Orange County Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
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Our Orange County Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Offer Determined And Relentless Representation
Even though semi-trucks are essential for delivering goods and keeping Orange County’s economy running, their presence can also contribute to traffic congestion, accidents, property damage, and injuries. If you’ve been recently injured in a collision with a semi, call our Orange County semi-truck accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We’ll fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Orange County is known for its popular spots like John Wayne Airport, Disneyland, and Laguna Beach. Locals and tourists easily get around the area using major freeways and highways, including Interstates 5, 405, and State Route 91. Semi-trucks also use these roads to access different cities within the county, coming from Los Angeles, other parts of California, and other states.
However, the presence of these large vehicles on the road could turn an ordinary day or supposedly fun trip into a disastrous event. Semi-truck accidents are quite common in Orange County for various reasons.
Our Orange County semi-truck accident lawyers have witnessed firsthand how these incidents have negatively affected the lives of victims and their families. If you are injured and you want to pursue compensation, reach out to Arash Law. We can help you recover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Suarez v. Premium Packing (settled on 9/26/2023) – settlement involving a man who sustained multiple orthopedic injures and a mild traumatic brain injury when he was run over by a food truck.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Why Should You Hire Our Orange County Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers?
You should hire our Orange County semi-truck accident lawyers because of our reputation for solving thousands of cases and winning hundreds of millions in compensation, including complex ones that other law firms initially declined. Our proven track record and unparalleled customer service set us apart from other law offices in California.
Here are a few reasons why our personal injury lawyers, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., are more than qualified to handle your case:
- Our attorneys have been handling semi-truck accident cases in Orange County and California for many decades. We have an in-depth understanding of every aspect of trucking laws.
- We work with medical and financial experts to determine the full impact of your injuries on your finances and future earning potential. Our Orange County semi-truck accident lawyers ensure every aspect of your compensation is accounted for.
- We aggressively pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our semi-truck accident attorneys will advocate for you against insurance companies who may try to minimize or deny your claim.
- Our law firm also provides personalized support to all of our clients. Our priority is to relieve you of the burden of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. We’ll keep you informed about your case, and you’re always welcome to consult with your case manager with any questions.
Visit our personal injury law firm in Orange County to talk with our semi-truck accident lawyers. If you can’t physically come to our office, we’ll have our legal representatives visit you instead.
Why Trust Our Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys
- Our lawyers have already assisted thousands of clients, securing over $500 Million in settlements and awards.
- Hundreds of real-life client testimonials online attest to our dedication and success.
- Our legal team is available 24/7 to address your concerns.
- We have a dedicated multilingual staff fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, Farsi, Korean, French, and Hebrew, ready to assist you with your personal injury case.
- With our no-win, no-fee policy, victims can pursue their personal injury claims without worrying about legal fees.
Common Types Of Semi-Truck Accidents
Our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County have successfully represented victims and their families in a variety of incidents, including:
- Head-on accidents – These typically occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide head-on. The force of impact often results in severe damage, injuries, and fatalities.
- Rear-End Collisions – Distracted driving, tailgating, sudden braking, or driving in poor visibility usually lead to rear-end truck accidents.
- Jackknife Accidents – These accidents occur when a large truck’s trailer swings out at a sharp angle relative to the cab, resembling a folding jackknife. These incidents typically result from factors like sudden braking, slippery roads, or improper loading, causing the trailer to lose traction and skid sideways.
- Rollovers – With enough force, a truck could flip over onto its side or roof. Uneven weight distribution in the trailer can also contribute to rollovers, particularly when one side is significantly heavier than the other. These accidents pose a danger to other vehicles on the road, as the trailer can crush cars, causing catastrophic injuries.
- Sideswipes – These accidents commonly occur when drivers change lanes recklessly, drift out of lanes, or fail to check blind spots.
Knowing the type of collision you were involved in can be helpful when giving your testimony to the police during the investigation. Our semi-truck accident lawyers can also use this information as a basis for determining fault.
If you’re unsure about the type of accident you were in, feel free to contact us. Our Orange County attorneys will help identify the specific type of semi-truck accident you were involved in based on your description. Additionally, we can assist you by checking any available CCTV footage in the area and interviewing witnesses.
Common Causes Of Semi-Truck Accidents
Our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County have identified several factors that can lead to these incidents. The most common one, however, is driver negligence. The following behaviors greatly increase the likelihood of collisions:
Distracted Driving
Many truck drivers go on interstate trips, facing long hours or even entire days on the road. These trips can be monotonous, particularly on extended stretches of highway. To alleviate boredom, truck drivers often watch videos, browse the net or social media, listen to music, and chat with someone using their mobile phones while driving.
It’s important to note that using cell phones while driving is illegal in California as well as in other states. This behavior contributes to a lot of injuries and fatalities nationwide because it diverts drivers’ attention from the road.
Apart from cell phone use, truck drivers sometimes engage in other distracting activities while driving, such as:
- Talking with their passengers
- Listening to music or radio shows
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting the side mirrors
- looking at advertisements and random signage outside
Even a second of inattention could result in catastrophic consequences, causing injuries and deaths. Our semi-truck accident lawyers have represented clients who have suffered long-term disabilities due to traffic collisions caused by distracted driving. In 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recorded 140 deaths in the state due to incidents involving distracted drivers.
Fatigued Driving
To avoid travel restrictions in some cities or states, truck drivers often choose to drive at night. However, this practice frequently leads to fatigue and sleep deprivation, which significantly increases the chances of drivers nodding off behind the wheel and causing serious accidents and traffic jams.
As per the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 6,400 motorists die, and 100,000 sustain injuries every year due to drowsy driving. To help prevent these fatalities, the government mandates that all truck drivers take a minimum 30-minute rest break after eight hours of continuous driving.
Driving Under The Influence
To keep themselves awake and alert, some truck drivers take drugs or alcohol, specifically beer and amphetamine. However, these substances can induce many adverse effects, such as:
- Reduced concentration
- Impaired vision
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Heightened aggression
Taking these substances, especially alcoholic drinks, does more harm than good. According to provisional 2023 data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 26,373 traffic fatalities and injuries involved alcohol, while 2,278 involved drugs.
If you get into an accident involving a driver who is under the influence, speak with our Orange County semi-truck accident lawyers about your DUI accident case. We will tell you what to do next.
Adverse Weather
Truck drivers must be prepared to drive in varying conditions, even in bad weather. Rain, fog, or snow could obscure their windshields and limit road visibility. The roads could also become slippery, increasing the time and distance needed to stop safely. When the truckers don’t account for these factors while maneuvering, they might cause accidents. For example, braking suddenly could lead to jackknife accidents or rollovers.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Hazards and narrow roads may catch truck drivers off guard and cause them to lose control of their vehicles. These factors are especially dangerous considering that trucks are prone to losing balance more easily than regular passenger cars. This risk makes them susceptible to tipping over when driving through potholes, obstacles, or uneven streets.
Apart from road hazards, construction zones along the streets and highways could also contribute to collisions. In such cases, the government agency or company in charge of road maintenance could be held liable for accidents caused by inadequate safety measures. Our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County will have to investigate thoroughly to find out the negligent parties in a collision.
Truckers passing Laguna Canyon Road, Ortega Highway, and Harbor Boulevard in Orange County should be extra cautious due to numerous blind spots, sharp curves, and narrow pavements. Likewise, motorists sharing the road with big rigs must maintain a safe distance to ensure their safety and prevent accidents.
Typical Injuries Sustained In Semi-Truck Accidents
Our Orange County attorneys have extensive experience handling semi-truck accident cases.We’ve seen victims suffer a wide range of injuries, including:
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Burn injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Contusions
Many victims also develop mental health conditions after a semi-truck accident, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and panic disorder. We’ve also helped families file wrongful death claims to obtain compensation for the loss of a loved one.
If you or someone you know is injured because of a semi-truck accident in Orange County, seek help from our attorneys. Call us for a free consultation at (888) 488-1391. Our semi-truck accident lawyers will discuss your case, assess the compensation you might be entitled to, explore your legal options, and determine who’s at fault for your injuries.
Who Is Liable For A Semi-Truck Accident?
Many accidents occur due to negligent behavior on the part of truck drivers. However, our semi-truck accident lawyers also often hold the following parties partially responsible:
Trucking Companies
The employer has a responsibility to hire qualified drivers, provide adequate training, and maintain safe vehicles. Failure to uphold these duties might open the company to liability in an accident.
Truck And Parts Manufacturers
Defective parts, like tires, steering wheels, and brakes, could cause accidents. When the malfunction is due to a flaw in the design or manufacturing process, our semi-truck accident lawyers might hold the manufacturer liable under the product liability law.
Cargo Loaders
Government Agencies Or Contractors
Due to their massive weight and size, tractor-trailers are prone to accidents, especially when passing through poorly maintained roads. For instance, a trucker could lose control of the vehicle if it passes through a pothole, even at a reasonable speed. The agency responsible for road upkeep might share liability in this case.
Many other parties could be held liable, such as other road users. Even the victim could share some responsibility. That’s why a thorough investigation is important in determining who’s responsible for compensating you. Contact our attorneys specializing in semi-truck accident cases in Orange County for guidance on how to proceed.
What Damages Can I Get From A Semi-Truck Accident Claim?
If you get injured in a big rig accident, you might be entitled to economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable expenses related to your injuries, such as medical bills, laboratory fees, medicines, medical equipment, therapy bills, car rental fees, ridesharing fees going to hospitals, car repair costs, and others.
In contrast, non-economic damages are intangible, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, other mental illnesses, loss of companionship, bodily disfigurement, bodily dismemberment, loss of enjoyment of activities, etc.
Even though non-economic losses don’t have fixed amounts, our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County use different methods to assess their value accurately. We will then take steps to ensure you receive full compensation for all the damages you’ve suffered.
What Is The Timeline For A Semi-Truck Accident Claim In Orange County?
Based on the California statute of limitations, any individual has only two years to file a personal accident claim. Orange County also follows this timeframe.However, there are some exceptions:
- If a minor is injured and their parents or guardians don’t file a claim, the statute of limitations is paused until the victim turns 18. They then have two years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit or claim.
- For delayed discoveries of the injury, victims have two years to file a claim from when their injury was diagnosed (or reasonably discovered).
- Claims against government agencies have a stricter deadline of six months.
Two years might seem like more than enough time to file a personal injury claim. However, our semi-truck accident lawyers’ experience shows that it’s often insufficient, especially for severely injured victims.
Filing a claim involves more than just paperwork. It’s a lengthy and stressful process that includes gathering evidence, negotiating with the at-fault party, filing the case, and attending court hearings.
Let our Orange County attorneys handle your semi-truck accident case. As a personal injury law firm that has been doing this process for decades, we can help you with all the legwork to avoid technical disqualifications.
Do you want to know what deadlines and exceptions apply to your case? Contact our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County today.
What To Do If You Get Into A Semi-Truck Accident
There are a few things that you have to do right after an accident to keep yourself safe and preserve your rights. Remember these steps:
- Check to see if you have any injuries. If there is an open wound, use a piece of cloth to press on it and stop the bleeding.
- Get to the side of the road or somewhere safe, away from passing vehicles. If the accident happens on a freeway, stay in your car until help arrives.
- Call emergency medical services and the police by dialing 911.
- Start collecting evidence, like photos of your injuries and the accident scene.
- Ask for the driver’s information: full name, address, contact number, and insurance details. Take photos of IDs if possible.
- Look for any eyewitnesses to the accident. Ask for their contact information and permission to share their statements with the authorities.
- Seek additional medical attention at your local healthcare clinic to check on your health situation.
- Call our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County. They will advise you on what to do next.
A police investigation will certainly take place, and you will be asked questions. Describe what you saw, but do not apologize because the police might falsely accuse you of causing the accident. Additionally, the at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you to perform their own investigation. Be cautious when speaking with them, as they might try to manipulate you into believing you were partially or solely to blame for the incident.
The sooner you contact Orange County semi-truck accident lawyers, the better we can protect your rights. We’ll communicate with the other parties, their insurance companies, and their legal teams on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find The Right Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?
While finding a semi-truck accident lawyer may seem easy with a quick Google search, identifying a reputable and reliable one requires more effort. When making your decision, consider the attorney’s litigation and negotiation skills, including their track record of wins and their willingness to go the extra mile for their clients.
Instead of browsing Google and searching, “I need a personal injury lawyer for my semi-truck accident,” contact Arash Law instead. You can check out hundreds of our real-life client testimonials online that may help you decide to work with us. Our satisfied clients, many of whom have become our friends, can attest to the proven track record, work ethic, and unparalleled customer service of the semi-truck accident attorneys Orange County trusts the most.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer in Orange County depends on the lawyer’s fee structure. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, typically between $100 and $1,000 per hour. Others prefer a flat fee, which varies based on their experience and the case’s complexity.
Many people cannot afford the steep legal fees. Instead of pursuing their cases, some choose to let go of their claims because of financial concerns. To address this problem, Arash Law offers a contingency fee solution, which means our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County don’t get paid if we do not win your case.
You can connect with our Orange County attorneys by phone or online to learn more about our no-win, no-fee approach to your semi-truck accident claim.
How Long Does It Take To Settle Semi-Truck Accident Claims?
- The availability of evidence and witnesses
- The complexity of the case
- The willingness of all parties involved to reach a fair resolution
How Much Are Most Semi-Truck Accident Settlements?
Every semi-truck accident case and its respective settlement amount are unique. There are different factors involved in determining the settlement, such as the type of accident, the type of injury, the extent of the injury, and your ability to earn a living and support your family.
To give you an idea, we had a middle-aged client who was rear-ended by a truck on a freeway, resulting in neck and back injuries alongside significant damage to her car. The at-fault party tried to claim that her injuries were due to her weight and pre-existing conditions. Eventually, our skillful attorneys were able to resolve the matter at mediation for $1.1 Million before going to trial.
If you want to know how much your claim is worth, contact our semi-truck accident lawyers in Orange County for an estimate of your personal injury case settlement.
Semi-Truck Accident Statistics
DOT-NHTSA has released 2021 data, shedding light on how dangerous semi-trucks are on the road. According to the report:
- Accidents involving semi-trucks resulted in 5,788 fatalities.
- Around 72% of people killed in semi-truck traffic crashes were occupants of other vehicles.
- Weekdays and daytime were the deadliest times, with 78% and 71% (respectively) of the fatal traffic crashes involving semi-truck trucks happening then.
- Alarmingly, 3% of semi-truck drivers had a BAC level of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.
- Semi-trucks account for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes nationwide.
- California had the second-highest number of large-truck occupant deaths, with 48 counts.
If you or someone you know has recently suffered in a semi-truck accident, our Orange County attorneys are here to help. Reach out to us, and our semi-truck accident lawyers will assess your case and guide you on how to proceed with your personal injury claim.
Contact The Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Orange County Relies On!
If you have more questions regarding your personal injury, feel free to call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our legal team is on standby 24/7, ready to hear about your concerns.
Aside from Orange County, our attorneys are also available to assist semi-truck accident victims in neighboring communities, like Burbank, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Torrance, Inglewood, Long Beach, Compton, Pomona, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, San Bernardino, Redlands, Colton, Moreno Valley, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula.
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