When a commercial truck causes a catastrophic accident, the consequences go far beyond property damage. Victims often face life-altering injuries, long-term medical care, lost income, and a road to recovery that can last years or decades. The sheer size and weight of commercial tractor-trailers mean collisions frequently result in traumatic brain injuries, blindness, paralysis, and other severe harm. Trucking companies and their insurers have substantial legal resources, and injured victims are often left wondering if anyone will hold those companies accountable.
Callahan & Blaine, PC is a Southern California personal injury firm with 40 years of experience representing victims of serious accidents. Our 29 senior trial attorneys have secured some of the most significant verdicts and settlements in California history, and our case results reflect a consistent record of fighting for full and fair compensation on behalf of our clients. The $28 million trucking accident settlement described below stands as a powerful example of what we are able to accomplish on behalf of the people we represent.
The Accident: A Runaway Wheel at Highway Speed
The facts of this case illustrate just how dangerous commercial truck negligence can be. Philip Dorhman, a Huntington Beach resident and construction supervisor, was driving northbound on the I-5 in Irvine near Sand Canyon Boulevard when a large commercial tractor-trailer traveling southbound lost a wheel. That wheel rolled at approximately 60 miles per hour before crossing the center divider, flying into the air, and striking Mr. Dorhman’s Ford F-150 pickup truck with a combined closing speed of approximately 120 miles per hour.
The 180-pound wheel crushed the cab of Mr. Dorhman’s vehicle. He suffered severe injuries, including brain damage, and was left legally blind. At the time of the accident, Mr. Dorhman was a volunteer firefighter with the Huntington Beach Fire Department. The crash changed his life entirely.
What the Investigation Revealed
One of the most critical elements of this case was proving how and why the wheel separated from the commercial truck. Evidence revealed the trucking company had failed to follow its own internal guidelines, which required all drivers to perform pre-trip inspections that included checking the wheel lug nuts before every trip.
The trucking company attempted to shift blame onto the truck servicing company, arguing the lug nuts had been over-torqued during maintenance, placing stress on the lug bolts and causing them to fracture from within. The defense claimed this stress could not have been detected through a visual or manual inspection.
Attorney Daniel Callahan of Callahan & Blaine, PC argued the trucking company’s gross negligence in failing to follow federal regulations and motor carrier vehicle regulations created a situation in which serious injury or death was not merely possible, but inevitable. You can read more about how negligent maintenance issues factor into truck accident lawsuits.
Why Trucking Companies Have Significant Legal Obligations
Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States for good reason. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts, approximately 503,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks occurred in 2022 alone, with 82 percent of fatalities in those crashes involving people who were not occupants of the large truck itself.
Federal and California trucking regulations impose strict requirements on carriers and their drivers, including mandatory pre-trip inspections, maintenance protocols, and hours-of-service rules. When companies ignore these requirements, they put everyone on the road at risk. Victims who suffer injuries as a result of that negligence have the right to pursue compensation for their medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
$28 Million Trucking Accident Settlement Result
Daniel Callahan negotiated a settlement on behalf of Mr. Dorhman and his wife, Julie, through mediation at J.A.M.S. in Orange County. The result was a payment of slightly in excess of $28 million to be made over time. This outcome accounted for Mr. Dorhman’s severe injuries, the permanent nature of his disabilities, and the impact the accident had on both him and his family. The settlement is listed among our truck accident results as one of the most notable recoveries in our firm’s history.
If you were injured in a trucking accident and are unsure where to start, understanding how to file a truck accident claim is an important first step. Knowing what evidence to preserve, which parties may be liable, and how California’s statute of limitations applies to your situation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Us to Submit Your Potential Case
Callahan & Blaine, PC has built a 40-year reputation on delivering results in complex, high-stakes litigation. With 29 senior trial attorneys, our firm has the depth and determination to take on major trucking companies and their insurers. Managing Partner Edward Susolik has been named to the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Southern California every year since 2009, and our team has secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements across California.
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a trucking accident, contact us to discuss your case. Our attorneys are prepared to investigate what happened, hold the responsible parties accountable, and pursue the maximum compensation available under California law.
