Contact our experienced Santa Ana Truck Accident Lawyers, who help injured victims or families of deceased victims pursue personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits to recover compensation for their losses.
We can help review the trucking company’s driver logs to determine if driver fatigue or other negligence caused the accident. We will take the steps necessary to ensure that key evidence and vehicle maintenance logs are preserved after a commercial truck accident.
We will fight for you
Our top-rated Santa Ana personal injury attorney will fight for your rights and help protect your legal rights. Bisnar Chase has achieved a 99% success rate for 45 years fighting for injured plaintiffs.
If a fatigued or negligent truck driver has injured you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Santa Ana truck accident attorney to obtain more information about your legal rights and options.
Contact us for a free evaluation of your injury claim and to speak with an injury lawyer at 949-203-3814
Santa Ana Truck Accident Resources
Compensation in a Santa Ana Truck Accident
Accident victims who have endured serious injuries and families who have lost a loved one are deserving of the compensation they have faced after the tragedy.
Your Santa Ana truck accident attorney can win the compensation you and your family deserve. Commercial truck accident victims can receive compensation for financial losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Non-economic and economic damages
The Santa Ana commercial truck accident lawyers of Bisnar Chase have taken on some of the most challenging truck accidents in Orange County. Our law firm has helped people who have been left with severe spinal cord and brain injuries.
The insurance Company is Not on Your Side.
Insurance companies do not fight vigorously for your rights. Insurance adjusters are paid to settle the truck insurance claims for as little as possible.
While the adjuster seems helpful, they’re deploying tactics to lowball your offer and close your case as quickly as possible.
The number one goal of the insurance company is to limit claims and collect premiums. Don’t put your truck accident claim at risk by talking to an insurance adjuster before discussing your case with an experienced Santa Ana truck accident lawyer.
Protecting yourself from insurance company tactics
We already know that car insurance companies are in business to make money, and one way they do this is by minimizing the amount they pay out on claims. This is especially true for claims that involve more than just property damage, which can be very expensive.
Here are some sneaky ways car insurance companies lowball your insurance claim when you’re injured:
Offering a quick settlement. Insurance adjusters may provide you with a quick settlement for your claim, especially if you’re in financial need. However, these settlements are often much lower than what you’re entitled to. They depend on your desperate need for fast cash to entice you into a much lower settlement.
Downplaying your injuries. Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your injuries by saying they’re not as serious as you claim or pre-existing. They may also try to blame your injuries on something else, such as your weight or age.
Delaying your claim. Insurance adjusters may delay your claim by requesting unnecessary information or documentation. This can be frustrating and stressful, and it may lead you to give up on your claim.
Refusing to pay for certain expenses. Insurance adjusters can refuse to pay for certain expenses related to your accident, such as medical bills or lost wages. They may try and have you process all your medical bills from the accident under your health insurance.
They may also try to reduce the amount they pay for other expenses, such as car repairs or vehicle replacement, by devaluing your property. If your vehicle is a total loss, you should get several valuations in the area that you live in, not what they tell you the value is.
Asking you to admit fault. Insurance adjusters often entice policyholders to admit fault for the accident, even if they’re not. They use this common tactic to reduce their liability and pay you less.
Protecting yourself
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company without first speaking to an experienced truck accident attorney.
- Get all of your medical records and bills together. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up care, and other medical costs you’ve paid or owe.
- Keep a detailed record of all your expenses related to the accident, including lost wages.
- Do not post on social media. Insurance adjusters roam the internet seeking out the social profiles of policyholders to gain evidence that they may not be as injured as they claim.
When you contact the law offices of Bisnar Chase at 949-203-3814, you will receive a free case analysis. There is no obligation, and the review is confidential. Let one of our Santa Ana truck accident attorneys review your case’s evidence to see if you are entitled to financial compensation.
The Role of a Santa Ana Truck Accident Lawyer
Specialized knowledge and expertise
Commercial truck accidents involve unique complexities that set them apart from typical car accidents. These complexities arise due to the size, weight, and specific commercial vehicle regulations.
A skilled Santa Ana truck accident lawyer’s in-depth knowledge of these intricacies allows them to navigate the legal landscape with proven methods leading to fair compensation.
A seasoned truck accident lawyer understands the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that govern commercial vehicles nationwide.
These regulations include driver qualification, vehicle maintenance standards, hours-of-service rules, and more. Being well-versed in FMCSRs enables a lawyer to identify potential violations that may have contributed to the accident and can significantly increase your compensation.
An experienced truck accident lawyer understands the importance of investigating all parties involved in a commercial truck crash. Multiple entities can be held liable for a truck accident, not just the driver and many times the trucking company is responsible due to negligence.
This could include negligent vehicle maintenance vendors or even manufacturers responsible for faulty or defective truck parts. The trucking company can also be liable for overworking their truck drivers which lead to the crash.
How Long Will My Truck Accident Case Take?
Unless the case is highly unique, most truck accident cases will take a few months to a year to settle. If your case is straightforward, then negotiations with the defense team and insurance adjusters will be the bulk of working your case.
In cases involving defective or dangerous parts that malfunctioned or egregious actions by the defendant, those cases can take longer to settle and go through litigation to trial.
If your lawyer settles your case swiftly, they generally did not fight hard enough for you and left money on the table. Choosing a truck accident lawyer with a proven record will help you maximize your recovery, not just secure a quick settlement.
It may be hard to be patient while your personal injury claim processes, but the longer the case goes on, the more your attorney is doing what he should by negotiating hard on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
🚛 Ensure Your Safety: First and foremost, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. If you can, move safely away from traffic and potential hazards.
📞 Call Emergency Services: Dial emergency services (911) to report the accident and request medical assistance. Prompt medical attention is crucial, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Injuries often appear hours after the crash.
📸 Document the Scene: If it is safe, gather evidence by taking photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for your insurance claim or legal case.
🔁 Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and other parties involved in the accident. Note their names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
🚓 File a Police Report: Contact the police and file an accident report. Provide them with accurate details of the accident and your injuries. Request a copy of the report for your records.
👥 Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Their statements may support your case later on.
📝 Preserve Evidence: Preserve any physical evidence, such as torn clothing, damaged personal belongings, or the truck’s black box data. These items may be crucial in determining liability and proving the severity of your injuries.
📝 Seek Medical Attention After: Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away. Follow the doctor’s advice and keep records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and expenses related to your injuries.
🚫 Refrain from Making Statements: Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone other than the police, medical professionals, and your attorney. Do not provide statements to insurance companies without consulting your lawyer first.
💼 Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer immediately. They will protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
⏰ Keep a Detailed Record: Maintain a comprehensive record of all accident-related information, including medical records, expenses, conversations with insurance companies, and the accident’s impact on your daily life. These details can strengthen your case.
Driver Fatigue Amongst Truckers
Driver fatigue is often a prominent factor in devastating commercial trucking accidents. Many studies have found that drivers in commercial trucking who travel long distances, often under pressure to deliver their freight under deadline, are sleep-deprived and a serious risk to other drivers on the road.
Truck drivers who are sleepy or fatigued are more likely to cause a crash, according to studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Their research found that commercial truck drivers behind the wheel for more than eight hours have a twofold increase in crash risk.
IIHS also found that truck drivers reporting hours-of-service violations are likelier to report falling asleep behind the wheel during the past month.
Federal regulations require drivers of commercial trucks to get sufficient rest before returning to the road. These regulations are there for a reason.
A sleepy truck driver behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle can cause significant damage.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which monitors trucking companies, revised the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers.
Revisions made by FMCSA included:
- The new HOS rule reduced by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week.
- In addition, truck drivers are not allowed to drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes.
- The rule also requires commercial truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. This is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision, allowing drivers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.
Trucking companies and drivers must keep logs showing how many hours the driver has worked, how many hours of rest, how many breaks were taken, and when they were taken.
Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11-hour driving limit by three or four hours could face up to $11,000 in fines per offense.
The drivers could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 per offense. Trucking companies and their employees must comply with this HOS rule by July 1, 2013.
If you have questions about the injuries you sustained in a truck crash, contact our truck accident lawyer in Santa Ana for a no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Common Types of Truck Collisions
Truck collisions can leave victims with severe injuries and even are the cause of many deaths in motor vehicle accidents, especially intersection accidents. Not all semi-truck accidents are caused the same way, though. If a trucker is not paying attention to the road or operating the big rig safely, a serious wreck can occur.
Most common kinds of truck accidents that take place.
Truck rollovers
Rollovers occur when a trucker is not driving the big rig with caution. Truckers, at times need to meet deadlines, and to meet these deadlines, they often take unsafe measures to do so. When a trucker is speeding and is approaching a curve, they have an increased chance of flipping over. It is easy for truckers who do not have years of experience to underestimate a turn.
Jackknife
Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If the truck suddenly skids in the road, the trailer can swing and form a 90-degree angle. When a truck is “jackknifing,” it can put other drivers in danger. The trucker can lose control of the semi, and the trailer can swing into oncoming traffic. Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s wheels are locked and driven over a slippery road.
Blind spots
Big rigs, compared to standard motor vehicles, are large. You must be cautious when driving around a truck. Do not follow too closely to semi-trucks. When you tailgate a semi-truck, you are potentially driving in a blind spot. Trucks that are 18-wheelers are very large in height, and if you are too close, this can lead you to miss traffic lights.
Contact our Santa Ana semi truck accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation.
Familiarity with Local Traffic Laws and Ordinances Relevant to Santa Ana, CA
In addition to federal regulations, it is equally essential for a truck accident lawyer in Santa Ana to have comprehensive knowledge of local traffic laws and city ordinances specific to this area.
Each city may have its own traffic laws and regulations that could impact a truck accident case. Therefore, hiring an attorney well-versed in the local laws of Santa Ana can prove advantageous in your lawsuit.
Transportation Industry in Santa Ana
Santa Ana is home to several trucking companies, including local and long-distance transportation, freight forwarding, and cargo services. Some notable trucking companies in the area include Orange Auto Transport, ABC Auto Shipping, GT & N Transport Express, and Aeronet Worldwide.
Santa Ana also has a presence of commercial truck dealers providing many large trucks that travel through the city.
With so many large commercial trucks on the road, the likelihood of an accident is high. Many of the streets in Santa Ana are narrow and congested which makes maneuvering large trucks difficult.
In a city that is overcrowded and experiencing traffic jams, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and because of their size, the injuries in a commercial truck accident tend to be serious.
Trucking Accident Statistics as of 2023
1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 there were 4,136 fatal truck accidents in the United States.
2. In California alone, there were 536 fatal truck accidents in 2018.
3. According to the California Highway Patrol, there were over 11,000 truck accidents in Santa Ana in 2018.
4. In 2018, truck accidents accounted for 13% of all fatal accidents in California.
5. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2018 there were over 500,000 truck accidents in the United States.
6. Over 90% of truck accidents in the United States are caused by human error.
7. In 2018, truck accident fatalities accounted for 10% of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
Never Accept an Initial Insurance Offer
Immediately after an accident, one of the first entities that will reach out to you will be the opposing parties insurance company. They will try to lure you into an offer that they think is more than fair. Do not accept the initial offer.
Compensation that insurance companies offer will pay for the property damage and the medical bills you acquired after your accident but limit your compensation for your pain and suffering. The best way to earn the compensation you deserve is to hire a truck accident lawyer in Santa Ana.
Bisnar Chase’s personal injury Lawyers have represented clients in the Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange County, and Inland Empire communities for over 45 years. When you call today, you will receive a free consultation with one of our legal team experts.
Reason to Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Besides the obvious reason to hire a personal injury lawyer of no cost to you, unless your case is won, there are plenty of other benefits to having legal representation in your truck accident injury claim.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, hiring an experienced truck collision lawyer is crucial for several compelling reasons:
1️⃣ Expertise and Knowledge: Commercial truck accidents involve complex laws and regulations specific to the trucking industry. An experienced lawyer specializes in this area and has in-depth knowledge of the legal complexities involved in truck accident cases.
2️⃣ Maximizing Compensation: Commercial truck accidents often result in severe injuries and significant damages. A skilled truck accident lawyer will work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We will assess all aspects of your case, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation needs, to build a strong claim on your behalf.
3️⃣ Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Truck accident cases require a thorough investigation to determine liability and gather evidence. A dedicated lawyer specializing in truck accidents will conduct an extensive investigation, which may involve collecting accident reports, analyzing black box data, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts. This comprehensive approach strengthens your case and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
4️⃣ Dealing with Insurance Companies: Commercial truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the trucking company and their insurance providers. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny liability altogether. An experienced truck accident lawyer will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
5️⃣ Building a Strong Legal Strategy: Each truck accident case is unique, and an experienced lawyer will develop a tailored legal strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case. They will identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or manufacturers, and hold them accountable for their negligence. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights, taking your case to court if necessary. Our attorneys are all aggressive trial lawyers.
6️⃣ Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. Hiring a truck accident lawyer allows you to focus on your physical and emotional healing while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to truck accident cases, as evidence can disappear, and deadlines can pass. There is a strict two-year time limit to file a personal injury claim in California. Don’t delay seeking legal representation.
Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact a Santa Ana Truck Accident Lawyer at Bisnar Chase
If you have been injured in an accident involving a large truck and you believe you have a personal injury claim, please get in touch with us at 949-203-3814 for a Free Consultation.
- Almost a billion dollars recovered
- Experts in accident scene reconstruction
- Over 45 years serving Orange County Plaintiffs
- Familiar with all Orange County courts and defense teams
- All of our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers
- Named Top 1% in The US for over a decade
- Experts in auto defects in big rigs and other vehicles
