Irvine Truck Accident Lawyer

A collision with a commercial truck can leave you with serious injuries and devastating losses. If the truck accident happened because a truck driver or trucking company didn’t follow the rules, you likely qualify to obtain compensation from those responsible. Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties and massive insurance policies. Trucking companies usually move fast to protect their interests.

Working with an experienced Irvine truck accident lawyer at Neale & Fhima APC can make a big difference in your case. We understand the complicated rules that apply to the trucking industry, and we know how to hold the right people accountable.

If you suffered injuries or losses in a truck crash in Irvine that someone else caused, reach out today for a free consultation.

What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Truck crashes often cause more damage than regular car accidents. These vehicles are heavier, harder to stop, and packed with unique legal issues. Here’s what sets them apart.

Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Standards

Big rigs, box trucks, and semis must follow both state and federal rules. These rules limit how long drivers can stay on the road, how loads must be secured, and how often trucks need to be inspected. If a trucking company skips safety checks or a driver ignores rest limits, that can lead to disaster.

Multiple Liable Parties in Trucking Cases

Unlike a regular car crash, where only the driver may be at fault, a truck accident can involve several people or companies. The driver, their employer, the company that loaded the trailer, or even a parts manufacturer could be responsible.

Catastrophic Injury Potential

Truck crashes often cause injuries that change a person’s life. These might include brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or crushed limbs. The cost of treatment and recovery adds up fast, and the injuries may affect someone’s ability to work, walk, or care for themselves long term.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Oversight

The FMCSA monitors commercial trucking in the U.S. They track safety violations, audit companies, and enforce rules meant to prevent crashes. These records can play a big role in proving what went wrong in a truck accident.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Irvine

Truck drivers and their companies are expected to follow safety rules every time they get on the road. However, shortcuts, tight deadlines, and poor training can lead to bad decisions. These are some of the most common reasons truck crashes happen in Irvine.

• Driver fatigue and hours of service violations: Truckers often drive long hours. Even though they’re supposed to rest, some drivers skip breaks or falsify their logs. Tired drivers react slowly, miss signs, and make dangerous mistakes.
• Improper loading and cargo securement: A load that’s too heavy or poorly balanced can cause a truck to tip or jackknife. If cargo spills, it can lead to crashes or block traffic.
• Mechanical failures and poor maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires, or steering problems don’t just happen—they’re often signs of neglect. Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly.
• Distracted driving and cell phone use: Texting, watching videos, or even fiddling with a GPS can pull a driver’s eyes off the road. In a city like Irvine, where traffic can stop suddenly, distraction is dangerous.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Trucks take longer to slow down. If a driver is going too fast on the I-5 or weaving through lanes on Culver Drive, they’re putting others at risk.
• Weather and road conditions on major Irvine highways (I-5, I-405, SR-133): Rain, fog, or heavy traffic can make it harder to stop or see hazards. When truck drivers fail to adjust for conditions, crashes happen.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Truck crash cases often involve more than just the driver. Several parties might share legal responsibility, including.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be directly responsible for the crash if they broke traffic laws, drove while tired or impaired, or acted carelessly. Logbooks, cell phone records, and dash cam footage can help show what happened.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies often push drivers to meet tight deadlines. They may also fail to check a driver’s background or ignore safety violations. If the company cut corners or hired someone with a history of reckless driving, they may be liable.

Cargo Loading Companies

Some trucks are loaded by third parties. If a load shifts or spills and causes a crash, the company that packed the trailer may be to blame. Loading records and inspection reports can be used as evidence.

Vehicle Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers

Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or steering components, may cause or worsen an accident. If a design flaw or manufacturing issue played a role, the part maker could be held accountable.

Government Entities for Road Maintenance

Poorly maintained roads, missing signs, or faulty traffic signals might contribute to a crash. In those cases, the city or county responsible for upkeep may be named in a claim. These cases have special filing rules and shorter deadlines.

Types of Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

When a truck accident causes serious harm, the person injured has the right to seek compensation. That may cover many different losses tied to the crash.

• Medical expenses (current and future): This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions, and long-term care.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: If injuries keep someone from working or reduce their future income, those losses can be claimed.
• Pain and suffering damages: Courts may award money for pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
• Property damage: This covers repair or replacement of a vehicle and other personal items damaged in the crash.
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members: If a loved one died in a truck accident, surviving relatives may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and other related expenses.

Recovering after a truck accident often means dealing with more than just physical injuries. The financial strain, emotional impact, and changes to daily life can overwhelm you. Pursuing compensation helps ease some of that burden and gives you the support needed to move forward. Our attorneys can assess your losses, both now and in the future, and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

What you do in the minutes and days after a truck crash can affect your safety, your health, and your legal rights. Here’s what matters most.

Seek Medical Attention First

Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records also create proof that you were hurt in the crash.

Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, license plates, and your injuries. Get names and contact info for witnesses and ask for the truck driver’s insurance and employer details.

Report the Accident to Authorities

Call the police and get a copy of the accident report. That document could help show what happened and who was involved.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible. Stick to the facts and don’t guess about what caused the crash.

Avoid Admitting Fault or Signing Documents

Insurance adjusters may ask you to give a statement or sign forms. Don’t agree to anything until you’ve talked to a lawyer. What you say can be used against you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in California?

The law puts a time limit on personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to take legal action.

California’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Most injury cases must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If someone died in the crash, the clock starts on the date of death.

Exceptions That May Extend Filing Deadlines

In some cases, like when the victim is a minor or didn’t discover the injury right away, the court may allow more time. These exceptions depend on specific facts.

Government Entity Claims Have Shorter Deadlines

If your claim is against a city, county, or state agency, you may have just six months to file a formal notice. That’s why fast action matters.

Why Acting Quickly Protects Your Case

Delays make it harder to find evidence, locate witnesses, or get surveillance footage. Acting soon helps your legal team build a stronger case.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

Truck crash cases require careful planning, resources, and experience. Here’s what Neale & Fhima can do to support your case.

• Comprehensive case investigation and evidence preservation: We collect black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and more to show what happened.
• Expert witness coordination (accident reconstructionists, medical professionals): Our team works with trusted professionals to explain how the crash occurred and how it affected you.
• Dealing with insurance companies and their aggressive tactics: We don’t let adjusters push low offers or twist your words. We speak for you so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
• Calculating full scope of damages and future needs: We look at your long-term medical needs, future income loss, and how the injury affects your daily life.
• Navigating federal trucking regulations and industry standards: We use rule violations to strengthen your case and show the trucking company failed to meet safety expectations.
• Litigation experience in Orange County courts: If the trucking company or its insurer refuses to settle fairly, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

If You’ve Been Injured or Lost a Loved One

Truck crashes change lives. Taking quick steps now can protect your future and hold others accountable.

• Immediate steps to protect your legal rights: Getting medical care, collecting evidence, and speaking with a lawyer early gives your case a stronger start.
• Importance of not accepting quick settlement offers: Fast payouts often leave out future costs. Insurance companies push these to save money, not to help you.
• How grief and trauma can affect decision-making: After a serious crash, it’s easy to feel pressure to move on. Let a calm legal voice guide you through the process.
• Resources for medical care and support services: We can connect you with doctors, rehab providers, and counselors to help with recovery.
• Why time is critical in preserving evidence: Surveillance video, black box data, and witness memories fade fast. The sooner you reach out, the more we can do.
• Free consultation process and what to expect: We’ll review what happened, explain your options, and answer your questions without pressure or cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irvine Truck Accident Claims

What if the truck was from another state?

Out-of-state trucks still have to follow California and federal safety rules. Our team knows how to pursue claims across state lines.

What if the truck driver doesn’t have insurance?

Most commercial trucks carry large insurance policies. If not, other parties like the employer or vehicle owner may be responsible.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California follows comparative fault rules. Your compensation may be reduced by your share of the blame, but you can still make a claim.

How long does a truck accident lawsuit typically take?

It depends. Some settle in a few months. Others take longer if the insurance company fights liability or damages.

What if the trucking company tries to blame mechanical failure?

We investigate whether they skipped inspections or failed to fix known problems. If neglect led to the failure, they can still be held accountable.

Contact Our Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys in Irvine Now

Neale & Fhima APC is proud to serve clients throughout Irvine and the surrounding areas. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your next steps. Our office has deep ties to the local community, and our attorneys have handled many serious injury cases involving trucks.

If a crash involving a commercial vehicle severely injured you or a close family member, don’t wait. Call us today at 888-407-2955 to discuss your case. We’re ready to listen and take action.