Rising Semi-Truck Crashes in Orange County: What It Means for Local Drivers
Orange County is a major freight corridor connecting Los Angeles and Long Beach to the rest of the country. As such, this region experiences substantial commercial truck traffic on freeways like the I-5, I-405, SR-55, SR-91, and SR-22.
If you’re driving through Orange County, you’ve probably noticed the sheer volume of big rigs sharing the road with you. What you might not realize is just how dangerous these roadways have become.
If you got hurt in a truck accident in Orange County, you need someone on your side immediately. Call William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. at 909-890-1000 to talk about what happened. Our Orange County truck accident attorneys know how to build your case and help you get the compensation you need.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Drive down any of Orange County’s major freeways, such as the I-5, I-405, or the 55, and you’ll see massive trucks rumbling alongside families heading to soccer practice and commuters rushing to work. These big rigs carry goods from the massive ports in LA and Long Beach, turning our neighborhoods into essential freight corridors.
Traffic safety concerns are increasing in Orange County due to growing commercial truck activity. California recorded nearly 3,000 semi-truck crashes by May 2024, with 20 people losing their lives. In 2023, Orange County experienced over 12,500 injury or fatal motor vehicle accidents, including several hundred involving semi-trucks, a number that has been rising steadily.
Here’s what makes this so scary: when an 80,000-pound truck hits your Honda Civic, there’s no contest. People in the smaller car almost always come out worse, sometimes much worse.
What Do Drivers in Orange County Need to Know?
From a legal perspective, the rise in truck crashes creates several important considerations for Orange County drivers. First, truck accident cases are typically more complex than standard car accidents. They often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, and sometimes even the manufacturer of the truck parts.
Federal regulations govern commercial trucking, which means these cases often involve specialized knowledge of hours-of-service rules, weight restrictions, and maintenance requirements. When a truck driver violates these regulations and causes an accident, it can significantly impact the legal outcome.
Insurance coverage is also different. Commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles – often $1 million or more. While this might seem like good news for accident victims, it also means that trucking companies and their insurers fight harder to avoid paying claims.
How Can a Local Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Orange County, you need to hire an experienced local attorney. These cases present unique challenges that require specialized knowledge most people don’t have.
Time-Critical Evidence Preservation
Commercial trucks contain electronic logging devices, GPS systems, and computers recording crucial crash data. This evidence disappears quickly without proper preservation. Local attorneys immediately send preservation letters to trucking companies, ensuring vital evidence isn’t “lost.” They also understand Orange County roadway hazards, such as knowing which stretches see frequent accidents and how California winds and weather contribute to crashes.
Federal Regulation Expertise
Trucking operates under complex federal regulations. Hours-of-service violations, improper cargo loading, and maintenance failures can strengthen your case significantly. Experienced trucking accident attorneys in Orange County know how to obtain and analyze logbooks, maintenance records, and driver files to identify regulatory violations that contributed to your accident.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries affecting your entire life. Beyond medical bills, you face lost wages, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. Local attorneys understand the full impact on Orange County families and properly value claims. They maintain relationships with local medical providers, accident reconstruction experts, and economic specialists to document complete damages.
Identifying All Liable Parties
Multiple parties may be responsible: drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers, and even government entities. Missing a liable party means missing compensation. Local attorneys cast a wide net, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Contact Our Orange County Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Orange County truck accident attorneys at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. understand our region’s unique challenges, know local judges and court procedures, and understand how local juries respond to truck cases. We’re accessible when you need us most.
Don’t wait for legal help. Evidence disappears, and insurance companies immediately build defenses. Early representation dramatically improves your compensation chances.
Let William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. help you through this difficult time. Call us today at 909-890-1000 or fill out our confidential contact form.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.