Your morning commute on the busy streets of Anaheim should not end with life-threatening injuries and financial hardship. When commercial trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the aftermath involves more than damaged metal and broken glass—families face years of medical treatment, lost income, and permanent disability.
For forty years, Callahan & Blaine, PC has stood up to powerful trucking companies and their armies of lawyers and adjusters. We understand the federal regulations that govern commercial trucking operations and use this knowledge to build compelling cases for accident victims seeking justice and fair compensation.
Why Truck Accidents Cause Such Severe Injuries
The physics of truck accidents makes them inherently more dangerous than typical car crashes. Commercial trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles, creating massive forces during collisions. When trucks lose control on busy Anaheim streets like Harbor Boulevard or the SR-91 freeway, the results are often catastrophic.
Truck accidents frequently involve multiple vehicles due to the size and momentum of commercial trucks. A single truck losing control can cause a chain-reaction crash affecting numerous innocent drivers and passengers. The severity of injuries in these accidents often requires immediate emergency medical treatment and long-term care.
Insurance companies representing trucking companies deploy teams of investigators and attorneys immediately after serious accidents. They work aggressively to minimize liability and reduce compensation for victims. Having experienced legal representation becomes crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Examples of Negligence Truck Accidents in Anaheim
Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. Federal regulations limit how many hours truck drivers can operate their vehicles, but some drivers and companies violate these rules to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigued truck drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep behind the wheel.
Improper loading and cargo securement create serious hazards on Anaheim roadways. Overloaded trucks become difficult to control, while improperly secured cargo can shift during transport or fall onto the roadway. Trucking companies have responsibilities to ensure their vehicles are loaded safely and within weight limits.
Equipment Failures and Maintenance Issues
Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering system malfunctions can cause devastating accidents. Trucking companies must maintain detailed maintenance records and ensure their vehicles meet federal safety standards.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Truck drivers face the same temptations as other motorists regarding cell phone use and other distractions. However, the consequences of distracted driving are magnified when operating a commercial vehicle. Drug and alcohol testing requirements exist for commercial drivers, but violations still occur.
Federal Regulations Governing Commercial Trucking
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes comprehensive regulations for commercial trucking operations. These rules cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug testing. Violations of federal regulations can provide crucial evidence in truck accident cases.
Hours of service regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles without rest breaks. Electronic logging devices now track driver hours automatically, making it harder for drivers and companies to falsify logbooks. We examine these records carefully to identify potential violations.
Commercial driver licensing requirements ensure truck drivers receive proper training and testing. Drivers must pass written and practical examinations, maintain clean driving records, and complete regular medical examinations. Companies have responsibilities to verify driver qualifications and monitor their safety records.
How We Investigate Truck Accidents
Truck accident investigations require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, mechanical engineers, and industry professionals to build strong cases for our clients. Commercial trucks contain electronic control modules that record data about vehicle speed, braking, and engine performance before crashes.
We examine driver logbooks, maintenance records, and company safety policies to identify violations and negligence. Trucking companies must maintain comprehensive records about their operations, and we use these documents to establish liability. Cell phone records, GPS data, and surveillance footage can provide additional evidence about the cause of accidents.
Our investigation process includes analyzing the trucking company’s safety record and compliance history. Companies with patterns of violations or accidents may face additional liability for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Our Anaheim truck accident attorneys also examine whether drivers were operating under proper authority and insurance coverage.
Types of Compensation Available
Truck accident victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The severity of injuries in truck accidents often results in substantial medical bills and long-term care needs. We work with medical professionals to document the full extent of injuries and future treatment requirements.
Lost income calculations must account for both immediate time away from work and reduced earning capacity. Many truck accident victims cannot return to their previous occupations due to permanent disabilities. Our truck accident lawyers consult with vocational rehabilitation specialists and economists to establish accurate loss projections.
Some truck accident cases may involve punitive damages when trucking companies act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. These damages serve to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior. Federal regulations violations and patterns of safety violations can support punitive damage claims.
Experienced Trial Attorneys for Complex Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident litigation involves complex federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and aggressive defense tactics by trucking companies and their insurers. Callahan & Blaine, PC has the resources and experience necessary to handle these challenging cases effectively. Our Anaheim personal injury attorneys have secured the largest jury verdict in Orange County history and apply the same strategic approach to truck accident cases.
We understand the financial pressures facing truck accident victims and their families. Medical bills accumulate quickly while income stops due to injuries. Contact Callahan & Blaine, PC today at (714) 241-4444 or reach out through our contact form to discuss your truck accident case with our experienced legal team.
