Orange is a thriving city with a strong economy and a network of vital interstates and roadways that serve as lifelines for commercial transportation. As trucks navigate the region, the likelihood of accidents occurring on major thoroughfares such as I-5, I-405, and SR-55 becomes increasingly significant. These accidents can lead to life-altering consequences for those involved.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Orange truck accident attorney at Wilshire Law Firm.
Our dedicated team of truck accident lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Orange Truck Accident Guide
- Why Choose Wilshire Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Claim?
- Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?
- Who Can You Hold Liable in a Truck Accident Claim?
- What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Truck Accident?
- What Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?
- How Can a Lawyer with Wilshire Law Firm Help with My Truck Accident Case?
- Contact the Truck Accident Attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm Today
Why Choose Wilshire Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Claim?
Since 2007, Wilshire Law Firm has provided accident victims in Orange and throughout Southern California with professional and trustworthy legal services, ensuring they get justice and the compensation they need and deserve. Through the years, we have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients.
Our team of Orange truck accident attorneys possesses a deep understanding of the intricate details involved in such claims, navigating the complexities of trucking regulations, industry standards, and conducting thorough investigations.
With a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts, our firm has consistently demonstrated its ability to advocate aggressively on behalf of our clients, ensuring that they receive the maximum compensation for their injuries and damages.
Operating on a contingency fee basis, we only collect fees if we successfully win your case, showcasing our dedication to providing accessible and effective legal representation. By choosing Wilshire Law Firm, you are selecting a trusted partner committed to securing justice and financial recovery for your truck accident claim in Orange, California.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?
Like most personal injury claims, to have a successful truck accident claim, you must show that the other party’s negligence caused the accident in which you were injured. To establish negligence, the plaintiff (the injured party) typically needs to demonstrate the four essential elements of negligence.
These elements are:
- Duty of Care: The plaintiff must show that the defendant (usually the truck driver or the trucking company) owed a duty of care to others on the road. In the context of a truck accident, this duty of care involves operating the vehicle safely, following traffic laws, and taking necessary precautions to prevent harm to others.
- Breach of Duty: It must be proven that the defendant breached the duty of care owed to others. This could involve actions such as speeding, driving while fatigued, violating traffic regulations, or failing to properly maintain the truck. The breach is essentially the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person or, in this case, a professional truck driver, would have exercised in similar circumstances.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the injuries or damages suffered by the plaintiff. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions (or inactions) were a substantial factor in causing the accident and resulting harm. In a truck accident context, this could involve showing that a driver’s negligence, such as a failure to brake in time, directly led to the collision.
- Damages: Finally, the plaintiff needs to prove that they suffered actual damages as a result of the accident. These damages can include medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other measurable losses. Without quantifiable damages, there is typically no basis for a negligence claim.
Who Can You Hold Liable in a Truck Accident Claim?
Determining liability in a truck accident claim can be complex as multiple parties may share responsibility. Identifying the parties that may be held liable depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Here are some potentially liable parties in a truck accident claim:
Truck Driver
The truck driver is often a primary party held liable for accidents. Negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic laws may make the driver responsible for the collision.
Trucking Company
The company that owns or operates the truck may be held liable, especially if the accident is linked to issues such as inadequate training, improper maintenance, or violations of regulations governing the trucking industry.
Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing, or inadequate maintenance, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held responsible.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents. If a third-party company is responsible for loading the cargo, they may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the crash.
Truck Owner
In cases where the truck is owned by a party separate from the trucking company, the owner may be held liable if their negligence or failure to maintain the vehicle contributed to the accident.
Third-Party Contractors
If a third-party contractor, such as a maintenance or repair service, was responsible for servicing the truck and their negligence contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.
Government Entities
If the accident was caused by a poorly maintained road, inadequate signage, or other infrastructure issues, a government entity responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Truck Accident?
California follows a pure comparative negligence standard to allocate negligence in personal injury cases, including truck accident cases. Comparative negligence allows for the allocation of fault among multiple parties involved in an accident, and each party is held responsible for the percentage of fault attributed to them. This system is designed to ensure that individuals are held accountable for their share of responsibility, and it impacts the amount of compensation they can recover.
In the context of a truck accident case in Orange, if the injured party (plaintiff) partially caused the accident, their compensation decreases by a percentage equal to their degree of fault.
In truck accident cases, determining comparative negligence involves a careful examination of the actions of all parties involved, including the truck driver, other drivers, and potentially even the injured party. Factors such as speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, or other forms of negligence may contribute to the allocation of fault.
California’s pure comparative negligence standard is more plaintiff-friendly compared to other systems. Even if the injured party is found to be overwhelmingly at fault (e.g., 90% at fault), they can still recover damages. This approach recognizes that accidents are often the result of multiple factors, and it allows for a fair distribution of responsibility based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Navigating the complexities of comparative negligence in truck accident cases requires experienced legal representation. An attorney can help gather evidence, assess liability, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that the injured party receives the maximum compensation available under California’s pure comparative negligence standard.
What Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?
Truck accident victims may be entitled to various types of damages, both economic and non-economic, to compensate for the losses they have suffered. The specific damages available can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of injuries, and applicable laws.
Here are common types of damages available to truck accident victims:
- Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for medical bills related to the treatment of injuries sustained in the truck accident. This may include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical services.
- Lost Earnings: If the victim is unable to work due to injuries sustained in the truck accident, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both current and future income losses.
- Property Damage: Compensation may be available for the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as the victim’s vehicle or personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life, may be awarded to compensate victims for the intangible hardships they endure.
- Disability and Disfigurement: If the truck accident results in a long-term disability or disfigurement, victims may be eligible for compensation to account for the lasting impact on their lives.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, spouses or family members may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services resulting from the injuries sustained by their loved one in a truck accident.
Each truck accident case is unique, and the availability and amount of damages can vary based on factors such as liability, insurance coverage, and state laws. Seeking the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial to properly evaluate the damages applicable to your specific case and to navigate the legal process for maximum compensation.
How Can a Lawyer with Wilshire Law Firm Help with My Truck Accident Case?
Choosing Wilshire Law Firm in Orange, California, for your truck accident claim is a decision rooted in our firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence, client advocacy, and a proven track record of success. Here is why you can entrust your truck accident claim to us:
Knowledge of Personal Injury Law
Our team of truck accident lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the unique challenges associated with these cases. Our legal professionals understand the complexities of trucking regulations, industry standards, and the nuances of investigating and litigating truck accident claims.
Proven Track Record
With a history of successful outcomes, our firm has demonstrated its ability to secure substantial settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims. Our attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to build strong cases that stand up to the scrutiny of insurance companies and legal adversaries.
Client-Centered Approach
At Wilshire Law Firm, we prioritize our clients’ well-being and needs. Our client-centered approach means you can expect personalized attention, clear communication, and a dedicated legal team committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Resourceful Investigation
Truck accidents often require a thorough and resourceful investigation to determine liability and establish the facts. Wilshire Law Firm has access to a network of experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators who can help build a compelling case on your behalf.
Aggressive Advocacy
Truck accident claims can be highly contested, with insurance companies and opposing parties aggressively defending their interests. Our attorneys are known for their assertive and strategic advocacy, ensuring your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Comprehensive Support
Beyond legal experience, Wilshire Law Firm offers comprehensive support to our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a truck accident can take, and we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and care.
No Fees Unless We Win
Wilshire Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation for your case. This arrangement underscores our confidence in our ability to deliver positive results for our clients.
Contact the Truck Accident Attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm Today
At Wilshire Law Firm, we recognize the unique challenges posed by truck accident cases and the need for a legal team that can skillfully address the complexities associated with them. Our commitment is to provide unwavering support, leveraging our extensive experience and resources to hold responsible parties accountable for the injuries and damages sustained in truck accidents.
When you choose Wilshire Law Firm in Orange, California, you get a legal team with a proven record of success, a commitment to client satisfaction, and the resources to handle your truck accident claim effectively. Contact us today at (714) 386-1747 or fill out our online form for your free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to an Orange personal injury lawyer.
Our Orange Office Location
Wilshire Law Firm
Orange
1940 W. Orangewood #110 Office 7
Orange, CA 92868
Tel: (714) 386-1747
Open Mon – Sun
Available 24 Hours
by Appointment Only
