Irvine Truck Accident Lawyer

When a truck accident occurs, the consequences can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries, significant property damage, and emotional distress. Navigating the aftermath of such an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the complexities of insurance claims. The truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Daniel Deng can help.

We represent victims of truck accidents with compassion and dedication. Our team understands the unique challenges these cases present, from identifying liable parties to understanding trucking regulations. With extensive experience in personal injury law and a commitment to advocating for our clients, we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

California State and Federal Trucking Regulations in Irvine

Truckers who operate their big rigs negligently could be held liable for the injuries and damage they cause, and knowing the state and federal regulations that apply to large commercial trucks helps us determine what negligence looks like. Three elements are needed to establish negligence in a truck accident case:

The truck driver owed a duty of care to the accident victim
The trucker breached that duty of care
The breach of care led to the injury and loss the victim sustained

Negligence isn’t the only way that an at-fault party can be held liable for a truck accident. Strict liability in California is applicable in cases where a manufacturer, designer, or anyone else involved in distributing a product is responsible for an accident caused by a defect.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces trucking regulations that apply in all states, including California. Some of the regulations that commercial truckers must abide by are as follows:

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

To prevent driver fatigue, which is a significant factor in truck accidents, federal regulations impose limits on how many hours a trucker can operate their rig.

Drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
They cannot drive beyond 14 consecutive hours, including time spent loading and unloading.
After 60/70 hours of on-duty time in 7/8 consecutive days, drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection

The FMCSA established maintenance and inspection requirements to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition before going out on the road. Motor carriers must perform regular maintenance and inspections on their vehicles, and drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and document any issues. Brake failure and tire blowouts are leading causes of mechanical failures that lead to accidents, and this maintenance regulation is intended to prevent such instances.

Driver Qualifications

Operating a large vehicle like an 18-wheeler requires special training and extensive practice to ensure that drivers are properly qualified to operate the truck. Drivers must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and meet specific medical and training standards. Background checks and drug testing are also required for drivers.

Recordkeeping and Reporting

To maintain accountability for safety compliance, trucking companies are required to maintain detailed records of drivers’ hours, vehicle inspections, maintenance logs, and accident reports. Incomplete or inaccurate records can complicate accident investigations and liability determinations. These logs and inspections can also provide a picture of what condition the truck was in at the time of the accident and whether the company and driver were negligent.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal for all drivers in California. To prevent impaired driving among commercial vehicle operators, random drug and alcohol testing is mandatory for drivers, as well as testing after accidents. If a driver is found to have been under the influence at the time of the accident, it can significantly impact the decisions regarding negligence and fault in your accident.

There are extensive federal regulations that dictate how commercial truck drivers and trucking companies should operate their rigs and fleets. In addition to the above, there are also requirements involving load securement and safety equipment. Complying with each regulation is crucial for the safety of everyone on the roads.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Irvine, California

The dangers inherent in operating a truck mean that drivers should take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, accidents do still happen, and the leading causes of truck accidents are:

Driver fatigue
Speeding
Distracted driving
Improper maintenance
Inadequate driver training
Inclement weather conditions
Improper loading or overloading
Unsafe lane changes and failure to yield

When the cause of a truck accident is known, it helps your attorney build a strong case for your injury claim. If you were involved in a truck accident in Irvine, California, consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you determine liability and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages sustained. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Deng today.

How Liability Is Determined in an Irvine Truck Accident

Determining liability in a California truck accident involves thorough planning and strategy. After an Irvine truck accident, your lawyer will complete the following steps to create a persuasive case for you:

Gather and preserve evidence
Obtain witness statements
Investigate the accident
Determine the value of your claim
Identify at-fault parties

Why You Should Hire an Irvine Truck Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case

Having the experience and knowledge of a skilled truck accident attorney provides valuable support and guidance during a difficult time. It allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries rather than on the stress of an accident claim. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Deng to schedule a free case evaluation today.