Callahan & Blaine, PC has spent decades taking on large companies and their insurers on behalf of injured people, and our trial record reflects a firm that does not back down when a wealthy defendant tries to minimize what a case is worth. We built our reputation representing people who have been profoundly injured by the negligence of others, and we bring that same commitment to every truck accident case we handle in Costa Mesa.Â
Why Truck Accidents in Costa Mesa Are Different
A collision between a passenger car and a fully loaded commercial truck almost never plays out like an ordinary crash. Trucking companies carry substantial insurance policies specifically because the potential for catastrophic injury is so high, and that means their legal and claims teams get involved immediately after a wreck. In our experience, an insurer for a trucking company will often have an investigator at the scene within hours, working to gather evidence and statements before an injured victim has even left the hospital.
Federal regulations add another layer of complexity that is not present in a typical car accident case. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks were involved in approximately 503,000 police-reported crashes in 2022, and collision with a vehicle in transport was the first harmful event in 73% of fatal crashes involving large trucks that year. Determining fault in these cases often requires examining driver logs, maintenance records, and compliance with hours-of-service rules, on top of the usual investigation into how the crash occurred.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Costa Mesa Roadways
Costa Mesa is right at the intersection of several major freeways and commercial corridors, which means large trucks are a constant presence on local roads. Some of the most common factors we see in these cases include the following:
- Driver fatigue from long hauls or violations of federal hours-of-service limits
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use behind the wheel
- Improperly secured or overloaded cargo that shifts during transport
- Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering components
- Speeding or following too closely given the truck’s stopping distance
- Driver inexperience or inadequate training on a particular route
Any one of these factors can turn an ordinary drive down Harbor Boulevard or the 55 freeway into a life-altering event. When a truck driver or trucking company cuts corners on safety, the people sharing the road with them are unfortunately the ones who wind up paying the price.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Someone who is profoundly injured in a truck accident often faces a long road of medical treatment, lost income, and life adjustments that a single settlement check cannot fully capture. Depending on the facts of the case, injured people may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving a fatality, surviving family members may have a separate claim for wrongful death.
Trucking companies and their insurers are aware that a serious truck accident can produce a verdict or settlement far larger than a standard car accident claim, which is exactly why they invest so heavily in minimizing payouts. We handle every case with the understanding that the parties on the other side have deep pockets and experienced legal teams working against the people we represent, and we prepare accordingly from the outset.
Investigating a Truck Accident Claim
A thorough investigation is often the difference between a case that settles for a fraction of its value and one that reflects the full extent of what a person has lost. Evidence in a truck accident case can begin to disappear quickly. Electronic logging device data, dashcam footage, and even the truck itself may not be preserved unless someone acts fast to demand it.
Our approach typically involves securing the responsible parties’ records before they can be lost or altered, consulting with accident reconstruction professionals when warranted, and identifying every entity that may share responsibility for the crash, which can include the driver, the trucking company, a cargo loading company, or a parts manufacturer. Building a complete picture of how and why the crash happened is foundational to pursuing full compensation.
Hire Callahan & Blaine, PC to Handle Your Litigation Matter
Callahan & Blaine, PC has built a team of 29 lawyers who understand what it takes to go up against large companies and their insurers on behalf of people who have been seriously hurt. Our firm has a long history of taking difficult cases to trial when the opposing side refuses to offer what a case is truly worth, and we bring that same preparation and resolve to every truck accident matter we accept.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident in Costa Mesa, the decisions made in the days and weeks following the crash can influence the outcome of your case. Contact us to submit your potential case, and let our team begin working to hold the responsible parties accountable for what happened to you.
