California Truck Accident Attorneys – Fight for Maximum Compensation

Truck Accident Facts and Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a large truck as “any medium or heavy truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds.” Of this class of vehicles, 86 percent involved in fatal accidents were heavier than 26,000 pounds during 2015. Nationwide, 4,067 people lost their lives, approximately 116,000 were injured and police reported a total of 433,000 accidents.

Of the more than 4,000 fatalities, concerning 2015 statistics include:

• Large truck accident deaths increased by 4 percent
• 74 percent were drivers or passengers in other vehicles
• 16 percent were truck occupants
• 10 percent were
• 10 percent increase in truck accident injuries over last 10 years
• Approximately 36 trucks per 100,000 were involved in a crash

The legal issues involving Newport Beach truck accidents can be very different from car crashes. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney if you have been injured or suffered other losses due to a truck accident.

Key Statistics on Truck Accidents in the U.S

Did you know?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• 74% of fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of passenger vehicles.
• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-30 times more than a standard car.
• Over 68% of truck accident fatalities occur in rural or suburban areas, including cities like Frisco, TX and Newport News, VA.

Possible Causes of Truck Accidents

It’s only common sense that the potential destructive force of a large truck outweighs that of a smaller vehicle. Crashes involving semis, 18-wheelers and other oversized vehicles can have catastrophic effects. Professional drivers are also sometimes challenged by long hours and other factors to operate safely. These are some of the contributing factors to truck-driver negligence.

• Fatigue: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rules in place to regulate the number of drivable hours per day a person can operate a commercial vehicle. The primary concern is fatigued driving and operators are required to be alert and attentive at all times.
• Speeding: Large trucks require greater distances to break in an emergency due to capacity and force. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), speeding was the No. 1 driver-related factor in crashes.
• Distraction/Inattention: According to the FMCSA, this was the second greatest driver issue in crashes in 2015.
• Improper Load: Experienced industry personnel understand that a truck’s load must be properly dispersed and under the vehicle’s limit. Excessive or uneven loads can make the truck difficult to handle and stop.
• Substance Issues: Alcohol and substance abuse continue to rank high in driver-related crash factors, according to FMCSA, despite drug testing and monitoring requirements.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Vehicles that are not consistently inspected or properly serviced by trucking companies pose an increased risk of catastrophic accident.

Why Truck Accident Claims Require Specialized Legal Representation

Truck accidents involve complex federal and state regulations, multi-party liability (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, etc.), and higher injury severity than standard auto collisions. That’s why victims—especially in places like Newport Beach or McKinney—benefit from attorneys who specialize in trucking litigation.

Independent Truck Driver; How to Find a Good Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

Unlike working for a large company, working as an independent business owner, in particular as an independent contract driver, there are a lot of things you need know. Independent Contractors are not covered under any means by the company they are contracted with. That means if an independent truck driver gets into an accident, it is all on their head to cover costs, including insurance fees and lawyer fees if they need to hire one. Finding a good trucking accident lawyer in California is just as important as having good insurance coverage.

Why Would You Need A Good California Truck Accident Lawyer?

Most people do not realize, or can discern, the different between a contracted worker and a regular employee. At times both may be performing work for the same company, which can further add to confusion when lawsuits are filed. When people are hurt in an accident, lost wages and sufferings are two of the most common grounds for lawsuits. Mistaking you for a direct employee of a larger company, with much better funding, can mean you may be the target of a quite heftier lawsuit. A good California truck accident lawyer can help confront and resolve these sorts of claims, which could otherwise end up in the favor of the plaintiff. The laws and regulations regarding big trucks is a lot different than regular vehicles. There are also special stipulations regarding insurance for big trucks as well. All of these contribute to why you would need a Newport Beach truck accident attorney that is able to handle your serious 18 wheeler accident and big rig accident injuries.

Things to Look for When Hiring a Lawyer

To begin with, some confusion should be cleared regarding the different between a lawyer and an attorney. Both are often times interchanged in regards to how people reference them. In a lot of ways you would want a California truck accident attorney to represent you in the case if you were seeking action against someone in a vehicular case, but for defending you a lawyer is likely a better candidate because they can see a broader picture in regards to how to build a defense. Attorneys tend to have an acute focus on a field of law and are most commonly the ones making arguments in the court room. Lawyers tend to more generalized in practice but can take special interest and study regarding certain aspects, such as laws regarding personal injury and accidents.

Look for Reputation, Costs and Credentials

The former are the three basic aspects of a Newport Beach truck accident lawyer you should look for will help you choose the best candidate your case. Ask around among peers and search online for reviews and ratings regarding a particular firm you are considering. Aside from the firm itself, you should also look up the individual members of the firm’s team. Sometimes you will find lawyers and attorneys working together in the same firm that can be powerful teams, mainly because they are able to provide input from different levels of specialization.

Beyond the team’s composition, you will want to examine their track record and pricing. A group that has high ratings, but little experience would not have a standing to charge as much as the top rated firms of their field. The point of hiring a lawyer is to save money, if they have exorbitant fees, even for a lawyer’s office, you should definitely get a second opinion.

A final, very important note, to consider when hiring a good Newport Beach trucking accident attorney, is to evaluate the reason you are hiring one. While they can be invaluable assets to have on your side, sometimes going straight to them can be jumping the gun. Instances where you are in dispute with the company that contracted you are times where having one on your side can be critical. Whereas, minor, clear fault issues, such as minor fender benders where you are not at fault, should be able to be handled easily without one. Though, when unsure, it never hurts to have a consultation.

Complex Case Types Our California Truck Accident Attorneys Handle:

• California catastrophic truck accident claims
• Truck tire blowout and rollover injuries
• Employer negligence involving overloaded or unlicensed drivers
• Underride accidents and failure to signal crashes on California freeways
• Garbage truck or delivery truck accidents in urban zones like Long Beach and Stockton
• FedEx collisions involving corporate liability and fleet violations

Checklist: What to Do After a Truck Accident:

1. Call 911 and report the accident.
2. Document the Scene with photos and witness info.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Care, even if injuries are not visible.
4. Do Not Admit Fault or speculate about the accident.
   

5. Contact an attorney – like Emery Ledger at The Ledger Law Firm – before speaking to the trucking company’s insurer.

Contact The Ledger Law Firm For Access to A California truck accident attorney

The Ledger Law Firm is a truck accident law firm in California comes to for injury accidents. We are small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve, but large enough to have the resources you need.

Don’t delay. If you have been involved in an injury accident the time to act is now. Contact The Ledger Law Firm today by phone, email, or through our convenient “Chat Now” feature on our website.

California Truck Accident Attorneys – Fight for Maximum Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I hire a Newport Beach truck accident lawyer instead of a general personal injury attorney?

Hiring a specialized Newport Beach truck accident lawyer is essential due to the complexities involved in commercial trucking cases. Trucking cases often involve FMCSA regulations, black box data, and multi-party liability—areas that a general personal injury lawyer may not be fully equipped to handle.

What steps should I take after an auto accident in Newport Beach involving a semi-truck or delivery truck?

If you were in an auto accident in Newport Beach with a big rig or delivery vehicle:

• Seek medical help immediately
• Collect driver and witness info
• Photograph the scene and damages
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers
• Contact a truck accident attorney in Newport Beach for guidance

Who is the best truck accident attorney in Newport News, VA for 18-wheeler or big rig collisions?

If you or a loved one was involved in a trucking crash, reach out to a big rig accident attorney in Newport News, VA. Our legal team includes some of the best truck accident attorneys in Newport News, VA—experienced in 18-wheeler, FedEx, and commercial trucking lawsuits.

Can I sue a trucking company if their driver was an independent contractor?

Yes, with the help of an independent truck accident lawyer, you can investigate whether the company still bears liability under theories such as negligent hiring, poor maintenance oversight, or misclassification of employment.

How is a semi truck accident law firm in Newport News, VA different from a regular law firm?

A specialized semi truck accident law firm in Newport News, VA focuses solely on commercial vehicle collisions. These firms have investigative teams, access to expert witnesses, and resources to take on large corporate insurers—critical for successful outcomes in complex truck crash cases.

What are the most common causes of truck accidents in California?

Top causes include:

• Driver fatigue
• Brake failure or tire blowouts
• Unsecured or overloaded cargo
• Speeding and failure to use turn signals
• Distracted or impaired driving

Speak with a California truck accident attorney to analyze the unique cause of your crash.

I was hit by a FedEx truck in California. Do I need a specialized attorney?

Absolutely. A California FedEx truck accident attorney understands how to pursue claims against national delivery companies, including issues related to driver training, delivery schedules, and route monitoring.

Are your attorneys experienced in handling truck rollover or tire blowout accidents in California?

Yes, our team includes seasoned California truck rollover accident attorneys and California truck tire blowout accident attorneys. We investigate mechanical failure, highway conditions, and cargo loading issues thoroughly.

I’m based in McKinney, Texas. Who should I contact after an 18-wheeler accident?

Our 18 wheeler accident attorneys in McKinney offer expert legal representation for victims of catastrophic trucking crashes. Whether it’s a freeway pile-up or local delivery collision, we’re equipped to help.

Do you help clients in Long Beach, CA with trucking injury claims?

Yes. Contact a Long Beach truck accident attorney or our best truck accident lawyer in Long Beach for help with cases involving garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, underride crashes, or fatal injuries.

Can I file a wrongful death claim for a loved one lost in a California trucking accident?

Yes. Our fatal truck accident attorneys in California help families pursue compensation for loss of income, funeral costs, and emotional damages. These cases often involve multiple liable parties and require thorough investigation.

What makes The Ledger Law Firm a top-rated California trucking accident attorney firm?

We offer:

• Decades of personal injury experience
• Millions recovered for truck accident victims
• Local expertise in areas like Stockton, Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, and Northern California
• Special focus on cases involving California delivery truck accident attorneys, employer negligence, and catastrophic injuries