Santa Ana Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Attorney in Santa Ana, CA
Being hit by an 18-wheeler truck can leave you with devastating injuries and could even result in death. Because of the size and weight of these massive vehicles, they can pose a serious risk to other drivers on the roadway. These accidents take place frequently along I-5 and the nearby Interstate 405, both of which are vital trucking routes in the area. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed, a compassionate Santa Ana truck accident lawyer is here to help protect you.
Bentley & More LLP: Taking a Stand for Justice and Compensation
Bentley & More LLP was founded on a passion for fierce advocacy and comprehensive legal care. We are proud to represent clients across California who have suffered in a wide range of negligent, reckless, or intentionally violent acts. Our team has decades of experience advocating for personal injury victims, and while we have a proven track record of success in settling cases through negotiation, we are not afraid of taking a case to court should the need arise.
Common Causes of Santa Ana Truck Accidents
When a crash happens involving an 18-wheeler truck, the cause behind the accident almost always boils down to some form of human error. It is important to be able to determine the direct cause, as the cause often points to liability, and it will be an essential aspect of your claim. At Bentley & More LLP, we have handled truck accident cases stemming from the following causes:
- Drowsy drivers. Truck drivers are held to various tight schedules, and when they press themselves too hard, not stopping to rest in compliance with federal mandates, they are more apt to cause an accident. These rest break rules are in place for a reason, and when they are violated by the driver or the trucking company, fatal accidents can take place as a result.
- Distracted drivers. When a truck driver takes part in any action that removes their hands from the wheel or their eyes from the road, this can result in horrific and deadly accidents. The most common actions of distracted driving include texting and driving, eating and drinking while driving, and interacting with any controls within the cab of the 18-wheeler truck.
- Unstable cargo. Overloaded trucks account for around 65% of all fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. When overloaded or unstable cargo is at play in a trucking accident, it’s possible to hold the loading company liable for the accident and the resulting injuries.
- Intoxicated drivers. When a truck driver operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not only is this illegal, but it is also a recipe for disaster. It is easier for an intoxicated truck driver to cause an accident due to a shortened reaction time and impaired judgement.
- Roadway hazards. There are government agencies in place that are tasked with the duty to keep certain roadways safe and free of dangerous conditions. When these agencies neglect these duties, it can result in serious accidents, including ones that involve 18-wheeler trucks.
At Bentley & More LLP, we are here to review your case and launch our own independent investigation into the accident in order to determine the cause and liability. We make it our mission to leave no stone unturned when pursuing the compensation and justice you and your family deserve.
Types of Trucking Accidents in Orange County
Across Orange County, truck accidents come in a variety of forms, each posing nuanced legal challenges when a personal injury claim arises as a result. Understanding the type of accident you have suffered in can help your attorneys better identify the cause and liability, allowing them to pursue fair compensation. The most common types of trucking accidents in Orange County include:
- Wide-turn accidents. These accidents happen when a truck swings too wide when completing a turn, and the trailer of the truck swings out, colliding with surrounding vehicles.
- Jackknife accidents. These accidents take place when a truck’s trailer swings out at a sharp angle, blocking lanes of traffic and creating that tell-tale jackknife shape.
- Rear-end collisions. Most trucks will require a longer amount of time to come to a complete stop, so when a driver is traveling at high speeds and not paying attention, it can be easier for them to smash into the rear end of a vehicle in front of them, which can lead to severe injuries.
- Head-on collisions. When the front end of a commercial truck collides with the front end of another vehicle, the injuries will likely be catastrophic for the victim and could even result in death.
- Underride accidents. These accidents occur when a smaller passenger vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer and causes horrific injuries. This typically happens due to driver inattention when a truck has to suddenly hit its brakes.
- Blind spot accidents. Trucks are large vehicles and tend to have various blind spots, or areas in the road blocked by the body of the truck itself. A common rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their mirrors, they cannot see you. When a driver forgets to check their blind spots, it can result in accidents, injuries, and death.
- Override accidents. These accidents happen when a truck runs over a smaller vehicle, usually in front of it. Override accidents are usually the result of sudden stops or being too close to surrounding traffic.
Nearly 72.4% of American freight is transported using trucks, showing the need for these vehicles. However, when an accident takes place, your life is worth more than profit, and our attorneys are here to help.
Damages You Could Recover
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Santa Ana or anywhere in the surrounding area of Orange County, you are likely entitled to some form of monetary compensation. The damages you could potentially recover include:
- Medical expenses. This can include any coverage regarding past, present, or future medical bills, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and treatment.
- Lost wages. This includes compensation for the lost income you suffered as a result of being unable to work due to your injury.
- Property damage. This includes reimbursement for any necessary repairs or replacements to your vehicle or to any of the property that was damaged inside your vehicle in the accident.
- Pain and suffering. These damages include compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have sustained, as well as any loss of the enjoyment of life or resulting loss of consortium.
- Wrongful death. If your loved one has died as a result of an 18-wheeler accident, you are likely entitled to compensation. This compensation is used to help cover all funeral and burial costs and any related medical expenses that were incurred prior to your loved one’s death.
- Punitive damages. In rare cases, you could recover punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions are deemed grossly negligent or particularly egregious.
FAQs
What Factors Can Affect My Truck Accident Settlement?
There are several different factors that can affect a truck accident settlement in California. These factors include the severity of your injuries, how long it might take for you to recover (or if you will even make a full recovery), whether there is clear liability or disputed fault at play, and the quality of the evidence that is involved in the claim.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Suffered in a Truck Accident?
In one year, the United States suffered over 76,000 injuries due to trucking accidents. Some of the most common injuries suffered in these accidents include spinal cord injuries, which could result in partial or complete paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones and fractures, burns and lacerations, amputations, whiplash and other neck injuries, and internal injuries, such as organ damage.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Claims in CA?
In California, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims and all personal injury cases is currently set at two years. This means that you have exactly two years from the time of your truck accident injury to file a legal claim to recover compensation. Otherwise, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose out on any chances for damage recovery.
What Evidence Can Be Used to Prove a Negligence Claim in a Truck Accident?
In a truck accident claim, there are several forms of evidence that can be used to prove negligence. The key pieces of evidence include photos of any damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and any skid marks or roadway conditions that could have caused the accident. It is also important to gather contact information from any eyewitnesses and the name of the truck driver, as well as their CDL number.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today Serving Santa Ana Residents
Suffering a collision with a commercial truck can have life-altering consequences. In the aftermath, you will likely find yourself wondering what actions need to be taken next. The wisest thing you can do at this moment is hire a truck accident lawyer you can trust. At Bentley & More LLP, we have recovered millions for previous clients, and while past results can’t guarantee a future outcome, we’re here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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