Southern California Truck Accident Lawyers
Commercial truck accidents often result in far more severe injuries and property damage than typical passenger vehicle crashes. The sheer size and weight of semi trucks and other large commercial vehicles create catastrophic consequences when collisions occur.
Morey & Upton, LLP, is a trusted personal injury law firm based in Costa Mesa. Our skilled truck accident lawyers have extensive experience helping injured individuals throughout Orange County, Southern California and the whole state recover compensation after devastating truck accidents.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex And Deadly
Truck accidents present unique challenges, making them among the most complicated and deadliest types of motor vehicle crashes. Several factors contribute to their severity:
- Massive size and weight: An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to a passenger car’s 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.
- Stopping distance: A big rig traveling at highway speeds needs much more distance to stop than smaller vehicles.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours despite federal regulations limiting driving time.
- Mechanical failure: Brake failure, tire blowouts, and other equipment malfunctions can cause catastrophic accidents.
- Cargo issues: Improperly loaded or unsecured freight can shift and cause rollover accidents or jackknife accidents.
- Blind spots: Commercial trucks have large blind spots where drivers cannot see other vehicles.
- Underride potential: Smaller vehicles can slide underneath a cargo trailer, causing devastating injuries.
These factors combine to create accidents with life-changing consequences for everyone involved.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Auto accidents involving big rigs often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the massive force involved. The most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns from fires or chemical spills
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Wrongful death
These serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
How We Determine Fault In Truck Accidents
Determining those responsible for causing truck accidents requires a thorough investigation of multiple factors and potential responsible parties. Our truck accident lawyer team examines several key elements, including:
- Driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence or violating hours-of-service rules
- Trucking company negligence: Inadequate driver training, poor vehicle maintenance or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations
- Vehicle defects: Mechanical failures due to manufacturing defects or improper maintenance
- Loading errors: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo that contributes to accidents
- Road conditions: Poor signage, construction zones or hazardous road surfaces
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations violations: Breaches of DOT regulations governing the trucking industry
- Black box data: Electronic logging devices that record crucial accident information
- Accident reconstruction: Professional analysis of the crash scene and vehicle damage
We have a proven track record of holding multiple liable parties accountable in these complicated cases, including truck drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers and cargo loading companies. Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous clients across Southern California, securing personal injury verdicts and settlements totaling over $300 million.
Get Help From Our Experienced Truck Collision Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a collision with a semi truck or other commercial vehicle, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact the experienced commercial truck accident lawyer team at Morey & Upton, LLP, online or call 800-360-6646 to schedule your free consultation today.
We are in Costa Mesa and serve clients throughout Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County and those located throughout the state of California.
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