ORANGE COUNTY TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
Trucks are an essential part of the American economy, but they can be deadly on the road. Thanks to lax federal regulations and manufacturers putting profit first, personal trucks like pickups aren’t held to the same safety standards as passenger cars, even though they often get used for the same purposes. Large commercial trucks like tractor-trailers, big rigs, or eighteen-wheelers weigh up to 20 times as much as a passenger car, virtually guaranteeing that they’ll crush smaller vehicles in an accident. Some truckers and truck companies ignore safety regulations to maximize profits and meet their deadlines. Victims of truck accidents — those in or outside the truck — are likely to be killed or sustain brain damage, spinal injuries, amputations, and other severe injuries.
Negligence in the Trucking Industry
Determining the cause of your truck accident is an essential part of your claim. When appropriate, our Orange County firm employs our significant resources to investigate truck accidents and uncover any negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or truck manufacturer. Our truck accident attorney strives to hold the trucking industry completely accountable for negligent acts and regulatory violations – not only to obtain full compensation for our clients, but also to improve safety and prevent future harm to other motorists.
While each crash is unique, common causes of truck accidents include:
- Violating traffic laws (speeding, failing to yield, running red lights)
- Truck driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Violating FMCSA trucking regulations for inspections and maintenance
- Negligent hiring and supervision
- Improper loading of cargo
- Defective truck parts
I was partially responsible for my truck crash. Can I still file a claim?
Yes, in some cases, you may still be able to file a lawsuit for a truck accident even if you were also negligent leading up to the crash. However, this will depend on the state where your accident takes place – and your damages may get reduced based on your involvement.
In California, for instance, your claim will be evaluated based on the principle of “comparative negligence,” so if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, you will only be eligible for up to 70% of the total compensation. Due to the complexity of truck accidents, it is essential to review all the details with an experienced attorney who can explain the role of negligence in your collision.
What causes commercial truck accidents?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants because of their vulnerability while riding in a smaller vehicle. Trucks can weigh 20-30 times more than the average passenger vehicle and they have greater ground clearance. This can cause an under-ride collision where the smaller vehicle goes underneath the much larger truck in a crash. Trucks have a longer breaking distance even on dry pavement which is even greater when the road is icy or wet.
The U.S Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported to the following truck accident data for a recent year:
- 4,102 traffic fatalities in truck crashes
- 17 percent of those fatalities were truck occupants
- 68 percent were occupants of passenger vehicles
- 14 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists
Protect Yourself: Do Not Wait to Discuss a Possible Case
Call us at (714) 586-8298 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t win, we don’t get paid. Being in a truck accident is scary enough. Not being appropriately compensated adds to the trauma. If you need a truck accident lawyer in Orange County, give me a call. Our legal professionals will do everything to make sure you come out on top. Truck accident injuries can change your life drastically.
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Take a look at common questions
Yes. In most instances, we quickly arrange for a rental car for you so you can get on with your normal activities, and we make sure you get the car you need. Do you have a case?
Like any other profession, the quality of legal services varies tremendously from one lawyer to the next. Some top attorneys are barely competent others are outstanding leaders of the legal community. These days, clients can use the internet to obtain information about a prospective lawyer. Internet searches can provide information on the attorney’s experience and trial results. I provide information about my actual results on this website so prospective clients can make the best decisions when hiring a lawyer and feel comfortable that the Garcia & Phan Law Firm has proven experience and results.
NO! Our office policy is straightforward and clear: We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Get Money from the Insurance Company! This means that if we don’t get you some monetary recovery, you will not owe us any fees. It’s as simple as that. No money upfront, and no hourly fees. This policy allows us to aggressively fight for the maximum recovery for you and your loved ones. No matter how long the case takes, we will be there fighting for your rights.
Yes. If you have lost earnings or have lost the ability to earn money in the future as a result of your accident, our trusted attorneys fight aggressively to get all of the money you have lost back for you.
