under California state law, damages in a wrongful death claim may be distributed to a surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased. When there are no surviving family members, damages may be distributed in accordance with the rules of intestate succession.
A spouse may receive everything when there are no children, parents, or siblings. When a couple has one child, each spouse receives half, and the child receives the other half. When there is a spouse and two or more children, the spouse receives one-third, and the remainder is split equally among the children. If there is a spouse and parents or siblings, then the spouse gets half, and the other half is divided equally among the parents or siblings. When there are children but no spouse, all assets are divided equally among the children. When there are parents but no spouse or children, the parents typically receive everything.
If your loved one wrongfully dies in a truck accident, our La Habra lawyers are ready to guide you in filing a claim.
Usual Types Of Injuries In Truck Accidents
Truck accident victims can suffer very serious injuries. Some of the most frequent kinds of injuries in these cases often include, but are not limited to:
- Fractures or broken bones
- Concussions
- Crush injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Leg injuries
- Neck injuries
- Arm injuries
- Internal injuries
- Skull fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent nerve injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Severe burn injuries
- Wrongful deaths
Victims must get immediate medical assistance. Our truck accident attorneys can help you find medical experts in and around La Habra.
Common Kinds Of Compensation For Truck Accidents
When people file personal injury claims, they may be eligible to pursue compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are usually broken into two specific kinds: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include all past, present, and future out-of-pocket financial expenses, such as:
- Lost income
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Physical therapy costs
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Rental car costs
Non-economic damages are harms that usually cannot be quantified and often include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Loss of society and companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Injury to reputation
- Humiliation
Our truck accident attorneys in La Habra can help you determine which damages you may be entitled to based on the details of your case.
Establishing Fault In A Truck Accident
In an average car accident, establishing fault is typically a straightforward process. However, liability in truck accidents is often more complicated since trucking companies, truck owners, and employers are included in the mix. These parties could possibly be held liable as well.
To determine fault, our La Habra truck accident lawyers may ask the following questions:
- Did the truck driver act negligently?
- Did the trucking company act negligently (e.g., by hiring inexperienced drivers or neglecting safety regulations)?
- Did the truck’s design or components have any defects?
- Is negligent maintenance to blame for the vehicle’s malfunction?
- Did the accident happen due to improper cargo loading?
We can ask these questions and conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident?
In most cases, whoever caused the accident and was negligent is responsible for the injuries of the victim. Typically, a truck driver is the main defendant in an insurance claim if their carelessness led to a truck accident. Nevertheless, other parties may also be held liable, including:
- Trucking Company/Employer — They can be held liable if they violate federal or state regulations, such as by forcing drivers to meet unattainable standards. For example, they might incentivize drivers to finish hauls ahead of schedule. This encourages truckers to drive beyond the speed limit and skip sleep and rest to reach their destinations quickly.
- Truck Owner — When negligent maintenance contributes to an accident, the truck owner can be held liable.
- Third-Party Services — These companies may be liable if they fail to repair or maintain vehicles properly.
- Manufacturer — A flaw in a truck’s design or its components can also contribute to accidents on the road. In these cases, our truck accident lawyers in La Habra can help you file a claim against the manufacturer.
- Third-Party Drivers — Sometimes, other drivers may be at fault for a truck accident, making them responsible for any resulting injuries.
Many truck accident claims have multiple liable parties, making cases extremely complicated. You may have to deal with different insurance companies. Hiring a truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and explain options that may help with your case.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Much Does A Truck Accident Injury Lawyer Cost?
Attorney fees are often a concern for injury victims, but our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This agreement means we only get paid when we successfully resolve our client’s case. Our fees will come from your compensation. We can discuss the percentage we will take during your onboarding process.
Our contingency policy helps our clients acquire legal representation regardless of their economic status. Regardless of the outcome of your case, you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs and expenses not covered by our policy.
Our team at Arash Law understands how challenging truck accidents can be. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the option to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
What You Should Do After A Truck Accident In La Habra
When a truck accident in La Habra occurs, it can be extremely confusing and disorienting for most people to process. Despite the confusion that follows, it’s essential to remain as calm as possible and take practical steps to protect your health, rights, and potential claim.
Here are some steps to consider after a truck accident:
- Call 911 — Make sure law enforcement is notified so a police report is filed regarding your accident. Emergency medical personnel will also usually be dispatched.
- Check for Injuries — If a person is seriously hurt in a truck accident, it will be important to get them medical attention. You should also seek medical attention for yourself by visiting a hospital or other medical care provider as soon as possible, even when you do not think you have suffered an injury. Remember that many serious injuries involve delayed symptoms, and waiting too long to see a doctor can have disastrous effects on your injury claim.
- Talk to Other Drivers — Get the truck driver’s relevant information, such as their name, address, and driver’s license number. Also, the same information must be sought from other drivers involved in the wreck.
- Get the Truck Driver’s Employer Information — When a truck accident involves a large truck, you will want to write down who the driver works for. Trucking companies can be held liable in many cases.
- Collect Witness Information — If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information. Do not be overly forceful in your requests, as you can let La Habra truck accident lawyers handle witnesses later if they are unwilling to share their information with you.
- Capture Evidence — Use your phone to take as many pictures and videos of the crash scene as you can. No lawyer will ever tell you that you took too many pictures. In addition to getting photos of the vehicles involved, look for other key bits of information relating to the accident, such as skid marks and important traffic signs.
- Consult a Lawyer if Possible — Contacting a truck accident attorney gives you access to legal insight that can be useful as you decide how to proceed. They may also assist with paperwork and communication related to your case.
At Arash Law, we are prepared to address your concerns if you have been involved in a truck accident. Our La Habra truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you through these challenges. We can guide you through the available legal options if you wish to file a case.
What To Avoid Doing After A Truck Accident
Aside from knowing what to do after a truck accident, you should also know what to avoid doing. There are certain actions that could jeopardize your chances of getting adequate compensation. Here are some common errors that you should steer clear of:
- Avoid Accepting Initial Offers — The at-fault party or their insurer may present an early settlement offer that appears reasonable. However, initial offers may not account for the full extent of your losses. Have a lawyer review any proposal before you agree to it.
- Avoid Accepting Fault — Be cautious when discussing the accident. Statements such as apologies or assumptions about what happened can be interpreted as an acceptance of blame. Wait until all the facts are known and let your attorney handle communications to help protect your interests.
- Avoid Doing Things On Your Own — While you can file a claim without legal representation, pursuing claims against multiple parties can be challenging. It’s even more difficult when you’re still healing from your accident. Our La Habra injury lawyers, who work on handling truck accidents, can manage the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
- Avoid Putting Off Medical Care — Whether you sustained serious injuries or not, make sure to see a doctor right away. Prompt action can save your life and prevent your injuries from getting worse. Additionally, your decision to put off treatment can raise questions about the severity or cause of your injuries.
What Is A Reasonable Settlement For A Truck Accident?
A reasonable settlement covers all your damages and losses. At-fault parties’ insurance companies will usually contact you after an accident to settle. Although these initial numbers can seem appealing, they may not account for ongoing medical expenses, lost income, or other long-term effects. Once you accept any amount from the at-fault parties, you can’t file a claim any longer and demand more.
Our La Habra attorneys for truck accident claims can help you assess the potential value of your case to determine if an offer meets your needs. Our team can help you evaluate every offer and see whether it’s enough to cover both your economic and non-economic damages. If the amount offered is insufficient, we can negotiate with the parties involved and, if needed, represent you in court to help you pursue fair compensation.
Truck Accident Statistics
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 415,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2020, including 4,444 fatal crashes and 101,000 injury crashes. Single-vehicle accidents, such as crashes involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and non-motorized vehicles, accounted for 22% of fatal crashes, 16% of injury crashes, and 24% of property damage-only crashes involving large trucks in 2020. The majority (62%) of fatal large truck crashes involved two vehicles.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that the 5,700 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2021 constituted an 18% increase from the prior year and a 49% increase over the past decade. The 117,300 large trucks involved in crashes resulting in injuries were a 12% increase from 2020, but were actually less than the 118,500 in 2019, which was the high mark of the past decade.
In 2022, 5,837 fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred, representing a 1.8% increase from 2021. The involvement rate per 100 million large truck miles also increased by three percent from the previous year.
Meanwhile, there were 5,936 truck-related fatalities in 2022, a two percent increase from 2021. The majority of these fatalities were occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (19%) and non-occupants (11%).
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported 344 fatal accidents and 7,009 injury crashes in 2019. The total number of fatalities was the highest in the most recent five-year period, although 2018 had more injury crashes, with 7,223.
The NSC reported that California ranked second in the nation for deaths caused by large trucks, with 437 in 2021, behind only Texas. In these cases, 67% of victims are occupants of cars or other motor vehicles, 16% are large truck occupants, and 15% are pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
These figures show that truck accidents remain prevalent. Our La Habra attorneys remain committed to helping truck accident victims pursue reasonable compensation for their injuries. If you’re injured in one, we’ll help you process a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Habra Safe?
La Habra is generally considered safe and well-known for its favorable climate, parks, trails, and recreational facilities, which provide locals and visitors with outdoor activities and attractions. Thanks to its accessible transportation system, getting around the city is also easier and more efficient. Residents and visitors can use public transit or drive their cars. La Habra’s roads and highways support easy and quick travel. For bike enthusiasts, the city also has a network of bike lanes and trails that encourage sustainable and safe transportation.
Although La Habra looks like an idyllic city, accidents, including truck crashes, still happen in the area. If you are injured in a truck accident, get in touch with our La Habra attorneys if you seek legal consultation. Our team will advocate for your rights and assess all possible avenues of compensation.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Injury Case Worth?
It’s hard to say how much your case is worth without knowing its specifics. Its value is based on certain factors, such as your medical bills, property damage, lost wages and benefits, and other subjective losses like pain and suffering. Case values vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
To determine if you have a case worth pursuing, we encourage you to consult our La Habra truck accident lawyers. We can use bills, invoices, receipts, medical notes, journals, and expert opinions to quantify your case.
Will I Recover Punitive Damages For The Collision?
Some injury victims may be awarded punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, the court awards punitive damages to punish gross negligence or intentional misconduct and deter similar actions in the future. You can consult our La Habra attorneys to see whether your truck accident case qualifies for such damages.
I’m An Undocumented Immigrant. Will I Face Deportation If I File A Personal Injury Claim?
Do I Need To Recover Before Seeking Compensation?
No, you don’t have to fully recover to pursue compensation. Most truck accident cases result in serious injuries that take years to heal. California has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. If you wait until you recover, you might miss the deadline and forfeit your right to seek compensation. Our La Habra lawyers can handle your truck accident case while you heal.
When Can I Receive The Settlement?
Resolving truck accident cases may take a few months or years, depending on the complexity of your case. In addition, the at-fault party’s willingness to settle will determine when you can obtain a settlement. The timeline can also be extended if your case reaches trial.
Will The Case Go To Trial?
Most truck accident cases are settled out of court. However, if both parties can’t agree on a settlement, La Habra attorneys can take your case to court.
What If I Contributed To The Accident?
Plaintiffs who are partly to blame for an accident can still pursue compensation in California since it’s a pure comparative negligence state. If you were partially at fault for the accident, the court will reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault for the accident, you can only claim 80% of the damages.
How Do I Handle An Insurance Claim?
A rule of thumb is to avoid admitting fault and only offer the information requested. We also discourage victims from giving recorded statements or accepting offers without a lawyer. Consider working with knowledgeable truck accident lawyers. We can handle the legal work and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Consult Our Dedicated La Habra Truck Accident Lawyers
Our California truck accident lawyers have handled numerous cases throughout the state. We are committed to helping you pursue accountability from negligent parties. Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation, during which we can provide a thorough and in-depth case evaluation.
We also serve clients in nearby locations, including East Whittier, La Mirada, La Habra Heights, Brea, South Whittier, Rowland Heights, Fullerton, Buena Park, Yorba Linda, Placentia, Hacienda Heights, and Anaheim.
