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.
Light trucks are comparatively less bulky than heavy-weight trucks but heavier than smaller vehicles like cars. So, even a seemingly minor collision with a light truck can result in deadly injuries.
If you or someone you love have sustained injuries in a light truck accident in Orange County due to other party’s negligence, you have the right to pursue a claim for the damages. However, due to the involvement of multiple parties in a commercial truck accident, it is a tough task to get compensation from the liable party. Considering the complications, it is wise to consult an Orange County Light Truck Accident Lawyer for justice.
However, before you talk to any lawyers, you should know what light trucks are, the causes of their accidents, injuries sustained by such accidents and other details. This is important so that you can understand the liability for the accident and be prepared for the journey to compensation.
Light-duty or light trucks in the United States are vehicles with a gross weight of up to 8,500 pounds. They have payload capacities of up to 4000 pounds. Light trucks are typically used for utility purposes rather than personal use.
Because of the immense structure, various parts and operating limitations of the trucks, its accident causes can be more complex than you can think of. A proper investigation can identify the accurate cause of a truck accident. However, for now, we have listed some of the common causes of light truck accidents.
Truckers who drive light trucks have significant blind spots, which, if not watched properly, can cause severe accidents. Blind spot accidents usually happen if the truck lacks appropriate mirrors or the driver fails to align the mirrors properly. It also happens if the truck driver fails to check the blind spot proactively before maneuvering the truck.
Due to a surge in essential goods hauling across the city, drivers and trucking companies are under pressure to meet delivery deadlines promptly. Therefore, they speed up to meet the target. But a commercial light truck at high speed will not be able to stop in time if anything obstructs its way. Furthermore, this also increases the risk of truck rollover when the truck has to go to a sharper curve.
Multiple factors contribute to exhaustion among drivers, including long working hours and inadequate sleep. Some truck drivers often work long hours, up to 14 a day, and also sacrifice essential rest breaks to meet delivery deadlines. Adjusting meal and sleep times to fit delivery schedules can disrupt their circadian rhythm. This can lead to exhaustion and reduced alertness on the road, resulting in dangerous crashes.
An overworked tire is more likely to fail quickly. And as commercial trucks are constantly moving, their tires need frequent maintenance and replacement. If the driver or the truck owner fails to maintain the tires, there are high chances of accidents.
Besides, excessive speed can deform tires, hurt their performance and make them wear out faster, further raising the risk of accidents.
Distractions for truckers can occur in various forms, including manual and cognitive distractions. Manual distraction involves Taking the hands off the steering wheels, eating while driving or flipping through radio stations. Likewise, not staying focused on the road while driving is an example of cognitive distraction. Both kinds of distraction can cause devastation in an instant.
Crashing a large truck can be fatal, especially for people in smaller vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians. Also, as trucks have a tall ground clearance, the lower-riding vehicles or individuals might slide beneath truck trailers with potentially deadly consequences.
Here are some common injuries resulted by light truck collision:
A blow or jolt to the head or a deep cut on the head can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can affect the brain’s functioning. Long-term complications can also result in mental problems or premature death.
Rollover accidents or heavy vehicle compression can cause spinal cord injuries with long-lasting and life-altering consequences. This can strip individuals of their independence and normal activities.
Being squeezed with the heavy weight of trucks and their parts can break bones. Signs of broken bones include swelling, bruising, or not being able to move. While some may immediately notice the broken bones, in some cases, it takes time for the wound to reveal.
Truck accidents can cause cuts and lacerations if the individual comes in touch with shattered glass, sharp metal or any hard plastic interiors. If left untreated, it can lead to infection, blisters, sores and even fever.
Amputation occurs when the massive weight of a truck presses an individual. Amputation is the loss or removal of body parts and causes extreme physical pain. It can also lead to depression in the long term as it limits or takes away the normalcy, daily activity, and mobility of a person.
To seek damages following a truck accident, you have to establish fault. The core of establishing fault is finding truck accident negligence. The party who was at fault for the accident will be the party who neglected their duty of ensuring the safety of others. However, identifying negligence in a truck accident is complex, involving multiple parties.
Truck Accident Lawyers can navigate such complications for you using their experience and skills. However, as a victim, it is necessary to understand the potential liable parties.
Some of the common at-fault parties for Light truck accident cases are:
The fault goes to the truck driver if the accident was caused by a failure to obey traffic regulations. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, distracted driving, or tailgating are some cases where the fault goes to the driver.
If the company is found to have put unrealistic schedules or have failed to hire or train the truck driver properly, they have to pay the compensation. Likewise, it is the trucking company's responsibility to complete the truck's inspection so that it runs smoothly on the road.
If the company misses any of those obligations, they have to be responsible for the accident and compensate the victim.
The manufacturer is liable if the truck was sold with defective parts or a flawed design. For example, if the breaks malfunctioned due to faulty parts, and this caused the accident, the manufacturer will be held responsible.
Having a truck accident can leave you devastated and overwhelmed. It is normal to ignore the next steps. However, noting these basic things can help you receive the compensation in a less complicated manner.
Here are the crucial steps you must follow after a truck accident:
Before anything else, prioritize your health. Even if you feel fine, seek a medical evaluation, as you could have hidden injuries with delayed symptoms. If a medical technician assesses your injury on-site, request a comprehensive evaluation by a doctor, as some injuries, like internal bleeding, may only be detectable by a doctor.
Apart from your personal healing, medical reports are also important to get rightful compensation. If you delay in seeking medical treatment, it might be hard for the doctor to identify if the injury was a consequence of the accident.
Accurate medical bills, doctor’s prescriptions, and notes will be helpful if you choose to take legal action against the liable party.
Another important thing you should do while at the accident site is to notify the local police. When the police arrive at the accident site, they can find the evidence and details of the collision. A police report will help substantiate your claim and clarify your case. The details can also prove invaluable if the case goes to court.
Some of you may be worried about finances as you have to stay idle after an accident. However, the healing process, both physical and emotional, largely depends upon how much rest you take. We advise you to take your time for recovery to get back to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
Remember that insurance adjusters are not there to help you. The insurance company wants to make money. They convince you in the best possible way to minimize the compensation amount or deny your claim.
We, therefore, advise you to avoid providing a recorded statement to the insurance agent. It is advisable to contact a specialized local attorney before you even pick up a call from an insurance company.
Research thoroughly and contact an Orange County Truck Accident Lawyer who is experienced and skillful in handling commercial truck accident claims. That takes us to a point that highlights the importance of a lawyer in a light truck accident case.
All vehicle compensations are difficult. On top of that, truck accidents are legally complex. There can be several parties at fault. Each party has a separate insurance partner. Chances are, each insurance partner will pressure you to their favorability.
The lawyers specialized in commercial truck accident law are skilled at holding large trucking companies accountable for the accident. Your attorney will investigate the case, identify the liable party and gather evidence for you. They also send a demand letter to the insurance company, negotiate the recovery amount, and represent in court if required.
A truck accident lawyer is an attorney specializing in advocating for individuals involved in truck accidents.
A truck accident lawyer will have specific knowledge of federal and state regulations governing commercial truck stakeholders. As proving negligence is essential to receive fair compensation, you need a lawyer who is familiar with the nitty gritty of truck operation.
A personal injury lawyer experienced with the truck accident also knows the tips and tricks of the insurance adjuster and can effectively navigate the legal process as required.
Sam Nordean has made a commitment to helping victims get back what was taken away from them. He fights for people that are injured and can’t fight for themselves.
“Going to court or negotiating a settlement is not akin to my client winning a lottery ticket. It’s about balancing the scales; it’s what they’re owed.”
Sam Nordean
At Nordean Law, we understand that every case is unique. Our Orange County Light Truck Accident Lawyers are compassionate toward the client and work vigorously to find evidence for the client. From guiding you through legal steps to negotiating for your lawful compensation, our legal team will support you throughout your journey to compensation.
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."
