Have you been injured in a truck accident in Orange County, California? Fielding Law can help. Call 833.88.SHARK today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Orange County truck accident lawyer. We can explain your legal options, answer your questions, and help you pursue compensation from the parties responsible for your injuries.
Truck accident claims are often more complex than other motor vehicle accident cases because they can involve multiple liable parties, commercial insurance policies, and state and federal trucking regulations. Our firm provides clear guidance and personalized legal representation to help clients navigate the claims process with confidence.
Why Choose Fielding Law After a Truck Accident in Orange County?
Truck accident claims in Orange County, CA, can quickly become complicated. Between trucking companies, commercial insurance policies, and federal safety regulations, it helps to have an experienced legal team guiding you through the process.
Fielding Law provides knowledgeable, personalized representation so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.
When you work with our Orange County personal injury lawyers, you can expect to benefit from:
- 33 years of combined legal experience representing injured Californians
- More than $98 million recovered for clients through settlements and verdicts
- Direct communication with your legal team and regular updates about your case
- Thorough investigations designed to identify every potentially liable party
- Careful preparation for settlement negotiations or trial, when necessary
- Representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you
Every truck accident case is different, and the legal strategy should reflect that. At Fielding Law, we take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options, and build a case tailored to your needs. If you were injured, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County truck accident attorney.
What Is My Orange County Truck Accident Case Worth?
No attorney can determine the value of a truck accident case without first reviewing the facts. Every claim is different, and the amount you may recover depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the losses you have suffered.
Several factors may influence the value of your truck accident claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you are expected to make a full recovery
- The extent of your required medical treatment, both now and in the future
- The amount of time you are unable to work
- Whether your injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future
- The available insurance coverage
- Whether more than one party is responsible for the accident
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation to determine who is liable and identify all available sources of compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident in Orange County?
The damages available in your truck accident case will depend on your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Most truck accident victims can seek economic and non-economic damages, and punitive damages may be available in limited situations.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available when the defendant’s conduct warrants additional punishment under California law.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Orange County Truck Accident Lawyer?
Fielding Law handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront attorney’s fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. A contingency fee allows you to pursue your claim without worrying about the cost of hiring an attorney.
During your free consultation, our Orange County personal injury attorney will explain our fee agreement and answer any questions you may have.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault for a Truck Accident in California?
It is possible because California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault for a truck accident, you may still recover compensation, but your award will generally be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you recover $100,000 but are found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies often argue that an injured person shares responsibility for an accident, so it is important to have an attorney who can protect your interests and present evidence supporting your claim.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Orange County
The size and weight of commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries, even in crashes involving passenger vehicles traveling at relatively low speeds. Depending on the circumstances, victims may require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care.
Truck accidents often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
Some injuries require months or years of treatment, while others can lead to permanent disabilities. Seeking medical care as soon as possible can help identify injuries early and document them for your claim.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in California?
Many truck accidents are preventable and occur because of driver negligence, mechanical issues, or violations of safety regulations. Determining the cause of the crash is often one of the first steps in establishing liability.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
- Mechanical failures
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Tire blowouts
A careful investigation can reveal why the accident happened and whether one or more parties failed to meet their legal responsibilities.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?
In most cases, California law usually gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file before the deadline, the court may dismiss your case. Some exceptions apply. For example, claims against a government entity can have much shorter deadlines and additional notice requirements.
An attorney can determine which deadline applies to your case.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Orange County?
The hours and days after a truck accident can be overwhelming. Taking a few important steps can protect your health and help preserve evidence related to your claim.
After a truck accident, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage, if it is safe to do so.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with the other driver’s insurance company.
- Keep copies of your medical records, bills, repair estimates, and other accident-related documents.
Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Speaking with an attorney soon after the accident can help preserve important records.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases Often More Complicated Than Car Accident Claims?
Truck accident cases are often more complicated than crashes involving passenger vehicles. In addition to determining how the collision occurred, these claims may involve commercial insurance policies, federal regulations, and multiple parties.
Some of the factors that can make truck accident claims more complex include:
- Multiple potentially liable parties
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Driver qualification and training records
- Hours-of-service logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance records
- Cargo loading and securement requirements
- Larger commercial insurance policies
Because important evidence may disappear over time, it is important to investigate a truck accident as soon as possible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Orange County?
The truck driver is not always the only party responsible for a commercial truck accident. Depending on the circumstances, several individuals or companies may share liability for your injuries.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the truck or trailer
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance or repair company
- The manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part
- A government entity responsible for roadway maintenance, when applicable
Identifying every liable party is an important part of building a truck accident claim. Doing so can help ensure you pursue compensation from all available sources.
Contact Our Orange County Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A serious truck accident in Orange County, CA, can leave you with difficult decisions, but you do not have to make them without reliable legal guidance. Whether you are dealing with an insurance claim, investigating who is responsible for the crash, or trying to understand what your case may be worth, Fielding Law is here to help.
As a boutique personal injury law firm, we take the time to understand your circumstances, answer your questions, and provide legal advice tailored to your situation. If you were injured in a truck accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Orange County truck accident attorney.