Commercial truck drivers fill the roads and highways in California, especially 18-wheelers transporting goods from freight harbors to other locations.
The nearby Port of Los Angeles is the largest and busiest port in the country, followed by Long Beach.
Many of these cargo-carrying trucks make their way along Orange County highways. Unfortunately, more big rigs on the road mean more chances for devastating collisions.
If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a big rig accident caused by the truck driver, you need to speak with an Orange County truck accident attorney right away.
Pursuing a truck accident claim is complicated. These claims often involve multiple defendants and complex legal issues. You need to hire a legal advocate to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you’re owed.
When it comes to hiring a truck accident lawyer in Orange County, you want a lawyer who has experience with 18-wheeler truck claims. These accident cases differ significantly from passenger vehicle collisions. Attorney Mark Robinson has nearly 50 years of experience with personal injury claims, including commercial truck collisions.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, please don’t hesitate to call (949) 720-1288 or reach us online today.
Why Hire Mark Robinson, Esq. as Your Orange County Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
With plenty of truck accident lawyers to choose from in Orange County, you might be wondering why you should hire us to represent you. With extensive litigation experience, attorney Mark Robinson knows how to build a strong case and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Some things that set us apart from other truck accident lawyers include:
- We have the financial resources and necessary skills to take your commercial truck accident case to trial, no matter how many defendants are involved.
- Mark Robinson, Esq. has worked on cases with multi-million-dollar verdicts, including personal injury lawsuits that resulted in some of California’s most significant verdicts in history.
- We are personal and believe that every client deserves the best representation possible. Our firm will customize our legal services to best solve your current personal injury needs.
- Our Orange County truck injury law firm is not afraid to stand up to any defendant, no matter how much the defendants try to intimidate you.
- You won’t pay any attorney fees or court costs unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. We only charge fees and expenses if we win your case.
When deciding what law firm to hire, consider the attorney’s experience. It would be best to have someone who can stand up to these trucking companies and any other potential defendants. Most truck accident claims will resolve before litigation. Still, it’s crucial to choose an Orange County 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer who won’t back down, no matter how complicated the case might be. Some of our largest historic verdicts were against global auto manufacturers. We are very comfortable pursuing a claim against a trucking company or manufacturer.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Orange County
Truck accidents result from a wide variety of negligent and intentional acts. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include the following.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers have a lot going on and spend their working hours behind the wheel. A driver might be looking at their log, checking directions on the GPS, eating or drinking, texting, or doing something else that takes their attention off the road.
Fatigued Driving
The law regulates how many hours truck drivers are allowed to drive each day. Being on the road many hours every day can easily cause a driver to nod off. Some trucking employers might even push their drivers to work longer than the law allows to make their delivery because companies typically only get paid by the delivery. When truck drivers are tired, they could fall asleep behind the wheel, putting other motorists at risk for serious injuries.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
While it should never happen, some drivers get behind the wheel while intoxicated or on drugs. These drugs may include prescribed medications. If a prescription notes you should not drive or it could cause drowsiness, the law could consider this the same as a DUI.
Speeding and Other Traffic Violations
Truck drivers often speed to help get to their destination sooner. They might also engage in other risky behavior, such as illegal turns, running red lights, etc.
Overloaded Truck or Improperly Loaded Cargo
When someone overloads or improperly loads a tractor-trailer, the results can be catastrophic. Properly loading the truck is as crucial as operating it safely. Forces such as wind and gravity impact these large trucks. If a truck is improperly loaded, the driver could have trouble braking or steering.
Defective Parts
In some cases, a defective part can contribute to a truck accident in California. For example, faulty brakes could keep the driver from stopping, causing an accident. A subsequent investigation revealed that the brakes had an undetectable factory defect in a routine safety inspection.
Your Orange County truck accident attorney will investigate your claim and let you know who is at fault for the collision and why. When you don’t hire an attorney, you must identify all responsible parties on your own, which can be extremely challenging with no legal background.
Determining Fault in an Orange County Truck Accident
Proving liability in an auto accident claim is usually simpler than big rig accidents. One driver is typically responsible for your damages with auto collisions. But with truck accidents, you frequently deal with multiple defendants, including corporate defendants. Truck accidents may require a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision.
Some factors to consider in a commercial truck accident include:
- Was the driver negligent in any way?
- Did the truck have any defects which could lead to a claim against the manufacturer or parts company?
- Did a mechanic complete any faulty repairs to the truck?
- Who else could be liable — the employer for pushing drivers to violate the maximum hours, skip safety inspections, etc.?
Conducting a thorough investigation can be extremely time-consuming, but it’s necessary. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer in Orange County can help you identify all responsible parties.
California is a pure comparative negligence state. This law means that you could still receive compensation even if you are partially responsible for the collision. However, the court or insurance company will reduce your overall award by your percentage of fault. For example, a jury finds you 30% at fault, leaving you with 70% of your damages.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Collisions involving large tractor-trailer trucks typically result in severe to catastrophic injuries. These trucks weigh significantly more than a passenger vehicle, which can obliterate another car in a collision. Victims have a wide range of injuries, requiring future medical treatment and lifelong pain or permanent damage.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Complex broken bones and fractures,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Severe lacerations and subsequent scarring,
- Back and neck injuries,
- Severe burns,
- Disfigurement or loss of limb, and
- Death.
Severe injuries require a very experienced Orange County big rig truck accident lawyer who knows how to build the most robust case possible. Attorney Mark Robinson has litigated cases involving catastrophic injuries and death, including landmark automobile defect cases. We understand what is at stake here and how important it is to recover compensation for your future medical treatment and permanent damage.
Understandably, prospective clients also want to know how much compensation they can recover for their injuries. Compensation in a truck accident case varies based on individual circumstances.
In general, recoverable damages in these types of claims include but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages, Property damage,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Emotional distress.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Orange County, CA
If you sustained injuries in a truck accident caused by other parties, you have rights. Don’t let the trucking company or the driver try to take advantage of you.
Contact Mark P. Robinson, Esq. to schedule a consultation. Let us review your case and advise you on the best course of legal action. With over five decades of California litigation experience, attorney Mark Robinson stands ready to help.
Don’t risk your case by trying to negotiate a settlement independently. We are skilled negotiators and will work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable for your damages.
Get started today by contacting us online or calling (949) 720-1288 for a free case review.