FULLERTON truck accident Lawyer

"DRIVEN TO BE THE BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS SERVING FULLERTON"

While any kind of accident can be disastrous and devastating, few can have the impact that those involving large commercial trucks can have. Unfortunately, you see these large commercial vehicles on the roads and highways all over Southern California. While they are vital to our economy and there are countless truck drivers and companies who are safe and reliable, there are some who may be negligent in their operation of the vehicle. When this occurs, the large size and the speed at which these trucks travel can have catastrophic results.

Our Fullerton trucking accident attorney at Pirnia Law Group recognizes just how severe this situation can be, and we work hard to provide you with the necessary legal counsel to understand your rights. The aftermath of a truck accident can feel challenging, especially when you consider the severity of the injuries you may endure, but there are options that you have that must be safeguarded. Below, we’ll provide you with vital information you must know about the different types of accidents that may occur, what federal regulations say, and the difficult aftermath you must navigate.

Free Case Evaluation

GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

TYPES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Large commercial vehicles are much different than their four-wheel counterparts, and no two accidents are the same. However, there are classifications often used to describe the accident and the potential threat they pose to others on the road. Recognizing these types of truck accidents is important when pursuing your claim as you can confidently describe the situation to your insurance company when you file your initial report.

Some of the most common types of truck accidents include the following:

Rollover accidents: When large trucks make sharp turns or the cargo in the trailer is significantly uneven, it can cause the entire truck (cab and trailer) to overturn onto one of its sides. Unfortunately, any vehicle in the direct vicinity of the truck can also endure the impact of this type of crash.

Tire blowouts: While you may think that the extra tires on a big rig pose an advantage, there’s also more opportunity for a tire blowout to occur. The force of this situation is enough to cause the driver to lose control of the truck, which can be dangerous to all other vehicles nearby.

Jackknife accidents: Often occurring when a truck driver is forced to brake too hard (such as if the truck driver is distracted when approaching traffic), a jackknife accident results in the big rig folding at roughly a 90-degree angle. The force can bring the trailer rushing forward next to the cab, forming the shape of a folding knife.

Wide turn accidents: If you’ve ever driven behind a large commercial truck, you’ve seen the wide turn warning. Unfortunately, some trucks may not have them, and some truck drivers may not be aware of their surroundings. A wide turn without knowledge of what’s around them can cause the driver to strike a vehicle or pedestrian.

Federal Regulations in the Trucking Industry

There are many regulations brought forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that permits what those in the trucking industry must and must not do to keep all individuals on the road safe. These regulations are designed with safety in mind, but because some companies and drivers focus on quick turnaround times and high reward, these regulations often go ignored. Whenever a regulation violation occurs, however, and a crash follows, this can help to show negligence on someone else’s behalf.

Trucking industry regulations include two major focal points on the road:

Hours of Service: Truck drivers are regulated regarding the number of hours they are allowed to work and how long they may drive without having to take a break. If the driver continues working past the Hours of Service regulations, they run a risk of being fatigued on the road. However, some companies encourage this in order to make swift deliveries and return for more work. A fatigued driver, though, is just as dangerous as a drunk driver on the road.

Weight Restrictions: You know that commercial vehicles are large in size and they must weigh quite a bit. What you may not know, however, is that the federal regulations limit the size of a truck to no more than 80,000 pounds including the cab and the trailer and cargo. Of course, the number of axles must also be considered, but any time a truck is overloaded and too heavy, it can cause various problems on sharp turns, going up and down steep hills, or when treacherous weather conditions arise, such as heavy winds.

These regulations are heavily enforced, and it’s necessary to show negligence when pursuing compensation, so reporting the accident for investigation quickly can help preserve vital evidence.

Catastrophic Injuries in Truck Accident Cases

The large trucks can pose a significant problem because of their sheer size and force. Unfortunately, they also travel at relatively high speeds, which means anyone in the path of negligence can suffer catastrophic harm. Truck accidents have the potential to cause some of the most catastrophic injuries that result in long-term injuries, requiring you to take legal action against the responsible party to cover medical expenses associated with the damages. You may also recover lost income, therapy costs, and more.

Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that include the following:

Traumatic brain injuries stemming from the pure force of the truck accident. The more impact from the crash, the more your head may move about the cabin, contacting the frame, the steering wheel, the dashboard, and more. Any kind of trauma to the brain leads to long-term cognitive issues, concussions, and more.

Spinal cord injuries can arise when a truck collides with you and forces your neck or back to suffer severe injury. Any damage to the nerves within the spinal cord can lead to some of the most damaging effects, often resulting in paralysis. This can result in the loss of motor function in the limbs affected, which typically depends on the location at which the injury arises.

Broken bones: While you may not see broken bones as catastrophic as the others, significant fractures can cause lifelong pain when they do not heal correctly. Unfortunately, the impact arising from large commercial truck accidents can lead to some of the most severe broken bones, making it difficult to endure.

Get your free case evaluation today

714-790-9443

Who is Responsible in a Truck Accident?

Responsibility may fall on numerous parties, putting countless individuals at risk of harm. Recognizing liability is important to your ability to pursue compensation, especially when you think of the potential damages you may have encountered.

Here are some of the parties that may be held accountable and for which reasons.

The truck driver: Like any other situation, a truck driver is accountable whenever he or she does something that is negligent. This may include distracted driving, drunk driving, drugged driving, fatigued driving, and more. The driver must take necessary steps to ensure they’re doing everything they can to stay safe on the road.

The trucking company: The trucking company may be liable when they fail to maintain trucks, encourage drivers to violate regulations, and hire drivers without proper training or the licenses needed. The trucking company has a responsibility to their own drivers and to others on the road, and they can cause harm when not careful.

Other employees: In some situations, other employees who may be responsible for loading the trailer or otherwise keeping trucks and cargo safe may be liable for injuries should they not pay close attention to safety on the road.

Knowing who is responsible can help you file your claim against the liable individual to pursue compensation. Of course, in most situations, it falls on the driver or the company depending on the contractual obligations. The more evidence you can preserve regarding what took place in the crash can help you to hold the right person responsible for damages.

FAQ:

When is a Commercial Driver Considered Negligent?

A commercial driver is negligent if he or she does something under his or her own accord that puts others at risk. For instance, if the truck driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is considered reckless and negligent, and it’s the truck driver who is liable for all damages.

What’s the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

The most common types of truck accidents involve

overturned trucks
jackknife accidents
detached trailers
tire blowouts, and more.

Unfortunately, when these vehicles are involved in a crash, the large size alone can cause significant damage.

Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim for a Truck Accident?

Because truck accidents are some of the most severe, some of the injuries victims sustain can be fatal. In these situations, the law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death action against the responsible party. It’s best to speak with an attorney who can explain what rights and options you have to file a wrongful death claim.

Should I Speak with the Insurance Company by Myself?

When you are involved in a truck accident, you’re going against a large corporation. Insurance companies are businesses with a focus on profit, and they’re not always looking out for your best interests. Instead, they will do whatever to pay you much less than you need. You don’t have to speak with the insurance company alone, though, and you can have legal representation through the process.

What Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?

When you’re involved in a truck accident, you want to ensure that you’re doing all you can to protect your rights, which includes taking various steps after the accident, including the following:

Getting information from the truck driver about his company, his commercial driver’s license, his insurance information, and any other information for your insurance company to contact him or her.

Taking photos of all possible damages to your vehicle, signs of negligence, and visible injuries you have sustained.

Reporting the accident to local authorities. Officers can come out to help take statements, but they can also work to determine if the driver was tired, distracted, or under the influence.

Getting medical care to start your treatment and get a medical record that can help you when filing your claim.

Speaking with a lawyer to determine where negligence may exist and what rights you have to pursue compensation.

Protect Your Rights with a

Fullerton Truck Accident Attorney

It can be difficult to recognize what rights you have. Taking the necessary steps can protect your rights, but having a Fullerton personal injury lawyer can be the most effective way to safeguard your ability to pursue compensation.

Our team at Pirnia Law Group is here to help you through the difficult matters, going through every step necessary by your side and championing your rights to justice. Believe in our team to be your voice and let you focus on your recovery while we handle the complex legal matters that lie in your path.

We operate on contingency fees, so there are no fees unless you win. We’ll take every precaution to guide your case on the right path with the focus of maximum compensation man. We’re here to help you have a voice against large corporations, going through the necessary legal process for you to obtain the outcome you need when you need it the most.