At Nordean Law, we strive to keep our community safe. We pursue justice for the injured and we share critical information on how to keep you and your family safe.
Follow the link below for the best tips to prevent accidents of all kinds. If you have a specific question, or if you were injured in an accident, reach out to one of our attorneys today.
The aftermath of a truck accident is devastating. The occupant, driver, or passenger of the smaller vehicle is severely injured in most cases. It is hard to save yourself from a sudden impact of a large truck. A commercial truck weighs 30 times more than an average vehicle. It can make a brutal impact leading to long-term, life-altering injuries. Anaheim witnesses truck accidents every now and then on its freeway and interstate.
We understand how helpless it must be for you if you have been injured or hospitalized after suddenly experiencing a truck accident. We have seen families lose hope watching their loved ones in so much pain and medical bills piling up. California follows a fault-based system where the defendant must pay a specific compensation for personal injury out of accidents. But navigating the procedures can be extremely difficult when you are in a vulnerable state of recovering from injuries and emotional trauma.
As a personal injury law firm, we strive to help truck accident victims recover what they have lost and make the healing process slightly easier by lifting the financial burden. So if you have been in a truck accident, we can guide you on protecting your legal rights.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data shows that there were almost 5,000 accidents in 2020 in California alone. The state ranks second in large commercial truck accident statistics nationwide, with around an average of 200 to 300 fatalities reported yearly. Similarly, FMCSA reported 107,000 total injuries and 327,000 property damage in 2020 across the US. The US Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) claims 97% of accident victims were occupants of comparatively smaller vehicles.
Similarly, per the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) report, 36% of all fatal accidents that year happened on interstates and freeways, 47% occurred on major roads, and 15% on minor roads.
The Hours of Service regulation by the FMCSA marks the guidelines for every commercial truck driver to follow for safety reasons. One should drive a commercial truck shift for not more than 14 consecutive hours and take a 30-minute break in between. After every shift, they must take 10 hours off. Similarly, after working for 7 to 8 days, spending 60 to 70 hours driving, they must take a 34-hours off.
At the same time, every driver must maintain a proper log of pick-up, drop, and break activity in the electronic logging devices (ELDs) provided by their employer. The records must mandatorily include the location and time of all stops, as well as entries of routine inspections across a route.
The Code of Federal Regulation §382.303 by the FMCSA requires all commercial drivers to undergo Controlled Substances and Alcohol Testing (CSAT) by the employer. It must be done before employing a driver, randomly, occasionally, or if there is a suspicion of consumption. After a commercial truck accident, the employers must conduct the test within 8 hours and register it within 32 hours of the accident.
California Vehicle Code § 22406: Any truck with more than three axles is not allowed to exceed the 55 mph speed limit.
California Vehicle Code § 21654: Every vehicle driving at the minimum steady speed limit of a roadway, like a truck, must stick to the right-hand side lane.
Safety requirements: Per the FMCSA safety standards, every truck must carry a well-maintained fire extinguisher and three red emergency reflectors. At the same time, it must be equipped adequately with all required mechanical parts like windshields, reflectors, lights, etc.
Often, drivers tend to drive longer than the set deadline with the intent to cover more distance and make deliveries within a short time. But constantly driving without any breaks or rest in between can lead to tragic accidents caused by tiredness and fatigue.
Some of the commonly reported causes of truck accidents in Anaheim are:
A large truck's heavy build can severely damage when the other vehicle is much smaller and lighter. Often, severe injuries are endured by the other party. But in some truck accidents, like jackknife accidents, when the front section of the truck flips over, the driver can also suffer severe injuries.
We have listed some commonly reported injuries in Anaheim:
The first and most important thing to do is stay and assist every injured party. Never leave the scene of the accident. As an able party, you must call the paramedics for anyone needing emergency treatment and call the police to report the accident. Help everyone out of the scene to prevent further injuries from possible threats of fire or explosion.
Once the scene is calmed down, taking pictures and videos can help solidify your statement later. If possible, exchange contact information with the defendant and the accident witnesses. The next step is to call the authorities. You must call the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP) within 24 hours of the accident.
Before taking further steps or talking with the defendant’s insurance company, immediately consult an Anaheim truck accident lawyer.
An attorney can help you in more ways than you think. Our job is to guide you to the best possible approach and help you gain maximum benefits. Let us walk you through all your roles and responsibilities when you work with us.
In our first consultation meeting, we will go through all the facts about the accident from your point of view. First, your injuries or damages will be assessed, and we will help determine a tentative amount it can recover. At this stage, we suggest whether hiring a lawyer is the best decision or whether you can pursue the case independently under our guidance.
Then, the process of gathering evidence will start. We will bring in the medical report and police reports properly document it. Witness statements are strong pieces of evidence as well; we will reach out to interview them. Based on all the evidence, we will indulge deeper into the case and determine a substantial amount to demand from the defendant.
You do not have to worry about all the hassles of dealing with insurance companies. Once you hire us, we are trained to undergo all paperwork and phone calls with the insurance company. In this case, you may have to deal with the commercial insurance of the truck companies as well. We will deal with them for you, and any chance of mistake or miscommunication from your side will naturally be eliminated. We will also represent you in the negotiation meeting, present the evidence, and stand up for fair compensation.
If the settlement meeting fails to give you a fair amount, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant’s insurance company or the truck company’s commercial insurance. We will handle all pre-trial steps and represent your claim before a judge or jury.
Your truck accident claim is composed of three types of damage compensations.
Economic damage compensation means direct losses from the accident that you suffered.
They include:
Non-economic damages are indirect losses that are not measurable in a certain amount of price. Instead, this type of compensation is to give you another benefit to balance out your loss in the form of financial gain. They include:
Punitive damage, on the other hand, is charged to the defendant as a punishment for their negligence or careless actions.
Your case depends on the legal representation you choose. When hiring a truck accident attorney, ensure that the lawyer has adequate experience that aligns with the assistance you need. You deserve a top lawyer in the market to stand up for you and win your injury claim.
We at Nordean law are a team of professional truck accident attorneys who have been providing services in Anaheim for years. Our lawyers have expert training in sorting through the policies associated with commercial insurance companies. We will work with comprehensive resources, witness evidence, and a professional approach to help attain maximum benefits for your truck accident case.
Truck accident injuries can turn one’s life around in a matter of seconds. Not only does it result in life-altering injuries, but the medical treatments and costs also lie extensively on the higher end. Having a lawyer by your side can change the course of your injury case. When a professional is handling, they will work more efficiently and build a solid case to present to the defendant’s or the truck company’s insurance. You will not have to worry about the compensation as we aggressively stand up for what the state grants you. Call us at 888.527.1267 today for a free consultation session.
We’re proud to have helped countless clients across California achieve justice and compensation.
"After my car accident in Irvine, I didn’t know where to turn. This team took care of everything, from dealing with insurance to getting me a fair settlement. Highly recommend!"
"I was injured in a truck accident on the freeway near Riverside. They fought hard for me and won my case in record time. Professional and caring every step of the way."
"Nordean Law is working in my injury case and can't thank them enough. Sam and his team have been reaching and keeping me informed with all pending matters. I appreciate that because with all that is currently going in right now, I need some stress off my shoulders. Thank you Nordean Law!!!"
"The best lawyer in the area! He and his team will take great care of you. They are very good with taking questions and answering them without lying to you. I will use Sam and his firm for any cases I might encounter. Highly recommend!!"
"If you are worried about your claim you should contact Nordean Law. Sam Nordean and his team are not only true professionals with integrity, but also sincerely care about their clients well being and state of mind throughout the process."
