Anaheim Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Harmed in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Anaheim?

Businesses invest in vehicles to transfer large, heavy items from one place to another. That makes most of these commercial vehicles massive. They range from semi-trucks to 18-wheelers to delivery vans delivering packages door to door. Because these commercial vehicles are so big, they can be prone to causing truck accidents and hurting innocent people.

When you get struck by a commercial vehicle, it’s difficult to know what to do next. No one deserves to be harmed because of someone’s negligence and spend their days worrying about finances and legal matters while they try to heal. Unlike your run-of-the-mill car accident, a commercial vehicle accident involves more than just two drivers. It also means dealing with big companies that will fight tooth and nail not to give you the compensation you deserve.

delivery truck - Anaheim Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Our Anaheim commercial vehicle accident lawyers aren’t afraid to advocate for your rights and sue big corporations that might have been responsible for your pain. If you want to seek justice after getting injured in a commercial vehicle accident, reach out for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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Types of Crashes Handled by Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Anaheim

Commercial vehicles come in different shapes and sizes. So, there’s a myriad of types of collisions they can be involved in on the road. Here are just some that our attorneys know how to navigate and handle.

  • Rear-end crash:  Distracted commercial vehicle drivers could slam into the back of another vehicle if they’re not focused on the road.
  • Jackknife accident:  This happens when a truck swings out and “folds” the vehicle, which usually occurs after a sudden brake.
  • Rollover accident:  Large commercial trucks going at high speeds and turning too fast can flip on its side. This can harm the vehicles next to it and obstruct the road.
  • T-Bone crash:  When a commercial truck slams into another car from its side, creating a “T” shape.
  • Underride collision:  Smaller cars can get trapped under a truck’s trailer. If the driver and passengers aren’t removed from the scene swiftly, they can suffer severe injuries.
  • Override accidents:  When a commercial truck’s brake fails, they can drive over a smaller vehicle in front of them, often leading to fatalities.

Is My Commercial Vehicle Accident Case Worth Anything?

The value of your commercial vehicle claim depends on many different factors, the biggest of which are compensatory damages. These include economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, rehab, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and wrongful death damages.

The severity of your injuries also helps determine the value of your settlement or damages. The more serious and debilitating your injury, the higher the maximum amount our team can demand on your account.

Successfully proving liability also aids in raising the value of your claim. If the truck driver or company that owns the vehicle is very clearly at fault for the road crash, you will have a stronger case to fight for.

Not sure how to tell whether your case is strong and solid enough to get a settlement or fair compensation? That’s where our Anaheim commercial vehicle accident lawyers come in. We spot low-ballers from miles away and know how to demand maximum compensation based on your unique case. Want to see what your case could be worth? Book a FREE CASE REVIEW today.

What Our Lawyers Can Do to Strengthen Your Case

Having our dedicated team of commercial truck accident lawyers in your corner makes a huge difference when building and fighting for your case. We know how to navigate complex traffic laws and talk to big, powerful companies without cowering. And with decades of experience under our belt, we can pave a successful path for your lawsuit. We’ll develop the strongest case for you by:

  • Investigating every detail of the road accident to have a deeper understanding of the circumstances
  • Gather all forms of evidence, including accident reports, police reports, black box information, statements from witnesses, and surveillance footage
  • Assess who was negligent in the situation to determine fault
  • Handle all paperwork involved in pursuing a lawsuit
  • Negotiate with insurance companies to make sure they don’t lowball your payout
  • Represent you in court if your case goes to trial before a judge and jury
  • Liaise with big corporations or the truck driver at fault regarding settlements

There’s no need to stress about the legal complexities of your commercial vehicle accident because we’ve got your back. Your job is to rest and recuperate until we win your case or get you an advantageous settlement. Find out what else we can do to assist in your case by booking a FREE CONSULTATION today.

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Local Traffic Laws and Ordinances in Anaheim

Anaheim has very particular laws about commercial vehicles. Oftentimes, these laws and ordinances become a key factor in how we strengthen the commercial vehicle accident cases we handle. Here are some of the local traffic laws that apply to commercial vehicles.

Restricted Vehicle Parking Hours

Anaheim Municipal Code 14.32.200 prohibits any type of truck or trailer to park in the streets of the city from 3 AM to 6 AM. Sure, it’s just three hours, but it’s excellent for easing traffic congestion and improving road visibility in the very early hours of the day. It also prevents noises that could disturb Anaheim residents as they sleep.

Designated Routes for Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles and trailers aren’t allowed on all streets in Anaheim. According to the Anaheim Municipal Code 14.48.050, these large commercial vehicles are only allowed in designated streets and truck routes. These roads include Beach Boulevard, Lincoln Avenue, Imperial Highway, State College Boulevard, Euclid Street, Ball Road, Katella Avenue, Kraemer Boulevard, and many more.

Idling Restrictions

Vending trucks, like ice cream trucks, food service trucks, and big caterer vans, have idling restrictions in Anaheim, too. These vehicles can only remain in one place for 10 minutes. After that, they need to move to another location to reduce traffic congestion.

No Parking in Residential Zones

The Anaheim Municipal Code 14.32.205 also prohibits large commercial vehicles and trucks from parking in the city’s residential areas. The only times a commercial vehicle is allowed to park in a residential zone is when it’s mechanically disabled, actively loading and unloading, or when it’s performing a service to a specific property within the area.

What Causes Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

We’ve already established that most of the time, commercial vehicle accidents happen because of someone’s negligence. However, negligence takes many forms. Here are some of them that could end up causing a road crash.

  • Violating traffic laws:  A commercial vehicle driver not following local laws and ordinances can put the lives of other pedestrians and motorists at risk.
  • Driving under the influence:  If a driver is driving after drinking or taking drugs, they could be impaired and more likely to cause an accident.
  • Hiring unqualified drivers:  Some companies just hire as many drivers as they need without looking into their qualifications and experience. If an inexperienced driver is behind the wheel, they might not be used to driving such large vehicles, making them more vulnerable to accidents.
  • Driver fatigue:  Companies also sometimes overwork their drivers. Exhausted drivers who work long hours might make mistakes while driving, which ends up hurting others.
  • Unsecured cargo:  If a third-party cargo company doesn’t secure the products they load into the truck and it causes an accident, that company can be held liable for the accident, too.
  • Poor vehicle maintenance:  Some companies don’t invest money into upgrading or maintaining their fleet of commercial vehicles. So, drivers have to contend with faulty brakes and worn engines.

Injured by a Commercial Vehicle? We’ve Got You

We view commercial vehicle accidents as more than just mistakes. They result from others being negligent and acting out of recklessness, whether on the part of the driver or the corporation that owns the vehicle. Regardless of who is at fault, our goal is to bring those accountable to justice and get you the financial compensation you deserve.

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Notable Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Anaheim

Anaheim has had its fair share of devastating commercial vehicle accidents, many of which have been covered by the news. Here are some of those stories and what went wrong in each of them.

FedEx Driver’s DUI

In 2024, a FedEx delivery truck crashed into three different vehicles at the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Euclid Street. The delivery driver and one other person involved in the crash were injured and had to be brought to the hospital. The driver was later arrested as he was suspected of driving under the influence.

Amazon Driver Runs a Red Light

Another case, this time in 2022, involves an Amazon delivery van that crashed into a Toyota Prius at the intersection of South Dale Avenue and Orange Avenue. It was later suspected that the crash happened because the delivery driver ran a red light. The passenger of the Prius, an elderly woman in her 60s, was rushed to the hospital and died soon after.

Big Rig Overturn Kills One Person

A massive semi-truck overturned onto a Chevrolet truck in the middle of 57 Freeway one day in 2023. The huge truck tipped over to its side, killing one person when it landed on the other vehicle.

Is the Company Always Liable for Its Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Actions?

Not necessarily. A company can be held liable for the accident if the driver acted within the scope of their job description and duties. But if the driver was reckless, drove the commercial vehicle with faulty parts, or was driving off work hours, they can be at fault independently of the company. They’re also accountable for their actions if they’re independent contractors and not employees of the corporation they drive for.

What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Anaheim

When you find yourself in a commercial vehicle accident, take a deep breath. You might be frozen in fear and not know what to do, but it’s important to spring into action as soon as you can. Not only will it save your and other people’s lives, but it will help you strengthen your case later on. Here’s what to do if you become a victim of a commercial vehicle accident.

  1. Check your body for injuries. If you’re in any kind of pain, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure to ask for a copy of your medical records if you’re brought to a hospital. This can serve as evidence if you decide to sue.
  2. Call 911 right away. Get the police involved and have them file a report about the accident. You can use this later as evidence.
  3. Get the driver’s contact information, as well as that of his company.
  4. Talk to witnesses at the scene and ask if they’re willing to give their statements.
  5. Call a commercial vehicle accident lawyer. They will advise what you should do next, whether it’s talking to your insurance company or filing a lawsuit on your behalf.

Local Hospitals for Immediate Medical Attention

Seeking medical care should be the first thing you do if you’re harmed in a commercial vehicle accident. Never mind the legal stuff – our team of skilled lawyers can help you with that later on. Your job is to seek help right away and get the treatment you need for your injuries. Here are some local Anaheim hospitals to reach out to should you need assistance after a road crash.

  • AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center:  An acute care hospital with 228 beds. It’s one of the top 100 hospitals in America for heart attacks, heart failure, and pneumonia treatment.
  • Anaheim Global Medical Center:  Has comprehensive healthcare services and is located very close to Disneyland.
  • West Anaheim Medical Center:  Has 219 beds and offers services like surgeries, inpatient care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and a heart center.
  • Kaiser Permanente Orange County – Anaheim Medical Center:  Offers primary and specialty care with six surgery suites, an imaging radiology department, and a clinical lab. It also has departments in urology, cardiology, oncology, and more.
  • UCI Health Family Health Center – Anaheim:  Comprehensive healthcare for the whole family, from children to expecting mothers to elderly people.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

As with most personal injury cases in California, the statute of limitations for a commercial vehicle accident case is two years after the crash. If you fail to file a claim after the two-year deadline, you could lose your chance of getting paid compensatory damages.

The best way to ensure that you meet this statute of limitations, as well as other legal deadlines, is to work with our skilled Anaheim commercial vehicle accident lawyers. We’ll file all the necessary legal paperwork for you, so you don’t have to sweat about deadlines.

Our Anaheim Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Can Bring Negligent Drivers to Justice

Getting into a commercial vehicle accident is one of the most overwhelming experiences any Anaheim resident can get into on the road. Not only do you have to worry about medical bills and property damage, but you also need to explore your legal options if you want compensation for it. On top of that, you’ll need to deal with the commercial truck driver and the company they work for just to settle the matter.

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The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Our Anaheim commercial vehicle accident lawyers can step in and liaise for you, whether it’s with the other party, your insurance company, or the authorities for gathering evidence on your behalf. Just focus on healing, and we’ll handle the rest. Let’s get started on your case so you can get the financial compensation you deserve as soon as possible. Call Thompson Law about your commercial vehicle accident today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

FAQs About Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Anaheim

Who can be found liable for a commercial vehicle accident in Anaheim?

Most of the time, the driver of the vehicle is found liable for commercial vehicle accidents. However, in some situations, the blame can also be placed on the negligent actions of other parties involved. This can include the company that owns the vehicle, the truck manufacturer, and even the City of Anaheim, if the road conditions at the scene of the accident were particularly unsafe.

Can I sue the company that owns the commercial vehicle?

Yes, you can. Based on vicarious liability, a trucking company or business that owns a commercial vehicle can be held responsible for the actions of its drivers. A skilled attorney can help you assess whether liability falls on the driver as an individual entity or the company they work for.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes, you can still sue even if you also contributed to the cause of the commercial vehicle accident. California follows comparative negligence, which mandates that your compensation is reduced by the percentage of your fault in the accident. Say you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were found to be 25% at fault for the crash. You walk away with $75,000.

How much are most commercial accident settlements in Anaheim?

Settlement amounts for commercial vehicle accidents vary depending on numerous factors, like injury severity and property damage. You can expect these cases to go from $250,000 to a bit over $500,000. But in catastrophic cases where a wrongful death occurs, it can skyrocket to over a million dollars in settlement.

How much do lawyers take from commercial vehicle accident settlements?

Most attorneys who work on commercial vehicle accidents don’t get paid a fixed rate, but a contingency fee. That means they take anywhere from 25% to 40% of the total settlement amount or damages awarded to their client.

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Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.