Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Huntington Beach

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Huntington Beach, California?

  Huntington Beach Police Department Non-emergency: (714) 960-8825

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Huntington Beach, California?

  You can get a copy of your collision report by making a “Police Records Request” on the official website of the City of Huntington Beach. You can also make the request by calling the Records Bureau at their 24-hour phone: (714) 536-5641. You must be ready to provide valid proof of your identification. Traffic collision reports may only be released to the involved parties: drivers, owner registrants of the vehicles, listed passengers, insurance companies, attorneys, and parents of minor parties, other people who incurred civil liability or property damage. You will be notified once your report copy is available.

• Who can you sue for your truck accident injuries in Huntington Beach, CA?

  Depending on the identified cause or contributing factors in the accident, truck accident victims may hold the following accountable:

  1. Truck driver (for negligence like speeding and drunk driving)
  2. Trucking company (for mediocre truck maintenance, inadequate driver training, or pressuring truck drivers to work extended hours)
  3. Cargo company (for improper or excessive cargo loading)
  4. Truck manufacturer (for defective parts)
  5. Government entity (for unsafe public road conditions)

  Truck accident lawyers in Huntington Beach can help investigate the accident and have access to experts, like accident reconstructionists, to determine the liable parties.

• What is the statute of limitations in Huntington Beach, CA, for filing a truck accident injury claim?

  In Huntington Beach, truck accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim or civil case. However, victims of truck accidents involving a driver employed or contracted by a government entity must file an administrative claim within six months from the crash date. Exceptions may be given to victims who were minors at the time of the accident, are not a resident of the state, or are physically/mentally incapable of making the claim.

• What damages can you claim after a truck accident in Huntington Beach, CA?

  Truck accident victims in Huntington Beach can claim economic and non-economic damages, including long-term treatment or rehabilitation for catastrophic injuries, medical and medication costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Truck accident lawyers, with the help of specialists like doctors and accountants, can assist in determining the total value of your current and future damages.

• Are punitive damages awarded in truck accident cases in Huntington Beach, CA?

  Punitive damages are rarely pursued and are reserved for cases where the party at fault behaved with wanton and willful negligence. The California Civil Code 3294 states that convincing and clear evidence of acting with malice, fraud, or oppression on the defendant’s part must be presented. Victims can consult with their Huntington Beach truck accident lawyer to determine if there is enough evidence to seek punitive damages.

• What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Huntingtin Beach, CA?

  Based on the Large Truck Crash Causation Study compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the following are the top causes of truck collisions:

  1. Brake failure
  2. Truck light issues
  3. Driver violations, like speeding, intoxication, and inadequate breaktime leading to driver fatigue
  4. Tire and wheel problems, like mismatched tires
  5. Mechanical defects, particularly faulty steering systems

  Huntington Beach is close to Interstate 405, lending it to the constant traffic of big rigs, tractor-trailers, and semi-trucks passing through. The freeway is also one of SoCal’s most crash-prone roads.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.