Big Rig Accident Attorney in Irvine

Big rigs are very large trucks that can be seen driving on Irvine’s streets, freeways, and highways. Big rigs are known to carry very heavy goods from one point to another. Also, big rig drivers are usually on the road for several hours in the day, which could make them fatigued, and cause a big rig accident. Big rig accidents usually lead to devastating injuries in Irvine, since the big rig is heavy and large. Further, a big rig accident could cause heavy traffic. 

Big rigs, also known as commercial trucks or 18-wheelers, have become an increasingly common sight on freeways across the country. This surge in their presence is particularly noticeable over the past few years, driven largely by the pandemic. As consumers turned to online shopping and e-commerce during lockdowns, the demand for goods transported by these massive vehicles skyrocketed. This shift has had significant implications for road safety.

Why Are There More Big Rigs on the Road?

With the surge in online shopping, companies needed to move more goods across long distances, leading to a higher number of big rigs on the road. These trucks play a crucial role in ensuring that products reach consumers in a timely manner, but this increase in big rig traffic has also contributed to a rise in road accidents.

Q: What are the main reasons for the increase in big rigs on the road?
A: The main reasons include the growth of e-commerce, the need for rapid delivery, and the expansion of the logistics and transportation industry.

The Dark Side: Increasing Fatalities in Big Rig Accidents

Unfortunately, the increased presence of big rigs on the roads has led to a troubling rise in accidents involving these vehicles. According to recent statistics, the number of fatalities in big rig accidents has climbed significantly, posing a serious concern for road safety advocates and policymakers alike.

Unfortunately, there are around 100 fatalities that result from big rig accidents each year in California. These fatalities could all be prevented if all drivers paid attention on the roads, and did not drive negligently. When drivers drive negligently, they increase the risk of a car accident. Examples of how a driver could drive negligently include:

• Talking while driving
• Texting while driving
• Failing to yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
• Driving on the bike lane
• Fatigued driving
• Inexperienced driving
• Distracted driving
• Running red lights
• Failing to stop at stop signs
• Speeding
• Aggressive driving

Rollover Accidents

• Rollover accidents occur when a large vehicle rolls over onto another vehicle, or onto the ground. In a rollover accident, a vehicle tips over, with the roof being on the side. When a rollover accident happens with another vehicle involved, catastrophic injuries and fatalities almost always result.
• Rollover accidents are very common with big rigs, especially when drivers speed. A driver may not be able to stop when going at such a high rate of speed, they may slam on the brakes suddenly, and the big rig may flip over.
• Rollover accidents are also very common with big rigs because of their design. A tall vehicle is more likely to roll over than a regular-sized sedan.
• Rollover accidents are also very common with big rigs when there is a tire blowout. A tire blowout occurs when a driver loses control when the tire pops. That is why all trucking companies must make sure that their big rigs are always maintained, including the wheels.

Big Rig Aggressive Driving Accidents

Aggressive driving is a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of big rig accidents on our roads. When drivers of large commercial vehicles engage in aggressive driving behaviors, they often do so to assert their right-of-way or maintain control over their massive vehicles. Unfortunately, this behavior can lead to dangerous situations, significantly increasing the risk of collisions with other motorists.

What is Aggressive Driving in Big Rigs?

Aggressive driving involves actions such as speeding, tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and failing to yield the right-of-way. For big rig drivers, these behaviors are particularly hazardous due to the size and weight of their vehicles. A single mistake can have devastating consequences, not just for the truck driver, but for all road users involved.

Why Do Big Rig Drivers Engage in Aggressive Driving?

The pressure to meet tight delivery schedules and the stress of long hours on the road can lead some truck drivers to adopt aggressive driving tactics. The mindset of asserting control over the road is not uncommon, as big rig drivers often feel the need to dominate their driving space due to the sheer size of their vehicles. However, this aggressive approach can put everyone on the road at risk.

The Dangers of Aggressive Driving in Big Rigs

When big rig drivers fail to yield to other vehicles or engage in reckless driving, the results can be catastrophic. The combination of a heavy vehicle and high speeds can lead to severe accidents, often resulting in life-threatening injuries or fatalities.

How Common is Aggressive Driving Among Big Rig Drivers?

Statistics show that aggressive driving is a frequent contributor to truck accidents. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that aggressive driving behaviors are involved in a substantial number of fatal crashes. This data underscores the importance of addressing aggressive driving in the trucking industry to improve road safety for everyone.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Aggressive Driving in Big Rigs?

Preventing aggressive driving among big rig operators requires a multi-faceted approach. Trucking companies must enforce strict policies against aggressive driving and ensure that drivers are properly trained to handle stress and manage their time efficiently. Additionally, technology such as telematics and driver monitoring systems can help identify and mitigate aggressive driving behaviors before they lead to accidents.

Wrongful death big rig accident attorneys

If you have lost your loved one in a big rig accident, contact our Irvine truck accident attorneys for more information on how you could get the top-rated legal care you need.  Our highly qualified personal injury attorneys in Irvine at Heidari Law know just what it takes to make sure that you get the legal care you need. We know how stressful it can be to have a death in the family. Not only could the death take an emotional toll, but also a financial toll since the family now has fewer streams of income.

Our wrongful death attorneys will fight for you every step of the way. We know that the loss of your loved one cannot be calculated monetarily. But, we will do the best we can to get compensation to help your family through this hard experience. We will hold the negligent parties responsible for their actions and get you and your family the justice you need.

How can you determine who is responsible for my big accident in  Irvine, California?

Trucking in the United States is governed by a strict set of rules and regulations designed to ensure the safety of both the drivers and the general public. These regulations are crucial for maintaining road safety and are enforced by various federal and state agencies. Truck drivers must adhere to these guidelines to operate legally and safely across the nation’s highways.

How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Work?

One of the most critical aspects of these regulations pertains to the number of hours a truck driver is allowed to work. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, which limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on duty each day and during the week. According to FMCSA guidelines, a truck driver is typically limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, truck drivers cannot drive beyond 60 hours in a seven-day period or 70 hours in an eight-day period, depending on the employer’s operational schedule.

What Happens If a Truck Driver Exceeds Legal Working Hours?

If a truck driver exceeds these regulated hours, the consequences can be severe, both for the driver and the employer. Should an accident occur while the driver is over their legal working hours, the employer could be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the incident. This responsibility highlights the importance of employers diligently tracking their drivers’ working hours and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Why Are These Regulations Important?

These regulations are not just about compliance—they are about safety. Fatigue is a leading cause of accidents involving large trucks. By limiting the number of hours a driver can work, these rules aim to reduce the likelihood of accidents caused by tired drivers. A well-rested driver is a safer driver, making the roads safer for everyone.

Real-Life Impacts: Legal and Financial Repercussions

Employers who fail to comply with these regulations not only face legal consequences but can also suffer significant financial losses. For instance, lawsuits arising from accidents involving overworked drivers can lead to substantial settlements or judgments. This is why it’s crucial for trucking companies to implement strict monitoring systems to ensure that their drivers do not exceed the allowed hours of service.

Q: Can a truck driver refuse to work beyond the regulated hours?

A: Yes, a truck driver has the right to refuse to work beyond the regulated hours. In fact, it’s illegal for employers to force drivers to work beyond these limits. Drivers should be aware of their rights and the regulations to protect themselves from unsafe working conditions.

In order to determine who is held responsible for your big rig accident, our attorneys will take a look at a variety of different pieces of evidence, which include:

• Accident report
• Eyewitness interviews
• Photos of the accident scene
• Medical records
• Trucking company employment records
• Maintenance of the truck

What if I was also responsible for my big rig accident?

California’s comparative negligence laws allow you to recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for a big rig accident. For example, if you were also speeding while the big rig was speeding, you could still have a right to file a lawsuit or claim against the big rig driver. But, for more information, we recommend that you speak to our highly qualified truck attorneys. The compensation you are to receive is decreased depending on your responsibility. Your responsibility and liability are calculated through a percentage. Once this percentage has been calculated, it then reflects on how much compensation you could receive. 

Big Rig Accidents And Fatigued Drivers

Big rig drivers could only drive up to 11 hours in a single drive. If they drive above 11 hours, then their employer could be held responsible for failing to follow federal rules. Even with this requirement, 11 hours is still a lot. This leads to fatigue driving from being behind the wheel for so many long hours, and not being able to sleep.

This then leads to the driver falling asleep behind the wheel, or being so tired that they are not able to respond to traffic immediately. 

What compensation could I recover for my big rig accident?

Big rig accidents lead to a variety of injuries. Examples of injuries could include:

• Physical injuries
• Medical expenses 
• Prescription medication
• Hospital stays
• At-home medical equipment
• Crushes
• Wheelchair
• Damage to your vehicle
• Replacement of your vehicle
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression

Above are just some types of compensation you could receive. For a more personalized approach, contact our truck accident attorneys. Our attorneys offer one-on-one case evaluations. 

Were you injured in a big rig accident? Contact us today to see how we can help you. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and always represent our clients aggressively because we understand what a stressful experience it could be to either go through a big rig accident or have a loved one go through a big rig accident.

If you have been in an accident with a big rig, and believe the driver of the big rig or the trucking company was negligent and caused the accident, contact us to see how you could get top-rated legal care.

We offer complimentary consultations, and you pay nothing upfront to our attorneys. Our contingency fee attorneys have zero fees until we win for you.