Before you call the first Costa Mesa lawyer that comes up after a Google search, there are a few things you need to know. A truck accident case is very complex, so you don’t want to hire just any lawyer. You need an attorney who has extensive experience negotiating with trucking companies, evaluating losses, and determining the long-term losses you’ll likely endure as a result of your personal injury.

Our Costa Mesa legal team should be one of your top options. Not only will Mesa Accident Lawyers offer an open line of communication between you and our attorneys 24/7, but we’ll also provide you with a free consultation where we’ll evaluate your case. If we think you have a case, then we’ll work with you financially. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay us any legal fees upfront. We’ll only get paid if you win your case and get compensation.

On top of all that, our firm is well-recognized in Costa Mesa courtrooms. Our positive reputation and relationship with court officials can work to your advantage if your claim ends up going to court.

You may be wondering exactly how much your truck accident claim is worth and if it’s really in your best interests to seek out a claim. In most cases, it is worth seeking out a lawsuit after a truck accident because your losses are likely substantial. The compensation you could collect will include:

• Current and future medical bills
• The costs of repairing your vehicle
• Lost income
• Future disability

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your auto accident, additional compensation could increase the value of your claim, too. For instance, if you’re struggling with long-term emotional distress that requires treatment, then that will be factored into your compensation award. Any severe injuries and damages victims suffer from semi truck accidents can be compensated by the liable party.

Truck drivers are subject to very strict rules to help prevent some of the most common causes of truck accidents. They’re held to very high standards when it comes to getting the right amount of rest, having their commercial trucks inspected regularly, and remaining as safe as possible when driving. Still, human error remains the top cause of truck accidents, with other common reasons including:

• Distractions
• Cellphone and smartphone use
• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Tire blowouts
• Equipment failure
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Unexpected breaking and traffic jams
• Failure to maintain the truck
• Driving under the influence
• Lack of proper training
• Truck rollovers
• Blindspot truck accidents

Courtrooms in Costa Mesa need you to prove that the other party was negligent in order to win your truck accident claim. By law, in order to prove negligence, these four basic elements must be proven to the court:

1. The accused party had a duty to provide care to the plaintiff
2. The accused party breached their duty of care
3. This breached duty of care caused the truck accident
4. The truck accident resulted in damages to the plaintiff

Truck accidents are very complex, and it can be difficult to determine who will get held liable. This is especially true if other vehicles were involved in the accident, too. On top of all the drivers, other parties could share liability, too, including the trucking company, the trucker’s loading company, the trucker’s maintenance company, and even the truck’s manufacturer.

The sheer size, weight, and average speed of a commercial truck make colliding with one a very dangerous situation for smaller vehicles. With that in mind, there’s a huge potential for severe, life-altering injuries to happen after a truck and car accident. Here are some of the most common injuries to expect:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or other head trauma
• Loss of limbs (amputation) as a direct result of the accident or from personal injury complications
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Neck injuries and whiplash resulting in pain and suffering
• Burns and lacerations that can cause disfigurement or scarring
• Bruising that causes continuous discomfort
• Broken bones and fractures
• Sprains or strains to tendons and soft tissues

Unfortunately, fatalities are a possibility after a truck accident. If you lost a loved one after a truck accident, then you can still seek out a claim against the responsible party in the form of a wrongful death truck accident lawsuit. Speak with an attorney if you’re currently considering seeking out a wrongful death suit.

After your trucking accident, there’s a very high chance that you’re injured. It’s important to call the police as soon as possible. If you believe you or someone else is seriously injured, then it might be better to reach out to 911.

Keep in mind that an accident is traumatic. One minute you were traveling at a high speed, and the next, you were at a complete stop. Your body likely responded to the crash by pumping your system with life-saving chemicals like adrenaline. These chemicals help protect you in the aftermath of the crash, but they can also prevent you from feeling the severity of your injuries right away.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you are okay after getting hit by a truck. Get checked out by a medical professional and never make any statements about not being injured. If you don’t feel like an ambulance trip is warranted, then it’s still advised that you go to the hospital once the immediate aftermath of the crash settles down.

If you do stay at the scene of the crash, then make sure to take photographs of the accident scene. Collect information from nearby witnesses who saw the crash. Cooperate with the police, but also do not admit fault. Explain what you experienced, but do not assume that you contributed to the crash. Only evidence can prove how the truck accident happened.

Once you’ve gone to the hospital, make sure to get a copy of your doctor’s diagnosis. Keep any bills you get, too. As soon as possible, reach out to a truck accident attorney to learn more about the next steps to take.