Collisions between cars and commercial trucks are some of the most devastating incidents that happen on Orange County roads and highways. When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer crashes into a passenger vehicle on Beach Boulevard or the Pacific Coast Highway, the outcome is often catastrophic for the smaller vehicle’s occupants. At DJA Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial strain that truck accident victims and their loved ones face in the aftermath of these devastating crashes.
Our Huntington Beach truck accident attorneys work tirelessly to help victims rebuild their lives after serious collisions with commercial vehicles. We know that you need more than just legal representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve. You also need advocates who will stand by your side throughout your recovery journey.
Our legal team will handle all aspects of your claim while you focus on healing, from investigating the crash and gathering critical evidence to negotiating with powerful trucking companies, their lawyers, and their insurers. Call us today at (949) 229-7228 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Huntington Beach, California.
Understanding Truck Accidents in Huntington Beach
Truck accidents in Orange County can involve many different types of commercial vehicles, and they can occur for many different reasons.
Types of Commercial Vehicles
Our firm handles accidents involving all types of commercial vehicles operating in and around Huntington Beach, including:
- Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers: These massive vehicles frequently travel through Orange County on the 405 and other major highways.
- Delivery trucks: With the economy’s heavy dependence on e-commerce, our streets are constantly used by UPS, FedEx, and Amazon delivery vehicles.
- Construction trucks: Dump trucks, cement mixers, pavement rollers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment vehicles are common due to ongoing development.
- Tanker trucks: These trucks transport fuel and other hazardous materials to locations throughout Huntington Beach.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Orange County
The majority of truck accidents result from preventable causes, such as:
- Driver fatigue: Truckers often face pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines despite federal hours-of-service regulations.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Some trucking companies cut corners on inspections and repairs. This and other forms of trucking company negligence listed here are inexcusable breaches of their obligation to public safety.
- Distracted driving: Using phones, adjusting GPS units, and other distractions can lead directly to accidents.
- Improper training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may not handle their vehicles safely.
- Overloaded cargo: Trucks carrying loads beyond legal weight limits are harder to control and stop.
- Dangerous weather conditions: High winds and rain create added risks for large trucks, and drivers who fail to adjust their actions can endanger other people’s lives.
- Equipment failures: Defective brakes, tires, or other parts or truck systems can cause devastating crashes.
Unlike accidents between two passenger vehicles, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties. As such, having knowledgeable legal representation is essential. The attorneys at DJA Injury Lawyers understand the federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry and know how to identify all potentially responsible parties.
Truck Accident Statistics
The latest data reveals concerning trends in truck accidents in California and Orange County. According to the National Safety Council, large trucks were involved in over 400 fatal accidents in the most recent year. In Orange County alone, commercial vehicle accidents resulted in hundreds of injuries and multiple fatalities.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that truck accidents nationwide have seen an 18-percent jump in recent years. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data shows that about 82 percent of people killed in large truck crashes were occupants of other vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. This data highlights the devastating toll of these accidents. These trends are particularly disconcerting in California, given that our state handles nearly 40 percent of all shipping container traffic entering the United States through its ports.
In Huntington Beach and surrounding areas, heavy truck traffic on major routes like the 405, Beach Boulevard, and Pacific Coast Highway creates significant risks. Intersections and merge points are particularly high-risk places for truck-related incidents.
Legal Rights After a Truck Accident
When you’re injured in a truck accident, knowing your legal rights can help you protect your interests and secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to know:
Multiple Liable Parties
Truck accident cases often involve several responsible parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Vehicle maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Parts manufacturers
- Other negligent drivers
Pursuing multiple avenues of compensation can be challenging, but it can significantly bolster your ability to recover the full amount you deserve. If one responsible party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to meet your claim, another at-fault party’s policy can often make up the difference.
Types of Compensation
Victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including money for:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of quality of life
Proving Liability
Determining who is to blame for your accident-related losses entails collecting and presenting enough evidence to clarify who caused the crash and to support your claim. Our firm works quickly to preserve:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance records
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Security camera footage
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence from the crash scene
Time Limits
California law sets strict deadlines for filing truck accident lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file suit. However, if a government entity is involved, you must file a notice of claim within six months. Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering compensation.
Additionally, gathering evidence becomes more challenging as time passes. Trucking companies may only keep certain records for a limited time, and physical evidence can disappear. That’s why contacting a lawyer promptly after your accident is crucial for protecting your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
Our clients often have questions when they visit us for the first time. Following are answers to some of the ones we hear most.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?
Your safety and health come first. Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take days to show symptoms. Then:
- Document the scene with photos if you can do so safely.
- Get the truck driver’s information and company details.
- Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Do not discuss fault or give statements to insurance companies.
- Contact DJA Injury Lawyers for guidance on protecting your rights.
How is a truck accident case different from a car accident?
Truck accident cases present unique challenges. For example:
- Multiple parties may share liability.
- Complex federal and state regulations apply.
- Commercial insurance policies have higher limits.
- Evidence like driver logs and maintenance records must be preserved.
- Trucking companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests.
What types of compensation can I receive?
Each case is unique, but compensation may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Home modification expenses if your injuries result in permanent disabilities that require accommodation
Why do I need a lawyer for my truck accident case?
The trucking industry has significant resources, and trucking companies have experienced legal teams. When you have skilled representation working for you, they help level the playing field. Our attorneys know federal and state trucking regulations, and we understand how to preserve crucial evidence. Furthermore, we know how to identify all potential sources of compensation and handle insurance company negotiations. If necessary, we can prepare your case for trial.
How long will my truck accident case take?
While every case is different, truck accident cases typically take longer to resolve than car accident claims due to their complexity. Factors that affect the timeline include:
- Severity of injuries
- Number of parties involved
- Insurance company cooperation
- Whether the case goes to trial
Our firm works efficiently while doing our utmost to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose DJA Injury Lawyers?
When you choose DJA Injury Lawyers to represent you after a truck accident in Huntington Beach, you’re selecting a firm that puts your needs first. Our attorneys bring a fresh perspective and energetic approach to every case, combining innovative legal strategies with personalized attention. We understand the local court system and maintain strong relationships with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists who can strengthen your case.
As a new firm in Orange County, we’re building our reputation one client at a time. As such, you’ll receive dedicated attention from our attorneys, who will be directly involved in every aspect of your case. We’re not a large firm where your case might get lost in the shuffle. We’re committed to providing the responsive, individual attention you deserve.
Contact DJA Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Huntington Beach or surrounding areas, having a dedicated injury attorney working your case can make all the difference in the world. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your claim. Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Our experienced Huntington Beach truck accident lawyers will fight for your rights and your future.
Call DJA Injury Lawyers at (949) 229-7228 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Huntington Beach truck accident attorney. We’re here to help you move forward after a serious truck accident.