Santa Ana Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys in Santa Ana

There are few experiences more harrowing than being involved in a truck accident. The aftermath often brings physical pain, emotional turmoil, and a myriad of legal complexities that the average person is ill-equipped to navigate.

At Setareh Law, we understand that each truck accident case is unique, with its own set of intricacies and complications. However, we also know that there are patterns and commonalities among these cases, enabling us to leverage our accumulated knowledge and experience. Our goal is to provide you with a better understanding of these aspects in case you or a loved one ever find yourselves in the unfortunate situation of an 18-wheeler truck accident.

Common Types of Injuries After Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Understanding these injuries is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a semi-truck accident can cause severe spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis, requiring victims to undergo extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, often leading to significant lifestyle changes as well.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Another common type of injury sustained in truck accidents is traumatic brain injury. TBIs can lead to cognitive impairment, emotional changes, and physical disabilities. They are often life-altering, affecting victims and their families in profound ways.

Broken Bones and Fractures

In a collision with a truck, occupants of smaller vehicles are at high risk for broken bones and fractures. These injuries can be as simple as a minor fracture that heals with time and treatment, or as severe as a compound or comminuted fracture requiring surgery and lengthy recovery times.

Psychological Trauma

Apart from physical injuries, victims of truck accidents often suffer from psychological trauma. This can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. The psychological impact of a truck accident can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries, affecting a person’s ability to return to normal life and function effectively.

How Truck Accident Liability Is Determined

Determining liability in a truck accident is complex and often involves several parties. Liable parties can be any combination of the following:

Driver Error

If a trucker was negligent or reckless, they might be held liable for the accident. Examples of truck driver errors include driving under the influence, speeding, or not complying with rest requirements.

Employer/Owner Negligence

Sometimes, the trucking company might be held liable for the accident. This could be due to inadequate maintenance of the truck, negligent hiring practices, or forcing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines that encourage unsafe driving practices.

Manufacturer Liability

There are cases where the truck or one of its components was defective, causing or contributing to the accident. In these instances, the manufacturer of the truck or component could be held liable. For instance, if the truck’s brakes were defective, resulting in the driver’s inability to stop in time to avoid an accident, the brake manufacturer could potentially be held responsible.

Cargo Loaders’ Liability

Improper loading or securing of cargo can lead to accidents. If the cargo loaders did not adequately secure the cargo, and this contributed to the accident, they could be held liable. This might be the case if the cargo was so improperly balanced that it caused the truck to tip over or if the cargo fell out onto the road, leading to an accident.

Common Relief For Injury Claims In Truck Accidents

Victims of truck accidents often seek specific forms of relief to help them cope with the aftermath of the incident. The amount that is awarded will depend on many factors, and each request for compensation will come with its own set of criteria for establishing the burden of proof. However, the most common forms of compensatory relief available include:

Medical Expenses

This includes both immediate and ongoing medical costs, from emergency room visits and surgeries to rehabilitation and long-term care.

Lost Wages

Truck accident victims often need time off work for recovery, or they may be unable to return to their previous job at all. Compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capacity can help victims maintain financial stability.

Pain and Suffering 

In addition to the tangible costs of medical bills and lost wages, victims of truck accidents often experience severe physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges this non-economic impact of the accident, providing victims with some financial relief for their suffering. A skilled lawyer can help you determine the amount of pain and suffering compensation you may be owed following an accident.

Wrongful Death Compensation

In the unfortunate event that a truck accident results in a fatality, the family members of the victim may seek wrongful death compensation. This relief aims to cover funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and the emotional pain and suffering endured by the family.

Contact Setareh Law If You’ve Been Injured In A Truck Accident

Legal complexities should be the last thing you need to worry about when recovering from a truck accident. Let the experienced Santa Ana truck accident lawyers at Setareh Law take care of it for you. Our team of experienced lawyers will guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation and investigation to negotiation with insurance companies and litigation if necessary.

At Setareh Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden that a truck accident places on victims and their families. That’s why we’re committed to fighting tirelessly for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. Our team also speaks Spanish.